Security of Thule 450R Roof Rack on BMW X3

[Kelly M.]

I am looking for a car rack with crossbars for my daughter's BMW X3 and like the styling of the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad system. However, I am concerned about the strap attachment system. Are they just rubber straps that go under the factory side rails? If this is true then could such a mounting system make the rack suspectible to theft by simply cutting these rubber straps under the side rails. Also, wondering what is the strength of the Thule 450R roof rack system. My daughter would use the car rack for snowboards and skis, bikes, kayaks and a cargo box (obviously not all at the same time) occasionally during long road trips etc.

Thanks.

[bigmittens]

Kelly,

I have the Thule 450R on my Hyundai Tucson siderails, don't worry about the straps because they are actually rubber coated stainless steel...nobody will cut them with a knife.....easiest system in the world to put on and off...that's what I like....my car handles 165lbs yours is probably very similar.

[firsttrax]

I've never heard of anyone getting their Thule 450R roof rack system ripped off because the straps were cut. bigmittens is right, the 450R straps are actually flexible stainless steel with a rubber coating so they don't make marks on the siderails or roof, and will resist cutting with a knife etc. The rated weight limit for the Thule 450R roof rack on the BMW X3 is 165 lbs. You can carry all your gear without worrying about exceeding that load limit. One additional note, make sure you choose the Thule RB53 load bars for the BMW X3, this is the length necessary for the X3 rooftop.