beret Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I have a set of Thule roof racks for my Jeep and they are perfect. I can carry four poles with ease. My question is in regards to the spacing of the two racks on the roof. I currently have mine as far apart(fore and aft) as possible thinking this would give the rods the most support especially when traveling at high speeds on the highway. I notice however many others have the tow racks very close togther,maybe two feet or so apart. It would seem to me this would leave much of the rod un-supported to flap in the wind at any kind of speed....or even driving on the beach. Is this just a preference or is there a reason they should be closer together ? The only advantage I can see is that it makes it easier to release and close both arm without moving. Appreciate comments on the best placement.....thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbt114 Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I have mine seperated as much as possible. I notice this on pickups where they have a short roof. When I'm in my buddies Ford Ranger, I notice way more bounce on the highway than when on my Jeep. Chris I'm on a bridge to a better day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadabout Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I've had Thule racks on my last three vehicles. I've always installed them in the spots indicated in the instructions for the particular vehicle. I don't think it matters all that much as far carrying rods. My main concern is how well spaced they are for carrying my canoe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnycakes Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 If the rods are hitting anything then they are to close. If they are not why not have them easy to reach? plays well with others Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbuster Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I've had them on 3 different vehicles, some were close and some were quite far away from each other. I really didn't notice any difference. How long are the rods your putting in the racks? Even if they are close together I don't see the difference in a rack on someone's bumper, they would move around just as much or more. I don't think you'll have a problem if they are close. One of the vehicles I had them on was an Escape, they were close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayG Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Thule in the instructions I got recentl gives the exact length the bars should be separated at. Maybe check their website for detail. Hope it helps Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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