Today, on our 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, we'll be test fitting the Thule AeroBlade Podium Style Roof Rack system, using part numbers TH460R, THARB53 and THKIT4019. The rapid podium style AeroBlade roof rack system will to attach to the factory raised side rails. So we'll go ahead and set the cross bar assembly. On top of the side rails, we'll adjust them as necessary to get them to fit into the side rails. And with them tight, we can ahead and clamp them down using the Allen wrench provided with the fit kit. With the front cross bar, on top of the side rails, we do need to find the fix point on each of the two side rails to measure from.
And with the front bar clamp down, we can now move on to the rear bar. We'll then set the rear cross bar on top of the side rails. In order to find the correct location of the rear cross bar, we will need to do another measurement. We'll measure from the center of the front cross bar to the center of the rear cross bar. This measurement will be a 31-1/2" as stated by Thule.
This will also help us to keep the rear cross bar parallel with the front cross bar. And with our rear cross bar position correctly, we'll go ahead and repeat the same tightening procedure as we did with the front. Now that our rear cross bar is secured, we'll go ahead and install the podium foot covers. We simply slide them and replace and turn the knob 90 degrees locking them down. And with that our roof rack system is secured to the vehicle, and we're ready to load our accessories.
And that does it for our test fit of the Thule Rapid Podium Roof Rack system, part number TH460R, THARB53 and THKIT4019 on our 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Questions and Comments about this Video
Are the 53 inch bars the only size that will work with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee or are they a minimum size?
comment by: David N - 10/31/2012
With the Rapid Podium Foot packs, you can use either the 47 inch Aeroblade bars or the 53 inch Aeroblade bars. We have tested both, in-house, and either will work. If you want to keep the appearance and profile sleek and small, go with the 47s. If you need as much space as possible, go with the 53s. I have added a link to our fit page for roof racks on a 2012 Grand Cherokee. At the top of the page, select your roof type, and then you can see all the options for your vehicle.
Patrick B - 11/8/2012
