RPMxB

I installed my PerryCraft DynaSport 75" long #DSXX75-B black Roof Rails yesterday.
Here's a few supplemental install tips (in additional to PennyPincher's helpful tips).

The two Rails come "bowed" for vehicles with more curvature in the roof than our almost straight, flat roofs.
To make the rails fit the xB you must carefully bend the rails.
First set the rails, end supports and center support on the roof and notice about how much to bend to make them fit.
Then, take the rails to a flat floor and set up two 2x4 wood scraps under each end support, remove the center support and position the rail into the end supports.
Carefully, using other lumber scraps, apply steady, centered body weight pressure down on the curved rail and rock your body weight up and down.
Test the bending on the xB roof (a small amount of bowing should remain).

I used a sharp, new 7/64" drill bit for the pilot holes (instead of the 1/8" bit recommended in the instructions).
This produced slightly smaller holes for the self-tapping screws and I think helped avoid stripping.

Position of the 75" rails on the xB's roof is each person's preference. I decided on the following:

RearRoofEdge=>|<= 3" =>(EndSupport)==RAIL==|CenterSupport|==RAIL==(EndSupport)

I was pleased to find that using the 3" from the Rear Roof Edge (excluding the hatch) my Center Support screws anchored into Roof Structure
(not just sheet metal, like the three screws in each of the four End Supports.

I chose to position the outside edge of the End Supports 1.5" from the inside edge of the black rubber rain gutters.

I am very pleased with the way my rails turned out and will eventually post pics once I complete a few other mods.
Hope these tips help someone. :D RPM

Ledpaddle

Does the 75" model interfere with the rear spoiler on the xB? Can it be easily shortened if it does interfere with the spoiler. I need a good canoe carrier. This rack looks perfect. Any way to put anchor points on the front of the car where tie downs for the canoe wouldn't take paint off the hood?

RPMxB

Does the 75" model interfere with the rear spoiler on the xB?
* I do not know for sure; I don't think so.

Can it be easily shortened if it does interfere with the spoiler.
* I'm pretty sure that the rails can shortened by cutting them off.

I need a good canoe carrier. This rack looks perfect.
* Watch the weight and wind drag. An xB is not an SUV.

Any way to put anchor points on the front of the car where tie downs for the canoe wouldn't take paint off the hood?
* I do not know about protecting the paint... seems like it could be done.
* For anchor points see the following web page about loads and warnings:

http://www.perrycraft.com/FAQ.htm

It says:

"Large or flat items such as plywood or watercraft can trap air and create wind lift. Secure the ends of such objects directly to the vehicle bumpers or tie downs."

The xB comes with one heavy duty metal towing bolt with hook which can be attached through a pop-out door in the front or rear bumper. See the owner's manual under towing for a description of this bolt. If I was hauling a canoe or plywood, I would buy a second towing bolt and secure the load from front and back with rope.

Good luck. Hope this helps. RPM

SciFly

If the towing bolt could be duplicated on both sides of both
bumpers what a boon that would be for tie downs.

As it stand though, loads that would loft could best be tied by
cracking the four side windows open and roping through and over
the load, right?

Kerry

I'm wondering about the exact location for the center support for 65" rails, I'd sure like to hit that roof cross-beam. The pics w/o headliner seem to indicate that the dome light screws into that cross beam, still the pic is for a '04, (mine is 2006).

Any suggestions?

It's supposed to arrive today.

Thanks, Kerry