A universal crossmember assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a roof and first and second rails attached to the roof. The assembly includes a crossbar having first and second ends along an axis. The assembly further includes a first clamp mechanism engaged with the first end for securing the crossbar to the first rail. The assembly further includes a second clamp mechanism engaged with the second end for securing the crossbar to the second rail. Each clamp mechanism includes at least first and second jaws having an associated one of first and second rail gripping surfaces for gripping one of the rails when an actuator is moved to an actuated position. Each clamp mechanism further includes a biasing mechanism capable of urging the first jaw away from the second jaw when the actuator is moved to a non-actuated position.

A mounting platform attached to a vehicle by existing openings and holes in a truck bed. A base portion having an L-clamp or bolt assembly registered and bolted to the vehicle and is securely held to the bed rails of a pick-up truck. Two formed metal vertical uprights or supports are attached to the base portion. A platform portion is attached to the two upright vertical forms or supports. The mounting platform is used to mount accessories such as light bars, emergency lights, spot lights, antennas, or any other accessory. The mounting platform may be easily installed and removed from the vehicle without any damage or modification to the vehicle and without drilling any additional holes in the vehicle.

A cargo support system and cargo support rails therefor are provided. The cargo support rails include a tubular wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends. The tubular wall includes a plurality of carbon fibers and a fibrous mat bonded to one another by a cured resin.

A cargo support system and cargo support rails therefor are provided. The cargo support rails include a tubular wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends. The tubular wall includes a plurality of carbon fibers and a fibrous mat bonded to one another by a cured resin.

A disclosed component for a motor vehicle includes a component main body, with at least one reinforcing element integrated in a component matrix of the component main body. The at least one reinforcing element may be fastened to the component main body. The component for a motor vehicle has a high component stability, is able to be manufactured with relatively low production costs and enables integration of functional components. The component includes the reinforcing element as a band with a plastics matrix and embedded unidirectionally oriented continuous fibers. A method for manufacturing such a component is also disclosed.

A disclosed component for a motor vehicle includes a component main body, with at least one reinforcing element integrated in a component matrix of the component main body. The at least one reinforcing element may be fastened to the component main body. The component for a motor vehicle has a high component stability, is able to be manufactured with relatively low production costs and enables integration of functional components. The component includes the reinforcing element as a band with a plastics matrix and embedded unidirectionally oriented continuous fibers. A method for manufacturing such a component is also disclosed.

A vehicle load carrier includes a load carrying bar. The load carrying bar has a height, a width, and a length and includes a channel having a width, a height, and a length. The channel has a channel floor portion, first and second channel walls, an opening, and a cover arranged to seal a portion of said opening. The channel further includes a first entrance for introducing a fastening member of a load carrying bar accessory. The vehicle load carrier further includes a first end piece arranged to seal said first entrance of said channel. The vehicle load carrier has a tapered lead-in portion at said first entrance to facilitate entry of said fastening member into said channel.

A vehicle load carrier includes a load carrying bar. The load carrying bar has a height, a width, and a length and includes a channel having a width, a height, and a length. The channel has a channel floor portion, first and second channel walls, an opening, and a cover arranged to seal a portion of said opening. The channel further includes a first entrance for introducing a fastening member of a load carrying bar accessory. The vehicle load carrier further includes a first end piece arranged to seal said first entrance of said channel. The vehicle load carrier has a tapered lead-in portion at said first entrance to facilitate entry of said fastening member into said channel.

A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.

A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.