This was the most informative and well explained video! Great job of explaining everything to make it simple to install the rails and crossbars. Thank you so much!!
Great video, should have watched it before we ordered the same thing you did and I tried to install without the two metal inserts. Asked myself what would hold the cross bars in and found the solution on Amazon. Ordered the correct parts and will arrive tomorrow.
Thanks for the video. We bought the rail kit but did not understand how the kayaks was going to stay on. Thank goodness for you guys who do these videos
Thanks for the video... single mom here who needed help installing! On a side note: I found the whole kit, including side rails, on Amazon for a little over $100
We bought a generic roof rack for my 2015 traverse on eBay and you saved us HOURS of fighting about this installation. Thank you for taking the time to post this video!! A+++ guidance and tips!!! We got it done in about 30 minutes! That must be a record, lol.
Thank you for this great video. I ordered the kit that has both side rails and the crossbars. It didn’t come with the M6 Torx head screwdriver but that was okay! The side rails went in super easy (thanks to your instructions). I did have a problem getting the slider pieces, even with your tip. I ended up have to use a hammer to get them into position (note, I am a 60 woman who doesn’t have any upper arm strength). Overall, with a little muscle and a lot of swearing I finally got it installed!! Thanks again for your video!
Watching this in 2023...I was an auto mechanic in my 20's and 30's back around 1980. I also worked for GM for 30 years later in life as a tool & die maker, so am familiar with how the bean counters love to make upgrades not ordered at delivery a real pain. I did notice the rails were not included and used the eBay vehicle selector to order a kit that came with the rails, crossbeams and all parts needed for less than 100 bucks. I was thinking maybe you should coat the threads on the rail screws with some RTV silicone to waterproof the threads? Have not seen exploded parts view to know if the headliner is exposed under there somewhere. Getting the old Traverse ready to head for the hills if SHTF so I got a trailer hitch also I will be installing. BTW : Funny thing is the 2017 has a simple hitch that goes to existing holes in the sub-frame - all I got to do is lower the mufflers on the rubber hangers to get the bolts in. They changed the later models so you have to take the rear fascia AND discard the bumper behind it - so glad I bought the 2017 (I researched the Traverse before I bought mine and most of the problem areas had been fixed by then.) I'm pushing 70 now and your video was very helpful as to what I will need to do. I subscribed. Thank you
I did the same thing with my hitch that I installed. Everything bolted up and stole the power from the tail lights. It doesn’t have trailer brakes but I shouldn’t ever be hauling anything heavy enough to need them. Good point on the rvt. I have been running it for a bit now and haven’t noticed any water but I will go look at it again
Thank you, Great informative video. I was lucky I am the 2nd owner of mine the rail system is already on mine. So I just needed to purchase and install the cross bars.
As usual, quite comprehensive and useful. After a very tight winter trip started looking for the roof rack and the Thule case. Tried logging into Chevy Traverse forums but could not find anything like this thorough explanation. Now I know what to do first. Great job!
I bought Cross Bars for my 2017 Traverse and after around an hour of trying to install them. Found this video and was very mad when I found out I also needed the Channels. Thank you for this explanation though!!!!
Thanks so much! I was loosing my mind trying to figure out how the crossbars would stay on. You do an excellent job explaining what you need and how to do it w/o making the listener feel dumb. 👍
You are most welcome and oh boy did i feel dumb opening up the box and trying to figure the system out without someones video. Congrats on the new roof rack and installing it by yourself.
One thing I noticed with researching for luggage kits for the traverse, if you order the GM OEM kit, GM has a specific HEX Bit/Allen Wrech. there is an indent in the bottom of the allen key
Wanted roof racks for Christmas to eventually get a couple kayaks to finally be able to fish off shore. Waited for snow to clear and warmer days. Just went to put them in and immediately thought how the hell are these gonna stay on. Thanks for telling us what sellers don’t!
Thank you so much, almost bought the rack with out the rail. But they sell on Amazon for an extra 75 total is around 160 Awesome deal. Compared to Co. Made.
Help please!!!!! When I put those two pieces in they are stuck not moving either way:( How can I take it out or get it to move? I tried that bolt thing but no luck, any suggestions?
