Comparison of Thule Roof Racks

Thule manufactures various roof-mounted racks for securely transporting your luggage, gear and bicycle. Comparing Thule's offerings allows you to consciously decide on which best suits your needs and your vehicle.

  1. Feet

    • Thule roof racks are typically purchased in pieces, with the actual load bars purchased separately from the feet. The feet attach to your car and provide the rack's stability and support. Comparing the load capacity tells you how much the feet are designed to support, once the rack is assembled. The foot height is important because it determines how high off the car the load bars rest. Also compare whether a specific foot supports aero bars, square bars or both.

    Load Bars

    • The load bars attach to the feet, providing the bridge between them. Thule offers lightweight aluminum load bars, called "Aero" bars, and plastic-coated steel bars, "Square" bars. After measuring the width of your car's roof, you can select from among the load bars based on the two styles and their length, choosing a set designed for your roof width.

    Considerations

    • Once you think you may have found a match, consider comparing it against roof racks made by other companies. Consider what you'll be carrying in your comparison. For example, if you'll carry your bike, Thule offers many bicycle-specific roof racks, while other racks may be better suited for cargo bins or surfboards.