Thule says 24" from center to center. How far back can I put the rear bar on my roof?

 

No one has a Thule rack? I realize the rack will mount anywhere, I just want to make sure I don't mess up the drip edge or the roof by putting it somewhere I shouldn't.

 

I'm confused. It says in the install directions how far back from the front of the roof the front bar should go and the spacing between the bars. That dictates how far back your rear bar goes. Why would you want to space it back farther? I worked at an outdoor store for 5 years installing roof racks (Thule and Yakima) and never had a reason to move a rear bar. Although that's not to say you couldn't. Basically the foot is designed to fit the shape of the roof and the bar "squeezes" the roof to hold itself on. With the way the mini roof is shaped (doesn't slope down towards the trunk) you could easily move the rear bar back. But again.... why?

 

I have one, I'll try to get some pictures today

Updated - these are the mount points as specified by Thule FWIW

 

I'd like to put my cargo pod up there and I want the largest span for more support. Plus, my bike mounts hang way off the back. I'm just looking for everything to be more secure.

 

Your rack is limited to between 150 and 165 lbs so you shouldn't be putting a bunch of super heavy things in your cargo box anyways. 24" is more than sufficient bar spread to handle a cargo box and some bikes. My only concern would be if you're carrying really heavy downhill mountain bikes as heavy bikes plus rough dirt roads can cause the tray to bend. Are you using fork-mount carriers?

The bottom line is you could move it back but its hard to explain on the interwebz how far you could move it back while still being safe. Provided the rubber foot pad is matching the contour of the roof and the metal clip is affixing itself appropriately to the drip rail you should be fine. Once you get it on grab the bar and shake like hell. You should be able to easily rock the whole car around without the bar moving. If you want to move it and snap some photos I can give you my opinion on the location.

 

I think this is for the OEM rack. From what I've read, the limit for aftermarket racks is considerably lower (more in the 75lb range) since they mount to the Mini's (flimsy) rain gutter. If you're using your cargo box, just be mindful of how much is put in there. If you have a lot of weight on that rack, that's going to be a lot of force pulling on the rain gutter on bumpy roads, and from wind resistance on the box.

 

I know the OEM rack is 165 lbs limit.

 

The weight limit for racks is generally as a result of the vehicle load limits and not the limits of the rack. Doesn't the OEM Mini rack attach the same way?

I have the same Thule rack as the OP. I'd have to look at the fitment sheets that came with it. If you look at the instructions that came with the clips it'll tell you what the weight limit on the rack is. Thule's website is being a little weird at the moment but the clubman (which would use the same rack system I think) has a 110lb weight limit as per Thule's website.

 

Gen 1 OEM roof rack attaches to the body. All the ones after attach near the side rail, or roof rails like the Clubman ( if installed ) and Countryman.

 

Not much weight will be in it. Tent, pillows, backpacks and a few small odds & ends.

Mine are in the same place.