Thule Roof Rack Installed on Xtra Cab

[CrshOverride]

Well, I did it. I finally bit the bullet. I got the Thule roof rack for my Xtra Cab. It's rated for 160 lbs. so it should do well with my boat and my bike (damn lefty fork on the bike, can't take the wheel off and stuff it in the bed under the cover). For everything to carry my bike and 'yak it came in at around $500 which isn't too bad.

I was going to go with the XSportster but with all the complaints of whistling I thought I'd try a different route. If need be (when I buy a bigger/longer boat) I can always get the goalposts for the trailer hitch and use my existing equipment on there.

And here are the pics (truck is filthy, my appologies. It's the bike's fault).









...and one of the bike that made it all happen (my other baby...next to the Taco of course).

[beastbluetaco]

Looks sweet. How high does it sit off the roof? I have been looking for a roof rack other than factory, but I kind of have clearance issues with my garage. Has to be less than about 5 inches off the roof at the highest point.

[Phi Kai]

I wonder if the rack stuff to mount it to a bed cover or shell would work on the undercover...I just couldn't imagine having my bike that high up in the air...it has to be a pain to get down

[beastbluetaco]

Originally Posted by Phi Kai

I wonder if the rack stuff to mount it to a bed cover or shell would work on the undercover...I just couldn't imagine having my bike that high up in the air...it has to be a pain to get down

It probably would. I think someone on here has done that.

[CrshOverride]

I can install the tracks on the top of the undercover and then mount the feet to that. There are three problems with doing so though.

1) It totally voids the undercover warranty (I've seen some have horrible issues with cracking in the cold).

2) The second is that, when mounted to the undercover, I can't use it without the cover being on. With a fiance and two kids, we tend to carry a lot of stuff. I'd like the option to toss the bikes in the bed and then the 'yaks on top (when we cary more than one boat).

3) I didn't want to have a whole lot of boat hanging off the back when traveling. Right now, I'm paddling a 12' Wilderness Systems' Shaman. I plan on upgrading down the road and that would just leave too much hanging off.

...as for loading the bike, I just toss the bike on top of the cover and then hop up on the cover myself. Makes it real easy. Luckily I'm tall enough that I can get it off the rack without doing any of that.

I'll have to run out and take a measurement for clearance. I'll let everybody know.

[docindahouze]

real nice.

[cddallara]

I've got the same rack, but on tracks on my shell. I've learned to hate the tire straps, they don't like to go thru the "buckle" after a while. The bike sways alot (mine's 23 lbs) but hasn't yet hurt the rack at all (in a year 'n'a half).

[screeber]

Good job! I think that's the first time I've seen the rack mounted on an access cab. The short distance between the cross bars probably limits the total weight you can carry, but should be fine with a bike or two.

Side steps or sliders would help with getting the bike up and down.

[CrshOverride]

Originally Posted by screeber

The short distance between the cross bars probably limits the total weight you can carry, but should be fine with a bike or two.

Side steps or sliders would help with getting the bike up and down.

The weight limit per Thule is a cool 160 lbs. My 12 1/2' kayak only weighs in around 40 lbs. so I should be able to easily carry my bike and kayak (and maybe even another kayak if I really feel like pushing it). Any more than that and I'll have to invest in the goalpost for the hitch.

...and I'm considering returning the Big Mouth bike mount for the sidearm. Haven't made up my mind yet. Guess I'll see how well the Big Mouth holds up.