Thule Base Rack System Customer Reviews
66 Customer Reviews
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When the great outdoors starts calling your name, the Thule Base Rack System makes it easy to answer. It converts the dead space on top of your vehicle into a sturdy platform for mounting Thule's entire range of carriers. Whether you're into skiing, kayaking, surfing, or just road-tripping, the Thule Roof Rack is the perfect base for hauling all your toys.
Thule takes the guesswork out of equipping your vehicle with this professional-grade rooftop rack. The experts at Thule have created custom systems for just about every vehicle on the road. All Thule Base Rack Systems come with properly sized crossbars, tight-gripping feet, and all the hardware you need for a fast installation.
For maximum strength and durability, your Thule Roof Rack System's crossbars and feet are built from galvanized steel. And, they're coated with a layer of rubber to prevent scuffing your gear. Thule racks even come with in-depth installation instructions for an easy, no-drill mount. Lifetime Warranty.
66 Customer Reviews
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Reviewed by Daniel J (Pottsboro, TX) Reviewed for a 2012 Ford F-250 — Mar 11, 2013 9:38 AM
Ordered these from AutoEverything and couldn't be happier. Have hauled my kayak several hundred miles already. They fit perfectly on my Ford F250 Super Duty pickup. They seem to be very sturdy and well made. Only complaint is the instructions that came with the system. It is actually very simple to install, but the instructions made it seem very dificult. If were not for an amature video I found on line, it would have been much more difficult to install.
Reviewed by Robert N (GARLAND, TX) Reviewed for a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Jan 27, 2013 10:34 AM
easy install with the correct kit for my factory installed rails. Just make sure to measure the distance from the front to insure minimum wind noise. great help from customer service during purchase as the online chat insured all went well!
Reviewed by Larry P (Northampton, PA) Reviewed for a 2005 Pontiac G6 — Dec 27, 2012 8:13 AM
The Thule rack system seems of good quality and time will tell how they hold up. I was a bit dissapointed some of the incedental plastic pieces broke from the cold already. There is alot of wind noise but I imagine that is just the nature of a roof rack.
Reviewed by Ryan D (PHOENIX, AZ) Reviewed for a 2009 Subaru Forester — Dec 04, 2012 7:58 AM
After hours of research I had narrowed my choice down to the Yakima Whispbar and the Thule Aeroblade crossbars for my '09 Subaru Forester. I went with the Thule because the 47" bars offered more real estate for attachments and a much higher load capacity. They were easy to install and look great, but the feet whistle at 30+ mph. Not as noticeable with the sunroof closed & radio on but for claiming to be the quietest on the market and a $300 price tag...
Reviewed by Matthew S (STONINGTON, CT) Reviewed for a 2012 Ford Focus — Nov 25, 2012 8:23 PM
Instructions work well enough. Was able to get everything assembled and installed for the first time with little hassle in under 2hrs. Just make sure you use a tape measure with the bars and it will work out fine. Next time around will be much quicker since every thing is good to go. Thule is very high quality.
Reviewed by Andrew M (VICKSBURG, MS) Reviewed for a 2009 Volkswagen GTI — Nov 17, 2012 8:39 PM
The Thule pads and roof bars are well-made and secure. But first time set-up and fitting is a major effort - plan on spending much of an afternoon. The instructions area bit cryptic. The new aero bars are great. I did not hear any whistling or moaning while driving on the freeway.
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Asked by Anonymous
Apr 14, 2013 1:04 PM
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1 Answer
What is the length of the Aeroblades; 43in 47in or 53in?
Answered by Nathan S. — Apr 18, 2013 4:53 PM
Hi, It varies depending on the width of your car.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2013 11:21 AM
2012 Honda Odyssey
1 Answer
I am in need of factory roof rails AND the crossbar system. I, like some other inquiries below, and confused as to what detailed items are included. I want to be sure that I am buying the right items and not making additional purchases elsewhere. Please explain.
Answered by Nathan S. — Mar 04, 2013 8:32 AM
Hi, Essentially you need what is known as a "base rack" system. It will attach to the roof of your van and will add crossbars for accessories.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2013 1:40 PM
2000 Honda Accord
1 Answer
I don't see the specs here.......
Answered by Nathan S. — Mar 01, 2013 8:22 AM
Hi, The Thule Base Rack System should be just fine.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Feb 17, 2013 9:55 AM
2007 Honda Civic
1 Answer
I cannot find anywhere on the purchase page, that completely describes what is in the Kit. Can you please tell me in detail what is in the Kit #480R/ARB53/KIT1425. I'm assuming 4 bases, 2 aero blades, and 4 clamps that go around the roof of car to clamp under door? So the only extra thing I would need is locks?
