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Is the MOS UpLift™ compatible with my crossbars system?

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Compatibilité avec les barres de toit transversales

Do you dream of being able to go out in nature without struggling while installing sports and outdoor equipment on the roof of your car? A scratch here, a stiff neck there… You’ve come to the right place as the MOS UpLift™ roof rack accessory is designed to make your life easier.

The best part is that it has been designed to be compatible with the mounting accessories you already have or the one that are available on the market. Don’t compromise on your dream installation. You’ll need the MOS UpLift™, the mounting accessory to hold your gear on the MOS UpLift™ (bike rails, Kayak rack, ski or snowboard rack, cargo box), but most importantly, you’ll need crossbars to secure everything safely to the car roof.

What are the crossbars for?

The crossbars are the key point that will allow you to attach the various accessories and sports equipment to your car. It is like the link between your equipment and the roof of your vehicle. Both of them will be installed perpendicular to the car and other accessories attached to it. To ensure safety on the road, it is very important to validate the compliance of your roof racks with the Highway Safety Code. Once these are properly installed, the MOS UpLift™ will attach to them. You can then install your equipment easily; no need to keep a footstool in the trunk of the car.

What types of crossbars are compatible with the MOS UpLift™?

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in the process of getting cross-roof bars or you already have them. Be aware that there are two types of crossbars and not all of them are recommended with the MOS UpLift™.

First of all, there are the crossbars from the car manufacturer. Not all vehicles come from the factory with these. If yours has them, be aware that the MOS UpLift™ can be installed on them, but they are not the type of crossbars we recommend for long-lasting and safe use of the MOS UpLift™. Indeed, these car manufacturer’s crossbars tend to be less robust and durable than those from specialty manufacturers. This aspect can make the installation of the MOS UpLift™ more complex since there are additional parameters that are important to consider (the curvature of the bars, the space between the car roof and the bars, the load capacity, etc.). The best example is the Subaru Outback.

Then there are the crossbars that come from specialty manufacturers such as Thule, Yakima, SportRack, Swagman, Rhino, etc. These crossbars are designed specifically for this type of use and are the best option for installing the MOS UpLift™ on your vehicle. Generally, they are stronger and more aerodynamic, so they tend to be stronger and perform better than the car manufacturers’ crossbars.

That being said, both types of crossbars can be used with the MOS UpLift™ if they meet the criteria presented below.

What are the important things to know before purchasing a MOS UpLift™?

  1. Before proceeding with the purchase of a MOS UpLift™, the best advice we can give you is to verify that the load capacity of your crossbar is over 165 lb (75 kg). Where can you find this information? Typically, it can be found in the product’s user manual, or on the specifications sheet, often available on your supplier’s website.
  2. Make sure your crossbars are oval, round or square and less than 3.5″ (9 cm) wide and less than 1.5″ (4 cm) high. If your crossbars meet these criteria, the MOS UpLift™ will fit on them.
  3. When loading, it is critical to ensure that the combined weight of all equipment and gear installed on your crossbars (MOS UpLift™ + mounting accessories + sports and outdoor gear) does not exceed the maximum weight your crossbars can support. If you are using two MOS UpLift™, be sure to calculate these into the total weight.

Now that you’ve checked your crossbars for compatibility with the MOS UpLift™, you’re just a few clicks away from being able to go from cars to adventure in seconds. Do you have any other questions? Feel free to check out our user guide or compatibility tool.

MOS, let’s Buddy Up