How to use a Roof Rack on your car

How to use a Roof Rack on your car

With a Thule roof rack, you are all set to head off on your adventures and make sure you have everything you want. Roof racks are a starting point for carrying the extra special gear that lets you live out your passions - with roof boxes, bike carries, ski carriers, and kayak carriers.

For each car brand and model, there is a Thule roof rack solution that fits.
You can use a Thule roof rack for:

  • Roof Boxes - Extra space for all your gear.
  • Bike Racks - Bring bikes of any kind, mount the bike rack quickly and easily.
  • Water Sport Racks - Mount kayaks, surfboards, and SUP boards.
  • Winter Sport Racks - Skis and snowboards, get ready for action in minutes.
  • Rooftop Tents & Awnings - Mount a rooftop tent to your roof racks for a quick and easy bed. Pair with an awning for some extra shade and shelter.

What are roof racks for?

A roof rack is necessary when you want to carry something on your car roof. A Thule roof rack is safely and easily attached to your car - you can do it yourself in minutes.
For each car brand and model, there is a Thule roof rack solution that fits. The Roof Rack Guide is a great start to your adventures with Thule roof racks. Simply enter your car brand, model, and year - and you will get a list of all compatible roof rack solutions for your car.
Once the roof rack is mounted to your car, you can use it for a wide range of cargo depending on your needs: roof boxes, bike racks, racks for kayaks, surfboards, and SUP boards, winter sport racks, and even roof top tents and 4WD awnings.

What roof racks fit my car?

Thule roof racks are super easy to mount on all types of vehicles and include ever component you'll need. Thule prides itself with working closely with the automotive industry, that means they often have a roof rack kit that fits a new vehicle model before it's even been launched on the market!
Most roof rack systems are composed of 3 parts:

  1. Roof Bars - The bars are where you carry the load
  2. Feet - The feet attach to a specific type of roof (see below image of roof types)
  3. Fit Kits - The fit kit ensures the rack fits the profile of your specific car model (not always required)

Thule roof racks are sold as complete systems so that you get the roof bars, feet, and required fit kits as a complete package.

How to install roof racks?

Installing roof racks on your car depends on the kind of vehicle you have. All roof rack systems are composed of two load bars, feet, and fit kits to fit the roof racks on your specific vehicle.
All Thule roof racks will come with detailed instructions with step-by-step images to show you how to install them onto your vehicle.

How do I choose a roof rack?

How to choose a roof rack? It starts with a simple question - would you prefer maximized loading area, or a streamlined design?
Thule Evo is a highly flexible aerodynamic roof rack system that provides an exceptionally quiet ride, a maximized loading area, and easy installation of accessories. Great for transporting large and bulky gear!

Aerodynamic and quiet

The perfect roof racks for an exceptionally quiet and aerodynamic ride.

  • Thule Evo WingBar is an all-around roof rack compatible with all accessories, from roof boxes to rooftop tents. Its wide loading area allows you to transport more gear.
  • Thule Edge WingBar is a sleek and sporty rack that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the car. Its a stylish solution for your bike rack or roof box.

Bring lots of heavy gear

  • Thule ProBar Evo is the workhorse of the roof rack world, these heavy-duty roof racks are designed for professionals or explorers who need to transport heavy equipment.

Easier loading

  • Thule Evo SlideBar is an innovative roof rack with a two-way sliding functionality making it easier than ever to load your gear. Slide the rack out and load your things at a more convenient position, then effortlessly slide the rack back onto the roof. Perfect for bike racks and water sports racks.

How much weight can I put on my roof rack?

All Thule roof racks share several important features, and they all have the capacity to carry a significant weight.

  • High load capacity - all roof racks are designed to carry up to 75kg
  • Quick installation - easy to mount and to add accessories
  • Safety first - tested to the limit and beyond in the Thule Test Center

However, the maximum weight of the system is determined by the vehicle itself.
On the Thule Roof Rack Guide, once you enter your car details you can check the roof racks compatible with your vehicle as well as more details on the weight limit. You can also consult your vehicle manufacturer.


How to put a kayak on a roof rack?
These are a few common questions that we get around the products and the use of a roof rack that you might want to explore before choosing the best roof rack for your needs!
You can use any roof rack from the Thule Evo and Thule Edge range. Once your roof rack is mounted, attach a kayak carrier such as Thule DockGlide – a flexible, kayak carrier with feltlined saddles that make it easier to load and unload your carrier.
There are other cradles such as the Thule Hull-a-port that fold flat when not in use,or for multiple kayaks there are the Thule Compass or the Stacker.
For heavier kayaks there is the hydraulic assisted Thule Hullavator Pro that allows you to attach the kayak at hip level and then lift the carrier & kayak onto the roof in one movement with lift assist.
How do you carry a surfboard on the roof of your car?
It is easy to carry your surfboard safely on your car roof. With a roof rack system and Thule surfboard car rack, you’re ready to chase the waves – just load your board and head out. Check out Thule SUP Taxi XT – a top-of-the-range SUP rack for maximum board security, with an adjustable custom fit and convenient mounting.
How do I lock my surfboard to my roof rack?
The easiest way to carry your surfboard safely on your car roof is to use an all-in-one solution such as out Thule SUP Taxi XT. An alternative is to use Thule Board Shuttle or Thule Surf Pads in combination with Thule Locking Straps or Thule Load Straps.
How do you put a snowboard on a roof rack?
Do you like to go skiing or snowboarding all winter long? With a Thule roof rack, you can easily fit your gear on your car. With a snowboard rack for your car, you can easily and safely take your board to the mountains. Check out Thule SnowPack Extender – an aerodynamic slide-out rack for convenient loading and unloading of skis and snowboards.


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