Mabeline (my awd SRX) and I have a question. Has anyone purchased a rooftop carrier / system for the SRX? I'm curious if I need crossbars and, additionally, if a custom unit is needed to clear the open sunroof. Granted, I won't see much with the cargo up there so if I have to leave it closed, that's how it goes.

BTW, has anyone had this one happen? My dealer rotated my tires (different size f/b, remember). They've credited me but I am on the fourth attempt to make them realize that the lower profile ones must go back to the rear position, where they started!!! Thanks.

Call GM and ask if they can spell incompetent. Also ask GM to supply a written endorsement for the reversal. Bet they don't and the dealer will do as ordered quickly.

Thanks, Mack1a. I'm also taking the brochure with me tomorrow. I feel like just putting it on my jacks at home, but of course it's a stubborn matter of principal now. I love the dealer where I bought the car, but this dealer is closer to me.

I am now in the middle of my vacation, and have just completed a drive from NJ-FL with my SRX.

Here are my observations about roof top carriers for the SRX. First off, you'll definitely need one if you plan on using the third seat, or have more than a normal amount of luggage to stow.

My first thought was to buy a foldable luggage carrier for the roof. I bought the Thule 745, which is basically a large plastic-canvas "sack" that straps to the luggage rails. It cost about $150, and the night before we left for vacation, I had MAJOR second thoughts about stowing my luggage in this thing. It just didn't seem like it would be safe, and I was also a bit scared about putting several duffle bags directly on top of my Ultraview roof, which is how the Thule 745 foldable works. It is advertised as not needing any cross rails when used with an SRX.

So, I took the plunge and drove off to a local sporting goods store to get info about a good hard sided rooftop carrier for the SRX. The place that I went to had a VERY knowledgable salesperson and a good supply of carriers from Thule and Yakima. I told him that I wanted the carrier that he would buy, assuming that the SRX was HIS car. I ended up with a Thule Evolution 1600 carrier which mounts to two transverse key-locking "quick-mount" mounting rails. The Thule 1600 also opens up from either side, which I figured would be helpful. I had them install the rack for me, but it looked very easy, and I am sure that removing it after the trip back from FL to NJ will be easy. The Thule racks (and the Yakima racks, too) are VERY aerodynamic. This is NOT your old fashioned Sears rooftop carrier. There is no wind noise at all. But this aerodynamic shape cuts down on some stowage capacity, and I'd suggest multiple soft sided pieces, like dufflebags and backpacks instead of hard sided suitcases.

Multiple curses were uttered while packing the carrier as it is IMPOSSIBLE to lock unless the top is slammed completely shut. It is also much less fun to pack when it is pouring rain outside (Murphy's Law in effect).

I am glad that I bought it, though I think I could have gotten the next larger model. It looks good atop the SRX, and yes, you can even open the Ultraview for a breath of fresh air.

I hope that you find this helpful. Thule and Yakima have pretty good websites. I'll be returning that Thule softsided carrier when I get back home.

You're welcome. I really am surprised that this would be a problem for a GM goodwrench certified servicer. Can't you just see this servicer attempting to rationlize why they swapped the front and rear tires and wheels on a Corvette?
17" x 8.5" front, 18" x 9.5" rear

I ended up with a Thule Evolution 1600 carrier which mounts to two transverse key-locking "quick-mount" mounting rails.

Can you post some pics with it on?

Thanks:
JC

I guess the 18" V8 wheels/tires might be hard to eyeball which are wider, but on the V6 it is very obvious - BTW there's a service bulletin for this...

Technical Service Bulletins Summary
Make: CADILLAC
Model: SRX
Year: 2004
Service Bulletin Number: 01251A
NHTSA Item Number: 10005473
Summary Description:
TIRE ROTATION PROCEDURE. SIT BULLETIN 1404626. *TT

... personally when it's time for new tires I'm going with one size all around because I really like being able to do a full rotate and balance every 7500 miles.

Can you post some pics with it on?

Thanks:
JC

OK, here is a picture of my SRX with the Thule Evolution 1600.

Looks great! And it looks like you're still in Florida... I'm jealous!

Is this mounted on Caddy crossbars or were they part of the Thule package?

Thanks:
JC

Hello:

I have a brand set of the rare factory-optional chrome roof rails for Cadillac SRX. I am in South Florida near Boca Raton. Are you interested in them? They are rare and look amazing. If you are local you can come by and take a look.

cheers,
cardio-doc from eBay
docardio@lycos.com

Is this mounted on Caddy crossbars or were they part of the Thule package?

Thanks:
JC

John, there are no transverse bars on the SRX, all you get with the factory roof rails are a pair or rails that run long-ways, not across. The Thule "mounting bars" run transversely and lock onto the SRX's rails. It is a very secure system.

BTW, I am in Parkland, FL, a wee bit south of Boca Raton.

Thanks again Doc... Parkland's a beautiful community (I grew up in Boca (Boca Middle, Pope John Paul HS, FAU), living & working in PA now) - So did you put your PHO sticker on your painted bumper? :)

Careful on Holmberg Road. FYI, as tiny as Parkland is - that's where I am as well.

cheers,

~Doc

BTW, I am in Parkland, FL, a wee bit south of Boca Raton.

