Should Roof Rack Bike Rack be Slid Forward or Back on Roof of Vehicle

Published 02/07/2017

Question:

I recently installed a Thule Traverse 480R w/Aerobar set on my 2016 Audi A4. I placed the roof rails centered in the same place the OEM rails would normally install there is a little notch in the inner door frame for front and rear doors where OEM towers secure to door frame with a hook on the tower foot. My question relates to placement of the INNO tire hold accessory racks on the roof rails. I believe the mounts that attach the INNO rack to the Thule rails are adjustable front to back thereby moving the placement of the bike forward over the windshield, or in a more rear position over the rear windshield. What is the proper placement when the bike is in the rack? How are forward should the front tire protrude over front or rear windshield? Should it be centered front to back on the rail? Im carrying a 26inch and 29inch MTB, so they are longer than the roof of car.

asked by: Lori

Helpful Expert Reply:

We normally recommend moving roof rack accessories to the rear of the vehicle as much as possible as that allows for best vision and the least amount of wind noise. Every application is different though so as long as you have the rack secured well you may try it in a few different orientations to see what you like best.

You should also note that when installing your Thule roof rack you should install it in the location that Thule recommends and not where a factory rack might be installed.

expert reply by: Jameson C