Here you will find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions relating to Thule products below.
If your query relates to any of Thule's current range you can often find the answers and useful tips from roofracks.co.uk on the product pages.
As we all know losing a key can be extremely frustrating and stressful. This is especially so since it always seems to happen at the last minute and at the most inconvenient times. We keep all Thule key numbers in stock and in most cases they will be despatched to you the same day without delay. You can order spare keys on our Replacement Keys page.
For security reasons, Thule lock barrels do not show the key number stamped on the face of the lock.
If the locks are in the unlocked position, you can use a ** Master Key to extract the lock from the product and replace all the lock barrels with a lock pack set. Or you can post the lock barrel to us and we will identify it for you. Please contact [email protected] if you require any further information regarding our “key locate service”.
** Please note the Master Key will only allow you to remove the barrel, if the barrel is in the unlocked positon. The master key will not allow you to turn the lock to the unlocked position.
If the locks are in the locked position then you will need to bring the product to our store in Borough Green, Kent for us to identify the key number - how to find us. Please contact [email protected] if you require any further information regarding our “key locate service”.
Once the Key Number has been identified, you can then order a pair of replacement keys.
You can insert a lock barrel inside any Thule foot pack or accessory using a Thule Master Key or with the original Thule key that operates the lock.
Look inside the lock housing and identify the square cut out on the edge of the housing.
With the Master Key inside the lock barrel, line up the pins on the edge of the barrel with the cut out on the inside of the lock housing and gently push the lock barrel into the housing. Place your finger over the face of the lock barrel as you pull the Master Key out of the lock. With the lock barrel now seated in position it will now be possible to operate the lock with the key.
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Inside the lock housing of all Thule and you will see a chamfered edge around the rim, which is located between two small triangular shaped ridges. With the key inside the lock you will notice that there is a domed pin protruding from the edge of the bottom of the barrel.
Line up the domed pin with the chamfered edge and gently press the lock into the lock housing. Turn the lock forty five degrees while applying slight pressure and once the pin is rotated to the correct angle the lock will press into place. With the lock barrel now seated in position it will now be possible to operate the lock with the key.
Yes, it is possible to remove and replace the lock barrel from almost any Thule accessory, allowing you to match all of the locks, so they operate using a single key.
To remove the lock barrel from Thule accessories including roof bars, cycle carriers, kayak carriers, ski carriers e.t.c. the lock will need to be turned to the unlocked position using the original key. With the lock in the unlocked position, insert the Thule Master key and gently wiggle the key as you pull the master key out with the lock barrel attached.
You can now insert the master key into the new lock barrel. Line up the pins on the edge of the barrel with the cut out on the inside of the lock housing and gently push the lock barrel into position. Place your finger over the face of the barrel as you remove the master key from the lock. Provided the lock is seated correctly it will now be possible to operate the lock with the new key.
Please note the procedure is slightly different for removing and replacing the lock inside a Thule roof box, so please refer to our “How do I change the lock inside my roof box?” which is for under Car Roof Boxes & Baskets, advice FAQ
>> Click here to view replacement keys and locks
click here to view our demonstrational video on how to replace a Thule lock barrel
A comprehensive range of spare parts are available on our Spare Parts pages.
Please note the recommended speed and other traffic regulations in the specific country. In general though we recommend a maximum top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) with Thule roof bar carriers and roof boxes. It is important to respect both the weather and road conditions that are prevalent at the time and therefore adjust your speed accordingly. Never exceed the weight carrying limits advised by Thule and/or the vehicle manufacturer.
Thule do not permit modifications to be made on the grounds of safety and conformity reasons. Doing so will void Thule's liability as well as your 5 year factory guarantee of Thule products.
Thule's manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001, QS 9000 and ISO award / TS 16949. The product range is TÜV tested according to DIN 75302 and meets the criteria of the international standard ISO 11154th. Furthermore, Thule roof boxes, load carriers, bike carriers and accessories are tested to meet the "City Crash" standards.
Thule products are not approved for off-road driving. Please adapt your speed and driving to the conditions of the road and the load being carried. Always check the load and its attachments on a regular basis.
It is possible as long as your non-Thule load bars are equipped with a T-slot, accepting a T-Track adapter of 20mm width or 24mm width.
Please contact our technical team at [email protected]. You can also attach picture if this helps.
Items that are fitted with a lock must always be locked during transport.
You can obtain an idea of the part exchange allowance and how it works here.
Virtually everything on our web site is sold at special prices but we also often have specific products listed on our Special Offers page.
