Cross bars let Yakima box rub on roof

Just put my old Yakima Skybox on my new 2024 4-Runner.
The crossbars were part of the factory package.
Unfortunately, The bottom of the bolts holding the box on the crossbars are touching the roof.
Any ideas how to raise them up a bit?

I had no choice about getting these crossbars. Came with the vehicle. We bought cross bars from Toyota when we got the 2916, and didn't have this problem.

Not looking to get something else. Just hoping to get some 'McGyvering' ideas.

 

I am running Yakima timberline towers and 55” Yakima HD bars. No skybox just ski racks but I think it would get you high enough.

 

Might need some pictures to give you any good suggestions.

 

I had the factory X-Bars. My Yakama box had the same issue. There are now 4 permanent reminders on the roof. LFD X-Bars solved the issue. The fairing x-bar wouldn't work with the Yakama.

https://lfdoffroad.com/collections/4runner

 

Lodge14 thanks for the pics.
Catbrown357 can't really take pics with the Yakima box on the top of the car.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't really want to buy a different set of cross bars. Just trying to think how to make these work.

 

I ran into the same problem when trying to mount an awning for a camping trip. The factory cross bars are just too close to the roof for the clamps and bolts. Not sure if there is a solution other than new crossbars.

 

Is it the bolt head or the threaded end contacting the roof?

 

Could you dremel some material off of the feet? Mine are hard plastic and I hadn't thought of sanding them down until now. The Yakama sat on the roof just enough to get through the paint, but the primer is still there. I wouldn't have to remove much from the bottom of the feet to make it work.

 

You could possibly remove the cargo box clamps and use some U-bolts to directly mount it to the cross bars. With good quality cargo boxes nearing $800, and potentially $1,000's more in gear inside the box, I never trusted the factory decorative crossbars.

 

How close is it? If they are barely touching, you may be able to loosen the crossbars where they attach to the rails and push them up a bit (we're talking a very small amount here though). I knew the clamps on the Thule would be close but the slight adjustment upward gave me enough room to be comfortable with it.

You could add a basket like a Yakima off-grid and mount the box to that (might look awkward...definitely would need to look into loading limits too)

 

Can you cut the bolts off?

Can you post a picture of the clamps that hold the box onto the cross bars?

 

You could put 1/2 rubber pads on the box where it bears on the cross bars.

Not sure which clamping system yours has, but if it's the scissor or "L" lever kind, this shouldn't prevent them from working.

Jason

 

Thanks everyone. You all had some good ideas. My husband ended up putting some heavy duty tape under the 'hooks' where they touched the roof.

The box has been on my 2016 4Runner since both were new. I looked on the 16's roof a couple of times, but didn't see any run spots. Today the sun was just right and I could see a faint rub spot under the front crossbar on the driver's side and a fainter one rear same side. Nothing on the passenger side. I guess if that's all after eight years, it's probably not a big deal. I do plan to keep my eye on it though.

 

Tape is not going to hold up to vibration and abrasion for more than a few days, possibly weeks.

If you care about the paint, lift it higher.

Jason