Will Thule Basin Work With Shorter CrossBars
Updated 04/02/2026 | Published 03/30/2026
Question:
My crossbars are 45” long. That puts the RTT extending past the crossbars roughly 5” on either side. Is this within spec?
asked by: David C
Expert Reply:
Hi David, that’s a really good question and I’m glad you’re checking before mounting it, because that overhang can definitely make a difference in how stable everything feels.
I did reach out to Thule on this, and with crossbars that are 45 inches wide, the Thule Basin part # TH32VY would not be considered a good fit. The amount of overhang you’re describing is more than what they typically design for, and these tents are really intended to sit more directly over the support of the bars rather than extending several inches past them. That extra overhang can affect stability and put more stress on the mounting points than intended.
They also mentioned these rooftop tents are primarily designed around Thule roof rack systems, so fitment can vary quite a bit depending on what bars you’re using. I don’t want you to get everything mounted up and then deal with shifting or movement later on.
If you can let me know whether your crossbars are factory or aftermarket, along with the brand, I can help you dial in a setup that will support the tent properly and give you that peace of mind. I would also need the width of your bars and if your truck is a 2 door or 4 door.
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