Great video , it’s dumb they don’t tell you that channel isn’t included I learned the hard way also lol the factory equipment costs double and Looks identical for half the cost
They have the rails now with the set. I purchased one from ebay & thanks to ur video i got it up. Just confuse on which is left & right on vehicle. Not sure if driver side is considered right or left
9/ 2021- those rails on ebay are about $60 per rail, and $60 per 2pk rack. right at $200 for a luggage rack. i wouldnt mind it being about $50 less than retail.
Hey Modd Addy - great video man. Much appreciated, well done time-saving video! Just wondering if you have a ski rack recommendation to go with this rack system. Cheers!
The C-Channels were not installed from the factory unless you have the option. Look for these RPO Codes on your glovebox, SA9 or VVL. Chances are they are not there and that option was never ordered with that vehicle. If they are and you can not find them, either you bought it used and someone removed them, or you bought it new and the dealership never installed them, which in that case, you need to go back because it is a missing option that was ordered with that vehicle. This will go for all rails, but please don't buy the ugly aftermarket ones.
Buick Enclave is the twin to the Acadia and Traverse.... I am doing exactly the same ...adding a roof rack to my Traverse. You can't find GM part # 19244268 anywhere. That's the kit with the c-channels and cross bars. Without that you need to source the parts individually. I just installed my ebay c-channels today and waiting on the cross bars now.
Also, the GM torx key is actually a security torx with a hole in the center as the bolt securing the cap to the mounting bracket has a pin in it preventing theft unless you have that T25 security torx bit
That’s the other one I knew there was a third lol. On my traverse the car did not come with the security torque bits but the kit I bought did with the security torque wrench. Thanks for the good comments
1) I set in the blocks, but they do not slide easily at all. We tightened the bolts to the rail as far as they will go. We WD40's the blocks and the railing, and that helped a bit. There are areas where we can move them by hand, but with extreme difficulty. We have to use a hammer to knock the blocks into different positions. Do you have any advice? I suspect that the bolts attaching the sliding rail into the vehicle are not flush enough, as it is impossible to slide them over by hand in areas where the bolts meet the center of the blocks (a hammer must be used), but they are as far down as our drill will put them. And even in the areas where there are no bolts, it is extremely difficult to move. I did your bolt in the center trick, and that helped a bit, but not much. 2) How does one attach the ends to the cross rails? They were not attached in the shipping box. I do not mean the covers, I mean the complete end.
1) Try installing the screw into the bottom block about 5 threads or so just enough that you don’t ruin the threads by pushing down and still have room that the bolt can move. By doing this we are trying to push the metal anchor down. You are getting the anchor engaging on the rail is why it’s hard to move. 2) there should be pins on the rail that slide into the holes on the end caps Hopefully that helps
@@ModdingAddiction I did that as I said, and it didn't work. It helped a very small bit, but not much. They don't move even with the metal anchors not in. There are no holes on the end caps. But now that you told me this, it appears that the pins were broken off into the holes. It appears that I got a bad system. I contacted the business I bought it from and they reimbursed me 2/3 of my purchase price or offered 100% back if I sent it back to them. The shipping was too high, so I took the 2/3. I'm hoping that it is just the racks that were defective and not the rail insets, as I intend to purchase just the rack next spring. Thank you for your help.
@@PaulaCroteau I’m having the same issue. Even took out the metal plates and tried sliding them into the inserts before installing to the car and they won’t slide. Not sure which piece is defective, the insert or the slider blocks. Checked part numbers for my orders and they are correct. Super frustrating. Great instructional video though.
