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.

Picture of broken Yakima Q Tower, need replacement parts

Q: I am looking for the plastic base and the two side pieces for this Yakima Q tower. In the picture is the complete q tower with the incomplete base to the left side. Is it possible the base with side covers for this Q tower?

A:    That is an older model Q tower where the sides and base were removable. On the new version they are not. We do not have access to the sides and bases anymore. You could try contacting Yakima directly at 888 925 4621, or you can purchase a stripped Q tower here, http://parts.orsracksdirect.com/yakima  part number 8880048

Q: What is the difference between part number 8880048 an Yakima part # 8810143?

A:  The 8880048 is the stripped tower, without the cam cover or p-ball fastener (the screw). 8810143 is the complete tower. I figured since you were only looking for the plastic parts that the stripped tower would save you a few dollars

Q: Can the Thule 480 Traverse 50″ bars be used on the Subaru and if so, what else is needed? Also, is the Malone universal cross bars set compatible with the 2011 Subaru?

A: We have several racks that will fit your vehicle but unfortunately the Thule 480 is not one of them. You can use the Thule 450 CrossRoads System , which will grab onto the Subaru raised rail. This will give you the best bar spread (up to 42”) and carry up to 165lbs. The 450 system also will fit just about any other raised rail on another vehicle. Or if you have a Forester without any rail/crossbar then you can use the Thule 460 Podium System , which mounts to the same place a Subaru rack would and this gives you 28” (it’s stuck there, will not move) but it does carry up to 165lbs.

The Malone System will work also work on your Forester, but it does not have the same range of fit for other makes and models of cars.

Q: Current Vehicle: 2001 VW Jetta (IV) – Future Vehicle: 2011 VW Golf (VI)

I am currently looking at getting Thule cross bars for my car (480R Foot Pack, RB47 Rapid Aero Bars, KIT 1051, 871XT Fairing 38”); however, I am also considering getting a new car in the next year or so. When I look up the parts that are recommended for the new car, I see that I would need a new fit kit (KIT 1323), aero bars (RB53), and possibly a new fairing (both the 871XT and the 872XT 44” are listed). My question is two fold: is it possible to install longer aero bars (putting the RB53’s on the 2001 Jetta) then recommended (I have seen many cars with longer square bars, but I am less familiar with how the aero bars are assembled), and do you know if the 44” fairing would fit on my current car?

A: Because of the way the Rapid Aero bars connect to the foot–via a channel located at the end of the bar–you cannot get a longer bar than what is listed as fitting your vehicle because the connection channels would be too far apart to settle into the tabs on the top of foot. As far as the fairing, you generally can go up or down a size without too much trouble. It just might look a little funny.

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’m looking for suggestions on what rack you would recommend as a hitch rack for carbon road bikes?

A:  My go to rack in this category is the Thule 916XTR T2, $395.95. Part of that is simply because I am and have always been a Thule gal. But I do also like the design and features of the T2. That being said, the Yakima HoldUp, $377.10, has many of the same features as the T2 including the ability to add a 2 bike add on to carry 4 bikes.

I am least familiar with the Saris 4239 Thelma 3, $332.99, and I am not all that impressed with the look of the plastic wheel trays. But I am sure it is still a great rack and it is the least expensive option.

Q:  I have two vehicles, a 2003 VW Passat Wagon and a 2007 Volvo XC 90. I’m looking to equip them with a Thule system, and both have factory rails–so I believe I’ll require the Thule Crossroads 450.  However, I’m unsure whether the 50″ or the 58″ Thule load bars will be sufficient, or will I need  different size bars to accommodate the VW and Volvo?

A:  Yes, both vehicles will use the Thule 450 CrossRoad Roof Rack System. It is true that the Volvo takes the 58” load bars and the VW takes the 50” bars. However, you could still use the 58” bars on the VW if you don’t mind the extra 4 inches on either side.

And, while the Volvo does call for the 58” bars you may be able to trim them down once you mount them and see how they fit. Thule only lists the minimum bar length you can use, but since they only sell the bars in certain lengths it is possible you could get away with something in between 50” and 58”. They are easy to cut down with a hack saw.

We also have a couple of 450 packages that include locks that will save you a bit of money if you were to buy the rack and locks separately since the racks do not come with the locks. One package comes with the 58” bars and one comes with the 50” bars.

Q:  I have a 2010 scion xb with a Yakima permanent mount rack system. I would like to add the wisp-bar rails.  Does Yakima offer a whispbar system for Yakima tracks?  Also which MightyMount would be needed to work with the higher?

A: Yes, we can get you a Whispbar Rack system to mount to the Yakima tracks you have permanently mounted on your 2010 Scion xB. First we need to get a little more information from you regarding the tracks and the particular style Whispbars you would like.

First, what is the measurement from center to center of the spread between the tracks? This information is necessary to  make sure you get the correct length Whispbar cross bars.  You also need to choose which style Whispbar cross bars you would like. Here are your options:

Whispbar Flush Bar Roof Rack – This option is the cleanest look as the bar ends are enclosed in the feet.

Whispbar Through Bar Roof Rack – This option has the bars extending out past the feet by a few inches on either side. This option will give you a little more bar area to mount whatever it is you want to mount (ski, bike, kayak carriers, etc).

Whispbar HD Bar Roof Rack – This is a beefier bar that works the same as the Through Bars, but have the potential to carry more weight (up to 220 lbs vs. 150 lbs for the other bars), but this is dependent on the vehicle. Since your application is not an official fit, we cannot quote an increased capacity.

And lastly you would need the K450 fit kit. The fit kits are included in the above mentioned complete systems, but you would just need to request this particular fit kit for your application.

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 am trying to find my options on roof racks. Two questions:

(1) Trying to figure out if the Yakima RailGrab kit actually will fit on to the factory rail on my 2008 Buick Enclave CXL. Yakima site says yes. But some Internet postings disagree. Have you had experience with this vehicle?

(2) If I do go ahead with the Yakima setup, I have a pair of Thule Ski Racks, is there an adapter which would allow me to use the Thule Ski Racks on Yakima Round Cross Bars?

A: Yes the Yakima Railgrab is listed as fitting the ’08 Enclave using the small claws that are included.  I have no personal experience with this vehicle, but here is the fit guide limits and bar size:

And most Thule racks that are made after say 2003 will fit to Yakima bars, if older then you may need to try and source a discontinued Thule adapter called the FM1.