Holmberg road is almost a guaranteed ticket if you don't have the PHO sticker! I am in Coral Springs... btw, how much for the chrome roof rails cardio-doc?



Careful on Holmberg Road. FYI, as tiny as Parkland is - that's where I am as well.

cheers,

~Doc

Careful on Holmberg Road. FYI, as tiny as Parkland is - that's where I am as well.

cheers,

~Doc

VERY small world. My property actually shares a backyard with Holmberg Road. I am in the Landings Estates. (Corner of Holmberg/University).

Brand-new chrome SRX Roof Rails - $300 with Free Delivery to Coral Springs/Parkland. My last set with no more on the horizon.

I don't check this board often - e-mail if interested.
docardio@lycos.com

cheers,
~Doc

Holmberg road is almost a guaranteed ticket if you don't have the PHO sticker! I am in Coral Springs... btw, how much for the chrome roof rails cardio-doc?

I have the evo 1800 from thule with Yakima crossbars and mounts. I used it with my allroads for 4 years and it is great. i have not put them on the caddy yet, but it will happen soon. the cargo carrier takes a bit to get used to, but the thule evolution is the best one by far (i have all yakima stuff except the box). There is one size bigger, but this thing is huge. plenty of room for 2 sets of golf clubs and all kinds of other crap you can think of.

The best deal about the evolution rack is the mount system. they are U bolts with a really cool locking device inside for quick mount and dismount (versus threading those wing nuts) you flip a switch and it off or on. 3 minutes when you get used to it (or faster).

bk

Still have one set left to sell and that's it! L-O-W Pricing!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33654&item=7922349249

Thanks,

~Doc

btw, how much for the chrome roof rails cardio-doc?

I looked in the summer for a roof rack to go with the moonroof. Cadillac and GM did not yet have one. Have you been able to find one? I used the rack on the roof, but could not use the sunroof when I did.

I looked in the summer for a roof rack to go with the moonroof. Cadillac and GM did not yet have one. Have you been able to find one? I used the rack on the roof, but could not use the sunroof when I did.

Whaddayamean? was it too noisey? i have mine on there and no issues with the sliding roof (other than some additional noise)

bk

BK-

With the ultraview roof, I could not open it with luggage on top. It sounds like you were able to, though. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from did not know of any carrier system that allowed you to open the roof, while storing items up top.
Thanks for the help.

My husband gave me the job to look for carriers for our 2004 SRX (we were able to buy a 2004 a couple of months ago - quite a saving). We gave our Chrysler Town and Country to our daughter and hubby knows that he won't have room for all the stuff on his annual trip to Canada. I will look into the Thule Evolution 1600. Are there any carriers that attach to the trailer hitch?

Thanks for your response.

Sue

Sue - My personal choice is one that mounts in the hitch and swivels to the side for hatch access. Go to "etrailer.com" I've been very happy with them. Plan on $500 + shipping for top of the line that has flexibility for many uses. I think hitch mounts are superior to top carriers for less wind resistance therefore minimal miles per gallon impact, easier to reach and cleans up easier as bug juice is not as big a problem. Too, if you have the glorious sun roof it won't be blocked plus the wind noise is non-existent. Let us know what you get and how it works for you!

Thank you for your response. There were challenges when we got the hitch for the SRX. WE could only get a 1 1/4 inch receiver (pardon me if I don't get the names correct) and had a 2 inch bike rack. Our dealer brought us an adapter so we can use our bike rack. Next weekend will be the test as we will use the bike rack for the first time. We probably should look at a carrier that uses the 1 1/4 inch receiver. I did look at etrailer.com, but will need to spend more time researching it. My husband reminded me that we need to use the bike rack for a trip to Florida each year and would need the rooftop carrier as we don't was both.


Thanks again,

Sue

And yes, we have the wonderful sun roof.

Sue - here's another hitch carried trunk. Below the picture it says for 2 inch hitch only and then states adapters are available. If interested in the trunk carrier option you might ask them AND your class II hitch seller if yout set up is strong enough for the trunk storage carrier. Again, let us know.

Hi John,

We just loaded our bikes on the SRX for the first time. Could you send any information on the hitch carried trunk? I admit that I haven't done much since I went to the Twin Cities this weekend and our son who has an Escalade says that his car will be fine for their trip to Canada in July.

Thanks for all your information.

Sue

Sue - Can you open this?
http://www.prolineracks.com/Stowaway-swingaway-cargo-boxes.html
When you call them ask about the Class II to Class III adapter and if the cargo box is too heavy for the Class II with the Class III adapter.
John D

Yes, I can. We just got back from the cottage and one of my major jobs this week is finding a carrier. We had to get an extender for the hitch for our bike rack and the good news was that we can open the back without removing the bikes. On the way back we saw a top rack that could double as a ski carrier (I think it was a Yakima).

Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted.

Sue