It will depend on the cross member. There are a couple types the main one is a clamp around the cross member system. But with that there are several different cross member tube shapes. The other is a channeled cross member where a bolt slides into the cross member to attach racks to it. The most common and the one I have on our car is the tear drop or the airplane wing cross bar. Then you just get a clamp style roof box and you are good to go. Hope that helps
Both the links are in the description but you will have to copy and paste most likely. You want to get the c channel and the rail system. Hopefully it works for you if not let me know and I can fix it on my computer
Hello is this fit to chevrolet traverse 2019LS because my traverse have no roof side rails, so i can not install a cross bars. If its, can you send me the link where i can order this. Thank you
I purchased the suggested parts from Amazon for my 2017 Chevy Traverse. I installed the C channel using your tips without any problems, but cannot get any of the slide rails to go on at all. I even went to the extent of taking the C channels back off and tried the slide rails on them and they wouldn't work. I don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
I just read some of the other comments below and it looks like we aren't the only ones having this issue. Those slide rails don't work on that C channel at all. When we had it off the Traverse, we tried to run them on the C Channel just to see if it would work and even took out the metal piece, nothing worked. They just would not work. I couldn't even hammer them to get them to move. So I don't know what to order now, any help would be greatly appreciated.
That is interesting I hope that you got it figured out. I know on mine the sharp tooth part of the cleat (that bites into the channel) was stuck closed really good. I was able to put the bolt in slightly and tap it out with a hammer. Then kept the bolt in to adjust the cleat while I slid it on. I hope this helps please let me know if they changed the mounting on the cross members so I can change the description
oh of course I have rails I can see them from here... oh wait what? that's a "beauty bar" WTH?!?!?! ahhhhhhhhhhh seriously?! thanks a lot chevy! we went to the dealer and ordered crossbars before this video and were then told they don't have the rails or even know where/when they can get them... so we're SOL.
There are I think 5 torques bits on top and it will all come off. You will be left with a kinda ugly roof line if you leave them off but it’s totally doable just put the screw back in so water doesn’t rust in the threads
I wish i would’ve watched this just a few weeks ago because I had the exact same problem I ordered a kit online figured it out on my own being a girl LOL that I have no way to attach it so upon researching I found a video and they were attaching it to these channels so I went ahead and returned the kit and I actually did find a full kit online on Amazon actual third-party company it came from was seven blacksmiths.com but it was the complete kit And it’s so much better deal I think I paid $112 for the kit which included the channels and when I bought and just the kit separate without the channels it was $89 and they want it almost that much to just buy the channel so do you research so you don’t end up paying double,and thank you for sharing the video I love how you put watch first unfortunately I didn’t see that before Ha
Hands down one of the best explained walk throughs I’ve ever seen. You saved my quite a bit of time and frustration. Thanks 🙏🏼!!
That makes it all worth it. Thank you for the comment. Im glad that it helped you out because it was very frustrating not knowing at the time
@@ModdingAddiction I will check tomorrow if we have the metal rails, but can you tell me where I could find it for a 2018 Traverse?
This was the most informative and well explained video! Great job of explaining everything to make it simple to install the rails and crossbars. Thank you so much!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching
Great video, should have watched it before we ordered the same thing you did and I tried to install without the two metal inserts. Asked myself what would hold the cross bars in and found the solution on Amazon. Ordered the correct parts and will arrive tomorrow.
Awesome glad it helped now you are all good to go
Thanks for the video. We bought the rail kit but did not understand how the kayaks was going to stay on. Thank goodness for you guys who do these videos
Thanks for the video... single mom here who needed help installing! On a side note: I found the whole kit, including side rails, on Amazon for a little over $100
Awesome video!!
No your awsome
Thank you so much for doing this video!
You are so welcome!
We bought a generic roof rack for my 2015 traverse on eBay and you saved us HOURS of fighting about this installation. Thank you for taking the time to post this video!! A+++ guidance and tips!!! We got it done in about 30 minutes! That must be a record, lol.
Thank you for this video! This same thing happened to us before a big trip. The kit has been sitting in my storage shed ever since.
Thank you for this great video. I ordered the kit that has both side rails and the crossbars. It didn’t come with the M6 Torx head screwdriver but that was okay! The side rails went in super easy (thanks to your instructions). I did have a problem getting the slider pieces, even with your tip. I ended up have to use a hammer to get them into position (note, I am a 60 woman who doesn’t have any upper arm strength). Overall, with a little muscle and a lot of swearing I finally got it installed!! Thanks again for your video!
Wow!!! Thank you for posting. I followed you step by step and it’s done!!!! Hallelujah!!!!
Thanks I was going to pay to get it done but you explained it so good and clearly. I can't thank you enough.
