Rack Attack Coquitlam Racks up 2011 Mazda 3 Sedan with Thule AeroBlades and Yakima Fatcat 6

Thule AeroBlade on Mazda 3

One of the best-selling cars in Canada the Mazda 3 ( sedan and 5dr) come with pre mounted holes for the Yakima, Thule, and Whispbar Racks to mount directly to the roof. Since this customer had a 2011 he wanted to go with the newest, and best system for his vehicle, as he was going to be keeping it for a few years. Since the Thule AeroBlade has been out (few weeks now) the customer feed back has been great and every customer wants one.  So to keep with that stream line and low profile look the customer went with the Yakima FatCat 6. Thule also just came out with a new updated ski rack that is just wider and a lot bulkier version of the old model, but I will go into more detail about that in another blog. So here we have it a Mazda with the Thule 460R, 47″Bars, fit kit 3069, 4 pack locks, and a Yakima FatCat 6. The only bad part going with a different brand of  ski rack to roof rack is we can not same key the system.  But if you want the best of both worlds some times you have to mix and match products to achieve a great base rack and ski rack combo.

 

Thule 460R AeroBlades and Yakima FatCat 6

Yakima FatCat 6 on Thule AeroBlades

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

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

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