2015 Denali - adjusting fixed cross rails to fix cargo box?

[adventurenali92]

Its still odd to me why gm would make such a terribly designed roof rack. I have esky racks on my 2006 denali. And even the esky racks can still be moved and put anywhere in the crossrail.

 

[Demer]

Sorry for the late reply. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Astro-1442-Thread-Hand-Riveter/dp/B003TODXQW. The 6MM threaded rivet is the exact match for the existing rails.

Thanks! That's the one I ordered and used a few days ago. Like you said, it was super easy and now everything fits up top!

 

[Burby]

This is super helpful info thanks. In the front position the roof top carriers clear the rear hatch but then the rails are near the front and noisy from the wind. Moving the crossrails back a bit will help.

 

[Dlayne]

Hello,

New to the forum and my first post, but have been searching for some answers to what seems to me a very, very Messed up design on the new Denali roof rails. Just upgraded my 2007 Denali XL to a 2017. All three of my previous DXL's had infinite adjustable roof rails with the sliding positions. Also, the factory rails were a nice low profile, not these crazy raised rails so it won't fit in the garage with a pod. Tried to install my Thule box and the factory pre-set locations are terrible. Box is either too far forward or too far back (won't clear hartch opening). Appreciate this option, but is this the only option people have found? Seems again, messed up that one has to put holes in an $82k vehicle just to put a pod on top.

Appreciate any responses or input. Personally, this is just a terrible design and GM still falls short in some of the details compared to their German counterparts (my wife's Q7), but love the vehicle otherwise and the room and towing capabilities can't be matched in other SUVs.

Thanks.

 

[PG01]

That is f'd up

 

[Rooster47]

Looking at adding some holes to my rails. Does anyone have a tool they've used and are done with? I don't see using the tool for anything else, so I'm not excited about buying it new. Maybe a loan or sell it to me used? I'm in Portland, OR

 

[DenaliEd]

I was gonna say, someone could make a little kit, take a deposit for the tool and send the nuts and tool, and then refund the deposit when they're done. I have a friend that does that for a few specialty tools on another forum...

 

[Philpug]

I also have a Packasport, which is a rear opening rooftop carrier. The mount points for the crossbars do not match up with the offerings on the side rails.

 

[STORMIN08]

Looking at adding some holes to my rails. Does anyone have a tool they've used and are done with? I don't see using the tool for anything else, so I'm not excited about buying it new. Maybe a loan or sell it to me used? I'm in Portland, OR

It is a rivnut gun...check your local Napa or Oriellys, they may have a loaner in their program.

 

[Philpug]

I might be looking for a new side opening box come the Fall, if that is the case, it will be a moot point.