Thank you sir
Watching this in 2023...I was an auto mechanic in my 20's and 30's back around 1980. I also worked for GM for 30 years later in life as a tool & die maker, so am familiar with how the bean counters love to make upgrades not ordered at delivery a real pain. I did notice the rails were not included and used the eBay vehicle selector to order a kit that came with the rails, crossbeams and all parts needed for less than 100 bucks. I was thinking maybe you should coat the threads on the rail screws with some RTV silicone to waterproof the threads? Have not seen exploded parts view to know if the headliner is exposed under there somewhere. Getting the old Traverse ready to head for the hills if SHTF so I got a trailer hitch also I will be installing. BTW : Funny thing is the 2017 has a simple hitch that goes to existing holes in the sub-frame - all I got to do is lower the mufflers on the rubber hangers to get the bolts in. They changed the later models so you have to take the rear fascia AND discard the bumper behind it - so glad I bought the 2017 (I researched the Traverse before I bought mine and most of the problem areas had been fixed by then.) I'm pushing 70 now and your video was very helpful as to what I will need to do. I subscribed. Thank you
I did the same thing with my hitch that I installed. Everything bolted up and stole the power from the tail lights. It doesn’t have trailer brakes but I shouldn’t ever be hauling anything heavy enough to need them. Good point on the rvt. I have been running it for a bit now and haven’t noticed any water but I will go look at it again
Do more traverse reviews
Thank you, Great informative video. I was lucky I am the 2nd owner of mine the rail system is already on mine. So I just needed to purchase and install the cross bars.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! You explained everything so thoroughly!
As usual, quite comprehensive and useful. After a very tight winter trip started looking for the roof rack and the Thule case. Tried logging into Chevy Traverse forums but could not find anything like this thorough explanation. Now I know what to do first. Great job!
I bought Cross Bars for my 2017 Traverse and after around an hour of trying to install them. Found this video and was very mad when I found out I also needed the Channels. Thank you for this explanation though!!!!
You just saved my sanity! Thank you.
Nice job
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you so much, I wish I had watch this before I ordered the rack. Thanks a lot.
❤
Glad to help
Thanks bro this saved me at least two headaches!
Glad it helped
Great video, Thank you!!
glad i watched this before we bought ours!!! thank you
Thank you for making this video, you saved me a ton of time and frustration
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much! I was loosing my mind trying to figure out how the crossbars would stay on. You do an excellent job explaining what you need and how to do it w/o making the listener feel dumb. 👍
You are most welcome and oh boy did i feel dumb opening up the box and trying to figure the system out without someones video. Congrats on the new roof rack and installing it by yourself.
So helpful, thank you so much for posting this!
Thank you so much for this video! Very well done!
One thing I noticed with researching for luggage kits for the traverse, if you order the GM OEM kit, GM has a specific HEX Bit/Allen Wrech. there is an indent in the bottom of the allen key
Boom! Thank you so much! This was super helpful!!!
Thank you! This helped me install mine today! Great content
Wanted roof racks for Christmas to eventually get a couple kayaks to finally be able to fish off shore. Waited for snow to clear and warmer days. Just went to put them in and immediately thought how the hell are these gonna stay on. Thanks for telling us what sellers don’t!
That’s the same thing I did. Very disappointing but at least you know now
Thank you so much, almost bought the rack with out the rail. But they sell on Amazon for an extra 75 total is around 160 Awesome deal. Compared to Co. Made.
Great video, I was going to buy the GM OEM part and I noticed I don't have the rails :).
Glad i could find this. My damn Traverse has solid pieces on the top. If it weren't so close to being paid off, I'd get rid of it.
Help please!!!!! When I put those two pieces in they are stuck not moving either way:( How can I take it out or get it to move? I tried that bolt thing but no luck, any suggestions?
Great video , it’s dumb they don’t tell you that channel isn’t included I learned the hard way also lol the factory equipment costs double and Looks identical for half the cost
Omg I bought my traverse without any of it. It only has a plastic thin line that covers everything you mounted your stuff I’m screwed 😢
Oh no that’s not good. Check a wrecker yard they might have some rails that you could get
thanks bro. i was about to send me shit back till i saw yo video. now im about to order the rail system. i was so mad my rack didnt fit at 1st lol.
