Has anybody istalled a roof rack from mazda

 

Yeah, I installed the roof rack from Mazda. I think it was made by Thule (in Sweden). Went on nicely; seems very sturdy; looks good too

Check out the photo in the pics thread.

 

From your pic, looks like you can't install a fairing. I assume there is clearence when you open the sun roof. Is it possible to post a pic with the sun roof open?

Thanks

 

Yes, I have, and wished I couldhavewaited a bit longer to do so. We needed a rack for our trip last summer and Yakima was the only maunfacturer that made a system thatallowed me to have longer loadbars than the Thule system supplied by Mazda.It's been a good rack but I'm having a bear of a time getting the rear clips to sit tight against the frame of the car.There is some rubbing at the clipand it pushes thesliding door out slightly when full closed.Anyway, I signed up on theThule website to let me know when they had a system ready (other than the Mazda rack)for the 5 and just got the notification a month or two ago. If I'm reading it correclty, their new towers tie into the exisitng mouting spots on the roof of the car and theloadbars can bewider (or longer) than the towers. I believe you avoid the clips all together. Oh, so nice.If you do decide togo longer with the loadbars, be careful, as they stick out and areat the perfect height for a 6' plus tall person to nail their head on.Itype from experience. Good luck.

http://www.thuleracks.com/fg_vehicle.asp

OPTION 1 | ROOF MOUNT SYSTEM BASE PRODUCT 460PODIUM FIXPOINT FOOT | LB50Load Bars | 3069Fit Kit

 

I went into a rack dealer here in town. They guy was anti-thule and PRO Yakima, and pushed hard on the Yakima systems. Didnt seem right to me, I passed, and ordered the Thule with the FixPoint from another dealer (will get them this or next week) will let you know how I like them.

Sounds like I should be greatful I didnt go with the Yakima - I wasnt keen on the round bars anyways...

Have had Thule bars on several cars in the past, and loved them each and every time. Too bad the ones from Mazda dont extend out more, or I would have ordered from them.

 

I finally got my aftermarket Thule racks today and installed them. They look great... will get a picture taken and posted here in the next week or so.

 

Here is my 5 with the roof racks and box installed - for those of you who still care






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