Thule Box mounted on factory racks

[wogdiml]

I need advice from those that have mounted the Thule, Yakima or other luggage/cargo boxes on the factory rack crossbars. I have read from some others (not specific to Expeditions) that they recommend using thin foam between the box and the crossbar to eliminate knocking or vibrating and to use rubber tubing around the steel u-bolts to keep them from sliding or marking up the bottom of the crossbars. I have mounted my new Thule box in the garage to adjust the spacing of the crossbars and see how it installs and it seems very tight once everything is locked into place but I don't want to figure out different on a road trip beginning in a week. Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

[eddiemoney]

I like firm rubber between all the mounting surfaces. I don't have a thule box on my expy, but have had several similar items on previous vehicles.

[07EXPYEL]

I've got about 7,000 miles with my Yakima SKYBOX21 and it fits nice and tight and doesn't vibrate on the factory cross bars.

[david_jr]

Originally Posted by eddiemoney

I like firm rubber between all the mounting surfaces. I don't have a thule box on my expy, but have had several similar items on previous vehicles.

Is this available at a hardware store or auto parts place?

[cipduhop]

I'm very interested! I would love to find out more inforamtion related to this topic. Thanks in advance.
me too, I need more detailed info.
__________________
Cheap tennis ball machine information and reviews of prince and tennis twist | Lobster tennis ball machine

[eddiemoney]

For finding rubber, put your MacGyver hat on. . .

For round-ish tube I just find a thin wall rubber hose (like for a heater core) of the appropriate diameter and cut it open (forms a C) and then wrap it around whatever tube you need to protect.

Otherwise you can find flat rubber, even door weatherstripping. There are a variety or products that will work well.

[wogdiml]

Originally Posted by 07EXPYEL

I've got about 7,000 miles with my Yakima SKYBOX21 and it fits nice and tight and doesn't vibrate on the factory cross bars.

My Thule box also fits very tight once I get all 4 steel u-bolts clamped down, so I'm hoping it stays that way on the road because I'm down to the last day before the road trip and don't have time to look into a large enough piece of rubber between the box and the crossbar of the roof racks. I did put a thin walled rubber (pond liner - wrapped in electrical tape) around the u-bolts because I could get a little sideways movement with the box when the u-bolts were in metal-to-metal contact with the bottom of the crossbar. I'm hoping this provides a little bit more grip between the u-bolt and crossbar. I'll update once we return from the trip.

[07EXPYEL]

Originally Posted by wogdiml

all 4 steel u-bolts clamped down,

The u-bolts are the main reason I purchased the Yakima Skybox, no tools to install or adjust. I've put this on 10 different vehicles and can make the adjustments is just a couple of minutes without tools. I rent my skybox out for $45 a week for a little extra money by advertising on the local craigslist.

[wogdiml]

Originally Posted by 07EXPYEL

The u-bolts are the main reason I purchased the Yakima Skybox, no tools to install or adjust.

How do the Yakima boxes install over factory racks? I think Thule has gone to a new system that replaces the steel u-bolts.