Do they fit the GCL
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Roof rack cross bars
- Thread starter Rollerbones
- Start date
Trying to salvage what i can from my Thule racks off my 2019 Durango but striking out! Like previously posted the rubber for the compass feet (kit 183164) are a different shape then the GCL‘s hence a no go there. The spacing between the rails themselves is so narrow that i cannot use my 60” bars. Ugh.
big10purdue
Well-known member
I ordered it and had a hard time installing them so they were returned. The OEM version are a bit high but almost exactly the same as those on my X5 so I’m kind of used to it. The brightline version just seems a bit cheap, IMO.
I have a question. I have a Thule rack and cargo box for my 2017 GC Summit. I assume we know the cross bars wont fit new 21 GCL SR? Do i trade in with the bars and box and hope to add it to trade? Or keep box to put on different bars on my new car. Yes. I still dont have my 21 but it is ready to be shipped ! And yes I am still salty over the 15 week wait!
SweetAndLow
Well-known member
Completed my build your own thule ski rack setup yesterday. Used rapid podium 460r with the jeep compass Fit-Kit Model #183164 and Thule ARB53 (53”) AeroBlade roof rack bars. Any thule aerobar longer than 53” will be too wide to work. Bought all components but the ski rack itself (already owned) on ebay.
Originally felt that the Compass fit kit rubber isolators didnt fit well enough. Necessity forced my hand to try again and while not perfect they will work fine. Also not sure the fit of the rubber pieces really matter as the metal bracket is bolted to the jeep’s rails. Will have to see how the right ones, if different, fit once thule releases the GCL kit.
i need to direct mount the ski rack itself to the aerobar if i have any hope of driving in and out of my garage with the skiis on the rack. Barely made it out without the skis on in the jeep’s normal height setting...
Originally felt that the Compass fit kit rubber isolators didnt fit well enough. Necessity forced my hand to try again and while not perfect they will work fine. Also not sure the fit of the rubber pieces really matter as the metal bracket is bolted to the jeep’s rails. Will have to see how the right ones, if different, fit once thule releases the GCL kit.
i need to direct mount the ski rack itself to the aerobar if i have any hope of driving in and out of my garage with the skiis on the rack. Barely made it out without the skis on in the jeep’s normal height setting...
Yes - got them installed, with a Thule box on top. Great option, I'll try to get a pic but others on the FB page have posted results also.
Sarge
Well-known member
What's the distance from the roof at the side rail to the top of the crossbar?
I've bought the Yakima setup, which looks a bit lower, but I'd really like something even lower. Today I found this Rhino Rack option (~$500), which seems to be the lowest profile of all the options I've found, so I might return the Yakima setup (~$650).
MTMark
Active member
I just put the Yakama skyline towers with #19 landing pads and Jetstream 60” bars on my silver limited. Easy to install. It’s a little tall but I’ll get used to it. I like that it’s easy to take off (leaving the landing pads attached). All my rack stuff is Yakama so I went with them. The bars might seem wide for sum but I strap a bunch of canoe/kayaks on in the summer.
I love the Jeep. Haven’t had one since I was young. Have 4 kids so need 3rd seat. Only has the simple 4x4 but will make it to all the trailheads and fishing spots I go to (and will keep me off the bad roads that will beat up the car).
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Sarge
Well-known member
Can you provide the same measurements as Nickrt did above, for comparison?
MTMark
Active member
6” from sunroof to top of bar. 4 3/4” from top of rail to top of bar.
ppetrillo18
Active member
Yes, I just put mine on. Same system. Got the 50" Jetstream silver crossbars though. I really like them. They weren't as easy as I thought they would be to install but not terrible. Alot of parts. I am hearing some whistling at times depending on the direction I'm driving and the speed over 75. It's not too bad but it can be noticeable. Do you think that is expected? Bought them on rack attack. Etrailer had as well but they were back ordered until March. Pics attached. 
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MTMark
Active member
Hello. I like the way the 50” bars look. It’s hard to tell from the pictures but I think the rounded edge of the jetstream bar goes forward (like an airplane wing). Recall that there was a sticker on the bar pointing to the rounded edge saying forward. You won’t need to remount the towers, just remove the whole apparatus from the landing pads and switch 180. Maybe that will quiet them down. Mine make some wind noise but not near as much as the old school round bars.
MTMark
Active member
Also. Mine made awful noise until I put the rubber track filler back on the bottom side of the bars. Once that was back on, they are pretty quiet.
ppetrillo18
Active member
Thanks. I definitely put the pointed side of the crossbars in in front. I thought that was what it was supposed to be but I am not good with directions. Maybe that will make the difference. I also drove without the black bottom track fillers at first and it was much much better once I added them. I did have some problems at the edges of those. They wouldn't stay flush in the tracks at the edges where the black end caps were affixed
MTMark
Active member
I had to cut mine about 3/4 inch short to make room for that lock tab on the end cap.
Sarge
Well-known member
That's definitely backwards. The rounded edge goes in the front, like an airplane wing.