Thule Racks For Versa

[tedjamwell]

Hi, folks, I posted about this a while ago, but it had been sort of strongly suggested that I not give out too much detail by the folks at Thule America until they had the kit set up for manufacture.

The kit is now available if you go to Thule.com. The folks at the Connecticut headquarters used my Versa as a prototype vehicle for the kit (good deal for me - $20 in gas for a brand new rack set up worth 10 times that).

The fit kit is the #2183 kit, to be used in conjunction with the LB50 load bars and the 400XT foot pack. The fit kit will also retro to the older 400 "Aero" foot pack, so there is no problem reusing an older rack set up if you have one.

Usage notes: There is some road noise at highway speeds. I installed my older Thule fairing from my previous vehicle, which cut out 90% of the noise. I really don't notice it at all anymore, unless I'm driving loaded (the racks, not me ). I have carried bicycles, a sixteen foot sea kayak, and various combinations of both without issue, at highway speeds. One word of advice, USE BOW AND STERN LINES IF YOU ARE CARRYING A LONG KAYAK OR CANOE. The monster boat / small car combination has a potential element of disaster, no matter how well built the rack system is. This is not a shot at Thule, the rack is so stable that you can shake the car all around by grabbing the rack. The rack doesn't budge. It is just a security measure to keep from launching a small boat through someone's windshield or back window at highway speeds...

[jelliott2000]

I appreciate you posting that as a follow up to your July Posting...as well as tips from your own experience !!!

[tedjamwell]

BTW, Mr. Elliot, whereabouts in Merrimack are you? I live in Townsend, about 25 minutes from Merrimack.

[jelliott2000]

I am right off Exit 12 ...Bedford Rd. in Merrimack and have seen only one other Versa on the road. It was over on Rt 125 in Epping

[motoguy128]

Trailer hitches are also finally available as an alternative. Still not as nice as a roof rack (I used to have a Yakima on a '91 Toyota Tercel), but a few hundred dollars less and easier to remove the rack.

[Southernwayfarer]

Do you happen to have any pics of your car with the rack?

[tedjamwell]

No pics yet, I'll see if I can get some this weekend.

[tedjamwell]

I'll see if this works.

[cireecnop1]

thats nice, it makes the car look just a little more sportier. nice car!