Thule 460R with AeroBlades and Ski rack on BMW 3 series.

Thule 460R, AeroBlades on BMW 3series

CLOSE UP OF BMW 3 SERIES WITH THULE 460R & AEROBLADESThule AeroBlades and Ski Rack

New Stuff from Thule: Thule Aero Blade now available at Rack Attack Coquitlam

Thule wasn’t the first kid on the Block to come out with the Thule Aeroblade style wingbar but man did they every do it right.  The fit and finish is very nice and it’s great that it will work with any of the Thule rapid bar foot packs like 450R, 460R, 480R, 430R and even the older 400XTR. Being the owner of  a Nissan Frontier and ended up installing the Thule 450R with the Aeroblade and what an improvement over the reg 450 square bars or the 450R with 47″RB bar. I was also able to go one  size bigger from a 47″ to a 53″ as the new AeroBlade has a longer grove on the bottom of the bar for the towers to slide. Yahoo! I can now carry my car topper boat or a couple of kayaks without having to go with the loud regular lb58″ square bar. I found that the Thule AeroBlade was not only a lot stronger than the factory Nissan Frontier rack it’s also less noisy.

Also the new AreoBlade has some of the best technology built into it including:

• WindDiffuser™ is a textured surface on the t-slot cover that disturbs the airflow better than a smooth surface, greatly reducing wing noise.
• BoxBeam™ – The sophisticated BoxBeam aluminum extrusion creates one of the strongest load bars in the market. Using a vertical load test, the AeroBlade can sustain over 800 lbf of force.
• SmartSlide™ – The new SmartSlide™ is a molded measurement system providing a quick, no-hassle, tapemeasure-free foot installation. SmartSlide™ also covers the underbar slot to improve aerodynamics and noise diffusion.
• SwingBlade™ – The new SwingBlade™ end cap pivots open to allow full access to the t-slot for easy accessory installs.

Also a nice piece of information even though the AeroBlade come in about $100 or so more than a regular Thule square or RB bar in about 15,000 KM of driving (average person drives that in a year) that rack save that for you  in gas.  Or even if you went with the Thule square bar with a fairing you would still be about at the same price as the AeroBlade system, so it’s a  no brainer spend the little bit now and it will be music to your ears rather that a howl or whistling scream of a Yakima round or Thule Square bar.

450R AeroBlade 53″ installed on Factory Raised Rail.

Sliding the 450r onto AeroBlade 53″ bars

Thule 450r AeroBlade installation

Thule 53″ AeroBlade on Nissan Frontier

Thule AeroBlade End cap and rubber strip

Thule AeroBlade installed sweetness

Thule 53" AeroBlade on Nissan Frontier

Jeep Wrangler With A Boxter and Whispbar Mounted On A Track.

Here at Rack Attack Coquitlam we like to think that we can put a rack on just about anything. A common problem for vehicles that come with fiberglass roofs  (EX: a tent trailer, or canopy for a truck) is that there is usually no options coming directly from the factory for racks. One of the most common vehicles to come with a fiberglass roof would be the Jeep Wrangler our rack experts have a solid yet simple way to mount roof racks or tracks on to fiberglass tops.

We mounted a 60″ track on this jeep wrangler and attached a set of the all new Whispbar just released under Yakima. The Whispbar is the arguably one of the quietest roof racks on the market. On top of the Whispbar racks we have a Thule Boxter, the Boxter is one of the most solid cargo boxes ever created. With steel bar reinforcement on the bottom end and a reenforced lid to help cut down on wind noise and help keep the box structurally sound at high speeds.  The extremely quite Whispbar combined with the strength of the boxer and the Yakima track mounted to the roof  gives the ability to carry about 110 pounds of cargo inside the box.

