Thule Xsporter Pro Mid with side bars installed

[801Maverick801]

Wanted to make a thread about this so if people are interested, they can do the same build.

I get Thule products for 50% off through my work so I had a large incentive to make a Thule set up work with this truck.

I installed a Thule X shorter pro mid with the side bars.

The top bars stuck out quite a bit so I trimmed 8 inches off the top bars with a hand saw.

The side bars also come in 2 sizes and are either too big or too small. They don't have telescoping bars like Yakima. I trimmed these to length after installing the main rack.

Really like the set up and is very functional! I will post some more with the rooftop tent in the spring.

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[wax87]

Wanted to make a thread about this so if people are interested, they can do the same build.

I get Thule products for 50% off through my work so I had a large incentive to make a Thule set up work with this truck.

I installed a Thule X shorter pro mid with the side bars.

The top bars stuck out quite a bit so I trimmed 8 inches off the top bars with a hand saw.

The side bars also come in 2 sizes and are either too big or too small. They don't have telescoping bars like Yakima. I trimmed these to length after installing the main rack.

Really like the set up and is very functional! I will post some more with the rooftop tent in the spring.

I love it, especially the shovel LOL

 

[InsaiyanAzn]

Wanted to make a thread about this so if people are interested, they can do the same build.

I get Thule products for 50% off through my work so I had a large incentive to make a Thule set up work with this truck.

I installed a Thule X shorter pro mid with the side bars.

The top bars stuck out quite a bit so I trimmed 8 inches off the top bars with a hand saw.

The side bars also come in 2 sizes and are either too big or too small. They don't have telescoping bars like Yakima. I trimmed these to length after installing the main rack.

Really like the set up and is very functional! I will post some more with the rooftop tent in the spring.

Very interested in this setup and how the mounting situation worked out for you. Can you post pics of the mounting hardware on truck? Also do you have a link for bars and any issues other than trimming for length u had when mounting? Thank you!!

 

[billbillw]

I like the look and quality of the Thule, but at 1st glance, it seems that the Thule mounting setup will not work with a tonneau cover. Am I wrong?

 

[801Maverick801]

Very interested in this setup and how the mounting situation worked out for you. Can you post pics of the mounting hardware on truck? Also do you have a link for bars and any issues other than trimming for length u had when mounting? Thank you!!

https://www.thule.com/en-us/roof-ra...thule-xsporter-pro-shiftmid-side-bar-_-500031

So I would just buy the longer ones and trim them down since they are the same price as the shorter ones. I just cut them by hand with a metal fine tooth saw from Harbor freight. Pretty easy since it's aluminum. All the plastic caps will still fit on the ends of the trimmed aluminum.

I trimmed all these mounting bolts by about 20mm so they wouldn't interfere with the tie down system from Ford.

Utilize the slots with T slot hardware.

 

[801Maverick801]

I like the look and quality of the Thule, but at 1st glance, it seems that the Thule mounting setup will not work with a tonneau cover. Am I wrong?

Unfortunately I don't think so. But I am going to figure it out one way or another and will update in the future.

 

[Stealth Raccoon]

I just put the Thule setup on my XL a few weeks ago - I love it! I did want the side accessory bars, but I was not sure if the spacing so I skipped them for now - glad to see you made them work! The cross bars are too wide, and I’ve knocked my head on them more than once - I do plan on shortening them a bit to save on bruises and wind resistance.

 

[801Maverick801]

I just put the Thule setup on my XL a few weeks ago - I love it! I did want the side accessory bars, but I was not sure if the spacing so I skipped them for now - glad to see you made them work! The cross bars are too wide, and I’ve knocked my head on them more than once - I do plan on shortening them a bit to save on bruises and wind resistance.

I cut 8 inches off the top bars and I think it is perfect now. Just make one cut and center the bar.

Super easy to cut all the bars and re-fit! The Thule system is great.

 

[icegradner]

I like the look and quality of the Thule, but at 1st glance, it seems that the Thule mounting setup will not work with a tonneau cover. Am I wrong?

You are not wrong, no way to mount a tonneau due to the clamps that hold on the Thule rack. THat's why I ordered Elevate Rails, and rack.

 

[InsaiyanAzn]

https://www.thule.com/en-us/roof-ra...thule-xsporter-pro-shiftmid-side-bar-_-500031

So I would just buy the longer ones and trim them down since they are the same price as the shorter ones. I just cut them by hand with a metal fine tooth saw from Harbor freight. Pretty easy since it's aluminum. All the plastic caps will still fit on the ends of the trimmed aluminum.

I trimmed all these mounting bolts by about 20mm so they wouldn't interfere with the tie down system from Ford.

Utilize the slots with T slot hardware.

Looks great. So looks like really any bed rack with c-clamp or j-clamp mount will work with the maverick, as long as don't want a tonneau cover on. Perfect because I don't want a tonneau cover just need any bed rack that will make kayaks easy to haul. Bookmarked this thread for future reference thanks!!

 

[snowkarver]

Looks great! Such a clean setup.

How do you have those traction boards mounted along the bed wall?

 

[WeirdUncleJerry]

That looks awesome!

I was hoping someone would post a set up for carrying kayaks and boards, as I have a Tremor on the way and was curious how I would carry all of my toys with such a short bed.

Thanks for posting! Cactus grey, all the way.

 

[801Maverick801]

Looks great! Such a clean setup.

How do you have those traction boards mounted along the bed wall?

So I just used the adjustable cleat with the Ford tie down system. I got the cheap cam straps from Harbor freight and just ran it through the cleat and the holes in the traction boards. Very secure. Easy to steal though. Going to figure out a way for some theft prevention.

 

[801Maverick801]

I do want to mention you can have these side bars in a few different heights. I currently have it at the highest but will probably move it to the mid position when I mount my rotopax.

 

[Stealth Raccoon]

I was hoping someone would post a set up for carrying kayaks and boards, as I have a Tremor on the way and was curious how I would carry all of my toys with such a short bed.

I added two sets of 'V-hooks" onto the mid rack and carried my two, 10' kayaks easily. Loaded some folding chairs and tubs of gear and was on the road.
https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-...one-auto-rack-seawing-kayak-carrier/p/1448523
I did have to get some longer bolts to make it fit - think they were M-8 90mm bolts.

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