Interior/Exterior Thule Rapid Aero Style Roof Rack Install
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 545
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From: Castle Rock, CO
Thule Rapid Aero Style Roof Rack Install
My Thule Aero Style Roof Rack install went well this evening. I spent the my lunch hour searching for the correct “Fit Kit” for the Mini Cooper. The load range is 110 lbs according to Thule, but I wouldn’t have a problem loading up to 200lbs IMHO.
The install took about 2 hours to complete, including a test drive.
While I was test fitting it I pushed the bars forward. The faring was touching the edge of the windshield. Since the bars are to be 24″ apart, it made the install look out of sync. I chose to move it back a bit.
The next addition will be some ski mounts. We are taking a trip up to the ski condo in a few weeks and will need those attachments.
The Rapid Aero load bars are great for someone who needs to pull off miscellaneous attachments at a moments notice. With the system you just need to remove the end caps to pull off attachments. No longer will I have to pull the foot mounts off the car to remove the ski or bike mounts. I believe each attachment comes with a locking end cap for security.
Thule part numbers for this install are:
- 400XTR Aero Foot pack [attachment feet]
- 2145 Fit Kit [finger brackets and rubber scuff pads]
- RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bars
- LOCK [locks]
- 871 [38" fairing]
You should read the fairing installation instructions carefully. I had one on a car several years ago, and the instructions were quite specific that the fairing should rest on the windshield, not a painted surface. Air flow inevitably causes the fairing to flex which will blemish any painted surface it touches.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 429
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
You should read the fairing installation instructions carefully. I had one on a car several years ago, and the instructions were quite specific that the fairing should rest on the windshield, not a painted surface. Air flow inevitably causes the fairing to flex which will blemish any painted surface it touches.
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 545
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From: Castle Rock, CO
You should read the fairing installation instructions carefully. I had one on a car several years ago, and the instructions were quite specific that the fairing should rest on the windshield, not a painted surface. Air flow inevitably causes the fairing to flex which will blemish any painted surface it touches.
http://www.thuleracks.com/instructio...%20870-873.pdf
I linked to the instructions. They actually tell you adjust so the fairing foot is resting on the roof. "Make sure each footpad contacts the roof evenly."
They now give you these nice foam "shoes" for the bottom of the fairing. Thule even includes clear film patches to put directly on the roof. They are placed under the foam "shoes".
Thanks for the warning. I'll now be keeping a very close eye on it now.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
good placement of racks. FYI the leading 8 inches of the edge on rain gutter is weak. Also note, in rain or auto car wash, water will get under the rubber feet, add dust, and bam you have sand paper 
. I love my Thule, but it does take some TLC to protect the paint. I know some have used same color vinyl on the roof where the feet sit. No you can haul all kinds of stuff, see my gallery for a few pics. 
Nice Rock climber too.
. I love my Thule, but it does take some TLC to protect the paint. I know some have used same color vinyl on the roof where the feet sit. No you can haul all kinds of stuff, see my gallery for a few pics. Nice Rock climber too.
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 545
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From: Castle Rock, CO
Good tips, thanks everyone!
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