To mount the track to the fiberglass roof we don’t use the regular hardware we would for mounting a track onto a sheet metal roof. We use small wing nobs to secure the track down guaranteeing a leak free fit for any fiberglass roof. The wing nobs also give you a clean fit on the inside of the jeep, you have several small wing nobs running the length of the track. This is a much better option instead of running bulky nuts and washers that would run the distance of the track.

At our Rack Attack Coquitlam store we have over 15 cargo boxes on display at any given time and more than 20-30 different sizes, colours, and shapes to fit anything from a Smart car to a stretched expedition limousine.

Please come by our store at .

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=rack+attack+coquitlam&sll=49.298038,-122.84054&sspn=0.156275,0.455589&ie=UTF8&ei=Se52RvbeM5TSjQP_kpmkDg&sig2=IG4iQ_qB-eGjcKjfaTQeuw&cd=1&z=14&t=m

Yakima Skybox Lowpro 15 on Bmw X5 installed at Rack Attack Coquitlam

At Rack Attack Coquitlam we carry and stock over 30 different cargo box’s made by Yakima, Thule and Sport Rack. I had a customer come in with a nice newer BMW X5 but he need a box that was low profile and long enough for his skis.Also he wanted to have a cargo box that was sleek and stylish so we suggested the Yakima Skybox 15 lowpro in Onyx which just came out this spring in that finish.  .. seen here  http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/yakima-skybox-lopro-15-onyx.asp.

The other box the customer was considering was the Thule Boxter 18 which is also a nice looking box but was too high to clear his under ground parking at his place in Whistler. http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-611-boxter.asp?item_type=5  In the end we tried 4-5 different box’s on the customers car and he ended up going with our first suggestion. As we both agreed it looked the best, was very easy to get on and off the vehicle, plus it even comes with a solar panel with a built-in light. So at night you can see your gear in the box..

 

Yakima Lowpro 15 Onyx cargo box on BMW X5

Sweet looking Yakima Lowpro 15 Onyx cargo box on BMW X5

 

At our Rack Attack Coquitlam store we have over 15 cargo boxes on display at any given time and more than 20-30 different sizes, colours, and shapes to fit anything from a Smart car to a stretched expedition limousine.

Please come by our store at .

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=rack+attack+coquitlam&sll=49.298038,-122.84054&sspn=0.156275,0.455589&ie=UTF8&ei=Se52RvbeM5TSjQP_kpmkDg&sig2=IG4iQ_qB-eGjcKjfaTQeuw&cd=1&z=14&t=m

 

 

 

 

Rack Attack Coquitlam installed a Yakima Lowpro 15 on BMW X5

Lexus RX400/ RX 400 Hybrid hitch with Thule T2 platform bike carrier

At rack attack we do not only do roof rack systems for car; we also do hitches and install hitch mounted bike racks. The 2008 Lexus RX400 hybrid might quite possible have one the least hidden hitches on the market. due to the way the exhaust is set up there is no way to go around the back side of the muffler. The Thule T2 is the highest quality bike rack we carry, due to how easy it is to use aswell as how strong the body is on it. The T2 stands out from its competitors because it is so adjustable, with 19 inches of play you can fit anything from a mountain bike with 29 inch wheel to a small child’s bike with a 20 inch tire. another big perk of the Thule T2 is the fact that there is no contact points at all on the frame of the bike, the way it is held up is by the tires. this is a great rack for any bike from a down hill bike with a high-end aluminum frame to a road bike with a carbon fiber frame.  If there is anything that you would like to know about, feel free to post a message to the moderator, and it will be answered as soon as possible. If you require a more immediate resolve, then feel free to contact our store at 604-526-7225 and a Rack Attack specialist will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternately you may visit us in store

