Mazda CX-50 Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Aftermarket roof rack options

1 reading
Jump to Latest
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
#21 ·
bwest said:
Hi all, I found a Thule Crossbar setup that works for my CX-50 and wanted to share. After trying the factory roof rails I was shocked how much wind noise they created so returned them and decided to try and re-use some older Thule Aero Blade (53") bars I had from a previous car.

Since Thule hasn't certified a specific foot-pack and rail mounting kit I did some trial and error, and after trying two foot-packs and three mounting kits I finally found a solution that seems to work pretty well. It's probably not exactly perfect fit but pretty close. I ended up with the Thule Flush Rail Evo Foot Pack (item: 710601) and the Kit: 186045. The hardest part was finding the mounting kit that fits the profile of the CX-50 flush rails. The kit I ended up using is for an Audi Q5 - which appear to be a similar rail profile. I just installed them today so haven't taken them for a drive yet, but I'll report back on how wind noise is. View attachment 601 View attachment 602 View attachment 603 View attachment 604
Click to expand...
I drove a few hours with the cross-bars on the freeway and I'm happy to report they are much quieter than the factory cross-bars! Still a little noise but much more similar to other cross-bars.
 
#22 ·
bwest said:
Hi all, I found a Thule Crossbar setup that works for my CX-50 and wanted to share. After trying the factory roof rails I was shocked how much wind noise they created so returned them and decided to try and re-use some older Thule Aero Blade (53") bars I had from a previous car.

Since Thule hasn't certified a specific foot-pack and rail mounting kit I did some trial and error, and after trying two foot-packs and three mounting kits I finally found a solution that seems to work pretty well. It's probably not exactly perfect fit but pretty close. I ended up with the Thule Flush Rail Evo Foot Pack (item: 710601) and the Kit: 186045. The hardest part was finding the mounting kit that fits the profile of the CX-50 flush rails. The kit I ended up using is for an Audi Q5 - which appear to be a similar rail profile. I just installed them today so haven't taken them for a drive yet, but I'll report back on how wind noise is.
Click to expand...
How is this solution holding up? Have you installed any box or basket? have you done any long trips?
 
#23 ·
@cxFitty - It's working out well. I've only tied light weight things like Surfboards to the cross bars so far, but everything feels solid and works well. There's still a small amount of wind noise from the bars (to be expected) but a lot less than the OEM cross-bars. I'm going to stick with this set up and am happy with it!
 
#24 ·
CMS said:
I never knew there was a moonroof deflector. I had to look it up. Nice out-of-the-box thinking. Still, I am going to focus on the problem and change the crossbars once out once the mounts become available. Mazda should be the one to fix this.

Glad your trip was "not" a howling noisy trip!

I hope to get on the highway next week and test the vortex strips out.
Click to expand...
I have had more driving time with the vortex strips on the highway and its just too loud. Any updates on solutions or new crossbars? Thinking to wrap in a plastic cord that one member recommended but it takes away from the look of car.
Any updates on a solution that is 100% better than what Mazda sold us?
 
#25 ·
bwest said:
Hi all, I found a Thule Crossbar setup that works for my CX-50 and wanted to share. After trying the factory roof rails I was shocked how much wind noise they created so returned them and decided to try and re-use some older Thule Aero Blade (53") bars I had from a previous car.

Since Thule hasn't certified a specific foot-pack and rail mounting kit I did some trial and error, and after trying two foot-packs and three mounting kits I finally found a solution that seems to work pretty well. It's probably not exactly perfect fit but pretty close. I ended up with the Thule Flush Rail Evo Foot Pack (item: 710601) and the Kit: 186045. The hardest part was finding the mounting kit that fits the profile of the CX-50 flush rails. The kit I ended up using is for an Audi Q5 - which appear to be a similar rail profile. I just installed them today so haven't taken them for a drive yet, but I'll report back on how wind noise is. View attachment 601 View attachment 602 View attachment 603 View attachment 604
Click to expand...
They look great!
 
#28 ·
glad to see Thule finally released an official clip kit for the CX-50....too bad it's out of stock until February. I'll continue to use my setup as it's working well.
 
#30 ·
bwest said:
Hi all, I found a Thule Crossbar setup that works for my CX-50 and wanted to share. After trying the factory roof rails I was shocked how much wind noise they created so returned them and decided to try and re-use some older Thule Aero Blade (53") bars I had from a previous car.

Since Thule hasn't certified a specific foot-pack and rail mounting kit I did some trial and error, and after trying two foot-packs and three mounting kits I finally found a solution that seems to work pretty well. It's probably not exactly perfect fit but pretty close. I ended up with the Thule Flush Rail Evo Foot Pack (item: 710601) and the Kit: 186045. The hardest part was finding the mounting kit that fits the profile of the CX-50 flush rails. The kit I ended up using is for an Audi Q5 - which appear to be a similar rail profile. I just installed them today so haven't taken them for a drive yet, but I'll report back on how wind noise is. View attachment 601 View attachment 602 View attachment 603 View attachment 604
Click to expand...
Are they attached to aerobars? Still pleased with the fit? Thanks
 
#33 ·
To me, all crossbars "look similar"!! I purchased the Snailfly brand from Amazon, around $123 with their coupon. They look nice and supported my cartop carrier from MT to CO and back just fine. I see the Audi ones on eBay for less and more in cost. But I don't understand why one would want to do that!

Tom
 
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
About this Discussion
33 Replies
17 Participants
Last post:
goaliedad26
Mazda CX-50 Forum
posts
19K
members
4.4K
Since
2020
2022+ Mazda CX-50 community and owners club - join the conversation about the new Mazda CX-50
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Mazda CX-50 General Discussions 2022+ Mazda CX-50 Complaints, Issues And Problems Mods & Accessories New Member Introductions Mazda CX-50 Pictures