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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 TP54 54" Tracks
*54" tracks for permanently installing on sheet metal surfaces
Thule TB60 60" Tracks
*60" tracks for permanent installs on any fiberglass surfaces
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
The (TP42) 42 inch Thule Roof Tracks (sold as a pair) are for permanent rack installation applications and make it possible to build a multi-purpose base rack system on sheet metal surfaces. Common, popular solutions include any car, van and pickup truck metal rooftop surfaces and more. Once the pair of TP42 Thule Tracks are installed, simply attach any compatible Thule roof rack system to the Thule roof tracks. We highly recommend both the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system and Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system (be sure to select the Thule 3101 Podium Fit Kit as the correct Fit Kit with either of the 460 / 460R Podium rack systems to properly attach to the 42" Thule TP42 Roof Tracks.) Other popular options are the Thule 430 Tracker II roof rack system and Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II roof rack system (be sure to select the Thule TK1 Tracker Kit as the correct TK Tracker Kit with either of the 430 / 430R Tracker II rack systems to properly attach to the 42" Thule TP42 Roof Tracks.)
Thule Tracks are a great component choice for a permanent rack solution when no other non-permanent roof rack solutions are available for a specific vehicle or application. Roof Tracks also offer the superior option of adjusting and positioning the roof rack anywhere along the roof tracks for perfectly setting the distance between the front and rear cross bars and matching whatever load is being carried, such as distancing the crossbars further apart to provide a safe foundation to carry long gear and equipment such as canoe, kayaks, ladders, lumber etc.
Easy do it yourself installation. Includes two (2) TP42 Tracks, all premium mounting hardware for sheet metal surfaces (including premium Flare-Nuts) and installation instructions that clearly outline each step of the process so you know you'll get the job done right. Thule TP42 Tracks are 42" in length and you can easily cut them to any shorter length if needed. Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty!
ATTENTION:
Thule TP42 Tracks are installed by drilling into any sheet metal surface such as pickup truck, car and van metal roof tops etc. The TP42 42 inch Thule Tracks include specific Flare-Nuts (ensures simple installation and no need for headliner removal) for installing on sheet metal surfaces only.
For installing to fiberglass surfaces, such as pickup truckbed toppers, caps, camper shells, fiberglass tonneau covers, Jeep Wrangler Hard Top, pop up camper rooftop, you will need to use the Thule TB60 60" Tracks as these roof tracks include bolts and nuts for specifically installing to fiberglass surfaces.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THULE 42" TRACKS
Please contact us or call us at 1-800-894-7547 if you have any additional questions.
WHY WOULD I INSTALL TRACKS?
Thule Roof Rack Tracks provide a way to install a rack where no other option exists, or offer an alternative in where a rack is positioned and placed on a vehicle's roof. Some simply prefer the appearance over other options.
WHAT THULE MULTI-PURPOSE BASE RACK SYSTEMS DO I USE?
For mounting to the Thule Roof Tracks we highly recommend both the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system and Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system (be sure to select the Thule 3101 Podium Fit Kit as the correct Fit Kit with either of the 460 / 460R Podium rack systems to properly attach to the 42" Thule TP42 Roof Tracks.) Other popular options are the Thule 430 Tracker II roof rack system and Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II roof rack system (be sure to select the Thule TK1 Tracker Kit as the correct TK Tracker Kit with either of the 430 / 430R Tracker II rack systems to properly attach to the 42" Thule TP42 Roof Tracks.)
HOW DO I PUT THE THULE TRACKS ON?
The included installation instructions clearly illustrate where to position the roof tracks and where to drill the mounting holes. Mark those points, drill the holes, install the Flare Nuts and tighten down the tracks. Again, the included Thule Tracks installation instructions clearly outline each step of the process so you know you'll get the job done right.
WHAT IS A FLARE NUT?
A Flare Nut is a "blind" fastener that, once installed, provides a threaded screw hole in sheet metal. It works a lot like a molly bolt in sheet rock, only much stronger and is made of stainless steel. They are installed using a special expander tool that comes included with the TP42 42" Tracks and hardware. Avoids having to remove a vehicle's headliner. Fastening is done between the headliner and roof so you will never see them from the inside.
CAN I USE FLARE NUTS IN FIBERGLASS?
No. The Flare Nut is designed for sheet metal only. They won't be stable in fiberglass, and may cause damage. Good old-fashion nut and bolt hardware is needed for fiberglass. The TB60 Thule 60" Tracks come with nuts and bolts for fiberglass surface installation applications.
WHAT KIND OF WATERPROOFING IS USED?
The tracks come with a waterproofing kit including nylon and rubber washers, a pad running the length of the track, and silicone for the screw threads. Installed as directed by the instructions, it'll always keep the water out and resist corrosion much better than a factory installed rack.
