Thule RB53 Rapid Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Load Bars
- Designed exclusively for use with the Rapid Aero foot packs
- Improved aerodynamics and decreased cabin noise with custom aero profile
- Integrated T-slot makes accessory mounting a breeze
Product Description
Aluminum load bars enhance any vehicle’s appearance and deliver maximum load carrying capacity… More >>
These bars are strong and look great with our new truck. The Thule brackets and fit kit were far mor difficult than they needed to be, but these bars are much quieter than the square bars.
Rating: 4 / 5
Comment by Product tester — October 12, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
pros:
1. Nice looking sleek design.
2. Increased capacity (165lbs) combined with 450R compared with 75lbs with my factory cross bars.
3. Provide wider load space than my factory bars.
4. These has T slots on top going all the way to each side so you can slide your roof rack carriers in and out much easier without totally unscrew the screws; you can’t do that with the round or squared load bars.
cons:
1. Easily scrached, everything you put on needs protection (plastic spacers).
2. There is just no good ways to use the rubber strips that are supposed to cover the T slots. If you are likely to rearrange your carriers on the rack it is probably easier just not use these at all.
3. You can’t cut these shorter to fit a smaller car, the cross section is not the same all the way through, there are slots at the ends for adapting to the end caps and the foots. I think there are just a few lengths there to choose from.
Rating: 5 / 5
Comment by C. Chang — October 12, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
Ordered the Thule Fit Kit for my 2000 Mercedes E430 Sport. Had a little trouble getting the kit installed w/ the Thule RB47 Rapid Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Load Bars and Thule 400XTR Aero Rapid Roof Rack Foot Pack, it was a bit of a struggle getting the screws locked in, since I was performing the install directly on the car roof. Once I took all the pieces off, connected the fit kit to the load bars and fit kit off of the car and then loaded all the pieces together it worked. I need to buy the Thule skirt so that it blocks out the wind noise while driving. While driving there are no issues – at around 75-80mph I had no issues.
Rating: 4 / 5
Comment by Ryan Bandoy — October 13, 2009 @ 1:06 am
Bars are sleek, light, strong, and look good. However, they come without the end caps, which are part of a separate “fit kit”. Endcaps are another $10+. It’s like getting a pair of sneakers without the laces.
Rating: 4 / 5
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