The "ClipOn"-model has two different sizes: a small version 9103 and a large version 9104. The same goes for the "ClipOn High": a small model 9105 and a large size 9106. The two different sizes of each model are not interchangeable: the choice for a certain model and size depends on the size, construction and design of your car's rear tailgate etc. Please consult our Fit Guide to find out the possibilities for your car. Please note that some cars cannot have rear door mounted carriers fitted at all: in this case our Fit guide will not show any alternative options.
If your car has a steel integral spoiler, there is a small chance that the you can fit a rear door mounted carrier, please consult our Fit Guide. If your car is equipped with a plastic rear spoiler, you will not be able to mount a bike carrier on the hatch. These plastic spoilers are too weak to support the weight of the carrier with bikes fitted.
Please make sure that all tubes are correctly fastened with bolts and nuts. Verify that you're using the right hole to attach the upper strap, using Thule's List of Recommendations in the box. Please note that the lower tubes are telescopic: unscrew to extend or screw to shorten, until you obtain the correct tube length. Once the right length has been obtained, attach the carrier to the hatch and lower both handles simultaneously.
The frame dimensions and angles are different and each is tested for the vehicles listed. It is not possible to fit a 9103 for example where a 9104 is specified and vice versa.
The frame dimensions and anles are different and each is tested for the vehicles listed. It is not possible to fit a 9105 for example where a 9106 is specified and vice versa.
The Thule 532 FreeRide sis the entry level carrier in the Thule range. This carrier has the benefit of being narrow at only 21 cm wide, so you are able to space out more bikes alongside each other on your roof bars. The Thule 598 ProRide is a much stronger carrier. It is manufactured almost entirely from aluminium. It is also the smartest looking and the easiest to use. Amongst the many benefits of the ProRide is the way you can simply attach your bike to the carrier. By simply rotating the attachment arm on the carrier 30 degrees upwards, open up the wheel straps and place your bike on the carrier tray. Then with just one hand resting the bike against the frame mount. The other hand rotates the knob which tightens the clamp on the bike frame. The tightening knob is also located at the height of your roof bars, which means you don't have to reach up high to secure the bike, we highly recommend using the Thule ProRide when you need to carry multiple bikes or if you have a high vehicle.
In the case of bikes with carbon frames or forks, always consult the bike manufacturer or supplying dealer to check if you are allowed to use the carrier. Thule assumes no liability for any damage to carbon frames or forks incurred during mounting and or use of the carrier.
Our products are only being tested for secure and safe mounting on our own roof racks. It is impossible to test our products on competitor's roof racks. Therefore we cannot guarantee the compatibility with non-Thule roof racks. If your roof racks has a T-Track slot, allowing 20mm T-Track adapters or 24 mm, we might be able to supply the right solution for you, depending on your product.
It rather depends upon the width and model of roof bars that you have. The most popular is the Evo WingBars which will normally take up to four to five carriers. We have produced a very informative video that gives you a lot of tips and info:
click here to view our video about attaching multiple bike carriers to your Thule roof bars
Thule has designed a unique clamping system which prevents tilting from happening. However, most models have a tilting function to allow access to the cars boot etc.
Depending on the car manufacturer's tow bar weight limitations and the tow bar carrier model chosen, it is possible to carry up to four bikes.
Mounting a tow bar mounted carrier is less dependant on the car design, but more on the car's tow bar specifications. A tow-bar has to meet the following criteria: - The maximum load capacity of the tow bar must certainly be greater than the weight of the bike carrier and the combined weight of the bicycles you wish to carry. The distance between the tow ball and the car bumper should be at least 6,5 cm. - The tow bar must be made out of steel or at least an equivalent material. Tow bars made out of cast iron (GGG40) or aluminium are not to be used in combination with our bike carriers. - The electrical connection must be either 7-pin or 13-pin (see your local & legal specifications). - The electrical socket must not be located directly on or just below the tow ball.
All of the latest tow bar mounted bike carriers can be tilted, even with the bikes mounted. On most vehicles, access to the luggage compartment is possible. Please understand that this cannot be tested on every single car model because of the wide range of tow bars, and their positioning.
Yes, you can still use a bike carrier. Depending on the model, we can supply an adaptor, going around your spare wheel, allowing you to still fit the bike arm on your carrier. Please note that if an adapter is used it takes the place of one bicycle. eg a three bike carrier becomes a two bike carrier.
In the case of bikes with carbon frames or forks, always consult the bike manufacturer or dealer to check if you are allowed to use the carrier. Thule assumes no liability for any damage to carbon frames or forks incurred during mounting and/or use of the carrier.
