Should I Use Tape or Glue for the Thule Elite Van XT Rack? for a 2021 ProMaster 1500?

Updated 08/01/2026 | Published 06/10/2021

Question:

2021 Ram Promaster 1500 high top. Looking at your Thule Elite Van XT bike rack. Ad says it mounts with clamps and double sided tape. Is this a new attachment method minus glue?

asked by: BJ I

Expert Reply:

For the Thule Elite Van XT, part # TH302013, Thule recommends Dekalin MS 5, SIKA 252 or Terostat MS937 glue. A 2-way tape can accomplish this, however I recommend going with one of the glues.

Finding a 2-way tape that can handle that amount of weight is difficult. Plus, speaking from experience, 2-way tape fails much more than glue (when they are rated for the same weight). The glue is your best bet.

expert reply by: Bob C

Joel

7/31/2026

Hi, and do you need to sand the paint with 120 grit paper like some of the instructions say? (there are 2 versions of the installation manual, one saying use sand paper, one not).

Robin H.

8/1/2026

@Joel the current Thule instructions call for preparing the surface according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations and using one of the approved adhesives. Sanding is not required for the installation of the Thule Elite Van XT # TH302013.

Joel

8/1/2026

@RobinH - Thanks Robin for the quick reply. Are you positive as they have 2 different directions. The one I received in the box (maybe it was older) said that sanding with 120 grit paper was necessary to remove the clear coat (smooth surface) for the sika to bond to-? Now I am totally confused and not sure which... Is there a reason they changed the directions? I just don't want the bikes and rack to fall off of course. Thanks for any clarification!