Same boat my guy. I was so excited and ordered it for a trip just to not be able to use it. I should have done my research better but it is what it is
They have the rails now with the set. I purchased one from ebay & thanks to ur video i got it up. Just confuse on which is left & right on vehicle. Not sure if driver side is considered right or left
9/ 2021- those rails on ebay are about $60 per rail, and $60 per 2pk rack. right at $200 for a luggage rack. i wouldnt mind it being about $50 less than retail.
Hey Modd Addy - great video man. Much appreciated, well done time-saving video! Just wondering if you have a ski rack recommendation to go with this rack system. Cheers!
Awesome video thanks! Anyway you may be able provide part #’s???
Update on this setup?
I have a 2012 traverse. You got any links to where you got your railings from?
In the description
Awesome video thanks! Any part #’s you could provide by chance?
The C-Channels were not installed from the factory unless you have the option. Look for these RPO Codes on your glovebox, SA9 or VVL. Chances are they are not there and that option was never ordered with that vehicle. If they are and you can not find them, either you bought it used and someone removed them, or you bought it new and the dealership never installed them, which in that case, you need to go back because it is a missing option that was ordered with that vehicle. This will go for all rails, but please don't buy the ugly aftermarket ones.
does you sun roof open with the rails in place? not sure if it'll clear. thanks & keep up the good work.
Buick Enclave is the twin to the Acadia and Traverse.... I am doing exactly the same ...adding a roof rack to my Traverse. You can't find GM part # 19244268 anywhere. That's the kit with the c-channels and cross bars. Without that you need to source the parts individually. I just installed my ebay c-channels today and waiting on the cross bars now.
Up through 2010 Traverse included the C Channels. After that it was made part of an optional upgrade
Also, the GM torx key is actually a security torx with a hole in the center as the bolt securing the cap to the mounting bracket has a pin in it preventing theft unless you have that T25 security torx bit
That’s the other one I knew there was a third lol. On my traverse the car did not come with the security torque bits but the kit I bought did with the security torque wrench. Thanks for the good comments
No link for that metal channel yet? Oh well I will find it hopefully for my traverse. Great vid thanks mann
1)
I set in the blocks, but they do not slide easily at all. We tightened the bolts to the rail as far as they will go.
We WD40's the blocks and the railing, and that helped a bit. There are areas where we can move them by hand, but with extreme difficulty. We have to use a hammer to knock the blocks into different positions.
Do you have any advice?
I suspect that the bolts attaching the sliding rail into the vehicle are not flush enough, as it is impossible to slide them over by hand in areas where the bolts meet the center of the blocks (a hammer must be used), but they are as far down as our drill will put them. And even in the areas where there are no bolts, it is extremely difficult to move.
I did your bolt in the center trick, and that helped a bit, but not much.
2)
How does one attach the ends to the cross rails? They were not attached in the shipping box. I do not mean the covers, I mean the complete end.
1) Try installing the screw into the bottom block about 5 threads or so just enough that you don’t ruin the threads by pushing down and still have room that the bolt can move. By doing this we are trying to push the metal anchor down. You are getting the anchor engaging on the rail is why it’s hard to move.
2) there should be pins on the rail that slide into the holes on the end caps
Hopefully that helps
Check out about the 12 min mark and I go over how to get the cleat anchors down
@@ModdingAddiction I did that as I said, and it didn't work. It helped a very small bit, but not much. They don't move even with the metal anchors not in.
There are no holes on the end caps. But now that you told me this, it appears that the pins were broken off into the holes.
It appears that I got a bad system.
I contacted the business I bought it from and they reimbursed me 2/3 of my purchase price or offered 100% back if I sent it back to them. The shipping was too high, so I took the 2/3.
I'm hoping that it is just the racks that were defective and not the rail insets, as I intend to purchase just the rack next spring.
Thank you for your help.
@@PaulaCroteau I’m having the same issue. Even took out the metal plates and tried sliding them into the inserts before installing to the car and they won’t slide. Not sure which piece is defective, the insert or the slider blocks. Checked part numbers for my orders and they are correct. Super frustrating. Great instructional video though.