You can mount every Thule roof box as long as legal requirements are followed. There is a wide selection of designs, sizes, colours and smart features available within the entire Thule roof box range. Thule recommends that a particular roof box model is selected that fits the users transport demands, such as the overall dimension and the amount of luggage that you wish to carry.
Yes. The use of a roof rack is mandatory to enable safe mounting of a roof box. Thule roof boxes fit as standard to Thule Square Bars, Thule Aero Bars and Thule Wing Bars and Thule Wing Bar Edge roof rack types. By using Thule Slide Bars and Thule Professional rack type, the use of Box t-track adaptors is required. Thule roof boxes also fit many other roof rack types as standard.
The Easy Base 949 can be used to transport the BackUp 900 Box.
Using a roof box means that you gain a great deal of additional space but it also means you may have to adapt your way of driving to the new conditions resulting from your car's increased height and weight. Your car will be more sensitive to crosswinds. Check whether the roof box and the load carrier are correctly fastened to the car – especially important during long journeys. In the absence of any existing speed restriction, Thule recommends a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph). IMPORTANT – Always consult the fitting / usage instructions supplied with the roof box. A loaded box causes a shift in the centre of gravity which leads to changes in behaviour in corners and when braking. The height of the vehicle will be increased so always take care when entering low garage doorways or low bridges!
First load the heavy objects as central as possible in the box in order to distribute the weight of your load evenly between the roof bars and the car. Take care that the load does not obstruct the closing of the lid in order to prevent any malfunctioning of the locking system. The permissible gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded. Observe the maximum roof load prescribed by the car manufacturer. All pieces of luggage etc. must be secured to prevent them from moving. Please use special ski holders and straps. Always fasten skis and snowboards to the ski holders with the front ends pointing to the rear. In summer the ski holders can also be used as compartment dividers. They prevent objects from moving and are practical anyway, e.g. for separating clean objects from dirty ones.
A roof box should be carefully cleaned and maintained, particularly during the winter months. For this purpose, only use a weak solution of water and standard washing-up liquid without any alcohol, bleach or ammonium additives as otherwise the surface of the roof box could suffer damage. Please do not use any proprietary car cockpit sprays. The locks should be lubricated with spray lubricant (making sure that no lubricant is allowed to come into contact with the plastic surface of the roof box).
The height of the given vehicle can increase by up to 70 cm (depending on the roof rack used). Beware of low garage entrances and low clearances in general, low-hanging branches, etc!. Wind noise may be generated. Always remove before using an automatic car-wash facility. For reasons of fuel economy, the roof box and roof rack should be removed when not in use. – In order to avoid generating excessive lifting forces, the roof box should be mounted parallel to the line of the road and not at an angle. In the absence of any instructions from the vehicle manufacturer to the contrary and in compliance with the vehicle specific fixing points, the distance between the roof bars should be as large as possible but still within the provide adjustment range of the roof box mounting system. Please note that changes (e.g. additional drill holes) to the roof box's existing fixing system are not permitted.
To remove and replace the lock on your Thule roof box you will need the following:
Firstly insert the original key into the lock on the side of the roof box and turn the lock to the two o’clock position and remove the key.
Place the Master key into the lock and gently wiggle the Master key as you pull the key back out with the lock.
With the Master key in the new lock barrel, line up the pins on the edge of the barrel with the cut out inside the roof box lock housing, and insert the barrel. Use your finger to keep the lock barrel in place while removing the Master key.
Finally, check the lock turns as expected using the new key.
Knowing the vehicle's roof type is crucial when it comes to choosing the correct Thule roof rack components for the car. This guide can help to identify the roof type and provide peace of mind when ordering your Thule bars from roofracks.co.uk
A bare vehicle roof without roof rails or fixed points. As these vehicle's have no external attachment points, the bars are mounted directly inside the vehicle's door frames. Some vehicles have small locating holes on the inside of the door frames, these vehicles are still categorised as having a normal roof.
Flush rails run the length of the vehicle from front to back, sticking up one or two inches proud of the roof. The term flush is used as there is no space between the underside of the rail and the roof. Flush roof rails are commonly found on estate cars and most SUV's.
Raised rails run the full length of the vehicle and unlike flush rails, there is a clear gap between the underside of the rail and the vehicle's roof. These are also most commonly found on estate cars and SUVs. If you can get your hand between the rail and the roof of the car, then the vehicle has raised roof rails.
