Can The Thule TracRac Van Ladder Rack Be Used With Roof Bike Racks

Question:

Can this ladder rack be used for roof bike racks, and do the clamps have rubber feet so the van paint does not get scratched?

asked by: Travis

Helpful Expert Reply:

The clamps on the Thule TracRac TracVan Van Ladder Rack - 2 Bar - 500 lbs, part # TH29055XT, are not rubberized. In order to reduce the opportunity for your 2013 Van to be scratched by this ladder rack you would have to make sure the rain gutters are clean before installation. Once the rack is installed as long as there is no dirt getting under the clamps you should be fine. A roof bike rack will work with this ladder rack, provided the roof bike rack attaches via t-channel. If your roof bike rack cannot attach via t-channel, you will have difficulty finding one that will fit the crossbars of this ladder rack. The diameter of the bars are significantly larger than a traditional round crossbar. Furthermore, per Yakima, if one of their products did clamp to the crossbar on this ladder rack it would no longer be under warranty since it was not designed to fit on crossbars of that size. Unfortunately, I think that would be the general rule of thumb for most roof bike rack manufacturers.

I have included product description links and a video review link below.

I have included pictures that illustrate this difference in size below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith