2007 Jeep Commander Thule Roof Bars Thule Car Rack Questions

paulatt · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 05:58 PM

I have bought Thule Roofbars for my 2007 Jeep Commander with the recommended fittings kit 3040. I am following the fitting instructions and have placed the plate into the Commander side roof bar, placed the bar footplate on top and then need to screw the nut onto that bolt to hold it all in position. However, the bolt that has been included is too short. I do not have any thread on the bolt on which to screw the nut due to the thickness of the Commander side roof bar.
What am I doing wrong?

rack_boy · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 11:26 AM

Do you have the 2007 Jeep Commander with the X-bars or sport X-bars? You will need to completely remove the entire factory rack before attempting to install the Thule 460 Podium system and the Thule 3040 fit kit brackets. If you havent completely removed the current factory rack you won't have enough bolt length to connect to the preset mounting points on the Jeep Commander.

paulatt · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 11:31 AM

They are the standard Thule bars, not aero ones.
I dont have a factory fitted rack. All that is on the Commander roof is the standard silver side bars. I thought that the Thule roof bars fitted into this bar?

rack_boy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 11:06 AM

Wow that is a stumper. Just wanted to make sure you were using the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system (it comes in both square load bar version and rapid aero load bar version). The 3040 Fit Kit brackets and supplied bolts do normally fit in the fixpoint attachment positions normally. I'd suggest maybe visiting a local dealer if you have one nearby so someone can look at it firsthand?

paulatt · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 02:10 AM

We have been back to our supplier who then contacted Thule. The outcome is that Thule say that it is the correct fitting pack and that the bolts should be long enough. They have suggested buying longer bolts!!

NOBULL · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:36 AM

wow thats crap! Keep us posted if you do get the longer bolts and find out that's what is needed for the Thule 460 Podium and 3040 fit kit brackets to fit on the 2007 Jeep Commander. Thule racks would definitely need to do some fast reengineering on that fit or they'll have a lot of ticked off customers on their hands...

paulatt · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 05:34 PM

Will keep you informed. Planning on looking for some longer bolts tomorrow....