Does the Kuat Grip T-Channel Mounting Kit Keep You From Using The Pitch Adjustment Feature?

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 11/15/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Grip Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Slide Out - 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Boards - Black

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$429.00

T-Channel Mount Kit for Kuat Grip Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Qty 4

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$49.00

Thule SnowPack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Silver

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$399.95

AirScreen XT for Thule Crossbars - 44" Long

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Question:

Hi, I really like the lower profile of the Kuat Grip ski rack but read one comment that it might be more noisy/draggy. How does this compare to Thule ski racks, in terms of noise level? Also if you use the Kuat Grip direct mount kit / t-track mount, Im worried that Ill lose the pitch adjustment feature. How necessary is the pitch adjustment? I have Thule WingBar Evo installed to my 2019 Golf Alltrack. Thanks in advance!

asked by: Young-Bin

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will loose the adjustable pitch feature on the Kuat Grip # GRR4B when using the T-Channel Mount Kit # GRDMK because the adjustable pitch happens on the clamping feet only. With that being said, unless you're worried about the clearance between your roof and the skis/snowboard or want to mount to the T-Channels, you won't need to use the T-Channel kit. While the Kuat Grip is 4-1/2" tall and the SnowPack # TH7326 is 3-1/2" tall, I don't think that you'll find a noticeable difference in the wind noise that is created by the two- especially since wind noise is pretty much inevitable when it comes to roof racks.

In order to help eliminate some of the wind noise, I would recommend adding a wind fairing like the 44" long Thule AirScreen # TH82WV. This fairing sits in front of your roof rack's front bar and helps deflect a lot of the wind that creates the annoying sound that sometimes occurs with roof racks. To determine which size you need, I recommend measuring the width between your front two roof rack feet and choosing the size that is closest to fit between the feet.

I've attached a link to all of our wind fairings for you so that it's easier to locate the appropriate length wind fairing once you've completed your measurement.

expert reply by: Erik B

Jmb

10/25/2025

The t channel kit has two sizes of adaptors. I am mounting over truck bed so wind noise should be a non issue also pitch won’t matter due to wind shadow. Should I use low blocks or the bigger blocks ?

Robin H.

10/27/2025

@Jmb if it is over a truck bed clearance probably isn't a concern so you can use the low-profile mounts from the # GRDMK. The taller blocks are there if you need to raise it up for roof clearance.