Member Since: 18 May 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 227
Roof Bars - Thule or LR ?
This seems to have been debated briefly before but I'd like to canvas views before I take the plunge.
We thought we could get along without the roofbox on our D4 but the Easter holiday experience demonstrated that parents plus kids plus large dog cage and luggage isn't going to work without one !
A mate of mine has Thule Aero bars going spare (for a fair price) so I'd just need to get the feet pack and the fitting kit for the D4 roof rails (standard size).
TLO assures me that the LR bars are a doddle to fit (and therefore I hope a doddle to remove). We won't keep them on permanently so it will be important to us to be able to add and remove them readily as and when required.
The LR bars look better IMHO and if they are also easier to deal with than faffing around with footpacks etc then I will go with them.
Anybody out there have a view ?
Cheers
P
19th Apr 2012 3:03 pm
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1359
I have a set of Thule roof bars. Once they've been set up they too are a doddle to put on. They aren't as pretty as the LR ones, but I only put them on when I need them. One benefit mine have is that they are wider than the LR bars, so should you need the extra width.......... If I was buying new, I would have the LR ones for their looks, but I got them second hand for much less than the genuine ones, and therefore was a no brainer.
Agree with Nigel, LR look better but with the Thule bars extending past the footpack then theres more space and you can secure the load better. I started off with nothing and Ive still got most of it left.
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19th Apr 2012 5:50 pm
TheChief
Member Since: 15 Dec 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 106
+1 for Thule - just for the extra width.
19th Apr 2012 6:09 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
Another vote for Thule - for the extra width.
Our roofbox comes as far out as possible for ease of access when you are away from home & a set of steps. In this configuration (certainly with our roofbox - which isn't massive) you can still fit 2 bike carriers on the roof too. (See below - bike carriers were removed at this point). Wouldn't be possible without the extra width.
We're in Glasgow if you are desparate to see / try before you buy. I've marked the positions for the bars with a couple of spots of clear laquer in the rails which means putting them on is quick and effortless.
Click image to enlarge
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19th Apr 2012 6:42 pm
pjgraham86
Member Since: 18 May 2009
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 227
Thanks for all the replies, guys.
I don't really need extra width as we have a towball mounted bike carrier.
That said, the roof box we have is one of the largest of the Thule range (width and length) so maybe Thule bars are a safer bet overall if not too fiddly to remove on a regular basis.
Cheers
Peter
20th Apr 2012 8:06 am
haroosh
Member Since: 16 Nov 2010
Location: Perth & Kinross
Posts: 624
just recently got the LR ones and they are so easy to take on and off. They get my vote...
Can recommend a Thule roof bag vs box, smaller. It easy to pack away & store when on hold,
That way you're not driving round with an emty box for a week or soPaul.
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6th Aug 2012 8:40 pm
JDB
Member Since: 25 Mar 2010
Location: NW Hampshire
Posts: 2486
I have some LR roof bars for sale if anyone needs them.......
7th Aug 2012 4:45 am
Bramley
Member Since: 13 Aug 2012
Location: Glos
Posts: 4
I recently got some Thule bars and the noise they make drives me mad Had loads of Thule stuff on previous cars and they never made a sound, thinking I might have to eBay them and got OEM bars. I got the expensive Thule Wing Bars - thought they would be silent on the move...
26th Aug 2012 8:25 pm
StephenO
Member Since: 15 Feb 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1652
Here's my set up if it helps, all LR
Click image to enlarge
:thumbsup:
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26th Aug 2012 8:35 pm
Bushwanderer
Member Since: 27 Nov 2007
Location: Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia
Posts: 2050
Bramley wrote:
I recently got some Thule bars and the noise they make drives me mad Had loads of Thule stuff on previous cars and they never made a sound, thinking I might have to eBay them and got OEM bars. I got the expensive Thule Wing Bars - thought they would be silent on the move...
What a great first post.
I think that the only answer is suicide The Bearded Dragon
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Had loads of Thule stuff on previous cars and they never made a sound, thinking I might have to eBay them and got OEM bars. I got the expensive Thule Wing Bars - thought they would be silent on the move...
2005 D3 Zambezi Silver
