Recommended Roof Box and Bike Carrier for 2006 Toyota RAV4 with Factory Roof Rack

Question:

Hi there, Im interested in the Thule Force XT and Thule Sidearm 594XT. I have a 2006 Rav4 with, what I think are, factory installed crossbars. I measured the width as 34 inches as theres 1-2 inches of wider bar where it meets the side bars, I dont think a roof box will be able to attach to those bits. What Im wondering is, will the Force XT and Sidearm be able to mount on the roof together? The XT specs say it is 33-3/4 inch wide. Do you think I can mount the XT enough to one side to allow room for the Sidearm? Is it also safe to mount the Sidearm so close to the edge? Thanks for your help!

asked by: Jonny

Expert Reply:

The Thule Force XT, part # TH6358B requires 51-1//8 inches 'front clearance'. Front clearance is the distance from the center of the front crossbar rearward to the seam that separates the hatch and the roof on a vehicle. Per Thule the Force XT is not a fit that would allow you to open the rear hatch but I do have a solution for your RAV4.

I recommend the Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box, part # TH614. This is a 14 cu ft cargo box that measures 63-inches long x 35-inches wide x 16-inches tall and has a weight capacity of 110-lbs. This cargo box will fit crossbars with a dimension up to 3-5/16 inches wide and 1-1/2 inches tall. The crossbar mounting width needed for this cargo box is 21-5/8 inches, so you have more room for a bike carrier.

The Thule UpRide Wheel-Mount Bike Carrier, part # TH599000, will also fit the factory crossbars on your RAV4. This bike carrier does not require removing a wheel on the bike and there is no frame contact when using this bike carrier.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L