Roof Rack Accessory Installations - Modifications

[Ldub]

I like the way my X-pedition looks, ck. my gallery for pics.

Ldub

[JAFO]

I like the way my X-pedition looks, ck. my gallery for pics.

Ldub

Ya, it looks great. From looking at the installation manual on www.Thule.com it looks like the mounting brackets can slide and be locked into anyplace along the length of the basket. And the U-shaped brackets fit our roof rack without modification?

I might go with the Xpedition but I also wanted the adjustable load bars for ski and bike racks.

[TEN36VX]

I have the LoadWarrior with the extension installed. Fits perfectly and, leaving it attached to the wing bars, is easy to add or remove as needed for cargo or gas mileage. NO modification required.

[kpaske]

I've also got the Load Warrior with extension. It's a great rack, very well made and holds a lot of stuff. I think the VX wing bars have a load limit of 300 lbs, but I've traveled cross-country with probably close to twice that with no issues (don't try that at home, kids . I personally think it looks better than any of the other racks, especially when you throw your full size spare up there.

[Ldub]

And the U-shaped brackets fit our roof rack without modification?

They might, but I used the square headed/ T- shaped bolts that slide horizontally into the groove in the VX crossbar.

Ldub

[JAFO]

Ok, so I headed back to the store and picked up the Thule Xpedition 696 (large version, smaller 695 aso available). $350 regular price with a 20% off coupon, on day only holiday sale, brought it to $280 out the door. (Luckly I live in Oregon, no sales tax)

Installation:
First off the U-shaped bolts will not fit. They are approximately 1/8 to 1/4" too small. But there is an alternative mounting method, which Ldub mentioned, which the hardware is also included.

After assmebling the rack per instructions. Remove one end cap from each roof rail. Second remove the rubber trim on the top of the roof rack by sliding it out the side. Put the roof rack on the VX if you haven't already. Set the assembled basket onto the roof rack. Insert the t-bolts provided into the top channel and slide them into possition. Slide the mouting brackets on the basket to allign with the T-bolts. Center the basket.

Optional part. After centering the basket, I carefully removed the basket while making sure not to bump the T-bolts, and then took the rubber trim and cut it to fit around the T-bolts and put it back in place. This way the basket is sitting on the rubber and the roof rack's channels are finished off not left bare. I should also say that if you remove the basket in the future it may look a little funny having a couple of bolts sticking up on the rails but on the other hand the rubber trim will keep the T-bolts in possition so you won't have to center the basket when you put it back on.

Review:
The Thule Xpedition looks great, its got that high tech look. Installation was easy, time consuming but easy. The mounting brackets and the included eye-loops, are infinitely adjustable along the length of the basket. The two side foor pieces have a channel on the inside and outside edge and the brackets can mount on either side. It does not however have the adjustable load bars for adding bike or ski racks to the top of the basket.

[Jonnie]

I like the way my X-pedition looks, ck. my gallery for pics.

Ldub

695 or 696?

Jonnie

[Ldub]

I used the larger of the two.