Longer Crossbar Roof Rack Recommendation for 2004 Toyota Matrix

Question:

I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix with a naked roof not even mounting points. Im looking at the Thule Rapid Traverse footing with the Wingbar Eevo cross-bars. Ill be doing a cross-country drive with an SUP on the roof. Somewhere down the line, I may also wish to transport a road bike or two as well. I see that your site recommends the 47 inch bar - is there any major downside or risk with using a longer crossbar say, 53 inches to gain additional usable space on the rack?

asked by: Jeremy F

Expert Reply:

The underside of the Thule Evo Wingbars like the 43 inch long part # TH711100 has a channel used for attaching to a roof rack foot but it does not go all the way down the length of the bar. What this means is that you won't always be able to install a longer bar than what Thule recommends as you may run out of channel length. I attached a picture that shows what the underside of the bar looks like.

Best option would be to go with a longer bar setup that has been confirmed as a fit like the Inno Aero Rack part numbers # INXB130-2, # INXS250, and # INK501 which we know fits your vehicle and the bars are 51 inches in length. They also have top channels like the Thule Evo so you can easily attach roof rack accessories like the Thule SUP Taxi part # TH810001.

expert reply by: Jameson C