Thule roof rack in lux flush rails

[ilumo]

Hi guys. I’m looking for some help in getting a roof cargo box system. Step one is to get some cross bars and I’m not too sure how to proceed. I’m thinking of eventually going with one of the Thule xxl cargo boxes. However I’m not sure if their EvO cross bars will fit with my flush rails. Do any of you guys have suggestions on which setup I should get for it to be compatible?

I looked on Thule website to see what is compatible but they didn’t list anything for the GX550. It must be too new for them to certify. But I’m assuming that cross bars for the Lx series should work for GX as well? Thanks!

 

[tobydoe]

Hi guys. I’m looking for some help in getting a roof cargo box system. Step one is to get some cross bars and I’m not too sure how to proceed. I’m thinking of eventually going with one of the Thule xxl cargo boxes. However I’m not sure if their EvO cross bars will fit with my flush rails. Do any of you guys have suggestions on which setup I should get for it to be compatible?

I looked on Thule website to see what is compatible but they didn’t list anything for the GX550. It must be too new for them to certify. But I’m assuming that cross bars for the Lx series should work for GX as well? Thanks!

Following, I have the exact same questions

 

[ilumo]

I’m not stuck on just Thule either. The other systems would be fine for me. Like Yakima or similar.

 

[marcbarnett1]

Wondering if you ever got an answer to this? Just bought a GX premium + and can’t figure out which if any after market cross bars will fit the rails that are flush to the roof?

 

[ilumo]

Wondering if you ever got an answer to this? Just bought a GX premium + and can’t figure out which if any after market cross bars will fit the rails that are flush to the roof?

Thule said they are working on something right now and to check back with them in 30-60 days. Not holding my breath and I’m still entertaining some fulllenth racks like the Westcott one. I’m just a little hesitant as there could be water penetration issues over time.

 

[Bluegill]

I've run aftermarket roof racks on a few trucks for years - decades - and I've never had water penetration issues. On my GX550 Overtrail the stock roof rails use bolts in the roof holes just like my aftermarket Westcott roof rack. Same holes, same bolts, same thing. A little silicone or sealant and water isn't going to be an issue.

 

[spiderjoe]

Note that the bottom of Thule roof boxes are not flat. The mounting section with clamps are indented into the box to allow it to sit lower to the roof. If you are going with their XXL boxes and a full roof rack such as Wescott, etc, make sure there is enough space between the front and back of the rack for the box to sit on. Look up photos of the Thule side view. You will also have to space out or remove a few cross sections on the roof rack to sit the box. Yakima boxes have flat bottoms and are not as fussy as the Thule boxes to position on roof racks.

I currently have a Thule Motion Alpine box. Our Premium plus came with the OEM roof rack and I am struggling to find a good way to mount the box to the rack without adding DIY crossbars and clamps. I am thinking of removing the rack and getting a set of OEM cross bars just for the box but it seems to be out of stock everywhere. I'll be interested in a set of Thule cross bar mounts if they release one.

 

[ilumo]

I've run aftermarket roof racks on a few trucks for years - decades - and I've never had water penetration issues. On my GX550 Overtrail the stock roof rails use bolts in the roof holes just like my aftermarket Westcott roof rack. Same holes, same bolts, same thing. A little silicone or sealant and water isn't going to be an issue.

Even if the truck is going to be outside in the weather 24/7? I have outdoor parking so it will be exposed. So if the material cannot handle the sun and elements, I don’t want to risk it.
That said I don’t plan on keeping the car for much more than 3 years or so.

 

[spiderjoe]

While waiting for Thule or Yakima to release their crossbars for GX550 ( OEM flush rails crossbars seems to be sold out or removed from Lexus dealer sites), I installed our Thule Motion Alpine box on the OEM flush rails roof rack. Surprisingly the clamps work and sits secure even if the entire box sits on top of the rack. The Alpine box length is the same as the Motion XXL. Some pics for reference. With the OEM 20" wheels, overall height is approx 90 inches.

Also note that the flush rails are not the type where you can slide the cross bar clamps freely along the rails. The rails do not have indents to clamp on. I think you will need to get footers that bolts within the bolt holes/openings provided.

 

[Merriweather]

Thanks for posting. I looked back to see you have the Premium+ trim and the OEM roof rack. This would work well for me too.

 

[GX9]

While waiting for Thule or Yakima to release their crossbars for GX550 ( OEM flush rails crossbars seems to be sold out or removed from Lexus dealer sites), I installed our Thule Motion Alpine box on the OEM flush rails roof rack. Surprisingly the clamps work and sits secure even if the entire box sits on top of the rack. The Alpine box length is the same as the Motion XXL. Some pics for reference. With the OEM 20" wheels, overall height is approx 90 inches.

Also note that the flush rails are not the type where you can slide the cross bar clamps freely along the rails. The rails do not have indents to clamp on. I think you will need to get footers that bolts within the bolt holes/openings provided.

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Look beautiful. Do you hear any wind noise?

 

[spiderjoe]

Look beautiful. Do you hear any wind noise?

Thanks. Yes wind noise is an issue but the noise is with the OEM platform rack and not with the Thule box. I had the Thule box on our GX460 and although you can hear it, it was not nowhere as bad as our GX550. The OEM rack on the GX550 is extremely noisy at 60mph and up and that's what I am hearing on the road. It is almost unbearable and we have to pump up the audio or talk loudly when we are on the highway. This is one reason I am considering experimenting with a different cross bars roof rack setup - less cross bars and potentially less wind noise. The platform rack does look good though Lexus is probably going to tell us if we have a platform rack, you are supposed to be overlanding at lower speeds, nothing wrong with the design ..

I am going to wrap the OEM crossbars with ripcord later this week to find out if it makes a difference (a well known cheap method to reduce noise). If that doesn't work, I will try third party wind faring and if that still doesn't work, sigh ..

 

[GX9]

Thanks. Yes wind noise is an issue but the noise is with the OEM platform rack and not with the Thule box. I had the Thule box on our GX460 and although you can hear it, it was not nowhere as bad as our GX550. The OEM rack on the GX550 is extremely noisy at 60mph and up and that's what I am hearing on the road. It is almost unbearable and we have to pump up the audio or talk loudly when we are on the highway. This is one reason I am considering experimenting with a different cross bars roof rack setup - less cross bars and potentially less wind noise. The platform rack does look good though Lexus is probably going to tell us if we have a platform rack, you are supposed to be overlanding at lower speeds, nothing wrong with the design ..

I am going to wrap the OEM crossbars with ripcord later this week to find out if it makes a difference (a well known cheap method to reduce noise). If that doesn't work, I will try third party wind faring and if that still doesn't work, sigh ..

Thank you for sharing your experience; I really appreciate it! I am looking to hearing more about the OEM crossbar.

 

[ilumo]

Taking this to the top to see if there are any other people with roof cargo box setups. Looking to bring 4 snowboards with me on a few trips this season and trying to find the best way to do so. I don’t have a roof rack. Also open to using hitch mounted carrier if needed.

 

[Scooterizer]

Hi.
Have the OT rails with stock crossbars.
I will transfer the Thule “slider” ski/board rack from my LandCruiser that has the Universal attachments.