Q: I’m hoping you can help me out, I’m looking to order a Thule 430 rack to mount to the bed cover for my Tacoma. With this, I have a few question I hope you can help me with.
A: We’ve had folks use 430 System on hard covers, so what you are doing is not unusual, but make sure you can still remove/fold you cover if you mount a track to it. An alternative is available, you could use the through bolt TK13 as a point load and avoid using a track.
Q: For flexibility, I was thinking of mounting the TB60 on the bed. In listening to your video online about the TB60, you mentioned cutting the rails which I think I’ll need to do. Would it be possible for you to cut the rails for me? I can cut it if needed but figure you have better tools to get a cleaner cut. I do understand that this will void the warranty or capabilities to return it.
A: We could indeed cut, but they are pretty easy to go through with a hack saw (which is what we use), so I’d say you’d be better served by getting them and custom fitting to your truck yourself.
Q: I’m trying to decide on what bike rack to use, it is between the Echelon for a fork mount or the Side Arm for tire mount. I’d rather keep the tire on but concerned about the overall length along with lateral stress on the bed cover. I only have about 63 inches of usable space on the bed cover and I run 29er MTBs which is longer (front tire to back tire) then that. I don’t mind the bike hanging a little over the end of the bed but do not want the rack over it. The Echelon will definitely fit fine but was wondering how long is the SideArm rack. I could not find the spec anywhere. Also, how long from the front of the rack (the track) back to the bar mounting point is it? Thinking I can mount the rack backwards, handle bars towards the back, so to give the locking arm room rather then it being restricted by the cab.
A: The SideArm tray is 54” long, but you can move the mounting hardware on it, so that makes attachment points adjustable. So I see no reason to not go with the Sidearm given that you seem to desire to keep the front wheels on!
Q: I’m also looking at the Aero bar version, with the right Xadapter, can you mount other manufacture bike racks (primarily Yakima) to the Aero bars or would you need to use adapter from Yakima to mount to those bars?
A: Personally I’d avoid the Rapid version of Thule for this application as the rapid bars have a limited length slot in the bottom of the bar, to which the footing mounts. This makes it hard to custom fit and pick the right bar length, and other than that many Yakima carriers will not be adapter without substantial modifications.
I’m also looking at the Aero bar version, with the right Xadapter, can you mount other manufacture bike racks (primarily Yakima) to the Aero bars or would you need to use adapter from Yakima to mount to those bars?