Answered by Nathan S. — Feb 18, 2013 10:26 AM
Hi, The Thule Base Rack System is a full kit with lock cylinders being an optional accessory.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Jan 16, 2013 6:30 PM
2003 Subaru Legacy
1 Answer
How do the Thule Lock Cylinders work? How are they used? I see they come in pairs. Does 1 pair lock 1 item on the front and back cross bars?
Answered by Nathan S. — Jan 17, 2013 7:54 AM
Hi, They are for your Thule system that can accept lock cylinders. They use a key, just lock a normal lock to keep your gear from leaving the rack. How many lock cylinders you need depends on how many corners you need to lock.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Jan 15, 2013 1:55 PM
2012 Jeep Liberty
1 Answer
My 2012 jeep liberty does not have the rails with a space between the rail and the roof rather it has the solid rail. What type of rails might you have that would work with solid rail. I will be carrying a 65 lbs canoe
Answered by Nathan S. — Jan 15, 2013 2:43 PM
Hi Carl, When is says "With factory roof rails" it refers to the two solid rails that only run the length of the Jeep. If you have a pair of these rails on your roof, this product is meant to fit on it.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2012 8:29 AM
2010 Honda CR-V
0 Answers
please let me know the item number of this product Complete roof rack system with aero blade bars
Asked by Anonymous
Sep 30, 2012 4:06 PM
2011 Chevy Impala
0 Answers
i need to know what the spread is between the bars in the thule basic rack so i can order the correct luggage carrier size for my chevy impala 2011 lt sedan?
Asked by Anonymous
Sep 29, 2012 9:36 PM
2008 Lexus IS 250
0 Answers
Does this package include the Classic square bars, or your choice of the AeroBlade Bars?
Asked by Anonymous
Sep 25, 2012 6:58 PM
2010 Ford Explorer
0 Answers
Can you help me? I need a roof rack sistem ( aero blade prefered ) and I could not find it. Is it posible. I think that it is similar to the ford explorer. Thanks
Asked by Anonymous
Sep 13, 2012 10:29 AM
2009 Jeep Wrangler
0 Answers
We have a 2009 jeep wrangler x with removable hardtop. Can the base rack system be used on this vehicle to carry kayaks? Vehicle also has removable tops.
Asked by Anonymous
Aug 13, 2012 4:09 PM
2006 Hyundai Elantra
1 Answer
Will this base rack system work for the roof of my vehicle?
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Aug 13, 2012 4:29 PM
Hello. Yes, the Thule base rack system will fit on your '06 Elantra with the flush rails. Hope that helps.
flagAsked by dopnna m.
Aug 05, 2012 4:24 AM
2010 Jeep Liberty
1 Answer
will this attach to the flush roof rails?
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Aug 06, 2012 11:29 AM
Hello. The Thule Base Rack System will fit onto your factory roof rails, just select the option on the drop-down. Hope this helps.
flagAsked by dopnna m.
Aug 04, 2012 11:56 AM
2010 Jeep Liberty
0 Answers
my jeep liberty has the flat roof rails,would this work with that. I haven';t found anything that attaches to the flat roof rails.
Asked by Anonymous A.
Aug 03, 2012 2:14 PM
1 Answer
Hello. I own a 2010 Range Rover Sport. It did not come with a rack or rails. Does the Thule Base Rack System come with rack and rails or just crossbars? Thank you.
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Aug 03, 2012 2:28 PM
Hello. The Thule base rack system will work with your 2010 Range Rover Sport with a bare roof. The Thule base rack system comes in two styles. One comes with standard bars and the other comes with a set of more aerodynamic bars. Hope this helps.
flagAsked by Chad G.
Jul 29, 2012 10:52 PM
2011 Honda Insight
0 Answers
My roof has nothing on t. Will this work with my car to carry surfboards?
Asked by brenda h.
Jul 20, 2012 2:54 PM
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
0 Answers
do these fit on 2012 jetta sport wagon tdi
Asked by Anonymous A.
Jul 20, 2012 1:27 PM
1 Answer
I'm wanting to carry golf clubs in an old Sears cargo carrier on top of a 2012 Infiniti J35 crossover. I think it has the factory rack installed. Do I need an additional rack?
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jul 20, 2012 1:57 PM
Thank you for your inquiry. You need to have crossbars that run from side-to-side on your vehicle. The Thule Base Rack System will fulfill those requirements.
flagAsked by bill f.
Jul 16, 2012 10:48 AM
2012 Mazda 3
1 Answer
Want to buy a roof rack for a 2012 Mazada 3 5door hatchback with sunroof. Anticipate carrying snowboards this winter. Thought I would start witht the basic roof rack system and then later buy the specific equipment to carry the snowboard. What do you recommend and why? thanks bill
Answered by Nathan S. — Jul 17, 2012 11:02 AM
Thule is the most popular brand of roof accessories that we offer and for good reason. Its really hard to beat the quality and durability of a Thule product. They do command a higher price but we do offer them at the lowest price online with our price match guarantee. If the price still is too high, we offer systems by Yakima and Inno which are also high quality brands for a lower price.
flagAsked by Jim K.
