Installation of Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack on 2017 BMW X5 with Flush Rails

Question:

2017 BMW X5 with flush rails I purchased a Thule WingBar Evo kit and so far so good. I am missing the information on setting the SmartSlide stops. On your website it says: SmartSlide sliding scales in the bottom channels let you place the feet in the proper location using the vehicle-specific measurements provided in your fit kit manual. The only model-specific info is the Thule Kit guide. It refers to other instructions that are not even in the box. So, could you tell me what the proper spacing number is for the SmartSlide scale for my vehicle? Thanks!

asked by: Walt H

Expert Reply:

The fit kits don't all have specific measurements for the SmartSlide scale for the Thule WingBar Evo roof racks, including the one that fits your 2017 BMW X5, which is made up of WingBar Evo crossbars # TH711420, Flush Rail Feet # TH710601 and Fit Kit # TH186007.

The SmartSlide scale is really only used as a guide to ensure that the crossbars are centered, as you want the distances to match up on the scale to know your crossbars have the same overhang. For a flush-mount rack it is probably going to be easier for you to just measure the overhang you get from the feet to the end of the crossbar when you are installing. If it is the same distance on both sides of the vehicle, your crossbars are properly centered.

expert reply by: Kyle S