@@PaulaCroteau So was it the slider plate or the metal insert that was defective?
How do you install on a 2023 Traverse?
That is a good question. I don’t know what the roof of the new generation traverses look like. This is for the previous generation
Great video. Once you have the cross rails installed, does any yakima or thule kayak or bike carrier work?
It will depend on the cross member. There are a couple types the main one is a clamp around the cross member system. But with that there are several different cross member tube shapes. The other is a channeled cross member where a bolt slides into the cross member to attach racks to it. The most common and the one I have on our car is the tear drop or the airplane wing cross bar. Then you just get a clamp style roof box and you are good to go. Hope that helps
Thanks for this video! I don’t see the 2 links for the parts you bought. Can you share both of those links with me?
Both the links are in the description but you will have to copy and paste most likely. You want to get the c channel and the rail system. Hopefully it works for you if not let me know and I can fix it on my computer
Hello is this fit to chevrolet traverse 2019LS because my traverse have no roof side rails, so i can not install a cross bars. If its, can you send me the link where i can order this. Thank you
What year is your traverse?
2012
I purchased the suggested parts from Amazon for my 2017 Chevy Traverse. I installed the C channel using your tips without any problems, but cannot get any of the slide rails to go on at all. I even went to the extent of taking the C channels back off and tried the slide rails on them and they wouldn't work. I don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
I just read some of the other comments below and it looks like we aren't the only ones having this issue. Those slide rails don't work on that C channel at all. When we had it off the Traverse, we tried to run them on the C Channel just to see if it would work and even took out the metal piece, nothing worked. They just would not work. I couldn't even hammer them to get them to move. So I don't know what to order now, any help would be greatly appreciated.
That is interesting I hope that you got it figured out. I know on mine the sharp tooth part of the cleat (that bites into the channel) was stuck closed really good. I was able to put the bolt in slightly and tap it out with a hammer. Then kept the bolt in to adjust the cleat while I slid it on. I hope this helps please let me know if they changed the mounting on the cross members so I can change the description
oh of course I have rails I can see them from here... oh wait what? that's a "beauty bar" WTH?!?!?! ahhhhhhhhhhh seriously?! thanks a lot chevy! we went to the dealer and ordered crossbars before this video and were then told they don't have the rails or even know where/when they can get them... so we're SOL.
Can you help me how to remove the roof rack system coz its all wirn out chipped and rubbers are flipping already., ???
There are I think 5 torques bits on top and it will all come off. You will be left with a kinda ugly roof line if you leave them off but it’s totally doable just put the screw back in so water doesn’t rust in the threads
Did anyone else had problems with the small pieces sliding back and forth easily?
To the point @4:51 Your welcome…
Detailed
This is dope bro! Wanna do a video for my subie? I have a roof rack I bought used and it seems like a process😅
I wish i would’ve watched this just a few weeks ago because I had the exact same problem I ordered a kit online figured it out on my own being a girl LOL that I have no way to attach it so upon researching I found a video and they were attaching it to these channels so I went ahead and returned the kit and I actually did find a full kit online on Amazon actual third-party company it came from was seven blacksmiths.com but it was the complete kit And it’s so much better deal I think I paid $112 for the kit which included the channels and when I bought and just the kit separate without the channels it was $89 and they want it almost that much to just buy the channel so do you research so you don’t end up paying double,and thank you for sharing the video I love how you put watch first unfortunately I didn’t see that before Ha
@4:51 you said something in french... for your American subscribers, what does that phrase mean?
Lol your such a dork John
Do one on the new Chevy blazer cause there ain’t shit on the new ones. Nobody know how to install the new stuff
Why explain something in 5 minutes when you can do it in 19? Other than that, great video. Thanks bud.
I’m voting for the convicted felon Trump 2024!! MAGA!!
Good for you
40000$ car doesnt come with channel only in murica
I know right. Here is a brand new car with plastics that look like it has things that you might need
Gm is the biggest rip off company. Why isn't a roof rack standard equipment?
Right that’s what I was thinking if you put half of it up there why not finish
Thank you so much for this video