Roof Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota RAV4 for Carrying Thule Evolution Cargo Box

Published 09/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2759)

$230.20

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3355)

$139.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Sportz Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8969)

$249.99

Question:

I recently purchased a 2017 Toyota RAV4. I have a 10-year old Thule Evolution cargo box, with the Uinch bolts ed underneath the bars into the box, previously on our van that Id like to use on the RAV4. Thules site recommends the 45050 Crossroads kit or the 7502 Aeroblade Edge. One of the things I noticed is that the existing RAV4 roof rails seem to be slightly lower in the back than in the front and would cause the crossbar to sit at a slight angle which would result in the cargo box also being higher in the front, which I would think would greatly increase wind drag, and the U-bolt to not fit flat against the bar. Is this accounted for on these rail kits or is there some kind of spacer to even things out? I think the Aeroblade would look better if the U-bolts are wide enough to fit around it. However, I cant justify over $500 for those including the lock cores. Any help you might be able to provide is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Darrin Z

Expert Reply:

I checked and all of the roof racks we offer for your 2017 Toyota RAV4 with raised rails will have the same height between the front and rear feet of the rack. That means that you'd have a slight height difference with your roof accessories like what you mentioned since that would mean the front bar would sit a bit lower.

For a set of aero shaped bars that are a fit for your 2017 Toyota RAV4 we have the Rhino Rack roof rack kit part numbers # RRVA126B-2 and # RRRLKVA, # DK449 since the Evolution box you have uses U-bolts that are 3-1/4 inches wide. These bars are 3-1/8 inches wide so they would work great.

I attached an install video for this roof rack on a similar Rav4 for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C