Now available from Thule Racks are the 480 / 480R Traverse Fit Kits - 1625 for 2012 Audi A7 RS7 S7 Sportback, 1629 for 2011-2012 Kia Optima, 1633 for 2011-2012 Nissan Leaf, 1638 for 2012 Kia Cadenza, 1651 for 2012 Audi A6 S6, 1656 for 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In an ongoing effort to ensure many of the latest cars, vans and pickup trucks are compatible with Thule Racks roof rack systems, Thule is constantly testing, engineering and designing new components to fit new vehicles. Thule has recently released new Thule Fit Kits for use with the 480 Traverse and 480R Rapid Traverse car racks. The latest Fit Kits are the Thule 1656 Fit Kit for 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory racks and 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (bare rooftop) SUV models, Thule 1651 Fit Kit for 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Audi S6 4-door sedan models, Thule 1638 Fit Kit for 2012 Kia Cadenza 4-door sedan model, Thule 1633 Fit Kit for 2011 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Nissan Leaf 5-door hatchback models, Thule 1629 Fit Kit for 2011 Kia Optima and 2012 Kia Optima 4-door sedan models and the Thule 1625 Fit Kit for 2012 Audi A7 Sportback, 2012 Audi RS7 Sportback and 2012 Audi S7 Sportback models.

Q:   I am looking for the Thule Aero Rapid 400XTR to fit my 2011 Nissan Versa Hatch back. I’m not exactly sure what parts to get or is there a kit? I would like to know what are the different options. I am looking to mainly carry 2 bikes on the roof for now, but possibly a kayak or snow board in the future or maybe even some kind of cargo container.  Is there attachment for the items i mentioned? Also i am interested in the air deflector or an air dam if that’s what it’s called. I appreciate any answers you could provide for me.

A: Thule is phasing out the 400XT system and they no longer have, or even list, the fit kit required for your 2011 Nissan Versa hatchback.

However, we recommend going with their newer 480 Traverse (includes 480 Traverse foot pack, 1376 fit kit and LB50 traditional square load bars) or 480R Rapid Traverse (includes 480R Rapid Traverse foot pack, 1376 fit kit and their new ARB53 AeroBlade load bars) Roof Rack Systems which replace the 400XT system. Since these are current systems they will have a longer lifespan and give you more options for switching between future vehicles.

The new AeroBlade bars are more aerodynamic and quieter than the square bars and do not need the fairing that you also asked about.

There are several options for carrying bikes, skis & snowboards, kayaks, etc once you have a base rack.

ORS Racks Direct has just announced the release of an all-new Super Sale Closeouts and Clearance area on the website. As a division of ORS Direct, it benefits from having access to a broad range of additional categories besides car racks, truck racks and gear carrier accessories. Also sold through its partner websites are other outdoor equipment, clothing and apparel such as cross country skis, backcountry-telemark skis, boots, bindings, poles, snowshoes, Chariot baby joggers-baby strollers, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and much more. Now, after several months of engineering and development, the company is now able to feature a large inventory of discounted products across all partner website platforms. For further information please visit the pressreleases below…

http://www.prleap.com/pr/185034/

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9154994.htm

247pressrelease Super Sale at ORS Racks Direct

Q: Do I understand I need the foot pack and the square rails to attach one of your cargo carriers to my Infiniti EX35?  Can you also give me your best fit for my car – 3 moderate sized pieces of luggage.

A:  Does your Infiniti have factory raised side rails or a naked roof? And just to clarify, are you looking for a luggage box or a cargo basket?

Q:  I have the raised roof rails and I would like an aero luggage box.

A: The Thule Altantis 1600 ought to have enough room for three suitcases with a bit to spare. Dimensions: 74″(L) x 36″(W) x 16.3″(H). We have plenty of other shapes and sizes available.

And yes, you do need to get some kind of crossbars between those roof rails to  use a box. Take a look at the Thule 450R system – the new aerodynamic crossbar shape is quieter than square bars.

Q: I have the factory crossbars (packed away) but they are fixed at 19″ spacing, hence the interest in the Thule system.  I assume the Thule system will elevate the box to clear the factory spoiler.

A: You will get a few inches of elevation with the 450R. To be sure about spoiler clearance, you may need to do some measurements, but the mounting hardware on the boxes allows for some fore/aft adjustment to prevent hatch interference.

Q:  I currently drive a 2011 Honda Fit Sport.  On the 2007 Nissan Sentra, which I no longer own, I bought online a Fit Kit. I already have the bars, etc. I just needed a Kit to match with the bars, intended for 2011 Honda Fit. The following link, http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-racks-2180-fitkit-honda-fit-roof-rack.html, is what I found, thus I ordered them originally.

I am confused with the 2 Fit Kits you mentioned below, each having their respective systems. If the above link is no longer valid, suggest to update it accordingly to redirect to the appropriate model, system applicable to date.

Pardon me asking, why would there be 2 Fit Kits of different systems? What is the correct item for my 2011 Honda Fit Sport?

In closing, please ship out the vehicle specific rack systems with the fit guides developed by our vendors for approved an tested fits applicable for my 2011 Honda Fit Sport.

A: The link to the 2180 fit kit you found which stated it is for the Honda Fit is for the Honda Fit model years 2007–2008. Your Honda Fit, being a 2011, requires a different fit kit.

