Today, on our 2007 Volvo XC90, were going to be test-fitting a Thule Roof Rack System. Well be using a 58-inch square load bars, part number THLB58, as well as their crossroad feet, part number TH450. We already have our roof rack assembled according to the instructions, and now were ready to put it on top of our vehicle. To mount the system, were going to take the front load bar and set it up on top of our side rails. Since this is a system designed to attach to factory-raised side rails, there are no specific measurements when it comes to placing the crossbar. We do, however, need to make sure that the bar overhangs evenly from left to right.
We also want to make sure that the arrow on the side of the crossroad foot is pointed towards the center of the side rail. Finally, we want to make sure that the bar is perpendicular to our side rails. To do this, well measure from a fixed point on the side rails to the leading edge of our crossroad foot and make sure this measurement is the same on both sides. Once we got our front bar in position, we can go ahead and tighten it down, and well be ready to start on the rear bar. Well take the rear bar and set it up on top of our side rails.
Again, we need to make sure that the overhang is even on both sides, but on the rear bar, we need to make sure that it runs parallel to the front. To do this, well measure from the center of the front bar to the center of the rear bar. Make sure this measurement is the same on both sides of the vehicle. This measurement is known as the crossbar spread. Again, we dont have to set it in anything specific; however, if you check with the owners manuals of whatever accessories youre using, they might have a specific range that youll need to fall within.
Once we have the rear bar in position, well go ahead and tighten it down the same way we did the front. With that, our roof rack is installed and were ready to start mounting accessories. That does it for our test fit of the Thule Roof Rack System on our 2007 Volvo XC90.
