Can 2023 Toyota RAV4 w/ Flush Rails Use 60 Inch Crossbars

Updated 11/13/2023 | Published 11/11/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Landing Pad 23 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 4

(910)

$143.95

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(602)

$269.95

SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points, Flush Rails, and Track Systems - Qty 4

(65)

$274.95

Question:

Hi, I have a 2023 Rav4 Prime. It has flush rails front to back. I have Thule Wing-Bar Evo system that Ive been using on my Prius. I know I need new feet 460R Podium or Fixed Point?. I know I need a fit kit. I know the complete kits all use short bars, like 50 inches. I REALLY want to put my 60 in bar on the Rav4. Crazy to be able to car more on a Prius than a SUV! With the 2012 Prius, we were just able to to make the 60 inch bar fit by messing with the plastic thing that goes in the bottom of the slot. We could NOT make the 60 inch bar fit on the 2004 Prius, so I do understand that this solution only goes so far. We are thinking maybe we could Dremel out the bottom slot on the 60 WingBar a bit? Or see if we could use my sons milling machine to extend the slot? Have you ever had someone do this? Its got to void all kinds of warranty, but... Alternatively, we just say to hell with Thule and get a Yakima. It LOOKS to me like if we got SkyLine towers we could put bars of any arbitrary length up there? Weve seen some HILARIOUS bars in the ADKs, people with little cars and cross bars that stick out forever so they can carry extra boats. Do pls advise! Thank!

asked by: Elizabeth P

Expert Reply:

So I cannot say I've ever heard of someone using a Dremel or anything so they could use longer Thule crossbars, and I gotta say that besides the warranty being voided like you mentioned, it could cause some unforeseen issues with stability, capacity, etc. I absolutely understand not wanting to have to get a whole new roof rack but for best safety practices, that's the right way to go.

You can get 60 inch crossbars on your 2023 Toyota RAV4 with flush rails by using Yakima bars like you said; reason is the slot underneath the JetStream crossbars goes the full length of the bar, unlike the Thule bars. And it's funny you mentioned those cars with the super-long bars sticking out the side; I just saw one on the highway the other day and I thought it was going to start flying in the air. But that won't happen to your '23 RAV4 if you go with 60 inch bars - they'll stick out but not to the extent of some of the goofier looking ones. Here is what you will need for the Yakima rack:

- Yakima JetStream Crossbars - 60" Long # Y00426

- SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y53TR

- Landing Pad 23 # Y98FR

expert reply by: Kyle S