Lexus RX400 with Thule T2 on class 3 hitch

Lexus RX400 with Thule T2 on class 3 hitch

http://www.rackattack.com/player/rack-attack-player.asp?filename=thule-t2

Lexus RX400 with Thule T2 on class 3 hitch

Ford Fiesta 2011 with Thule 480R Traverse Foot Pack

Ford Fiesta 2011 with Thule 480 traverse and Thule 594xt Side Arm

The 2011 Ford Fiesta just came out in the Canadian Market and since we work with a lot of dealerships we had a chance to Rack Attack it up with the Thule 480R Traverse. Luckily Thule is designed in Sweden so since the Fiesta has been over there since 2008 Thule already has a great fitting roof rack for it. We decided to go with the nicer looking Thule Foot pack 480R that comes with the Alumium Aero bars vs the 480 with the regular square bars. Also the new 480R/480 is a lot easier to install and is an updated version of the old 400xt/400xtr counter part. The Ford dealer was wanting to carry a high-end bikes so we recommended the Thule Side Arm that has a Alumium tray as well so they compliment each other well. The Thule Side Arm (XT)  comes as the (594XT) so it comes with the mounting not only for round and square bars like older non XT versions but with a universal mount that fits the Thule Aero bar and most factory bars out of the box! Yahoo no more paying for extra adaptors or having to retro fit racks to fit aero bars or factory racks.

Ford Fiesta 2011 with thule 480r

Ford Fiesta 2011 with thule 480r and Thule 594XT Side Arm

Ford Fiesta 2011 with thule 480r and Thule 594XT Side Arm

 

 Please check out my link to the products we discussed above, you can also use our automated fit guide to figure out what will fit your car. If there is anything else that you would like to know about, feel free to post a message to the moderator, and it will be answered as soon as possible. If you require a more immediate resolve, then feel free to contact our store at 604-526-7225 and a Rack Attack specialist will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternately you may visit us in store

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-480R-traverse.asp

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-594xt-sidearm.asp

Subaru Impreza 2002-2007 roof racks Yakima & Thule Available at Rack Attack Coquitlam

At Rack Attack Coquitlam we offer both Yakima and Thule Roof racks for your Subaru. We have and installed both basic clip in systems like the Yakima Q-towers, Thule 480 Traverse, and Thule 400XTR’s or direct installations like the Yakima Landing Pads or Thule or Yakima Track systems. Wether it’s a snowboard, skis, bikes, or kayak’s we have what it takes to carry your goods on your Subaru.

Please contact us at

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
fax : 604.526.7228
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com
directions : view map

or one of our other fine store closer to you!

http://www.rackattack.com/store-locations.asp

Toyota Venza – Thule 430R Track System

Today at Rack Attack we installed the Thule 430R track system on a new Toyota Venza, with a Thule Flat Top 6 Ski Rack. The track system for a base rack choice is the best system to go with on your vehicle. What it does is provide you with a fully adjustable track, mounted permanently to your roof with a clean, guaranteed leak free, factory looking roof rack.

In this case we chose the Thule 430R System. It is equipped with the Rapid Aluminum Bar for look as well as Aerodynamics.

As mentioned before at Rack Attack, we do have a No-Leak Guarantee, and the reason for that is the measures in which we go to protect the installation, which I will explain here.

The track installation starts with these little guys;  ‘Plus Nuts’. After Drilling into the roof of the vehicle we slide these in and use a special plus nut tool to expand the nut below the surface of the sheet metal tight to create the anchor on the roof. The rubber washer is an add on to prevent damage to the surface of the roof, to create a grip, and the first stage of preventing leaks.

The Plus Nut and Rubber Washer

All the Plus nuts in a row, ready for a track!

Once this is complete we apply a sufficient amount of silicon sealant around the base of the of the plus nut to not only provide further leak protection but to harness the hardware down as well.

Laying Down the Track!

The feet you see in the track in the picture above clip in and out and slide back and forth for the adjustment.

The track can now be secured down and end caps installed with the appropriate hardware. The track now being installed the silicon must set and cure and will create a seal for the Leak-Free Guarantee.

Now we are able to put mount the cross bars to the feet. And then its done!

