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Thule 480 Traverse Roof Rack

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ross0201, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. ross0201

    ross0201 Junior Member

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    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.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 ross0201, Mar 28, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  2. exbauer

    exbauer Active Member

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    I looks good. I like Thule with the square bars. They seem more secure.
     
    #2 exbauer, Apr 1, 2010
  3. KyleJ

    KyleJ New Member

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    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 ?
     
    #3 KyleJ, Apr 2, 2010
  4. ross0201

    ross0201 Junior Member

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    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.
     
    #4 ross0201, Apr 16, 2010
  5. mtskier

    mtskier New Member

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    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).
     
    #5 mtskier, Apr 17, 2010
  6. ross0201

    ross0201 Junior Member

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    out of normal sight. college did me well...
     
    #6 ross0201, Apr 19, 2010
  7. mmichaell

    mmichaell Member

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    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 :)
     
    #7 mmichaell, May 17, 2010
  8. cj001

    cj001 New Member

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    nice! same question as above...
    what do you plan to lug around bikes, snowboards, kayaks? all the above?
     
    #8 cj001, May 18, 2010
  9. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    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.
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 DGH, May 20, 2010
  10. ross0201

    ross0201 Junior Member

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    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.
     
    #10 ross0201, Apr 12, 2011
  11. green18

    green18 New Member

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    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.
     
    #11 green18, Mar 8, 2012
  12. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    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.
     
    #12 DGH, Mar 9, 2012
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