Thule Base Racks Demystified: Part 2

When last we left off, we were discussing the different roof rack options available for vehicles with nude roofs. But, lots of automobiles come from the factory with a little more modesty (dressed roofs). Although not quite as fun at a bachelor party, these non-birthday-suited rides are a lot easier to outfit with roof racks than their au naturel counterparts. Here’s the skinny on these un-skinny-dipping autos.

Roofs with Integrated Tracks

Track marks on your train conductor’s arms means you should skip the trip. However, tracks on your ride’s roof is a sign that installing a full-blown roof rack will be a breeze. Check out these options:

Tracker II Foot Pack: Thule’s ingenious Tracker II (Thule 430) Foot Pack is engineered to fit right into your roof’s tracks. Unlike racks for nude roofs, the Tracker II doesn’t need a vehicle-specific fit kit to fiddle around with. They’re designed with a low profile to reduce wind drag, boast a push-button quick-release mechanism, and are constructed from a blend of die-cast metal and durable resin. You can also go with the old-school Tracker Kit 1 (Thule TK1) if you prefer the whole vintage thing.

Roofs with Factory Side Rails

Side rails are to tracks what outtie bellybuttons are to innies. These raised side rails provide the perfect foundation for stringing a set of crossbars across the top of your ride. Here’s how:

Thule Crossroad Foot Pack: Bone Thugs ‘n Harmony will see you at the crossroads so you won’t be lonely, but the Thule Crossroad will let you rack up and bring along some bikes so you’re not all bored while you wait. These deluxe feet have a built-in tool for simple installation, lash in place with a paint-safe rubber strap, and work with Thule square load bars.

The Extras

Now that your roof is ready for hauling, it’s time to consider what kinds of add-ons will finish off the package.

Wind Fairings: The one downside to installing a roof rack is that it messes up your auto’s aerodynamics. Driving around with just the rack will not only lead to a dip in your MPGs, but it’ll also create a whistling sound. The best way to alleviate both issues is with a wind fairing. These curved shields ride right in front of your rack to redirect air up and over your rack instead of blasting right into it. They come in a range of sizes to work with varying roof sizes: 32″ long (Thule 870XT), 38″ long (Thule 871XT) and 44″ long (Thule 872XT).

Wheel Steps: Unless you’re as tall as the late, great Manute Bol, reaching your roof can be a strain. Luckily, Thule developed an ingenious wheel step (Thule 232). Just hook it around your tire, step up and take care of business.