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I have a Thule Motion 3, size large on OEM crossbars. I didn't want to block the SXM antenna with the XL size. Large size has been fine for winter ski transport and college dorm moves. But the XL size isn't much more expensive.
I have a Thule Motion 3, size large on OEM crossbars. I didn't want to block the SXM antenna with the XL size. Large size has been fine for winter ski transport and college dorm moves. But the XL size isn't much more expensive.
Sometimes, they go on sale - I bought it for the price at the link, and luckily, it went on sale within a week, I came back to REI and they honored the price change - a whopping 25% off. I forgot what the period is, I think it is 14 days. Makes it worth watching and waiting if you care.
For what it's worth, this is how XL looks like on the Expedition Roof Rack with custom 30mm risers. I didn't care about SXM so can't comment about that.
On a trip this summer in the RR I wanted a lot more volume so I used 2 Thule 2100 size cargo boxes. They are "XXL" by current size naming.
One box has all of our tent stuff including pillows, pads and a "full" size 2" wool topper which added to the 3.5" Therma-Rest pads, is really awesome for several days.
The other box had a bunch of landscape equipment for work on our friends land on the island.
Inside is a 37L ARB freezer Fridge run off a 1500WA power supply that lasted about 7 days running it at 38F the whole time.
The Defender we're setting up is going to be a lot better for this kind of trip though.
When I had the large size positioned farther back on our 2021 with Thule cross bars, it somewhat blocked the XM signal. Not totally, just a few occasional silent seconds now and then. And only some stations, not all. The OEM cross bars on our 2025 sit higher than the Thule cross bars, and I have never noticed any blocking issues. I think you will be fine with the XL size box if using OEM cross bars.
I’ve got this monstrosity on right now for a week at the coast -- and it’s great. 2020 model year Thule Force XT L (since has been slightly updated).
Used the powerful UK supports to raise up 2 of the bars, and found it possible to keep my traction boards next to it longitudinally.
how do you like the Bad *** roof rack? How the noise? Do you have the front bar?
Following up on this, I got the BA Tents rack, and finally installed it. This thing is loud!!! With the front bar on, the car actually vibrated at around 48 MPH. Fair enough, they warn that the front bar is noisy. With the front bar off, there is a loud buzz that srtarts intermittently at around 41 MPH, and comes and goes.
This rack is coming off. Terrible purchase, do not recommend.
Following up on this, I got the BA Tents rack, and finally installed it. This thing is loud!!! With the front bar on, the car actually vibrated at around 48 MPH. Fair enough, they warn that the front bar is noisy. With the front bar off, there is a loud buzz that srtarts intermittently at around 41 MPH, and comes and goes.
This rack is coming off. Terrible purchase, do not recommend.
Similar experience here. Same buzz without front bar, but it went away once front bar installed, only to be replaced by the horrible vibration with front bar on. I was able to mitigate the vibration by moving front bar way back to about 6 inches in front of main rack. Now it has a low level vibration between high 40’s and mid 50’s MPH, but it usually fades out in 10-15 seconds.
I do need to measure my cross bars though. I assumed they were same length when installing but the front bar sticks out further to the sides. Maybe I got them wrong or maybe it is just because the roof rails are not parallel. Thinking of cutting them to appropriate length.
It is not perfect, but when compared to what else is out there would buy again.
I can’t stand it. The rack is coming off today, and maybe I’ll buy Yakima, or maybe do without. If anyone wants to buy it, I’ll entertain reasonable offers.
Originally Posted by honolulugator
Similar experience here. Same buzz without front bar, but it went away once front bar installed, only to be replaced by the horrible vibration with front bar on. I was able to mitigate the vibration by moving front bar way back to about 6 inches in front of main rack. Now it has a low level vibration between high 40’s and mid 50’s MPH, but it usually fades out in 10-15 seconds.
I do need to measure my cross bars though. I assumed they were same length when installing but the front bar sticks out further to the sides. Maybe I got them wrong or maybe it is just because the roof rails are not parallel. Thinking of cutting them to appropriate length.
It is not perfect, but when compared to what else is out there would buy again.
