Length of Rhino Rack Crossbars for 2013 Chevy Malibu

Question:

The recommended bar is 1260 mm or about 49inch in length DS126B. I have a Thule system on my 2007 Chevy Malibu with a bar of this length. However, my 2013 Malibu is a couple inches wider so I am concerned that there might not be enough overhang at the end of the bar for tying things down. Should I get the next bar size up which is 54? If the recommended size 49 doesnt work would I be able to exchange the smaller bars for the larger bars? I am interested in buying from your business because of its closer location and reputation. Note there is a fit listed for the 2013 Malibu by the Rhinorack car fit or at the company website Pad and clamp kit DK338. Dealers dont seem aware of this or they havent updated their information. Note that the Rhinorack car fit or says the bar RRVA126B-2 is 49 inch.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

According to the Rhino Rack website, the # RRVA126B-2 and the # DK338 are indeed the correct crossbar/ clamp pack kit for your 2013 Malibu. You will also need the leg kit, # RRRLKVA. I have confirmed this during a phone conversation with my Rhino Rack representative. He could not tell me how much overhang there would be on either side of the vehicle, but he did say that their engineering staff have determined that the 49 inch bars were the proper length for the vehicle.

We have not yet had the opportunity to do a test fit, so I cannot tell you with any certainty how far the ends of the bars will extend past the crossbar feet, but holding a tape measure at approximately 49-1/2 inches apart centered over the roof of the vehicle would give you a rough idea of how the bars would sit.

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expert reply by: Mike L