Will the Thule Force XT L Fit My 2020 BMW X5?

Question:

in your answer concerning the Thule force XT L cargo carrier on a BMW X5 with a bare roof, you recommended using Yakima racks instead of Thule racks. Will you explain why? in the same response you recommended Thule racks for a roof with raised rails

asked by: Robert K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you will be able to fit the Thule Force XT L # TH6357B on your 2020 BMW X5's roof. Not only do you have enough roof for the required crossbar spread of 23-5/8 - 33 inches, you will also be able to mount the box to your roof and fully open your rear hatch. If you are wanting to go bigger, the Thule Force XT XL # TH6358B and XXL # TH6359B will fit as well.

As far as mounting, you will need a crossbar system in order to secure the Force XT XXL to your roof. The setup you need depends on if you have a bare roof or flush side rails.

If you have flush rails, I recommend the following parts:

- Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2 # TH712400
- Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails # TH710601
- Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Roof Rack Feet - 186007 # TH186007
- One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400

With this system, you will have 165 pounds of carrying capacity. I recommend confirming with your owner's manual if your roof can handle this much weight. The square bars are small enough in order to clamp the Force onto the crossbars.

If you have a bare roof, that setup is the following:

- Round 58" CrossBars for Yakima Roof Rack System # Y00409
- BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs # Y28TR
- RoundBar SL Adapter for Yakima BaseLine, SkyLine, TimberLine, and RidgeLine Towers # Y03536
- BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers # Y06142
- Yakima Same-Key Lock Cores # Y07204

Like the Thule system, the Yakima system will provide you with 165 pounds of maximum weight capacity (please make sure to check your owner's manual to make sure your roof can hold this much weight). The great thing about this setup is the safe and easy installation with the DropHook system and included torque tool for tightening. The Force will be able to clamp onto the Yakima bars as well.

expert reply by: Bob C

Robert K.

11/3/2021

Why did you recommend the Yakima rack system for my 2020 BMW X5 with flush mounts for the Thule Force XT L instead of the Thule system for flush mounts, especially since it is a Thule carrier? Thanks

Les D.

11/5/2021

@RobertK The question asked if the Thule Force XT L could be used and the answer was yes. Regarding using a Yakima product with a Thule product - many rack products are interchangeable and become a personal choice for style, looks, or of course brand, if that is important to you.

Robert K.

1/1/0001

Bob C.

11/5/2021

The reason why I recommended the Thule SquareBar # TH712400 for raised rails and not the bare roof is because there is no Thule SquareBar system that will fit a bare roof 2020 BMW X5. As far as recommending these two systems, they are the most economical options that will be able to get the job done with your cargo box. The Yakima round crossbars # Y00409 will fit the Thule Force XT L # TH6357B.