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THULE RACKS 10% OFF SALE GOING ON NOW!
+ free shipping on orders of $99 & over (contiguous US only)
*Thule luggage excluded from 10% off sale
*Thule cargo roof boxes excluded from free shipping program
also available:
Thule 480R Rapid Traverse roof rack w/ AeroBlade bars
(uses Thule AeroBlade load bars instead of classic square bars)
Behold the revolutionary new Thule 480 Traverse roof rack system. The ultimate multi-purpose base rack solution for cars and pickup truck cabs that have smooth, naked rooftops with no rain gutters, no factory side rails, no factory racks etc. The Thule 480 Traverse is the result of extensive engineering and testing by Thule Racks, delivering the strongest hold, safest fit and easiest installation for total roof rack peace of mind. Replaces the Thule 400XT Aero car rack system with a host of new features and benefits. The Thule 480 Foot Pack includes 50% fewer parts and requires half the time to install than any competitors' models. Optionally lockable outer cover features bold, contemporary styling and hides and protects the interior of each Foot while blending flawlessly with any roofline for a truly integrated appearance. We highly recommend a four pack of Thule Locks (not included; see accessory add-ons below) to lock the rack to vehicle.
The Thule 480 Traverse complete roof rack system includes all 3 components that are necessary for installing a general-purpose base rack on your vehicle's roof top, providing the platform that will allow you to then connect roof mount gear carriers that carry your gear and equipment:
- Four (4) Thule 480 Traverse Feet.
- Four (4) Thule Traverse Fit Kit clips (specific to your vehicle; see ordering notes below).
- Two (2) Thule square load bars (bar end caps included).
Installation is a breeze thanks to these included patented features: AccuTight Tightening Tool - Automatically indicates when the car rack is safely and properly attached to vehicle, assuring the safest install on all styles of vehicles; MaxClamp Technology - Dramatically greater vehicle grip over any competitors' Foot Pack, Towers, Stays etc.; EZ Assemble Design - 50% fewer parts and requires half the time to install; EasyClick Traverse Fit Kit Clips - Attach to each 480 Traverse Foot without tools or fasteners; OneTouch Bar Lock - separates Foot positioning from rack mounting, set it once and done.
Protective surfaces on rack prevent shifting and protect vehicle's paint. No tools required for assembly; easy-to-follow installation instructions manual included. Can be locked to the car rooftop using a 4-pack of Thule Racks One Key System lock cylinders (not included; see accessory add-ons below). Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty!
SPECIAL NOTE: Short roof lined cars, minivans & pickup trucks including 2-door models and vehicles with dramatically curved rooftops must check the Thule Racks automated fit guide (see below) to determine if your car or pickup truck requires the additional Thule 487 Traverse Short Roof Adapter component (sold separately; see accessory add-ons below).
» Thule 480 Traverse Instructions Manual
Thule 480 Traverse Roof Rack System Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the Thule Traverse 480 roof rack system.
Contribute Your Review of the Thule Traverse Car Rack |
» all Thule 480 Traverse car rack reviews
Really Easy to Install
this Thule 480 Traverse roof rack review by Chris G.
vehicle year/make/model: 2010 Honda Accord
item(s) transported: skis and snowboards
The rack system was real easy to install with two people. The Thule alignment guide was wrong, but it is obvious where to align the racks. This rack setup has some noise without the noise guard / wind fairing accessory. I recommend that the wind guard is bought if you plan to leave it on year round.....doesn't bother me since I leave it on for just the winter season.
Excellent Quality with Easy Installation
this Thule 480 Traverse roof rack review by Charlie C.
vehicle year/make/model: 2005 Ford F150 pickup truck
item(s) transported: camping items stored in Thule Excursion roof box
The installation was a cinch due to easy to read and understand installation instructions.
Great Buy!!!
this Thule 480 Traverse Review by rokitchikin
vehicle year/make/model: 2009 Toyota Matrix
item(s) transported: Thule 13 cubic foot all weather cargo bag
Great product. Got it from ORS Racks Direct at a fraction of the cost from the Thule website. Easy to install and maintain. The Feet are very solid and have no problems with them leaving marks or scratches on my car. Just needed space because im moving to Alaska and driving the whole way from Pennsylvania. Me, my wife, our daughter, and 2 dogs would be kinda cramped so using the rack to put up a Thule 13 cubic foot all weather bag. I would definitly recommend this product. Just make sure you do your research and get the proper model and Fit Kit if needed.
Great Rack and Super Easy Installation!
this Thule 480 Traverse Review by Bek
vehicle year/make/model: 2005 Toyota Prius
item(s) transported: Kayaks, bikes, miscellaneous sporting goods
This rack works great on my Toyota Prius and holds two 16' kayaks that weigh 120 pounds combined just fine. The system is actually so easy to take on and off--with four allen keys that remain inside each foot to loosen and tighten them--that I just remove the whole system when it's not in use and leave it in my trunk. The bases are extremely sturdy and lock down with ease. Although it's easier to take on and off with two people, I've done it myself and just made some discreet marks on the door jambs so that I don't have to measure the distance each time I replace the rack. The Feet are well padded and haven't made a single mark on my car. A few tips, though. If you're planning to leave the rack on all the time, spring for the fairing. These bars can cause some noise at even lower speeds, especially if you live in a windy area. Also, I bought the 50" load bars that ORS recommended, which don't stick out over the sides of the car (so you won't hit your head on them) but they tend to be a little short when setting two kayaks side by side--though they still fit fine. I would suggest going with the longer 58" bars if carrying 2 kayaks side by side. I highly recommend this product to others!
