Yakima vs Thule

[Mainfraim]

I want to replace my stock roof rack. I already have tracks, so I don't have to do that kind of modification, but I want to know if any of you out there have either one of these two (are there any other really good brands?). I just wanted to see what you guys thought of the brands, or which one was better. Thanks.

 

[config]

They're about the same, only major difference is the crossbar. Yakima (Made in USA) has a round bar and Thule (Made in Sweden) has a rectangular bar - same functions same options. I have a Yakima rack on one of my vehicles.

 

[410Fortune]

YAKIMA

I have had several Yakima racks (different vehicles)
I have had 2 Thule racks

Yakima is better. Yakima is usually cheaper. Yakima is stronger. Yakima is more versitle.

BOth are good Yakima is better.

 

[FlyAU]

Yakima!

 

[brianb9]

Thule is better

I have had quite a bit of experience owning and selling both tracks in my store and I can tell you Thule is by far the winner for a number of reasons.

1.)They offer much better corrosion protection on all their parts and bars. i.e. bars are galvanized on the inside and outside, Yakimas are not. We have seen Yakima bars fold in half from rust on the inside. Have also had to drill or cut off rusted hardware on Yakima; never once on Thule.

2.) Thule has over 300 fit kits to custom fit every vehicle perfectly, Yakima offers a little over 40, and we've seen many damage the vehicle due to poor fit.

3.) Thule is also a much larger company with distribution in 21 countries and much larger resources for R&D. Yakima is only sold in North America.

4.) Thule is also the OEM choice for Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, and Saab. They develop many of their rack fits with these companies so you get a much better fit.

Take it from someone who has alot of experience with both; Thule is a much better long term investment and the cost are almost equal, neither is alot cheaper than the other.

Hope this helps.

Brian

 

[kvo]

Definitely go with Yakima. Thule will sag in a year or two. Never have I seen a Yakima bar sag in the middle.

I have the Yakima racks on all my vehicels and never had a problem in over 10 years. I have had them on my Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Civiv, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, and now my Explorer.

 

[Anime]

Ya

Yakima.

I sell these too..anyone in or near Colorado wanting Yakima stuff..10% store discount if you're a registered member of the site. ;-) I even have the "load warrior" big racks in stock. ..other stuff might be special order depending on your model year and what you want.

 

[RobbieJ]

Brianb9 There are a few of us who were wondering how involved the t-5 conversion is? Did you got from an auto to a t-5 or from a manual to a t-5?

 

[brianb9]

T-5

I had the manual already (Mazda)and just installed the T-5 along with a manual transfercase as the electronic one is problematic at best. If you want more details do a search on this site as I outlined most of the conversion. If you have an auto tranny my understanding is that you only need to get a flywheel to replace you flexplate and remove a small cone type bushing in the crank end. It shouldn't be much harder than mine was.

 

[Xplor]

Hey guys, I thought about getting a one of these brand for my existing factory rack. I want to put 2 mountain bikes on them. I am doing a lot of research and they are not cheap. I get around $400 quote to build these. Anybody have this set up? If so, was there a lot of wind noise? I know they make those windjammer/deflectors, but I don't think I like the looks on those my my truck all the time. The shortest round bar on Yakima's is 48in. The shortest square on Thule's is 50in. It's going to take up pretty much the whole width of the truck. I want it to look "good" too. I am not sure it I going to like the bars sticking out far. Anybody got pics of the Thule or Yakima bike racks on their explorer?

 

[Mike]

Hey, I have Thule and its great... but.. i recked my bike.... if any wants to buy it let me know.... I have a 2001 XLT so it should fit any 96+ X I have one bike rack and 2 flat ski holders... the kind that can also hold fishing poles... i paid over 350 for them at the start of the summer.... i would be willing to sell for $200-250 for everything.... the roof rack... bike rack and ski rack... if anyone wants it let me know..

Mike

 

[expo5.0]

i have thule. i use crossbars that we've had for ten years that i cut down to fit my x properly i also have the weekender (i think) box which i use to carry skis, boots, watersports stuff, luggage etc. and i've never had a problem. i am very impressed with the longevity of the bars. after ten years on the roof of one car or another they still look brand new. however with the current sport truck incarnation of my x (it used to be 4by4style) the crossbars look pretty silly up there.

 

[kvo]

Xplor - I have the 60" Yakima bars and two steelheads bike racks for both mine and my wife's bikes, one on each side of the truck. The 48" will work also but we like the bikes a little further out for easy access, plus we have a cargo box for ski stuff and it fits between the bike racks.

 

[Xplor]

Mikke. What is the Thule model or numbers on that one bike rack and what size are the poles. Is it the fork mount?(589 velo vise). Do you also have locks?

kvo, I was looking at the Yakima steelhead model and also the viper, which they just came out which it is more expensive. Decisions! Decision! 60in bars huh?. Those bikes must be really easy to get to if there mounted right at the end.

Thanks guys

 

[Mike]

yes i have locks for all of it... and the size of the rack is.... (runs out side).... 51"'s accross... i will take pics today... and get them up tonight...the rack is in mint shape... its only been used a few times... let me know..

Mike

 

[Mike]

and the bike rack # is 589