Vehicle's with fixpoints have four pockets (more on some vans), one in each corner of the roof. Usually, the actual fixing point is hidden under a plastic cover which can either be flipped up, or detached from the car to reveal a threaded hole. Occasionally fixpoints are located on top of a flush rail, where this is the case then the vehicle has fixpoints.
Vehicle's with t-tracks have a metal channel running the full length of the vehicle, with an opening on the top surface, to slide a T-shaped bolt inside. T-tracks are fairly uncommon and are usually found on vans. One example of a car with T-Tracks is a Land Rover Defender, new model.
Rain gutters run along the side of the vehicle, not on the roof, and are usually located just below the roof line. Again these are fairly uncommon now and are mainly on vans.
We understand it can be tricky on some vehicle's to determine which roof type is appropriate. If you are at all unsure, it's worth checking the vehicle specific Thule Kit fitting instructions which are found on our Thule roof bar guide or contact our friendly helpful advisors who will be able to check this for you - 01732 884408
Start by laying the strip out on top of the Evo WingBar, line one end of the strip up with the end of the bar and draw a line on the rubber where it overhangs. Use a pair of sharp scissors to neatly cut off the excess strip along the marked line.
Next, hold the end of the strip with both hands and tear the strip apart by pulling one corner towards you and the other away from you so that it splits apart in the middle.
Take the rubber strip with the raised ridges and beginning from one end, use your thumbs to gently press the rubber strip into the front edge of the track all the way along to the end of the bar. Like an aeroplane wing, the front edge of the bar is the thicker edge. Insert the smooth rubber strip into the rear edge of the track.
Thule classic Evo Square Bars have been around for many years with millions in regular use throughout the world. They are made from rectangular shaped steel and have a protective hard rubber composite covering. Thule Square Bars are ideal as an entry level basic set-up. The aluminium aerodynamic Evo Wing Bars are now by far our most popular roof bars. This is due to their striking looks and also for their great features. The bars are made from aluminium and shaped like an aeroplane wing. In practice this can reduce wind noise by up to 90%. The Wing bars incorporate a full length T-Track slot at the top of each bar for sliding in any Thule product using T-Track adapters. The T-Track adapters are included in most of the current range of Thule products or can be additionally added as an accessory.
The WingBar Edge shares the same profile of the original WingBar but does not extend outside the roof area making them sleeker and more bespoke to the car and as a result they are even quieter with absolutely minimum wind resistance. If you are wanting to put several bikes on the roof or a roof box and bikes etc., it would be best to specify the original WingBar since they are wider but if you want something that looks as neat as possible its well worth considering the WingBar Edge. Currently WingBar Edge models aren't so far available for every car but the list is growing all the time.
Thule Slide Bars are a revolutionary innovation and have received a coveted red dot award for its impressive features. The great advantage with the Slide Bars, are as the name suggest, they slide out each side of the car by an extra 60cm. This means your bike carriers or roof boxes can be slid out either side to make loading or unloading as simple and effortless procedure as possible without needing to lean over the vehicle. This useful feature is even more significant on taller vehicles such as SUV's and 4x4 or for people that are planning to add three or more bikes across the top of the roof. With the Slide Bar it is necessary for all items being fitted, such as roof boxes, water sports or bike carriers to have T-Track adapters.
60 cm both sides.
T-Track adapters are not a requirement, since the supplied brackets will fit around the bars but the optional T-Track adapters can be useful to enable the full width of the bars to be used for other items.
The supplied brackets fit around the wing bars but you can use optional T-Track adapters if you wish to fit to the T-Tracks.
In many cases when changing vehicle you can simply swap the fitting kit or it might mean other parts are also needed.. To find out which items will be required please use our fitting guide. If none of your roof bar components are suitable for your new vehicle you can take advantage of our unique Part Exchange service to receive a part exchange allowance against buying a completely new roof bar system.
There is not so much difference between them. Both are extremely strong and are rated for a maximum load of 100kg The 775 is slightly lower profile which reduces the overall height. The 757 clips on to the roof rail and the 755 fits all round the roof rail. Both are supplied with four matching locks.
In some cases you might need a fitting kit or more to mount roof bars to your vehicle. Simply use our roof rack guide to find out which items you will require.
For more details on why a Thule Kit may be necessary - please see our "What is a Thule Kit for?" blog post
Unfortunately not, we have seven different lengths of bars and in most cases you have to use the length of bar that is recommended for the vehicle. To find out what the correct length of bars that you require please use our roof rack guide.
