Thule Roof Rack Install

Rocky Top RTL · 07-28-2009, 07:44 PM

I recently purchased a Thule rack with 400XT Aero Foot Pack, 2163 Fit Kit and 54" bars for my surfboard. The problem I am having is that the Thule instructions show a picture of what I believe to be an SUV and a Truck with measurements to show the distance between feet. If I follow the distance shown for the truck I am unable to get my front rack to fit since the distance is too narrow but the back rack fits great. I don't know how they expect to have both racks fit with the same distance when the roof width is different between the front and back. The opposite applies if I follow the instructions for the SUV.

Any suggestions?
My concern is that I don't want to modify the distance too much and watch my surfboard sail through the sky behind me. I would appreciate any help and insight.

KrisRidge · 07-29-2009, 08:46 PM

Are you referring to the Kit 2163 instructions, Step 2? If so, that IS A BAD drawing of the truck. Looks like the drawing on the left is the front of the truck (Steering wheel, Rearview mirror). The drawing on the right looks (sort of) like the back view of the truck (Exhaust pipe, Side mirrors different, steering wheel and rearview mirror missing).

If that's so then the front rack should be 49 inches (1242mm) apart and the rear bar should be 47 3/8 inches (1205mm) apart.

Let me know how you make out. I'm looking at ordering the same set but with 58" bars and 544 Locks.

YWGRidgeline · 07-29-2009, 10:01 PM

I've got the 400XT feet and 2163 fit kit. Fits perfectly when spaced per the 2163 fit kit instructions.

Rocky Top RTL · 08-04-2009, 01:32 PM

KrisRidge,
It was Step 2 in the 2163 Kit instructions that tripped me up. I thought that it was showing two different models of Honda vehicle, Ridgeline & Pilot. You would figure with my Swedish heritage I would be able to figure out like you indicated that it was supposed to be the front and rear diagrams. I was stepping outside to finish the project but there is a t-storm right now.
When completed I'll scan the instructions indicating the ALL the measurements in mm to make it easier for the next person who becomes confused. Nothing like a little help. Thanks!

KrisRidge · 08-04-2009, 10:09 PM

Sounds good. I ordered my Thule Rack today from Amazon.

07-28-2009, 07:44 PM	#1
Rocky Top RTL ROC Rank: Freshman 2006 RTL Nighthawk Black / Beige Join Date: May 2006 Location: Delmarva coast Posts: 49	Thule Roof Rack Install I recently purchased a Thule rack with 400XT Aero Foot Pack, 2163 Fit Kit and 54" bars for my surfboard. The problem I am having is that the Thule instructions show a picture of what I believe to be an SUV and a Truck with measurements to show the distance between feet. If I follow the distance shown for the truck I am unable to get my front rack to fit since the distance is too narrow but the back rack fits great. I don't know how they expect to have both racks fit with the same distance when the roof width is different between the front and back. The opposite applies if I follow the instructions for the SUV. Any suggestions? My concern is that I don't want to modify the distance too much and watch my surfboard sail through the sky behind me. I would appreciate any help and insight. __________________ Rocky Top RTL So many roads, so little time

07-29-2009, 08:46 PM	#2
KrisRidge ROC Rank: 1k Comma Club 2009 RTL Bali Blue Pearl Join Date: May 2009 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,089	Re: Thule Roof Rack Install Are you referring to the Kit 2163 instructions, Step 2? If so, that IS A BAD drawing of the truck. Looks like the drawing on the left is the front of the truck (Steering wheel, Rearview mirror). The drawing on the right looks (sort of) like the back view of the truck (Exhaust pipe, Side mirrors different, steering wheel and rearview mirror missing). If that's so then the front rack should be 49 inches (1242mm) apart and the rear bar should be 47 3/8 inches (1205mm) apart. Let me know how you make out. I'm looking at ordering the same set but with 58" bars and 544 Locks. __________________ Kris "The human brain is amazing. It starts when you wake up and stops when you get to work." '09 Ridgeline RTL Bali Blue Pearl. '04 Honda CRV EX. Black. (Wife's). '05 Honda Civic

07-29-2009, 10:01 PM	#3
YWGRidgeline ROC Rank: Freshman 2008 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 7	Re: Thule Roof Rack Install I've got the 400XT feet and 2163 fit kit. Fits perfectly when spaced per the 2163 fit kit instructions.

08-04-2009, 01:32 PM	#4
Rocky Top RTL ROC Rank: Freshman 2006 RTL Nighthawk Black / Beige Join Date: May 2006 Location: Delmarva coast Posts: 49	Re: Thule Roof Rack Install KrisRidge, It was Step 2 in the 2163 Kit instructions that tripped me up. I thought that it was showing two different models of Honda vehicle, Ridgeline & Pilot. You would figure with my Swedish heritage I would be able to figure out like you indicated that it was supposed to be the front and rear diagrams. I was stepping outside to finish the project but there is a t-storm right now. When completed I'll scan the instructions indicating the ALL the measurements in mm to make it easier for the next person who becomes confused. Nothing like a little help. Thanks! __________________ Rocky Top RTL So many roads, so little time

08-04-2009, 10:09 PM	#5
KrisRidge ROC Rank: 1k Comma Club 2009 RTL Bali Blue Pearl Join Date: May 2009 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 1,089	Re: Thule Roof Rack Install Sounds good. I ordered my Thule Rack today from Amazon. __________________ Kris "The human brain is amazing. It starts when you wake up and stops when you get to work." '09 Ridgeline RTL Bali Blue Pearl. '04 Honda CRV EX. Black. (Wife's). '05 Honda Civic

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