Gravity-Adding Crossbars and then Shower Tent/Awning

[raleighone]

Okay, I've never done any roof rack or any car top storage, so let me know if any advice from those who have or know more than me.

I ordered the Crossbars (and btw, they shipped immediately despite website saying "coming in early 2026" so assume they are back in stock). My plan is to add a Joolca Ensuite Single Shower Tent on once side of the car and a 6 foot awning on the other side. Since Lucid is making it difficult with slot-less crossbars (better to look good...lol), I'll have to add an adaptor to get the mounts on. I'm looking at a couple here:

-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G45DZXXR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
-https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Lockrack/LR53FR.html

Hope those links work. I have researched a bunch for easy clamps that turn slot-less into slotted...can't believe someone doesn't have an easy product for that...(clamps on both ends and let it lay directly on existing Crossbars but now provides slots for mounting.) Does anyone have anything that may help me with this crazy challenge?

BTW-In case people are wondering, the Crossbars hold up to 160 pounds. The Joolca is less than 20 pounds and the awning I'm looking at is either ~60 pounds (Taruca Rogue 6ft) OR I may go lighter weight ones around 30 pounds (Ironman4x4 DeltaWing 90).

Thanks for any advice anyone may have. Supposed to get crossbars tomorrow...so let the mounting adventures begin. ;-)

 

[raleighone]

An update: I received the new Crossbars today and guess what? The new Crossbars have t-slots! (See photo). This will definitely be nice for those of use looking for easy mounting solutions like I mentioned above. Now I have to figure out if I want to install myself or wait a week for mobile guy to install. They said the new ones are easier to install so I'll probably do them myself.

 

[raleighone]

One more bit of info: Per manual, these new crossbars max load is 210 pounds versus 160 of the originals.

 

[raleighone]

And finally to wrap this up, they were pretty easy to install even solo/by myself. The instructions left out one thing: you have to remove the center screw at each of the 4 connection points in order to add the new screw. Other than that, pretty easy. Half hour job...though I took an hour being super careful. lol

 

[raleighone]

Ever evolving. Sharing in case anyone is considering something similar. This is the Yakima LocknLoad platform with their Crossbeam mounts. This is the smallest size "K" that is 55x49. It does make for some wind noise but I may play around with some solutions for that. I usually have music loud enough that I won't hear it, but it sounds a bit like having a window cracked open.

By the way, I had Rack Attack in Charlotte install this...they were awesome and fit me in really quickly, had it pre-built by the time I got there and installed in less than an hour. Great service.

 

[raleighone]

In case anyone is interested, here is a near final layout of my Yakima LockNLoad rack with a Joolca Mounted Single Ensuite and a Taruca Rogue 6ft awning. The only thing I have left is to put the Cargo bag between them on the rack, fill it up and tie it down. Then, ready to roll. Cross country trip starting soon.

Both open in less than :60. The big tent awning has built in lights and comes with a zip-in floor that I didn't try yet. The inner tent connects on 3 sides w thick velcro, but seems very robust. The entire back opens for access to the vehicle. All sides can zip open or screen only.

The Joolca one also has a "back window" you zip down which is great. I can leave clean clothes inside car with window rolled down and then easily reach in and grab what I need.

Coming together...;-) Let me know if any questions.

 

[raleighone]

Just wanted to add: Both of these awnings require a pretty tall mount point. I LOVE that when I put car in HIGHEST it hangs perfectly for both. (I don't know about others, but I adjust the car height all the time...love that feature.)

I also put the big awning on a Croc Hinge so it lays flat back onto the car. I wish I could also put it on a quick release (the shower awning is on one) but I like it more out of the way.

 

[nelslens]

Your camping setup looks mighty cool. Nice to know the new x-bars have slots. I'll be getting gunwale brackets to carry my canoe...

 

[raleighone]

I thought I'd update this thread to include my latest build mods to the Gravity for camping.

I never put a photo up here, but before I left for a cross country trip, I had also purchased a soft bag for the top of the roof platform. I got an XL of the Dometic/Front Runner soft cargo bag. I didn't like it at all. Not only was it not aero, but it was a pain to get into with unzipping the entire thing to get access. And it was supposed to be waterproof, but stuff felt a little damp. Good riddance.

When I got my car repaired in Denver, I shot over to Rack Attack and put on this Yakima Skybox NX L. It is SO much better and more accessible than the cargo bag. Fits well allowinng hatch clearance.

It's a bit higher than I wanted due to the fact I now have: crossbars, Yakima Platform, another mini-Thule crossbar that attaches to the platform, the Skybox. If I didn't have the 2 awnings, I could easily just put it directly on the crossbars and it'd probably be 2-4" lower. However, cargo boxes are designed for crossbars so best way to get the box on the platform is get the Thule Caprice Cargo Box Kit...these are shorter width crossbars that connect to the t-slots on the platform. (Odd that Yakima doesn't have a solution for THEIR box on THEIR platform. I emailed the over a week ago and got no response. Called twice and both times closed for meetings.)

But I love this setup. So far, wind noise isn't bad nor is efficiency. I think both are better with this cargo box than the soft bag. Let me know if any questions.

 

[drb3333]

It really helps the community when you post detailed information and photos like you have!

Kudos for saving others the headache of figuring it out.

 

[TahoeMichael]

What's the head height when standing under the deployed awning? I've never considered doing something like that because I just assumed the head clearance would be annoyingly low. My wife would probably be fine with it, she's 10" shorter than me.

 

[raleighone]

What's the head height when standing under the deployed awning? I've never considered doing something like that because I just assumed the head clearance would be annoyingly low. My wife would probably be fine with it, she's 10" shorter than me.

Hmm, that depends on your configuration and car level. (Also various mounts allow more height...) One of the advantages in my platform being raised is it does give more headroom for the awnings. I'm 5'8 and have plenty of room... If I'm going to use the awnings, I set the car height to "Highest" and the Joolca shower awning that has sides comes right down to the ground perfectly....which I believe is around 85". I'll try to measure the main awning height this week and reply back.