[ORS Racks Direct PitCrew]

Thanks for center stage opportunity to answer any Thule Racks questions! Probably the best way to handle this is for folks to just reply to this thread with questions and we can generate a growing list of Q. & A. within this post...

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Can I get Thule parts online?

ORS Racks Direct has a department devoted to Thule spare parts and replacement parts. Many are listed for purchase directly on our website here:
Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks

In addition to the Thule spare parts or replacement parts listed on our web site, we have many more Thule parts available and can also special order any hard to find Thule parts. Just contact us with any Thule parts questions and we can help you out.
Contact ORS Racks Direct

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I lost my Thule keys. How do I go about getting a spare key?

ORS Racks Direct offers a place on our website ( Thule Keys (1 Pair) Spare Part / Replacement Part ) where you can purchase replacement and spare Thule keys that match your current Thule locks and/or keys. Just provide us with your Thule lock cylinders number code (This number code can be found stamped into the faces of the Thule lock cylinders above or below the key slot.)

You can also get a Thule Master Key (Universal Change Key) if you are missing this key, which is necessary for allowing for the removal and insertion of all Thule lock cylinders.
Thule Universal Change Key - 853-1251 Spare Part / Replacement Part

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I need an extra Thule lock cylinder to add to my current Thule locks and would like it to be coded with the same number as the rest of my locks so I can use the same keys I already have with the new Thule lock cylinder?

You can go to our webpage ( Thule Lock Cylinder Spare Part / Replacement Part )that offers a replacement or spare Thule lock cylinder. On that page we have a box that you can simply provide us with the number code of your current Thule locks (This number code can be found stamped into the faces of the Thule lock cylinders above or below the key slot.) This is also where you'll want to go if you have to replace a broken lock etc.

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My Thule key has broken off inside the lock cylinder. I cannot remove broken piece of key in the lock, any suggestions for removing piece of key stuck inside the lock?

A great slice of wisdom that has been floating around the car rack world for some time is to straighten out a paper clip and insert in the top part of the key slot on the lock. Then try and slowly rake the broken key piece out. Once a tiny bit of the key is showing you can grasp it with a needle nose pliers and remove it. If that fails you can always call a locksmith to do their magic.

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I have a Thule Rack and unfortunately the locks on them have rusted out and the Thule keys for them wont fit into them and work. Any suggestions on how I can remove the locks so I can replace them with new ones?

The solution that works the best is to apply powdered graphite or some type of penetrating oil. This often times will remove any rust build up inside the lock core. Once you get the lock unlocked, go ahead and use the Thule universal change key (master install key) that originally came with the locks and remove the lock cylinders.

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Can I remove my current Thule locks on my old Thule rack and install them in the new rack I am getting? Or do I have to get new Thule locks?

The locks can be removed as long as the Thule lock cylinders have numbers beginning with the letter "N" (this number code can be found stamped into the faces of the Thule lock cylinders above or below the key slot). To reomve the lock cylinders from the rack just use the Thule universal change key (also known as a master key or install key) , which was included with the original Thule locks you bought. The universal change key has a large square top and bears the number D1251. (if you lost it you can get a new one here -Thule Universal Change Key - 853-1251 Spare Part / Replacement Part ). Apply enough pressure to "wedge" the universal key enough so that when pulled away from the rack the lock cylinder will come with it. You then use the universal key to insert the lock into your new rack as well.

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Where can I find Thule parts for my rack, specifically looking for Thule spare parts and replacement parts. Thanks.

We offer a number of spare & replacment Thule parts directly on our website here - Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks Additionally, if you do not see your specific Thule part listed we can order it for you by contacting us.

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I'm interesting in buying a new Thule Rack that uses the Rapid Aero load bars style instead of the regular square load bars. How do I find out what Thule roof mount gear carriers work with the elliptical shaped Rapid Aero load bars?

Many Thule gear carriers mount directly to the Rapid Aero bars. Some, however, require the use of Thule Xadapt Kits ( All Thule Car & Truck Rack Xadapts - Adapters for Connecting Certain Thule Gear Carriers to Thule Oval Rapid Aero Bars, Thule Pro Series & Xsporter Truck Racks ). The Xadapts are designed to work with specific carriers to mount to the Rapid Aero bars (they also allow those same carriers to mount to the Thule Xsporter truck rack load bars and Thule Pro Series truck rack load bars, and also TracRac truck rack bars). Thule Racks is always coming out with new gear carriers and updating current carriers so they no longer require a Thule Xadapt. We have a chart that we try and keep updated and includes all Thule roof mount gear carriers and their compatibility with the different types of Thule load bars, factory rack bars etc...
Thule Racks Gear Carrier to Roof Rack Compatibility Chart

Another useful page about Thule Xadapt Kits...
Thule Racks Total LowDown on Thule Xadapt Adapter Kits

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How can I mount a roof rack on the cap or camper shell of my pickup truck without any raingutters?

Currently Thule Racks offers a few different options installing a roof rack on a truck canopy, topper, cap, camper shell, snugtop or whatever you call them in your neck of the woods...

1) The first option is to install the Thule 542 Artifical Rain Gutter Brackets on the truck shell, cap, or camper shell. You then mount the Thule 300 Foot Pack and load bars to the 542 Artificial raingutters.

2) Another option is to use the Thule Top Track system. The top track application that you would need is a TB60 60" tracks. They can be cut down to any smaller length as well. These permanently mount to the truck shell, cap, or camper shell. You then mount the Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack, TK1 Tracker kit and Thule load bars to the tracks. This solution offers the most flexibility because the rack system can be moved to any position along the tracks to perfectly suit whatever you are transporting.

3) The third option is to permanently install the Thule TK13 Tracker Kit to the truck cap, canopy, topper or camper shell. With this option you will also be able to use the Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack and Thule load bars (each Thule 430 Tracker II Foot mounts onto each TK13).

4) Thule also now offers the Thule 342 Pro Series Truck Rack system that permanently mounts to the truck cap, canopy, topper or camper shell...
Thule Truck Shell Racks - 2008 Pro Series Thule 342 Truck Cap Rack for Aluminum & Fiberglass Caps

5) Finally, if you are using a new Leer cap, these are now being furnished with a pair of Thule tracks directly off the Leer cap assembly line. So you can mount the Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack, TK1 Tracker kit and Thule load bars to these tracks.




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