No, all bars and foot packs are tested to comply with Thule's City Crash Test Norms, and are only warranted if you use the correct bar lengths. Also the chances are that it won't actually be possible to fit them due to a lack of adjustment.
Please use our Roof Bar Guide to find out which parts are required for your new vehicle. Click on the "Buy parts separately" button, half way down the page to view and order the parts required.
If no special fitting positions are given in the assembly instructions, try to maintain a minimum distance of 700 mm between the load carrier bars. When carrying long loads, the minimum distance between both cross bars should not be less than 600 mm.
The maximum load, is the total amount specified in the assembly instructions, and must not to be exceeded. To calculate the load capacity you should add the weight of the roof bars plus the total weight of whatever load you are carrying.
The load must not significantly exceed the load carrier's width, and it should always be spread evenly across the load carrier and with the lowest possible centre of gravity. All loose or removable parts of the load (such as bike child seats, tyre pumps, fins and so on) should be taken off prior to loading. The load should be thoroughly secured. Elastic straps are not to be used. The load's security should be checked after a short distance, and thereafter at suitable intervals. Tighten the load's securing straps whenever necessary.
Check and replace worn-out or defective parts. The load carrier should always be cleaned and maintained, especially in the winter. Screws, nuts and locks (if fitted) should be lubricated at regular intervals. When not in use, the product should be removed from the vehicle. When the product is removed from the vehicle, all loose parts should be stored safely in a dry envioment.
When more than one surfboards are being carried, they should not be placed beside each other but instead one on top of the other. Always keep the smallest board on top, fins should be placed upwards. When carrying surfboards and other long items, such items must be secured both at the front and the rear of the vehicle.
Our products are only tested for secure and safe mounting on to Thule roof racks. It is impossible to test Thule products on other makes of roof racks. Therefore we cannot guarantee the compatibility with non-Thule roof racks. If your roof bars has a T-Track slot, allowing 20mm T-Track adapters, we might be able to supply the right solution for you, depending on your product.
Skis should always be transported with their pointed ends facing backwards. Make sure that the bindings are not too close to the roof. Also make sure that the skis do not strike against the luggage hatch when opened. Always keep the carrier locked during transport. For product details please visit our Ski & Snowboard Carrier page.
The TCRD-2 87L measures 29", which exceeds most cabin carry-on allowances. The Thule 38L Rolling Carry-on is perfect for taking on a plane. The Thule 56L can also be used as a carry-on suitcase, as long as it is not filled to capacity. Please consult your local airport/airline for specific measurement allowances.
Yes. The Thule EnRoute backpacks have a new version of the "Safe Zone" pocket.
The Thule En-Route Strut will fit a 15" MacBook Pro or a 13.3" PC laptop computer.
The Thule Crossover TCBP-117 has an elastic hook that will hook onto the ridge of the zipper pull, keeping your safe zone zipper closed while you are moving around.
The Thule Crossover TCBP-217 has an elastic hook that will hook onto the ridge of the zip pull, keeping your safe zone zip closed while you are travelling.
The TCBP-117 25L or TCBP-217 32L backpack can hold a 17" MacBook Pro or up to a 15.6" PC laptop computer (without an extended-life battery on it).
The TPCH-102 Large Top Loader will accommodate a DSLR with a 70mm-200mm lens attached to the body. A 70mm-200mm lens, or even a 70mm-300mm lens will fit into the storage areas of the Thule Perspektiv Daypack and Thule Perspektiv Messenger Bags.
The TPGP-101 Action Camera case will accommodate several different brands of action cameras that one might see recording extreme sport videos. These brands include, but are not limited to : GoPro, Sony and Contour. The bottom, crush-proof area is for the camera and un-rollable top area is for the camera accessories that attach the camera to helmet or chest rigs. The case is intended to be used for storage in-between your adventures, not during your adventures.
The Thule Perspektiv Daypack and Thule Perspektiv Messenger bags have a removable pod. For instance, if travelling and the user wants to sight-see without taking the camera equipment along, the pod can be removed and stored in a hotel safe.
All Perspektiv photo packs will hold the T4i, except for the TPGP-101, Action Sport Camera Case. All Perspektiv photo packs will hold most pro-model cameras; the TPGP-101, Action Sport Camera Case will not.
The Thule Perspektiv Backpack has a reconfigurable space that can be modified to fit your lens and camera body needs.
The TPCH-102 will fit most DSLR cameras with a battery grip, except for the Canon 1D Mark line of cameras.
If you couldn't find the answer to your specific query from the above please send your question to us using this form and we will try to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
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