My Thule Aero Style Roof Rack install went well this evening. I spent the my lunch hour searching for the correct “Fit Kit” for the Mini Cooper. The load range is 110 lbs according to Thule, but I wouldn’t have a problem loading up to 200lbs IMHO.

The install took about 2 hours to complete, including a test drive.

While I was test fitting it I pushed the bars forward. The faring was touching the edge of the windshield. Since the bars are to be 24″ apart, it made the install look out of sync. I chose to move it back a bit.

The next addition will be some ski mounts. We are taking a trip up to the ski condo in a few weeks and will need those attachments.

The Rapid Aero load bars are great for someone who needs to pull off miscellaneous attachments at a moments notice. With the system you just need to remove the end caps to pull off attachments. No longer will I have to pull the foot mounts off the car to remove the ski or bike mounts. I believe each attachment comes with a locking end cap for security.

Thule part numbers for this install are:

1. 400XTR Aero Foot pack [attachment feet]
2. 2145 Fit Kit [finger brackets and rubber scuff pads]
3. RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bars
4. LOCK [locks]
5. 871 [38" fairing]