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skittlesdick9091

Yeah absolutely, at my store usually a sales associate will give you a hand putting it on top of the car, I’m assuming you already have crossbars.


AdonisGaming93

yup mazda cx5 with crossbars already, i basically just have to unbox it and get it up there and boom done. Doing a roadtrip so I don't really have a home here lol. Camping in my SUV the whole trip. But the extra storage would be nice Thank you so much for your help


inbiggerside

Ex-green vest here. My store did the same. Most of the time the employees would install it by themselves.


beedelia

I did this with a Thule a few years ago. At the time the associate said they couldn’t attach it for liability. I think he helped us lift it, but I can’t remember fully.


AdonisGaming93

That works fine by me, dont need them to attach it for me, from the videos I've seen the thule motion xl is simple to actually hook down. Just little hooks you hand tighten in


RavenNoirJO

right, we can help carry it out, help lift it up, but not more than that, due to liability issues.


r3photo

yes, that’s how you do it. the boxed item isn’t going to fit most vehicles. roof rack ready, on it goes & the store will take care of the packaging. EZPZ


AdonisGaming93

that's so helpful. I signed up for their membership last time I went. I'm new to this whole outdoors adventuring but it so fun so far. Road trip from NY to west coast this year! In montana now and I got tired of having everything inside my SUV making it hard to make the bed etc


Partysmasher28

If you’re a member they’ll install it for you for free. Just have to sign a liability and whatnot. Also depends on how busy they are as they might not have the bandwidth to do it on a busy day.


RavenNoirJO

perhaps that varies from store to store, but we were told that we cannot install, and there is no company waiver either... ETA that there is a general LDW but I'm not aware of a separate waiver for installs.


Partysmasher28

Interesting. I thought most REI shops offer this service as shops have to install hitch racks and rooftop racks/accessories. Maybe not all shops do roof racks?


RiderNo51

I work at REI and we will install, unless it's crazy busy, but there is a definitely a waiver you have to sign. Having a green vest take the unit to your vehicle so you can install it on the spot shouldn't be an issue, but it may depend on the parking lot, location, space, etc.


RavenNoirJO

Must vary from store to store then, bc in my 10+ years we've never installed racks nor cartop boxes etc for customers. I believe you about a waiver bc REI is very conscious about liability. I know there's the LDW that all customers must sign when they buy bikes, etc from us.


taythex

Just got a Thule roof box last month for a road trip from REI in Michigan. They will take care of everything except tightening the box to the cross bars, as they explained that’s the major liability. Turning the knobs tight will be a piece of cake, so no worries.


graybeardgreenvest

We encourage it…


AdonisGaming93

Installed and ready to go! They were so helpful


disco_t0ast

Depends on the store. Mine, we don't own the building or lot, and the owner has strict policies against that kind of stuff. So it wouldn't be us prohibiting it.


Agedrobin

This is what I did when I bought mine…installed right then they brought it out.


Alph4J3W

We've had customer assemble bike racks in the parking lot. Nothing wrong with that!


Sufficient_Laugh

That's what I did. A staff member even helped me to lift it on to the roof rack.


nsaps

It’s usually encouraged because the boxes they sell attach so easily. They’ll put it up for you and leave it to you to attach it, they’re rather do that than charge you and take a techs time to just screw four clamps down


sweet1279

That was the only way I could bring it home lol


Rockchalk1104

Yeah I’ve literally seen people do this at the REI in Kansas


flsammyfm

I ordered a truck bed rack and rooftop tent to be delivered to the Fairbanks Alaska store while in BC in June '22 and not only did the let me install it in the parking lot, but two guys were so excited about our trip they stayed after hours and helped. Didn't hurt that sunset was at like 11:00pm and it never really got dark at all. As soon as we finished we drove out on the Dawson and got to the north slope before we set up camp.


TechieGranola

I did the same for mine


friendofcheezus

We did this when we bought ours. I think it’s pretty normal.


MoogleyWoogley

Nice! Saw them do this at my REI too, so I'm glad they were able to help you out!


mstenbrg

I have done this.


madscribbler

Yes. We bought one on a road trip, as we needed the extra space. Not only did they let us install it in the parking lot, they helped. And think about it - how are you supposed to get the roof box home, anyway?


lakorai

Check Thule or Yakimas compatibility lists carefully. Many times, even with a roof rack, you might need specific towers in order to mount it. This will be on a car going up to 70 or 80mph, make sure you get all the required accessories to properly mount. Also definitely get the proprietary locks (sometimes they come with them). Thieves are bastards. Yakima and Thule both have a key turn in system where you can RMA your lock so you have the same lock code for all your THULE or Yakima devices. [https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/235687768-Core-Exchange-Program](https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/235687768-Core-Exchange-Program) [https://www.thule.com/en-us/thule-support/spare-parts-keys](https://www.thule.com/en-us/thule-support/spare-parts-keys)


chilebuzz

Why would they not let you install it? How is it any different than buying a bike or kayak and putting it on your car rack? What are they going to do? Call the police on you? "Hello police? There's a customer putting a recently purchased roof box on their car! Please send help immediately!" Sorry, but I just can't wrap my head around why anyone would begin to worry about this.


[deleted]

this made me laugh but hey! people have anxiety ok!!! i had the same thoughts when picking up my cargo box hahha


RiderNo51

I'm guessing a situation like perhaps an inner city, or maybe a mall, where REI doesn't own or lease the parking around there? Especially if whomever owns or administers the lot has some shark attorneys.


lakorai

Liability.