Thule Roof Bars

[Dohnut]

Just bought the Thule Flush Rail Edge, Wingbars and fitting kit (186028) which clamps onto the rails.

Anyone used this? I’m slightly concerned my new shiny black rails are going to get scuffed or scratched, even though the fitting kit is powder coated and wondering what I could use to protect the rails without compromising the integrity of the fixing to the rail.

[CocoPops]

I use the same set, no issues.
They don't chafe/rub etc.

Do them up tight and they won't move.

Tried and trusted.

[Goatherder]

Have the same concerns....having bought the same feet set for my body-coloured bars. Actually have not fitted them yet, but did put some cloth duck-tape on the feet, where they would meet the bar, hoping that will inhibit any bar scuffs/scratches.

[Haldex]

I use the volvo bars - made by Thule and identical to Wingbar model - no issues. Clamps have rubber pads to prevent scuffs..

[Dohnut]

The Flush Rail Edge does have rubber pads, these sit on top of the rail and I've no concern about those.

The fitting kit though is basically a couple of metal brackets powder coated in rubber/plastic and they clamp the rail on either side. It's these that have me concerned. I'll try a test fit at the weekend and see how I go.

Must admit though they seem totally over-enginereed/complex for what they are.

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by Dohnut

The Flush Rail Edge does have rubber pads, these sit on top of the rail and I've no concern about those.

The fitting kit though is basically a couple of metal brackets powder coated in rubber/plastic and they clamp the rail on either side. It's these that have me concerned. I'll try a test fit at the weekend and see how I go.

Must admit though they seem totally over-enginereed/complex for what they are.

Yes but they must be strong enough to hold on to your prized possessions at 70mph or more and if they do let go could kill someone. Do you want to have that on your conscience.

[Dohnut]

Kill someone??? Whoa… back up there. I just want to carry my stuff!

I could be wrong but you seem a glass half empty kinda guy.

[CocoPops]

I wouldn't want to introduce any extra tape/coating/film etc.

The feet clamps are designed to by torque'd to a specific value, based on rubber feet/metal rails etc. If you add a layer of tape (compresses differently, heats up, gets slippery) then the torque values set by Thule will be incorrect.

Not sure where you'd stand if something went wrong because you'd added duct tape.

[Goatherder]

@cocopops - I hear you....totally
@dohnut - my 6028's do NOT have any rubber, and when you look at https://www.thule.com/en-gb/roof-rac...86028-_-186028 it does not show it either. Have I something missing ?

My "conversation" with Thule, after I bought them:

I have just purchased the 6028 footpack for my Volvo XC60, and as it has body coloured roof rails, and am concerned that the footpack will damage the paintwork on the rails when the feet are tightened. Is there a thin rubber protector or something that can be applied to the feet to stop this ?

Thule Support:
We dont have any extra parts Im afraid. Mounting the foot and kit on an original rail, cleaning first, leaves no marks but how that would be on a painted rail I couldnt say.

[Dohnut]

Goat... I have the same components as per the pic you linked and a bag of 4 fixings that are referred to as "spare part 54201" on the instruction leaflet.

Per the attached pic. The rubber pad I referred to in my earlier post is outlined red. The two brackets, yellow.

Only diff I can see is my brackets have a gloss finish due to the rubberised coating.

Screenshot 2022-06-10 133457.png