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 just bought a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the stock flush rails. I was wondering if you guys have any advice for rack system. Thule vs Yakima. I can’t find too much info. It seems like the flush roof rails are somewhat limiting in how far you can spread the bars. I need a rack for carrying bikes and a travel box, but also a single rowing shell. The single is about 28′ long, but only weighs 35#. It comes with a boat carrier and some heavy duty, C-shaped clamps. I have put the boat carrier on Subaru factory aero bars, and it put some dents in the bars. I did use it on an older rack with the square Thule bars without problem. I was thinking of going with the Thule RB47′s, but any thoughts would be appreciated.

A: Your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the factory installed flush rails can accept either the Thule 460R Rapid Podium Roof Rack System (includes 460R Rapid Podium foot pack, RB47 cross bars and 4019 fit kit) or the 480R Rapid Traverse Roof Rack System (includes the 480R Traverse Rapid foot pack, RB47 cross bars and 1656 fit kit). The 480R system does attach to the door jams (which you do not want) and only have a weight capacity of 130lbs. While the 460R attaches to the factory rails and have a weight rating of 165lbs. So it sounds like the 460R would be the better choice for you. Unfortunately, I cannot find a maximum spread on the 460R system from Thule.

Another option if you want the ultimate in versatility and best bar spread is to install a set of Thule TP54 54″ Thule Tracks to the roof of your Jeep and then use the Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II Roof rack System (includes 430R Rapid foot pack, RB47 cross bars and TK1 fit kit) on the tracks. The tracks do require drilling into the top of your Jeep’s roof. Here are the instructions to give you an idea of what is involved.

The cargo box and rowing shell carrier will fit on the Rapid Aero bars. I am not sure what bike racks you have so cannot say about those, but if they were on your Subaru with the factory bars then they will also fit onto the Rapid Aero bars.

Q: I’m looking to install a Yakima rack on a 4 door 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Here’s question 1. What is the maximum weight load that I can put on the racks? At the most I would be carrying two Kayaks and 2 mountain bikes at the same time. Question(s) 2. I get the impression from looking at your site info that there are two approaches to installing a Yakima rack. One uses a track which is mounted to the fiberglass top to which the towers are mounted on. The other seems to use landing pads which get mounted directly to the roof. Assuming this is true, it seems the track approach provides more flexibility since you can move the towers to adjust the distance between the bars. In comparison using the landing pads mean once you select the position, you cannot change it. Is this true? And lastly, without seeing more detail of the CapNut hardware, I’m not sure how this works (e.g., how big are the holes and how many do you have to drill?, how big are the bolts?, how are they tightened?). Can you provide a little more description? Once I drill holes in the fiberglass roof, I won’t be able to undrill them and want to be sure they will be secure relative to mechanical loading, be H20 proof, and if necessary, replaceable. Should I worry about cracking or splitting emanating from the holes?

A: Unfortunately this is a difficult vehicle to install a rack upon to provide a lot of weight capacity. And in fact, Yakima does not give any indication of weight limits to I cannot give you any maximum load level. Yakima has two suggested options, first is using the 1A Raingutter System but to only mount on the rear door gutter for 24’ of bar spread. Second, is to permanent mount with LP6 and a Control Tower System but even here they say to not mount on the removable t-top portion up front.

Here are the notes for the permanent install from Yakima:

Notes
405. Weight and load limits must be determined by the customer. Load limitations can vary depending on placement of Landing Pads and strength of material being attached to. Landing Pad 7 has a maximum weight rating up to 100lbs.
406. Do not install Landing Pads on the removable panel over the doors. Only install over the rear portion of the hardtop.
409. A factory installed luggage carrier will prohibit the installation of this application.
411. Landing Pads 6 and 7 are a permanent installation. Be sure to look at the CrossBar Spread Table to determine the correct distance between brackets for your loads.
412. A sunroof or moonroof will prohibit the installation of this application.
415. Fairing length may vary depending on location of Landing Pad installation. Measure the distance between your Yakima towers to determine an appropriate length.

There is a third viable options using tracks but please note Yakima provides no recommendations for use of a track, but we sell this option all day long for mounting into fiberglass truck caps. With tracks you need to drill 5 holes per track, they do provide silicon sealant and I’m not sure how to measure the hole but the bolt is about the thickness of a number 2 pencil, and maybe a inch and half long. I would overseal to prevent leakage, and to date have not heard of any roof cracking (one truck caps which they are used on a lot) or leakage or replacement issues, but since these are mechanical devices in a fiberglass roof then all are possibilites and none can be ruled out. I personally have drilled into my own truck cap back in 2004 with a Yakima track and have no issues but I would always worry somewhat about cracking or splitting emanating from the holes. I’ve inspected my cap every few years and see no signs of failure. Whether a Jeep top is of the same level of constructions I cannot answer.

Now Thule (a competing brand) offers a bit more leniency with weight ratings, in fact they say you can carry up to 165lbs, this is using their 300 Raingutter System with at least 58” bars.

So given your situation and what you want to carry, I say go Thule (at least you have their sanctioned fit) and avoid the drilling issues!

Q: I have had trouble finding cross bars for my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee due to the fact that the side rails require a crossbar that will lock down into it. Also, if you have a recommendation on a ski/snowboard rack that would fit the crossbars that would be great.