The reason there are two different fit kits is because Thule made two different rack systems for the Honda Fit. Please review the following links and let us know which is the system that matches what you had on your 2007 Nissan Sentra. The Thule 400XT Aero Foot Pack or the Thule 480 Traverse Foot Pack.

Once you have confirmed this then we can make sure you get the correct fit kit for the system you currently have that you want to now put on your Honda Fit.

Q: I would like the dual kayak system as shown in the  picture below for my 2010 GMC Canyon 4 Door Crew Cab. Can you please provide a required material list?

A: Here is what you will need for this set up on your 2010 GMC Canyon 4 door crew cab:

Thule 480 Traverse Half Pack Rack (includes 480 Traverse half foot pack, single LB58 load bar & 1461 fit kit) – This will be the single bar that will mount to the top of your truck cab.

Thule 997 GoalPost T-Bar Hitch Rack – This is the rear bar that will attach to your receiver hitch.

Thule 883 Glide & Set Kayak Rack x 2 – These are the kayak saddles and tie downs.

Q: I purchased a Thule rack system little over 2 years ago and I noticed that the Thule Tracker II feet I have are very loose on the pin. Is this normal? It seems to be getting worse, too. At first it was just one set about a year ago, now the other 2 are just as wobbly. They seem very loose on the  pins and rock forward and backward very easily, even though they are locked on. Shouldn’t they fit snug and tight?? I am concerned they will come loose and I will lose my rack AND my gear!Is there anything you can do for this?

A: They do tend to loosen a bit over time. Are they loose with the bar on them? If so you probably need to tighten the bolt that applies pressure to the bar itself, that should stop some of the wobble. I have never seen or heard of one releasing. They are meant to have some degree of adjustability to them. As long as you cannot pull them off without engaging the release button you should be fine.

Q: I own a Mercedes Benz GLK 350 2010 with factory crossbars and would like to install a Thule 599 big mouth rack. Will the bike rack fit on my factory crossbars?
A: The online fit guides don’t showing a version of your car with factory crossbars, just side rails (you should be able to use the Thule 599 if the crossbars are present) – so I checked with Thule and sure enough they said there is a OEM bar option that you probably have and you can use the Thule 599 Big Mouth with your 2010 Mercedes Benz GLK 350. If you didn’t have the optional crossbars, you could have gone with a Thule 450 or 450r system as a base rack and then add accessories for four seasons.

Q:  Is there a recommended roof rack system, a fixed rack system,  for a 2011 nissan rogue s  with naked roof?

A:  Yes, we do have a roof rack system for your 2011 Nissan Rogue. I would recommend either of the two options below. The only difference is the bar style. The second one is a more modern design and might better suit your vehicle and your style if you are into that.

 Thule 480 Traverse Roof Rack System, (includes 480 Travers foot pack, LB58 load bars and 1587 fit kit).

Thule 480R Rapid Traverse Roof Rack, (includes 480R Travers foot pack, ARB53AeroBlade bars and 1587 fit kit).

 But then I noticed that you mentioned “fixed system”. Do you mean you want to permanently drill into the roof of your vehicle and do a permanent rack system? If that is the case then you have a couple of other options noted below.

 Thule 460 Podium Roof Rack System, (includes 460 Podium foot pack, LB58 load bars and TK14 attachment points). With this system, the four attachment points are fixed in place. Here are the installation instructions for this system.

Thule 460R Rapid Podium Car Rack, (includes 460 Podium foot pack, LB58 load bars and TK14 attachment points). Same system as above with the AeroBlade bars.

 Another option is to mount a set of Thule TP54 54″ Tracks and then one of the two above mentioned 460(R) systems (but instead of the TK14 you will get the TK1). This option is a little more versatile since it allows you to slide and adjust the distance between cross bars from front to back. Here are the installation instructions for this system.

Q:  I have a 2010 Ford Flex with a Vista roof.  Want to carry skis .  Not sure if I want a Thule “bin” style carrier, or an actual ski clamp. Nothing on the car right now, but appears to have channels to fit something.  Have read various website forums, where Ford does not recommend putting anything on a Vista roof (huge sunroof)….but everybody does it. Would love some direction.

A: First you will need a base rack system. Thule lists their 480 Traverse Roof Rack System (includes 480 Traverse foot pack, LB58 load bars and 1518 fit kit) as compatible with your 2010 Ford Flex with dual sunroofs (assuming this is the same as the Vista roof). As for whether to go with a cargo box (bin?) or a ski rack, that is personal preference, but here are some things to consider: Obviously the ski rack is going to be much cheaper than a cargo box. On the order of $300+.

If you want a classic ski rack, our best value at the moment is the Thule 91725 Universal Flat Top ski rack for $117.95.

However, the cargo box will hold more skis and other gear and will keep your gear safe from the elements, including road salt. And you can use it all year round for other gear such as fishing rods, camping gear, etc, etc. They install in a matter of just a couple of minutes so you can easily remove it when you don’t want it on the car.

I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix with an Thule Atlantis 1200 on it.

2005 Toyota Matrix with Thule Atlantis 1200 Roof Box

Very useful and looks great.

You can also read a similar Q&A regarding this very same circumstance here.