Thule Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland with Flush Rails

Question:

Our 2012 Grand Cherokee has stainless channels on the roof. In previous posts and questions, you indicated using a Thule THKIT4019 in order to fit the Thule Foot packs TH460R along with the aero bars for cross bars. It seems the part Thule THKIT4019 is discontinued. Is there another part in order to fit the footings into the stainless rails. Most fitting guides/suggestions seem to suggest a fitting part which seems to grab the edge of the roof where the door closes. This seems to defeat the purpose of the stainless rails which have channels on the roof. Any suggestions for the current appropriate roof rack system for the Grand Cherokee with these types of rails on the roof. Im open to any brand. Thanks,

asked by: Doug

Expert Reply:

I spoke to Thule about this issue and they said that they used to use the THKIT4019 to fit the Laredo Group E roof racks on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but moving forward they are now using a different style clip system and that is why the THKIT4019 is no longer available.

For your vehicle you would want the following parts to put an Thule Aeroblade roof rack like the one you referenced on your vehicle.

Thule Aeroblade Load Bars # TH711520
Thule Rapid Traverse Foot Pack # TH480R
Thule Roof Rack Fit Kit # THKIT1656

Thule determined that the railing on your vehicle was not an ideal setup for attaching a rack too so they went to a setup that you usually see on naked roofs.

Yakima on the other hand does have a solution that would utilize the rails on your roof. You would need the following parts:

48 inch Crossbars # Y00408
SkyLine Towers # Y00148
RoundBar SL Adapter # Y03536
Landing Pad 18 # Y00244