Will The Thule Outbound Roof Cargo Bag Fit On A Mazda Protege 5 With Factory Crossbars

Question:

Hello there, I would like to get the Thule Outbound cargo bag for my Mazda Protege 5, but the front and back crossbars factory installed are only 30 inches apart. I see the Thule bag is 40 inches long. Can I use the bag on my car roof even if it is not fully expanded? Thanks very much.

asked by: Hug S

Expert Reply:

The Thule Outbound Roof Cargo Bag, part # TH868, could work on your Mazda Protege 5 with crossbars that are 30 inches apart. I spoke with my contact at Thule and she said that when you install the cargo bag you would line the front of the bag with the front crossbar and attach the straps to the front crossbar. Then, you will drape the bag over the rear crossbar and attach the straps to the rear crossbar. When you attach the rear straps you will be pulling the bag underneath the crossbars so you will be losing some of the storage space inside the bag.

She did say it does work fine on vehicles like your Mazda 5 that have the crossbars that cannot be adjusted.

expert reply by: Jeff D