Comparing Thule Rapid Crossroad Feet and Yakima TimberLine Towers for a 2015 Toyota RAV4

Question:

I am wondering which is easier to attach and remove between the Thule Rapid Crossroad or the Yakima Timberline.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

During the initial installation the Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 are going to be quicker/easier to install than the Yakima TimberLine Towers # Y33TR but that's simply because Yakima has some extra initial adjustments in the feet to help ensure that the crossbars are sitting level where the Thule feet don't have that feature.

After you get everything set with the Yakima feet though the installation for both the Thule and Yakima systems will be almost identical. I personally prefer the Yakima systems because I feel like they are a little more fine-tuned to each vehicle, but ultimately both companies are heavy hitters in the recreational lifestyle products so I'm confident you'll be happy either way.

I recommend using the aluminum aero bars from either company so for your 2015 Toyota RAV4 using the Thule you'll need the 47" WingBar Evo Crossbars which come in Black # TH711220 or Silver # TH711200, but for the Yakima you'll need the 50" JetStream Crossbars Black # Y00425.

Attached are some sample installation videos you can check out. Please note that the Thule crossbars are the previous generatrion crossbars so the WingBar Evo crossbars look a little different.