OEM Crossbars versus MARS Adventure Gear

[area51]

I'm trying to decide between these. OEM's are more expensive but they state that they are easily collapsible. Can anyone explain what that means in practice? The MARS seem beefier, not obviously collapsible from the description (but I don't even know what that means). The MARS also seem to have more options for mounting their accessories such as the side sail molle panels, the side attachment, and their starlink mini mount. On the other hand the Tesla OEM doesn't really advertise any of the explicitly but maybe it's implicit that you can attach anything to them. Sorry for the newb question but I've never had roof racks/crossbars before. I'd like to mount a kayak/canoe, starlink, and recovery boards.

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[tmeyer3]

Personal preference, but I'd recommend Mars or cybertruckco bars. These are products designed by people that understand what's needed from a cross bar. The OEM crossbars are just like any other oem crossbars from Tesla--they don't have a built in rail mount system or planned additional accessories to go with them.

 

[netcatz99]

The Tesla crossbars manual explains the telescoping feature of the crossbars. It allows you to adjust the width of the bars to accommodate the vehicle's crossbar mounting points.

I'm trying to decide between these. OEM's are more expensive but they state that they are easily collapsible. Can anyone explain what that means in practice? The MARS seem beefier, not obviously collapsible from the description (but I don't even know what that means). The MARS also seem to have more options for mounting their accessories such as the side sail molle panels, the side attachment, and their starlink mini mount. On the other hand the Tesla OEM doesn't really advertise any of the explicitly but maybe it's implicit that you can attach anything to them. Sorry for the newb question but I've never had roof racks/crossbars before. I'd like to mount a kayak/canoe, starlink, and recovery boards.

 

[Pulaski]

I've had both. And settled on the OEM ones because you can easily remove and move them in 2 minutes time. Very user friendly. However, as previously stated the MARS bars are more versatile for mounting accessories, which is a better option if your looking for more permanent solution.

 

[aeroguy]

I've had both. And settled on the OEM ones because you can easily remove and move them in 2 minutes time. Very user friendly. However, as previously stated the MARS bars are more versatile for mounting accessories, which is a better option if your looking for more permanent solution.

Same here, I use the mars rack (short version so the cybertent still fits) for off grid trips since it’s more stable and versatile and use the oem bars for occasional use like picking up 16’ boards since they’re so quick to install. I do have the mars cross bars too, but stopped using them once I got the oem bars. You can mount anything to the oem bars, just need the right sized T-bolts.

The collapsible nature of the oem is great - allows you to buy a pair and place them at any position. Not really needed with the mars system since it’s not designed for quick changes. A quick release system would be a game changer for the mars system.

I do find the mars rack is a bit noisy, another reason I don’t leave it installed unless going on a trip that needs it.

 

[area51]

Same here, I use the mars rack (short version so the cybertent still fits) for off grid trips since it’s more stable and versatile and use the oem bars for occasional use like picking up 16’ boards since they’re so quick to install. I do have the mars cross bars too, but stopped using them once I got the oem bars. You can mount anything to the oem bars, just need the right sized T-bolts.

The collapsible nature of the oem is great - allows you to buy a pair and place them at any position. Not really needed with the mars system since it’s not designed for quick changes. A quick release system would be a game changer for the mars system.

I do find the mars rack is a bit noisy, another reason I don’t leave it installed unless going on a trip that needs it.

Has anyone mounted a starlink mini to their OEM bars?

 

[hemiarch]

Same here, I use the mars rack (short version so the cybertent still fits) for off grid trips since it’s more stable and versatile and use the oem bars for occasional use like picking up 16’ boards since they’re so quick to install. I do have the mars cross bars too, but stopped using them once I got the oem bars. You can mount anything to the oem bars, just need the right sized T-bolts.

The collapsible nature of the oem is great - allows you to buy a pair and place them at any position. Not really needed with the mars system since it’s not designed for quick changes. A quick release system would be a game changer for the mars system.

I do find the mars rack is a bit noisy, another reason I don’t leave it installed unless going on a trip that needs it.

Can someone please post a couple pictures of things mounted to the oem bars? I haven’t seen them in person and I don’t entirely understand the t-bolt thing and how that works

 

[area51]

Can someone please post a couple pictures of things mounted to the oem bars? I haven’t seen them in person and I don’t entirely understand the t-bolt thing and how that works

I second this request.

 

[hemiarch]

Is it fair to assume that when not loaded the oem crossbars are the least impactful noise and range wise of the various roof racks?

 

[hgpilot]

I'm trying to decide between these. OEM's are more expensive but they state that they are easily collapsible. Can anyone explain what that means in practice? The MARS seem beefier, not obviously collapsible from the description (but I don't even know what that means). The MARS also seem to have more options for mounting their accessories such as the side sail molle panels, the side attachment, and their starlink mini mount. On the other hand the Tesla OEM doesn't really advertise any of the explicitly but maybe it's implicit that you can attach anything to them. Sorry for the newb question but I've never had roof racks/crossbars before. I'd like to mount a kayak/canoe, starlink, and recovery boards.

I've got a set from CybertruckCo that I'll sell you for a great deal - initially I purchased them because I thought there was absolutely no way Tesla would have them out by Q4 2024 (as indicated on their website). But, turns out they did and used my $2500 Foundation credit to buy them.

So I've had both AND the CyberTruckCo are much sturdier than the Tesla's, but I need to remove the back most bar frequently to load my mountain bike - so the Tesla works better for me. My loss is your gain - send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[aeroguy]

Can someone please post a couple pictures of things mounted to the oem bars? I haven’t seen them in person and I don’t entirely understand the t-bolt thing and how that works

Here’s a couple pictures of the OEM track system with a thing mounted…(hinge that was part of a makeshift collapsible rack not currently installed).

A couple interesting features not seen in aftermarket versions: rubber insert that holds the bolt in place while loosened, fits commonly available 3/8” carriage bolts, and the ends are secured when locked.

 

[Ddanis60]

I bought the full 4 bar fixed set from mars. The build quality is perfect. Heavy duty, perfectly machined and extremely sturdy. Three t-slots per bar. While not seconds to remove, and not lockable like the oem bars, they don’t take long to take off. You can easily get to the (2) 10mm bolts per side and remove 90 percent of the setup in about 1 minute. I leave the last bit that’s bolted to the truck in place as it’s not hurting anything to leave installed.

I do like the oem, but LOVE the strength and feel of the mars. And they’re half the price. They seem to match the ruggedness of the truck, where the oem bars look like they would be for any vehicle. Not a bad thing, but not what I prefer.

mars customer service is amazing too. I reached out to ask an accessory question over email at 8 pm on a Saturday, and had a personal response by the time I woke up on Sunday.

the 1st and 3rd picture shows the hardware left after removing the majority of the bar in about a minute. You do have to remove the little flap doors to install these, where as you don’t with the oem.

 

[ABILISK]

I have OEMs currently, but will be switching to Mars ones when I can. I like to bomb proof everything I can and, although I haven’t any problems with the OEMs coming loose, you can just tell they’re not the sturdiest things ever made.

Mars sells L-Track adapters so you can mount the crossbars under the tonneau if needed. If Starlink would work down there (not sure if it will yet), that would be ideal. Open the tonneau when you need it or close the tonneau when going through a car wash and to protect the Starlink from theft/vandalism.

 

[ABILISK]

@Ddanis60 your garage is pretty sick… I’m jelly

 

[jameskk]

I have these ones from Foreonetry https://a.co/d/0smAwEA they look similar to the OEM and you can't beat the price. they also remove very quickly (1-2 minutes).

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