Great Product / Great Look
this Thule 480 Traverse Review by Andrea
vehicle year/make/model: 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck
item(s) transported: canoes
I ordered the rack system for my husbands truck and he was able to install the system and found it fairly easy to do. I also ordered the fairing b/c i think it makes the overall system look better and sportier. I am overall happy with my purchase, although I cannot compare it to the Yakima system b/c I have never owned one but many canoeing enthusists tell me the Thule system is better than Yakima.
Very easy to install and very sturdy!
this Thule 480 Traverse Review by Derek
vehicle year/make/model: 2005 Honda Accord
item(s) transported: kayak
Installing this roof rack system was a snap! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do it by myself, but I was very pleased with how easily it all went together. I also use the Thule Hull-a-port Pro for carrying my kayak, and I am very pleased with how stable everything is! I never have to worry about transporting my kayak again.
Product Discussion
Discuss the Thule 480 Traverse roofrack system. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
» all Thule 480 Traverse rack discussion posts
Shane asks - I'm trying to install this system on my Saab 9-2x but having issues. Specifically, the Fit Kit clip is not long enough to reach from the 480 Foot to the correct position on the door well. Any help?
ORS Racks Direct crew answers - Check out this photo link of the Thule 480 Traverse Foot troubleshoot to solve your problem. Image A depicts grey screw on the Thule 480 Traverse Foot in the fully tightened position and clip positioned at highest point (the Fit Kit attaches to the clip). If you find that the Fit Kit does not reach down far enough to be
positioned correctly on your doorwell, simply fully loosen the grey screw and the clip will lower to its lowest position as depicted in image B. You can then attach the Fit Kit to the clip in this lowest position, allowing the
Fit Kit to be properly positioned on the doorwell.
Xmover asks - I have a 2008 Saturn Vue with no factory side rails and no rain gutters. Will the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack system work?
ORS Crew answers - Yes this makes an excellent 2008 Saturn Vue car rack. It uses the 1561 Traverse Fit Kit clips and we will be sure to include those with your order (the LB50 50" crossbars are also the recommended length for the '08 Saturn Vue).
Coleen asks - The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have very curved roof lines, will the rack system provide a "level surface"? I have surf boards and cannot afford to have them tilted upwards at the front end of the car. Also, is the distance between the cross bars adequate for carrying surf boards?
ORS Crew answers - Thule Racks tests and designs the specific Fit Kit clips and pads so the rack is oriented level. Not sure your exact Toyota Prius or Honda Insight year but the bar spread is at least 26 inches, a safe distance for carrying any long items including surfboards.
Michael Preston asks - We have the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack with a 1043 Fit Kit for a car we no longer have. We recently purchased a 2011 Honda Odyssey with no rails, assuming there would be a Fit Kit, but there doesn't appear to be one. Do you know which Kit might work, or whether Thule Racks plans to make one?
ORS Crew answers - Unfortunately there is actually no way to install a clamp rack such as the 480 Traverse on that vehicle. The sliding door just rolls over without a lip to allow clips to mount to. Your only option is to install permanent roof tracks, and then you can connect the Thule Podium Foot Pack to the tracks using the Thule 3101 Podium Fit Kit brackets. You can use your current pair of Thule load bars with the Podium Feet. The roof tracks are actually very easy to install, and the included instructions take you every step of the way to ensure you install correctly. You can also take the tracks to a local body shop and they can easily install them for you.
Product Videos
Thule 480 Traverse roof rack review video & demo by ORS Racks Direct. Demonstration movie of the Thule Racks 480 Traverse system, the revolutionary new multi-purpose base rack for vehicles that currently have nothing on the roof top (i.e. no raingutters, no factory rack or factory side rails, no roof tracks, no fixed attachment points etc.) Includes Thule 480 Traverse Foot Pack, set of Traverse Fit Kit clips (specific to your vehicle) and a pair of cross bars. Completely redesigned with a sleek, modern and integrated look. And much easier to install than the previous Thule 400XT Aero car rack system. Each Traverse Fit Kit clip easily slides into position on each 480 Traverse Foot. Includes easy-to-follow instructions and the measurements required for the perfect fit on your specific vehicle. Tightening to roof rack couldn't be easier, as each 480 Traverse Foot includes a handy torque wrench that indicates when it is perfectly tightened. All Thule gear carriers (and carriers from other car rack companies) will then mount directly to the crossbars.
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Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Thule 480 Traverse Rack Customer Install Pics
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| 2010 VW Routan Roof Rack using Thule 480 Traverse System with 1043 Fit Kit Clips |
Accessories
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All Thule Locks for Car Racks - Including Bike Ski Snowboard Kayak Canoe Locks etc. | | Thule Fairings - Roof Fairings for Thule Car Racks |
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2012 Thule 487 Traverse Short Roof Adapter Kit - Component for Use With the 480 Traverse / 480R Rapid Traverse Roof Racks | | Thule Roof Rack Accessories - 2012 Thule 232 Step Up Wheel Step |
Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
To ensure you receive the correct load bars length & proper Thule Traverse Fit Kit brackets to work with the 480 Traverse Foot Pack on your specific vehicle, in our "order check out" area we will get all your vehicle year/make/model info.
Thule Racks recommended load bar length will be provided unless otherwise specified when adding system to your cart.
CLICK HERE to view the load bar size chart.
Four pack of Thule Racks locks & keys (not included; see accessory add-ons above) is recommended for locking rack to vehicle.
Also available in the Thule 480R Rapid Traverse version.
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Thule Racks automated fit guide to quickly determine & order the correct multi-purpose base roof rack system and/or gear carrier attachments for your specific vehicle year/make/model:
*please note: Thule Racks fit guide does not always show all compatible options. Please contact us with any additional compatibility questions.
