Can Thule Rapid Traverse Feet Be Used on Flush Side Rails on 2016 Ford Explorer

Updated 09/22/2021 | Published 09/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3151

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Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

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Rhino-Rack Locking Endcaps for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Metal Cores - Qty 4

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Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

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Question:

I have a complete for everything I need with the older style 480 traverse feet and square bars without the slot in them. Is there any fit kit that will make this attach to my 2016 ford explorer with flush rails? I have factory cross bars as well but I dont like how they are curved, I want to lay something flat across them and worried there wont be enough surface area.

asked by: Matthew G

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but the Thule Rapid Traverse Feet # TH480R are not designed to fit on flush mounted roof rails, so there's not a fit kit that will allow this; additionally, your older square bars will not fit in the feet that are available for your 2016 Ford Explorer. For these reasons, if you wanted an aftermarket roof rack for your 2016 Ford Explorer so that you've got flat bars, you would need to get an entirely new system.

If you wanted to go the aftermarket route, I recommend using the Rhino Rack Roof Rack System for 2016 Ford Explorer that uses parts # RRVA137B-2, # RRRCH4, # RRRCP45-BK since it's going to give you a rack that's similar in quality to your old Thule rack, but at a bit nicer price point. If you want to swap the plastic locks to more secure metal locks you'll need the # RRVA-LEC4, which are a nice upgrade if you plan on leaving the rack installed most of the time.

I've linked a review video of this roof rack for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B