Will the Thule Force XT L Fit My 2020 BMW X5?
Question:
in your answer concerning the Thule force XT L cargo carrier on a BMW X5 with a bare roof, you recommended using Yakima racks instead of Thule racks. Will you explain why? in the same response you recommended Thule racks for a roof with raised rails
asked by: Robert K
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes, you will be able to fit the Thule Force XT L # TH6357B on your 2020 BMW X5's roof. Not only do you have enough roof for the required crossbar spread of 23-5/8 - 33 inches, you will also be able to mount the box to your roof and fully open your rear hatch. If you are wanting to go bigger, the Thule Force XT XL # TH6358B and XXL # TH6359B will fit as well.
As far as mounting, you will need a crossbar system in order to secure the Force XT XXL to your roof. The setup you need depends on if you have a bare roof or flush side rails.
If you have flush rails, I recommend the following parts:
- Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2 # TH712400
- Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails # TH710601
- Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Roof Rack Feet - 186007 # TH186007
- One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450400
With this system, you will have 165 pounds of carrying capacity. I recommend confirming with your owner's manual if your roof can handle this much weight. The square bars are small enough in order to clamp the Force onto the crossbars.
If you have a bare roof, that setup is the following:
- Round 58" CrossBars for Yakima Roof Rack System # Y00409
- BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs # Y28TR
- RoundBar SL Adapter for Yakima BaseLine, SkyLine, TimberLine, and RidgeLine Towers # Y03536
- BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers # Y06142
- Yakima Same-Key Lock Cores # Y07204
Like the Thule system, the Yakima system will provide you with 165 pounds of maximum weight capacity (please make sure to check your owner's manual to make sure your roof can hold this much weight). The great thing about this setup is the safe and easy installation with the DropHook system and included torque tool for tightening. The Force will be able to clamp onto the Yakima bars as well.
Robert K.
11/3/2021
Why did you recommend the Yakima rack system for my 2020 BMW X5 with flush mounts for the Thule Force XT L instead of the Thule system for flush mounts, especially since it is a Thule carrier? Thanks
Products Referenced in This Question
Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Rail and Edge Flush Rail Roof Rack Feet - 6007
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Thule
more information >
Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 58" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Round Bars
- 58 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
RoundBar SL Adapter for Yakima BaseLine, SkyLine, TimberLine, and RidgeLine Towers - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Adapters
- Crossbars
- Yakima
more information >
BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 2 Pack
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4)
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Yakima
more information >
BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Tower Parts
- Towers
- Yakima
more information >
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on Roof Box
Robert K.
1/1/0001
in your answer concerning the Thule force XT L cargo carrier on a BMW X5 with a bare roof, you recommended using Yakima racks instead of Thule racks. Will you explain why? in the same response you recommended Thule racks for a roof with raised rails