A: For your 2011 Grand Cherokee, check out the Thule 460 Podium Complete System (using Fit Kit 4019 and at least 58” load bars). This will use the specific Grand Cherokee fit kit to attach directly into your factory side rails.

As for a ski rack, the Thule 91726 is one great option. Or, we have a Inno INA 945 ski rack as another good choice at a great price!

Super shot of a Jeep Wrangler spare tire bike rack with the Yakima SpareTime spare tire bike rack for two bikes.

Nice, sun soaked shot of a Jeep Wrangler Sahara spare tire bike rack using the Yakima SpareTime 2 rear spare tire mounted bike rack. The spare tire on the Jeep Wrangler interferes with hitch mounted bike racks, so here is a great solution for carrying two bikes safely and securely. 

More info for Jeep Wrangler spare tire mount bike rack.

Q: I have a 2007 Jeep Compass. Do you have a Kayak rack system that would
carry three kayaks on my roof?

A: You shouldn’t have any problem carrying three kayaks on your Compass. Do you currently have crossbars on the roof or do you just have the factory flush siderails?
If you don’t have crossbars, you’ll need them. I would recommend the Thule 460 Podium system. The Thule Fit Guide suggests the 50″ bars, but since you are carrying three boats, you may want to choose the 58″ bars to give you a bit more breathing room.
For kayak carriers, I’d suggest either a stacker or a J-style rack. These carriers position the boats on their side to save crossbar space. Thule Stackers are good for multiple boats, but best for smaller (12′ and under) lengths. If you choose the J-cradle design, which offer more support, I would recommend a folding style, such as the Thule 835Pro Hullaport.

Image of the all-new Yakima Racks RailGrab Jeep Roll Bars Roof Rack Kit for mounting the roll bars on Jeep Wrangler Soft Top models.

Superb news for owners of Jeep Wrangler Soft Top models. Yakima Racks now offers a roof rack cross rails system that mounts directly to the roll bars on the Jeep Wrangler. Called the Yakima RailGrab Jeep Roll Bars Roof Rack Kit, it includes a set of four Yakima RailGrab Towers and four large-size Claws as well as a pair of 58″ crossbars with end caps. The RailGrab Towers and large Claws quickly tighten down firmly on the Jeep Wrangler Soft Top roll bars using just an allen wrench, a far superior solution compared to options that require permanently installing a roof rack to the Jeep Wrangler roll bars. The Yakima RailGrab system also removes easily when not needed. And the included 58 inch Yakima round cross bars provide plenty of room for attaching all kinds of gear carrier configurations for transporting gear and equipment on Jeep adventures. The roof rack can easily lock to the Jeep roll bars using a 4 pack of Yakima locks and keys. As an added bonus, besides the large size RailGrab Claws, the system does also include all the other sizes of Claws to allow the rack to also install on any cars with factory side rails.

This 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee roof mounted basket for side rails is using the Thule 45050 Crossroads complete base rack sytem for factory side rails and the Thule 690XT M.O.A.B. cargo luggage basket.

Here’s a great looking rack set up from the hometown of yours truly.  This 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee roof rack system with cargo basket is using the Thule 45050 Crossroads base rack for factory siderails.  Mounted to the Thule crossbars is the Thule 690XT M.O.A.B. cargo luggage roof basket.  The Thule cargo basket is ready to transport just about anything, and with the integrated crossbars, most rooftop attachements, such as bike racks, skis racks, and kayak racks can be mounted to the basket. 

More info and installation details for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee roof rack with cargo basket.

Jeep Wrangler spare tire bike rack using the Yakima SpareTime spare tire mount bike rack for 2 bikes.

This Jeep Wrangler spare wheel bike rack is using the Yakima SpareTime spare tire mounted bike rack for two bikes.  The Yakima SpareTime bike rack mounts to most spare wheels and can carry up to two bikes.  Includes locking cable!

A spare tire rack is a great solution for carrying bikes on a Jeep Wrangler because the spare tire interferes with hitch mounted bike carriers.

More info on Jeep Wrangler SpareTime bike rack install page.

Picture of the all-new Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued Thule TK13 Tracker Kit (as the 430 / 430R Tracker II systems are discontinued and are replaced by the 460 / 460R Podium roof racks for applications such as permanent install racks, fixed-point racks, roof track racks, flush side rail racks, factory roof track racks etc.) The Thule 3113 Fit Kit is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces such Jeep Hard Top, camper shell, tonneau cover etc .)

Photo of the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on any pickup truck,van and car metal rooftop surfaces etc.

Thule Racks has completely overhauled the popular Thule 460 Podium Foot Pack and 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack and included many more Podium Fit Kits (previously the 460 / 460R Podium was only compatible with vehicle rooftop fixed-points) and now works on factory rack flush side rails, factory rack tracks and all Thule Tracks, as well as applications for permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces and sheet metal surfaces. Hence, the Podium system now replaces the discontinued Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack / 430R Tracker II Foot Pack and all TK Tracker Kits. The Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK13 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any fiberglass surfaces (applications include pickup truck camper shell, topper & truckbed cap roof racks, tonneau cover racks, Jeep Wrangler Hard Top roof racks etc.) Likewise, the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any sheet metal surfaces such as pickup truck, car and van metal rooftops etc.