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Thule roof racks are modular, so ordering the wrong part is easy: a raised-rail foot won’t mount on a bare roof, and a bare-roof foot is useless without the fit kit for your exact car. This guide explains how Thule fit works, so you can order the right combination the first time.
Quick answer: a Thule rack is three parts: bars, a foot pack that matches your roof type, and often a fit kit for your exact car. Identify your roof type, run your year, make and model through Thule’s fit lookup, and buy only the part numbers it lists. Locks are usually extra.
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Try Amazon Prime freeThe Parts of a Thule Roof Rack
- Bars — the crossbars (WingBar Evo, SquareBar, ProBar). WingBar Evo comes in five lengths, 108 to 150 cm (roofracks.co.uk).
- Foot pack — the towers that hold the bars. Your roof type narrows the choice; Thule’s lookup confirms the exact foot for your car.
- Fit kit — brackets and pads that adapt some feet to your exact make, model and year. Not every setup needs one.
Step 1: Identify Your Roof Type
| Your roof | What it looks like | Thule Evo foot | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised side rails | Rails you can wrap your hand around, with a gap underneath | Evo Raised Rail | Bars; locks sold separately |
| Flush rails | Rails tight to the roof, no gap | Evo Flush Rail | Car-specific setup per Thule’s lookup |
| Bare roof | No rails; the foot clamps to the door jambs | Evo Clamp | Fit kit + bars + locks sold separately |
| Fixed points | Factory mounting points, often under covers | As listed by Thule’s lookup | Foot and kit per Thule’s lookup |
Raised side rails are common on SUVs and wagons. Flush rails look similar in photos, so check for the gap with your hand. On a bare roof, the Evo Clamp rests on rubber pads and holds with coated clips in the door jambs (Rack Warehouse). With fixed points, use the foot and kit Thule’s lookup lists for your car.
Step 2: Get the Bar Length From the Fit Lookup
Don’t guess the bar length from the size of your car. Use Thule’s fit lookup to pick compatible bars and their length, and follow the vehicle-specific instructions for bar spacing. Some overhang past the feet is normal, depending on the rack design.
Step 3: Verify With Thule’s Fit Lookup, Then Buy
Run your exact year, make and model through the fit lookup on thule.com and write down the part numbers for the bar, foot and kit. Then buy only those parts. These are three Evo foot options for different roof types, plus a lock pack:
Thule Evo Raised Rail (raised side rails)
A set of 4 feet for raised rails, with a rubber lining on the rail. The listing rates it for 220 lb and says to also check your car’s roof load limit. Bars and One-Key locks are sold separately. It fits WingBar Evo, AeroBlade, SquareBar and ProBar.
- Set of 4 load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system (load bars sold separately)
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles with raised railings
- Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
Thule Evo Flush Rail (flush rails)
A set of feet for flush rails. The listing calls it a car-specific setup and points you to Thule’s buyer’s guide, so look up your car before ordering.
- Easy-to-install foot for Thule Evo roof racks, for vehicles with flush railings
- Load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles with flush railings
Thule Evo Clamp (bare roof)
A set of 4 feet for roofs with no rails or attachment points. The listing rates it for 165 lb. You also need the Evo fit kit for your car and bars; locks are sold separately. Assembly uses click-in brackets and the included torque limiter key.
- Set of 4 load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system (load bars and fit kit sold separately)
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles without pre-existing roof rack attachment points
- Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
Thule One-Key Lock Cylinders (4-pack)
The Evo Raised Rail and Evo Clamp listings say they secure with One-Key locks, sold separately. This pack has 4 cylinders that share one key and can replace the locks in compatible Thule products; your existing locks won’t use that new key.
- Replace The Locks In Your Thule Product In A Few Easy Steps
- Including Grip-Friendly Thule Comfort Key
- Set Of 4 Locks, All Using The Same Key
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Common Fit Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying by photo. Flush rails and raised rails look similar in pictures but take different feet.
- Ignoring the year. A redesign can change the roof, the fit kit or the bar length, so enter the exact model year.
- Forgetting the fit kit. Evo Clamp feet do nothing without the fit kit for your car.
- Forgetting locks. The Evo Raised Rail and Evo Clamp listings say One-Key locks are sold separately.
- Skipping the roof limit. The feet’s rating isn’t the whole story. Your car’s roof load limit also applies, and the rack’s own weight counts toward it.
Black Friday Tip and Gift Idea
Black Friday tip: if you plan to buy a Thule rack on Black Friday 2026 (November 27) or Cyber Monday (November 30), run the fit lookup now and write down the three part numbers. On the day, compare only those exact parts, and check the current price on Amazon rather than a “was” price. A deal on the wrong foot pack is no deal.
Gift idea: a full rack only works as a gift if you know the exact car. If you don’t, a gift card plus a note with the fit-lookup link is the safer pick. Lock cylinders only make sense if you know the recipient’s Thule gear takes them.
FAQ
How do I find the right Thule roof rack for my car?
Identify your roof type (raised rails, flush rails, bare roof or fixed points), then enter your exact year, make and model in Thule’s fit lookup. It lists the foot pack, bar length and any fit kit for that car. Buy only those part numbers.
Do I need a Thule fit kit?
It depends on the foot. Thule’s Evo Clamp for bare roofs needs a vehicle-specific fit kit (sold separately), and the Evo Flush Rail is a car-specific setup. The Evo Raised Rail listing doesn’t mention a fit kit. The fit lookup tells you for your car.
Do Thule racks fit any car?
There is no universal Thule rack. Each car gets its own combination of foot, bar length and, for many roofs, a fit kit, so check your exact vehicle before buying.
Are locks included with Thule Evo feet?
Not with the Evo Raised Rail or Evo Clamp: both listings say they secure with Thule One-Key locks, sold separately. For other feet, check that foot’s listing and instructions.
Can I reuse my old Thule bars?
Possibly. Roofracks.co.uk says WingBar and WingBar Evo fit the same Thule foot packs. Confirm your exact bar model, length and foot compatibility before you reuse them.
Can I install a Thule rack myself?
Yes. The Evo Raised Rail and Evo Clamp come with a torque limiter key that shows when the rack is tight enough, and the Evo Clamp listing says no additional tools are needed. Follow the printed instructions for your foot and fit kit.
Once the rack fits, see our roof rack and crossbar guide, how to remove roof racks, and compare the best cargo box for SUVs and rooftop cargo carriers.
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