got my Prius a few months ago and have been using this forum for advice, thought it was time to contribute. I got the Thule 480 roof rack today. Went on pretty easily, the instructions have no words, only pictures and numbers, but it isn't too hard to figure out. The only thing I wasn't sure of is how important the distance from the windshield to the front rack and the spacing between the two is, I'd like to spread them apart a little. The measurements are a little different if you compare mm to inches so you must have some leeway.
I have the same question about the spacing on the Thule Traverse, can you move the towers or are the clips not going to match up to the door sills correctly then, or do you risk something ?
To save time getting them on and off I made little marks with a sharpie where each foot sits, they are out of normal site and have stayed on through a car wash and a some rain.
x 2 on the sharpie marks. i cannot stress how important ALL of the measurements are. the traverse is designed to be mounted in only one place. any deviation from the instructions voids all warranty and puts your gear at risk. if the traverse could be mounted in multiple locations, thule would say so. but that is not the case. i had the aero foot with a 24" spread. i hauled a thule spirit cargo box and bike rack with zero stability issues (see my avatar).
How is the Thule 480 holding up? Any scratches on the paint yet where it attaches to the car? Thanks! p.s. i might actually order the Thule 480 tonight. Help a brother out
nice! same question as above... what do you plan to lug around bikes, snowboards, kayaks? all the above?
Anytime you have a roof rack with clamping devices there is a good chance for a bit of scuffed paint. But the utility and fun delivered is well worth it.
Just an update, a year later and no scratches. I do wipe off the roof where I will put the bars on before I put them on.
DGH, We are currently trying to decide on a Prius and are doing some research on roof racks and and hitches. Your set up in the photo is what we would need. Just curious how it effected your gas mileage with all the toys on? Thanks.
Depends on your speed and if you have a major headwind. I just got back from Florida last week with the same load. At 75 to 80mph, you will be in the high 20's to low 30's mpg. Good luck, Dan.
