How to Carry 2 Bikes and Cargo Carrier Using Thule WingBars on a 2009 Taurus X Crossover

Updated 10/23/2013 | Published 10/20/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$226.76

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$210.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$226.76

Kuat Trio Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum - Black and Polished Chrome

(55)

$249.00

Question:

As you are probably aware the Taurus X is really a pain in the neck when it come to finding roof kits because the back half of the rails are not open on thebottom as Ford placed a plastic cover between the rails and car roof,,making the back half unable to be used for the footpack...unless one can somehow take it off have you knowledge if thats possible?. So assuming the back half is unuseable...the spread of the crossbars is a maximum of 24-25 inches if one measures from the middle of one footpack to the other...You have on your website for Thule kit that a spread of 27inches is needed,,,yet you then state later in your discussion that Thules cross bar spread is 24 inches...so im getting different spread numbers..This is crucial because I dont have the luxury of having any room to make the spread larger like many SUV or CUvs have as they can use the entire lenght of the rails...I cant.. also I prefer getting the aluminum aero thule kit. vs steel kits...the aero kit has 53 inch bars...not sure if the 57 inch bars of the steel kits is better...I plan on using the kist for, ideally 2 bikes on the roof and a small carrier...or might get the thule bnasket and mount all of this on that accessory. your feedback would be appreciated...

asked by: Dr. P

Expert Reply:

I have very good news regarding crossbars for your 2009 Taurus X. According to Thule, your vehicle actually has a 27 inch crossbar spread which is ideal. (24 inches is the minimum allowed) A lot of people do not know, but in order to measure crossbar spread you actually take the middle of each cross bar and measure the spread that way. I have the correct and incorrect spread measurements noted in the picture.

I also know how to get 2 bikes on your roof using the WingBars while being able to carry a cargo carrier all at the same time.

The Thule WingBars for your 2009 Taurus X are 53 inches long and are one of the quietest crossbars on the market. The steel bars are heavier and do not deflect the wind as well so they produce a bit more noise. The AeroBlades are rust resistant and are made out of aluminum which makes them super lightweight. The roof rack consists of 1 set of the Thule WingBars, part # TH711400 in silver or # TH711420 in black and 1 set of the Thule Evo raised rail feet, part # TH710401.

For a fork mount bike rack, I recommend the Kuat # TR02. This is a lightweight bike rack that will fit on either type of crossbars.

For a small cargo carrier, I recommend the Thule Sidekick Carrier # TH78GC. I picked this carrier because it is only 25 inches wide, is lightweight and will fit your crossbar spread. This cargo carrier also will not interfere with opening your rear hatch.

Please check your owners manual to verify the weight capacity limit your roof has. Be aware that the crossbars, bike racks, bikes, cargo carrier and the cargo all combined needs to be less than your capacity.

When looking at either roof rack cargo box carriers or roof cargo baskets, check the installation instructions to make sure your crossbar spread is adequate. I checked several roof baskets and cargo boxes and they will work with your smaller spread because they have adjustable mounting hardware.

I have the installation instructions attached for all of the products listed.