All installed, with a Thule Flat Top 6

If you would like this same set up, its available for nearly every Make and Model of car.

Call or Stop by the store for Price and the specific gear you want to put on your Vehicle.

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
fax : 604.526.7228
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com

400xtr Mazda 3 with Thule 400xtr Aero bar & Thule 91726 Pulltop ski rack- Installed by Rack Attack Coquitlam

Rack Attack Coquitlam installed the Thule 400xtr Aero bars on the a Mazda 3 4dr and the customer wanted a nice looking ski and snow board rack to complement the Aluminium bars. The Thule 91726 is one of the easiest ski rack to install and to use. For when it is installed you can slide the rack out to prevent your nice jacket and pants from getting dirty. The Thule 91726 PullTop can carry up to 6 skis or 4 snowboards or a couple paris of skis and poles. Like seen in the pictures attached. All Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks have a life time warranty.

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-400xtr-rapid-aero-foot-pack.asp

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-91726-universal-pull-top-6.asp

Mazda 3 with 400xtr and 91726

Mazda 3 with 400xtr Aero bars & Thule 91726

Mazda Racks with Thule 91726 Pull Top

Mazda 3 Roof Rack – Thule 460 Podium

Today at Rack Attack Coquitlam we installed a Thule 460 Podium rack. The Thule 460 Podium is a ‘Fixed Point’ rack system that allows the user to easily install a rack onto his or her vehicle without having to clip it into the door jams. This gives your rack a clean factory look that doesn’t get in the way of anything.  It looks so good you keep it on all season!

Other manufacturers use this or a similar system. Makes like Mercedes, BMW, newer Subaru’s  and some Honda models as well. Most applications give you up to a 165lb weight capacity.

I own a Mazda 3 and I use the exact same system except I use a variation of the Podium, I use to Podium 460R, which can be seen below on the right. The only difference is that instead of using the Classic Thule Square Bars, Im using the Thule Rapid Aero Bars which require a 460R foot pack. This setup makes the bars more aerodynamic and quieter with a fairing. It also looks more modern on newer vehicles.

Mazda 3: Thule Bar Comparison

What you need:

Thule Podium 460/460R Foot Pack
Thule 3069 Mazda Fit kit (this number changes depending on the vehicle you have)
Thule 50 inch Square bars or Rapid Aero Bars
Locks and Keys
Accessories! got a bike? skis? board? kayak? Ad-ons are extra and can be found on the Rack Attack Website.

So how exactly does this rack mount to a Mazda 3?

*****If you are not a DIY kind of person, do not attempt this install, leave it to the professionals for best results.

The process starts with Removing the doors on the top of your Mazdas roof track to get to the threaded portion of your frame. With small tools, in the direction of the arrow, this is very easy.  Some earlier models of Mazda will not have these doors, but rather need to be punched through as the threaded portion is on the other side of it. Thread in the rod into the threaded portion of your frame.

The Door!

The goods!

After youve done that and assembled your 460/460R Podium foot pack and fit kit according to the instructions, loosely so you can adjust it once its on your roof, you can place the foot pack onto your roof and align the bars to make sure you have the same amount of overhang on both sides.

On the roof!

After youve done that, you can now place the lock washer over the threaded rod and the nut on the end and tighten it to a tight torque but no more than you are capable of making with your wrists strength and using the tool provided in the box.

Nice and Snug!

Once you have these tightened down you can evenly tighten the foot pack allen key bolts to a nice tight torque by hand.  Do little bits at a time on each bolt to avoid an misalignment & overtightening.

Put on the protective cover and turn in the locking core and you are done!

All Done!

Follow these steps for all of the footpacks and you will be done in no time.

Here it is!

Mazda 3 Roof Rack - Thule 460 Podium

Mazda 3 Roof Rack - Thule 460 Podium

Any ski, bike, kayak, fairings or accessories can be added later.
Want this install? Call Rack Attack Coquitlam 604-526-7225