CAN I USE THE FLARE NUTS ON ALUMINUM?
FlareNuts can be used on aluminum, but performance will vary depending upon the thickness and construction of the roof. Check with the manufacturer for roof schematics and seek a professional install if necessary. As with all custom permanent installations, it is entirely up to the customer to determine if it will work.
» Thule TP42 Tracks Installation Instructions
TP42 42" Thule Tracks (one pair) Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the Thule roof tracks system for van, car and pick-up truck metal roof top surfaces etc.
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Product Discussion
Discuss the Thule TP42 track system. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
» all TP42 Thule Tracks discussion posts
Doc05 asks - I'd like permanent racks for my my Honda Fit. Is this something you recommend. How do I go about selecting the correct components for a permanent rack on my Honda Fit. I would like a roof tracks system if that is possible.
ORS Crew answers - The best solution is to first install a pair of 54 inch TP54 or 42 inch TP42 roof tracks onto the Honda Fit rooftop (easy to follow instructions included). Then you simply attach the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system (select the 3101 Podium Fit Kit and 50 inch load bars length) to the tracks. The 3101 Podium Fit Kit forms the base of each Podium Foot and connects right to the roof tracks. You can position the rack anywhere along the tracks. You can also optionally select longer length load bars if you plan to carry alot of stuff. The entire Podium system also easily removes from the tracks if you don't want to leave the roof rack on all the time. You can also use the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system, which works exactly the same as the regular 460 Podium system except that you will use the premium Thule Rapid Aero load bars (choose the RB47 47" load bars). You will also use the same 3101 Podium Fit Kit with the 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack for connecting to the Thule roof tracks. Finally, if you do go ahead with the installation we'd be super psyched if you sent us some pictures documenting the sweet results, as it really is an awesome set up!
Product Videos
ORS Racks Direct Demonstration Video featuring the Thule Track Systems. Movie includes Thule Racks TP42 / TP54 / TB60 Tracks product demo, features etc. The TP42 / TP54 Tracks include Flare Nuts for sheet metal surfaces. The TB60 Thule Tracks are ideal for applications such as pickup truck camper shells, toppers, caps, tonneau covers, pop-up campers, jeep hard shell rooftops, vans etc. Combine the Thule Tracks with the Thule 460 Podium / 460R Rapid Podium roof rack systems or Thule 430 Tracker II / 430R Rapid Tracker II roof rack systems for all kinds of cargo carrying applications. Thule Racks lifetime warranty too.
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Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Thule TB42 Tracks Customer Install Pictures
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Accessories
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2012 Thule 460 Podium Complete Roof Rack System - fits Fixed-Point Attachments, Flush Side Rails & Roof Tracks | | 2012 Thule 460R Rapid Podium Roof Rack w/ AeroBlade Bars - Complete System for Fixed-Point Attachments, Flush Side Rails & Roof Tracks |
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Thule Car Racks - 2012 Thule 430 Tracker II Complete Roof Racks | | 2012 Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II Roof Rack w/ AeroBlade Bars - Complete System for Factory Rack Tracks. Permanent Tracks, Fixed-Points etc. |
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2012 Thule 503 Load Stops (set of 4) - for Transporting Canoe, Lumber, Plywood, Ladder etc. | | 2012 Thule 523 Load Straps (one pair) - 15' All-Purpose Rack Straps for Securing Carrier Loads |
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Thule Track Systems - 2012 Thule TP54 54" Tracks (one pair) for Sheet Metal Surfaces Such As Car, Van, Pickup Truck Metal Rooftops etc. | | Thule Track Systems - 2012 Thule TB60 60" Tracks (one pair) for Fiberglass Truck Caps, Camper Shells, Tonneaus, Pop Up Camper, Jeep Hard Top etc. |
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All Thule Locks for Car Racks - Including Bike Ski Snowboard Kayak Canoe Locks etc. | | Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
Packaged as a pair. Includes two (2) TP42 Tracks, all premium FlareNuts and other mounting hardware for sheet metal surfaces and installation instructions that clearly outline each step of the process so you know you'll get the job done right.
This is a permanent rack that is installed by drilling into a car, van or pickup truck rooftop metal surface and similar applications. The 42 inch Thule Tracks include specific FlareNuts for installing on metal surfaces only. Will not work on fiberglass surfaces. You will need the TB60 60" Thule Tracks, which include bolts and nuts for installing on fiberglass surfaces (see accessory add-ons above for these options).
Thule TP42 42" tracks can easily be cut to any shorter length for custom fit applications.
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Thule Racks automated fit guide if you are unsure what you need:
*please note: Thule Racks fit guide does not always show all compatible options. Please contact us with any additional compatibility questions.
