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.

Image of the 2012 Chariot CX 1 child carrier for use as a baby jogger-baby stroller, bike trailer, ski pulk and more when used with the Chariot CTS conversion kits.

Image of the 2012 Chariot CX 2 two-seat child carrier for use as a double baby jogger-double baby stroller, 2 child bike trailer, ski pulk and more when used with the Chariot CTS conversion kits.

Recently purchased by the Thule Group (parent company of Thule Racks), Chariot Carriers represent the pinnacle of premium, deluxe child, infant and baby transport solutions. Featuring the proprietary CTS (Child Transport System) conversion kits, each basic Chariot carrier (also called a chassis) can combine with any of the various CTS Conversion Kits to serve as a baby jogger, baby stroller, child bike trailer, ski pulk shuttle or hiking tow-behind trailer. The Chariot CX 1 child carrier and the Chariot CX 2 child carrier are the top-of-the-line models, delivering the utmost in luxurious comfort, efficiency and ease of use, as well as high-performance. The CX 1 and CX 2 models both work with all the Chariot Carriers CTS conversion kits – simply attach the CTS Strolling Kit for a single or double baby stroller; the CTS Jogging Kit for a single or double baby jogger; CTS Cycling Kit for a one or two child bike trailer; CTS Cross Country Ski Kit for a ski pulk to tow one or two children while nordic skiing or snowshoeing; CTS Hiking Kit for towing behind you the CX 1 or CX 2 while hiking with the family. Besides the conversion kits, many Chariot Carrier accessories are also available.

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: 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’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 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 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.