This system is so simple that with just a bit of common sense, anyone can figure out how to install them. The "towers", as they are called, clamp onto the side rails of most factory racks, gripping the Yak bar and the side rail simultaneously as you tighten them--but not all. Some early Subaru Foresters require their own towers and there may be a few other cars out there that this product doesn't fit. Nissan Xterra's need something altogether different. So check out Yak's website or call them. Unfortunately, some dealers out there don't know how to read the Yak Fit Guide, so beware. This is a quality product, similar to Thule's 400XT, but each brand must match up to it's own round or square bars. Spendy, but it goes with you when you sell your cherished K-Car.

These new versions are more universally applicable. They are un-necessarily expensive but are the only option if you already have a rack for an (older) vehicle, as we did. They work well: very sturdy, easy to attach. Rack wind noise is still a negative. No printed details came re: locking them on without the key-lock tumbler assembly. It's easy to do once you figure it out -insert small screwdriver and turn 90 degrees!

I put Yakima racks on every car I have, and I have to say, this LowRider system is my favorite thus far! I've had Q-Towers and the track rack, and both require fit kits. The Lowrider system, once put together, can literally be installed in minutes. You don't even have to measure the distance between the bars! Simply stick the bars in the towers, put the towers on your rack, and tighten! By screwing in the side pieces, you tighten the bars to the towers to the car. It's that easy! This rack fits on most cars/suvs/trucks that already have side rails. They won't fit a car with huge rails like an XTerra though. Go to Yakima's website to see what will fit your car. The "Railgrab" is the new version of the LowRider. I like the Lowrider better, so recommend getting it before it's phased out!

These mounts are for cars with factory bars that run the length of the car. They work and are very secure, so that's a plus. They fasten to the factory bars using a rubber clamp and a quick release style cam. However, they're almost too generic so that they fit more cars; they're really wide for my relatively narrow (VW) factory bars (so they look kind of odd and don't do much for aerodynamics). Yakima trys too hard to make these a tool-free installation when use of a few common tools could make it much faster to adjust.

These are rather low, reducing overall height above the factory rack and reducing wind noise and drag. These are very, very solid and create a stable foundation for securing all types of gear on top of your car or SUV. I highly recommend--not cheap, but not any higher than the competition. Well built and compatible with a whole line of accessories.

These fit both of my vans with different roof rack designs. The roof rack in general is a little high on a van of course but it is still the best option and I still have my Thule hitch rack for convenience.

Great product. Works well and is user-friendly. Thanks a bunch to backcountry.com for a great price and for FREE shipping & handling.

Just used the LowRiders for the first time on the factory installed roof racks on our Subaru Forestor. They are a huge improvement over the attachment system hooked to the doors. They are much easier to install, they are more secure, and they are easier to detach the system from the roof.

Before getting a car with a factory instaled roof rack, I had a Thule rack system and replaced it with Yakima's as the Thule always had to be refitted each time. Turns out the Yakima was only a modest (yet expensive improvement). However, the Low Rider is a big improvement. It gets my vote.

Generally, the LowRiders were easy to set up. My one gripe with them is that the SKS lock cores rattle whenever I close my car door.

A nice low profile system with interchangeable bars -- I purchased the 48" for just the storage box and the 78" bars for canoe and box side by side. The Yakima towers were easy to install and clamp securely around the factory installed rack. Nice system, reasonably priced when compared to others.

Plain and simple, i love Yakima racks! User friendly, great designs and fit! My luggage rack approves!

The bars are an excellent choice if you have a smaller car/jeep and are transporting a normal load. I, unfortunately, had to upgrade to the 58in bars in order to fit two kayaks on my Jeep. The 48in bars just barely fit them; however, I wouldn't trust a long road trip with the smaller bars and a lot of cargo. Otherwise, the bars are of great quality, my usage was the issue.

I just bought a set of LowRiders. They work great and are super easy to install. The process of buying was really smooth and east.

These LowRiders fit perfect with the side rails of our '97 Subaru Outback as well as our '02 Mazda MPV. Easy to use and very durable.

After 4 years with gutter mount Yakima brackets I found myself having to order new Lowriders for my '08 Jeep Patriot. Easy to install, just switched brackets. Used round poles & saddles from original. Even switched lock sets (make sure you always keep "master key" - the bronze one as well as the original instructions & keep the cylinders lubricated over time). Look forward to many more years of well made equipment. This site was easy to deal with & fast delivery. After checking them out I went back a few days later & was presently surprised to find them ON SALE! Would order from them again.

Get rid of those crappy factory bars and install some lowriders and new bars. It greatly improves the amount of cargo area on the roof and it isn't huge and bulky. This set allows me to carry just about anything from skis and bikes, to couches and other random things.