Jul 12, 2012 6:06 PM
2006 Mini Cooper
0 Answers
I have a 2006 mini cooper s. What is the minimum roof size before the short roof adapter is needed? Thanks, Jim
Asked by Anonymous A.
Jul 10, 2012 1:30 PM
1 Answer
What is maximum cargo weight that the rack can support?
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jul 10, 2012 1:50 PM
Hello. The max cargo weight is about 300 lbs. Thank you for your question.
flagAsked by Anonymous A.
Jul 10, 2012 1:25 PM
1 Answer
How does design ensure that the roof will not get scratched, scuffed, marked, etc? Joe
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jul 10, 2012 1:35 PM
Hello Joe. The system has rubber feet on it where it would mount to the vehicle so as not to damage the roof. Thank you for your question.
flagAsked by Anonymous A.
Jul 10, 2012 10:47 AM
1 Answer
I have a 2011 Chevy Avalanche with bare roof and Yakima roof top carrier. I want to install a removable roof rack on the truck without fear of damaging/ marking up the roof. I saw the Thule Base Rack with aero dynamic bars on your site, and it appears this would work for my Avalanche, but want to be 100% sure. Can you please confirm: Will the Thule Base Rack fit on my 2011 Avalanche? If not, do you have a roof rack that will work? I want to ensure it works, because would be costly to ship back to you.
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jul 10, 2012 1:15 PM
The Thule system will not work on your vehicle. I would advise using the Rhino Rack 2500 Base Rack System with the same Aero style bars. This is designed for your 2011 Chevy Avalanche specifically.
flagAsked by Justin P
Jul 07, 2012 7:34 PM
2012 Toyota Highlander
0 Answers
My vehicle didn't come with rail system. I was wondering how this thule rack secure to my roof? thankx.
Asked by james h.
Jun 26, 2012 5:00 AM
2012 Ford Flex
1 Answer
2012 ford flex do both models of crossbars make noise?
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jul 06, 2012 1:59 PM
Hello James. All crossbars make some noise, usually a faint whistling sound, when not in use. You have to really keep an ear out for it or else the sound will disappear after a while of getting used to it. I have these exact Thule racks and I don't even notice the whistle anymore. Hope that helps!
flagAsked by d p.
Jun 15, 2012 11:52 AM
0 Answers
I had Thule crossbars put on my 2005 Jeep Liberty so I could haul my kayak....I want to move it and I can't figure out how? Could you tell me how to loosen the crossbars so I can move it further back on my roof?....
Asked by Anonymous A.
Jun 07, 2012 10:01 AM
1 Answer
Hello, I have an 2003 Audi A4 quattro sedan, no factory installed racks. I am interested in the Thule base roof rack and the Thule 682 Sidekick Roof Cargo Box. For the base roof rack, I was considering the aerodynamic bars, given frequent complaints about noise. Is the cargo box compatible with the aerodynamic bars? I may also be interested in a bike rack; which ones are compatible with the aerodynamic bars? Thanks.
Answered by Elizabeth C. — Jun 07, 2012 1:04 PM
Hello. The Thule base rack (with the aerodynamic bars) and Cargo box will work well together; however, mounting bike racks will require an additional adaptor. Thank you.
flagAsked by Anonymous
Jun 04, 2012 1:15 PM
2011 Toyota Tacoma
0 Answers
How many pounds does this rack resist ?
Asked by Mike K.
Jun 03, 2012 10:53 AM
2012 Kia Soul
0 Answers
I HAVE 2012 KIA SOUL WITHOUT A FACTORY RACK. HOW DOES IT MOUNT TO MY ROOF?
Asked by Mike K.
Jun 03, 2012 10:52 AM
2012 Kia Soul
0 Answers
I HAVE 2012 KIA SOUL WITHOUT A FACTORY RACK. HOW DOES IT MOUNT TO MY ROOF?
Asked by Susan O.
May 15, 2012 6:14 AM
2000 Volkswagen Beetle
0 Answers
How far apart should the crossbars be installed on a 2000 VW Beetle (hardtop)?
Asked by T S.
Apr 23, 2012 2:43 PM
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
1 Answer
Is this roof rack made in the USA? Or this this an import?
Answered by Michael K. — Apr 23, 2012 3:01 PM
Hey T.S., according to Thule, which is based in Sweden, over 80% of their products are made in the USA.
flagAsked by T S.
Apr 23, 2012 2:02 PM
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
1 Answer
Why do I need to buy Thule Lock Cylinders? How do they work?
Answered by Michael K. — Apr 23, 2012 2:47 PM
Hi T.S., you don't "need" the locks, but they keep your racks secured to your roof to protect your valuable gear from thieves. They are designed to slide right into the fastener spots on the rack and lock/unlock with the included key - highly recommended!
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