A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Thule Roof Rack For Your Vehicle

Roof Rack Selector
A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Thule Roof Rack For Your Vehicle

Here at Thule Online, we strive to help you every step of the way. That's why we are introducing our very own guide to choosing the perfect Thule Roof Rack for your vehicle. This guide is intended to explain the ins and outs of Thule systems, from what each part is, what it does and why you need it, to the differences between Thule Bars (Square, Aero, Wing & Slide) and the advantages of each - allowing you to make your own decision as to what is most suited to your needs and your vehicle.

Parts That Make Up A Thule Roof Rack System
What are they? What do they do?

Generally, there are three parts required to form a complete Roof Rack System. These are:

• Roof Bars
  
• Foot Pack
• Fitting Kit

I'm sure the Roof Bars are self-explanatory, although these do come in different types. (See the next section.)

The Foot Pack consists of four loading mounts which will sit on your vehicles roof, 2 on either side, and form the 'mounts' for the end of each roof bar. The Foot Pack you require will be completely dependant on your vehicle and the shape of your roof, but they are all designed to do the same thing - so don't let model numbers scare you!

There are also specially designed Foot Packs for vehicles with Factory Fitted Roof Railings, these Foot Packs, again, do the same thing as the other models, but are designed to attach to your current railings instead of the roof.

The Fitting Kit is the piece of equipment that will secure the Foot Pack Feet to the roof, again, these kits are specific to each vehicle. If you have Factory Fitted Roof Railings, you will not require a fitting kit as the Foot Pack is already secured to your current railings.

Thule Roof Bars And Which Type To Choose
The types available, The differences between

There are four types of Thule Roof Bar currently available, these are:

• Thule Square Bars
• Thule Aero Bars
• Thule Aero Wing Bars
• Thule Slide Bars

The type of Roof Bar you purchase is entirely down to personal preference and/or what meets your needs. Any type of Roof Bar will fit any system, and our online application guide will point out which model number you need for your vehicle (width of the roof) and chosen type of bar. See below for information on each.


Thule Square Bars

Thule Aero Bars

Thule Aero Wing Bars

Thule Slide Bars