Thule AeroBlade Roof Racks for a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude with Raised Rails

Question:

Have you guys run into issues with the 2018 Grand Cherokee High Altitude roof rails not being compatible with a Thule or other roof rack system? Im trying to get a ski rack and Im told by local product dealer that the roof rails on my High Altitude Grand Cherokee is not compatible with a flush mounted or other method. Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Thule who verified that they have not run into any problems with fitting one of their roof racks to a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude.

The problem may be as simple as if you don't have the E Group Package and he was trying to fit a roof rack that is only compatible with the E Group Package. If your raised rails have the chrome finish like in the picture that I attached then you have the E Group Package. If your rails are black then you don't have the E Group Package.

If you have the E Group and you would like an aero style roof rack then you will want to use the following from Thule:

WingBar Evo Bars - # TH711400 for Silver or # TH711420 for Black
Podium Foot Pack - # TH460R
Fit Kit - # THKIT3142

If you don't have the E Group then you would need the following for the same type of set up:

WingBar Evo Bars - # TH711500 for Silver or # TH711520 for Black
Rapid Traverse Foot Pack - # TH480R
Fit Kit - # THKIT1656

To add locks to either roof rack you will also want to get the part # TH450400.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Louie

4/19/2020

Im looking to add this Thule roof rack setup to my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude. Is this setup compatible with the Panoramic Sunroof and are there any gotchas that I should be aware of?

Chris R.

4/20/2020

Either Thule setup mentioned above (for with or without E Group Package) will work with the panoramic sunroof. When using accessories (cargo boxes, baskets, etc) that clamp around the bars, you'll just want to make sure you have enough clearance before you open up the roof with the accessory attached. Most likely you won't want to open it with the roof rack in place anyway because it will be awfully noisy.