Fitting my Thule to the Rhino Rack Cross Bars

Wanted to share with others the problem and solution to fit my older Thule Evolution box to the OEM Rhino Rack crossbars. I purchased the box around 2013. I don't think Thule makes them anymore and the quick clamp system seems to have evolved a few times as well. Newer Thule models with the newer Power Click clamps may not be an issue.

The main issue for me was the quick clamp system (shown below) used a u-bolt that was too narrow to fit under and around the Rhino Rack crossbar.


I found the Thule T-track adapter kit 697604 and ordered it thinking it might work. This kit contained (4) T-track bolts that fit the 20mm track, (4) plastic clamps that help spread the load on the Thule box floor, and (4) thumb screws to tighten everything down.


I wasn't 100% sure how to remove the Thule quick clamp from the box, but I found if you pull up hard enough, they just pop off without breaking anything. Below image shows the T-track bolt sticking up through the Thule box, with the plastic clamp (load spreader), thumb screw, and old quick release clamp sitting above them. Note there are two holes in the plastic slider thing to accommodate the original u-bolt. I plan to cover one of the holes with duck tape to help keep water out.


This picture shows the Thule T-track adapter in place.


Overall, seems to be a good, sturdy solution. The only fussy part is lining up the t-track bolts with the holes on the bottom of the Thule, but even that wasn't too difficult even for a one-man show.




Hope this helps others.

Mallig said:

Wanted to share with others the problem and solution to fit my older Thule Evolution box to the OEM Rhino Rack crossbars. I purchased the box around 2013. I don't think Thule makes them anymore and the quick clamp system seems to have evolved a few times as well. Newer Thule models with the newer Power Click clamps may not be an issue.

The main issue for me was the quick clamp system (shown below) used a u-bolt that was too narrow to fit under and around the Rhino Rack crossbar.
View attachment 7857345

I found the Thule T-track adapter kit 697604 and ordered it thinking it might work. This kit contained (4) T-track bolts that fit the 20mm track, (4) plastic clamps that help spread the load on the Thule box floor, and (4) thumb screws to tighten everything down.
View attachment 7857346

I wasn't 100% sure how to remove the Thule quick clamp from the box, but I found if you pull up hard enough, they just pop off without breaking anything. Below image shows the T-track bolt sticking up through the Thule box, with the plastic clamp (load spreader), thumb screw, and old quick release clamp sitting above them. Note there are two holes in the plastic slider thing to accommodate the original u-bolt. I plan to cover one of the holes with duck tape to help keep water out.
View attachment 7857347

This picture shows the Thule T-track adapter in place.
View attachment 7857348

Overall, seems to be a good, study solution. The only fussy part is lining up the t-track bolts with the holes on the bottom of the Thule, but even that wasn't too difficult even for a one-man show.
View attachment 7857349

View attachment 7857350

Hope this helps others.

Click to expand...

Bloody awesome
I’ve wanted something like this to replace my power clamps that don’t reach the transverse bars on the factory rack!
Those bolts look like they will slide along the upper longitudinal rhino bars!
I think this is my solution so here’s at least one very happy member

Yep, that's exactly what those t-track bolts do. Sorry, I should have posted a photo of the bolt in the t-track but you essentially slide them in the t-track to whatever spacing you need for your Thule box (or other brand).

Yes this was I was next in search of regarding tee bolts that will slide into the Rhinorack Reconn Crossbars Tracks for bolting my old Yakama Rocket Box down directly to them as well as bolting my ARB awning brackets and Weboost antenna to them.
I called Rhinorack today and they say the following mounting kit is what they recommend but we are only supposed to order it from Grenadier due to they control the rhino racks for Grenadiers.

Their mounting kit is pretty expensive at $133 and not even stainless steel. I was looking at Amazon and see lots of options for stainless steel tee bolts and threaded inserts. But am needing to get the size that will work. I do like how the rhino inserts are stepped to lock into the tracks.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

ShootingCar said:

Yes this was I was next in search of regarding tee bolts that will slide into the Rhinorack Reconn Crossbars Tracks for bolting my old Yakama Rocket Box down directly to them as well as bolting my ARB awning brackets and Weboost antenna to them.
I called Rhinorack today and they say the following mounting kit is what they recommend but we are only supposed to order it from Grenadier due to they control the rhino racks for Grenadiers.

Their mounting kit is pretty expensive at $133 and not even stainless steel. I was looking at Amazon and see lots of options for stainless steel tee bolts and threaded inserts. But am needing to get the size that will work. I do like how the rhino inserts are stepped to lock into the tracks.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/truck-bed/reconn-deck/reconn-deck-fit-kits/track-mount-reconn-deck-jt-fit-kit_rd-fk1

Click to expand...

Goto Rhino rack website and type in SP369 for T bolts and nuts, set of 8 for the Reconn bars $42. This will fit the top and bottom slots (Reconn bars) but not the side.

Thanks

Would the Thule system work with your Yakima box? This kit is less than $50 here : https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...VY7e8K5U_DHPt5LRs8XWfPLvICjSBvA0aAhjYEALw_wcB