Roof racks are essential accessories for car owners who want to carry things from their cars to other vehicles or even to the ground. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually attached to the vehicle via a hitch receiver.
They are also very versatile and can be used for carrying bikes, skis, kayaks, surfboards, etc. The best thing about them is that they are easy to install and remove even without a storage lift. They are perfect for those who like to go on outdoor adventures.
If you are currently searching for a roof rack system you may have heard of Thule roof racks. Thule roof racks are a popular choice amongst many.
The thing about roof racks is you want to make sure that they can adapt with you. This means you can transfer them to any new vehicle you decide to move on to.
So, if you are planning on buying a set of Thule roof racks but need to know if they are universal, you’ve come to the right place.
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Thule Roof Racks: What’s So Special About Them?
Thule roof racks have been around for many years and have become popular among car owners worldwide. Their popularity has increased over time as more people realize how useful these accessories can be.
They are made using high-quality materials and are extremely durable. They are available in different colors and styles. They are also easy to use and install.
Are Thule Roof Racks Universal?
Technically, Thule roof racks are not universal. That means they cannot be installed on all types of vehicles. Thule roof racks fit on most vehicles but there are some that they would not work on.
Thule designs different roof racks that are made to fit specific designs, makes, and models of cars. Due to this, Thule roof racks are designed for one type of car design that may not work for a different model of car.
An example of when Thule roof racks might not work on your car is if your car has rain gutters. If your car has rain gutters then a Thule roof rack system probably won’t work for your car.
This is because Thule does not design roof rack systems for cars with rain gutters as these are a feature that mainly appears on older makes and models.
However, it is worth noting that Thule does sell a roof rack system that claims to be universal. Whilst this system does not fit all vehicles, it should fit most. There are also products within the roof rack system that might be universal, but the whole set is not.
Can You Use A Thule Roof Rack System And Swap It To Another Car?
It can be quite difficult to judge whether or not you can swap a Thule roof rack system from one car to another. Especially, without seeing the cars. It may be possible to change a roof rack system from one car to another if the cars were similar.
It is important to remember that Thule designs roof rack systems that are based on the size of the car’s roof.
So if you know that the roof of the car you want to change the Thule roof rack system onto has the same, if not very similar roof size then it would be possible to change them over.
However, if the car has a much larger or smaller roof, then the chances are the Thule roof rack system will not fit on this car.
When it comes to Thule roof rack systems there is no one size fits all, as there are many different sizes of cars available.
Do Thule Roof Bars Fit Any Car?
There are many different types of roof bars available. Some are designed specifically for certain cars whilst others are designed to fit multiple types of cars. However, the majority of roof bars are designed to fit most types of cars.
This is the same for the brand Thule. Their roof bars are designed to fit most cars, but they will not fit all of the vehicles out there.
When it comes to roof bars, there are four popular types. The raised roof rails are roof bars that are already fitted to the car by the manufacturer. These types of rails usually appear on SUVs.
On more modern cars they are often referred to as soft roof rails. The only difference between these rails is there isn’t a gap underneath them, between the bar and the roof.
Then there are roof bars for cars with and without fixed points. Vehicles that have fixed points on their car roof are usually designed so that these vehicles can install a roof rack system.
Whereas, if your car does not have fixed points then you have to attach a roof rack system to the interior of your vehicle.
Things To Consider
If you are planning on purchasing a roof rack system for your car, then there are a few things you need to consider before buying it. Here are a few of these things.
Size
Before you buy a roof rack system you should make sure that it fits your car. If you buy a roof rack for the wrong sized roof then it is likely this system will not fit on your car.
Style
When looking at roof rack systems, it is important to look at how the roof rack system looks. For example, some roof racks come in a variety of colors. Others come in black, white, or silver. You should choose a color that matches the rest of your car.
Cost
There are many different types of roof racks available on the market today. Each type of roof bar has its own price tag attached to it. Therefore, when shopping around for a roof rack system it is important to compare prices between brands.
Usage
Do you plan on using the roof rack system every time you drive your car? Or do you just use it occasionally? If you are going to use the roof rack system regularly then it is best to get something that is durable and strong.
Otherwise, if you plan on using the rack only occasionally then you may want to go for something cheaper. You also need to think about how much you intend on carrying on your roof rack.
Final Thoughts
Thule roof rack systems are great products and come with quite a few accessories. They are easy to install and remove, which makes them ideal for people who don’t have a lot of experience installing roof racks.
However, like any other product, there are disadvantages too, one being that they are not universal.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand more about Thule roof rack systems. Please share this article with anyone else who might be interested in learning more about roof racks. Thank you for reading!
