Question for people with Thule Roof Racks...
 

Hey guys, I bought a Thule 480 Traverse rack for my '11 Fit Sport and the measurements that came with the fit pack are definitely off. Whenever I went to install the foot pack onto my roof, they're not far enough apart.:confused: Does anyone know the actual measurement that the feet need to be spaced apart? The instructions says 37 1/4 inches on the front, but that's definitely not wide enough. Thanks! :wavey:

I have an older 400 with fit kit 2199, so it might not be the same position, but it's 39 3/4". Double check that you were given the correct fit kit, perhaps they gave you the wrong one?

also double-check where you are measuring between. on the Yakima racks, you measure between the innermost portion of the Q tower on the bar (so the distance between the two closest parts of the opposing towers is measured). then the distance from the windshield to the placement on the car is measured to the very front of the foot. next distance is between bar centers... it works... but you have to pay attention, especially since the diagrams are ok... not great.

Distance on the Yakima front bar is 40 5/8" Rear is shorter (can't remember what)

~SB

I have the same setup for an '09 (same Thule fit kit as yours I think) and thought the front measurement was too short as well. I ended up keeping the measurements how Thule wants them but fully loosened the bolts before putting the rack on. The fit was still tight but I was able to get everything on the roof & tighten the bolts to spec with the torque tool. I think Thule's measurements are actually correct but it would have been helpful if the instructions specifically mentioned this loosening step.

I had this exact same problem the other day with my 480 rack system on a 2013 Sport. Seemed the towers were way too close; I double-checked those measurements and still no go -- then I figured out the loosening-the-bolts trick, which lowers the hooks a good inch or more. Made all the difference in the world, and I'm also surprised this isn't mentioned in the instructions (or as far as I can tell, by any other Thule installer in these forums.

I also have the plain kit with the 2199 fit kit and I seem to recall it being around 39". Depends on where the measurement is made from too. Here are the instructions that came with my 2199 kit.

http://www.thuleracks.com/instructio...00,%202199.pdf