Can I Reuse My Thule Roof Bars on a New Car?

Yes, in many cases you can reuse some of your existing Thule roof-bar system when you change cars. You may only need a new vehicle-specific fitting kit, although changing roof type or vehicle width can mean you also need different feet or load bars.

The exact answer depends on four things: your existing Thule system, your new vehicle, its roof type and the length of your current bars.

At Roof Boxed, we specialise in identifying which Thule components customers can keep and which actually need replacing, so you don't automatically have to buy a complete new roof-rack system when you change car.

Which Parts of My Thule Roof Bars Can I Reuse?

A typical Thule roof-rack setup may use:

• Load bars – such as Thule WingBar Evo, SquareBar Evo or ProBar Evo.
• Feet or foot pack – the component connecting the bars to the vehicle's roof or roof rails.
• Vehicle-specific fitting kit – required with many Thule systems to adapt the feet to the exact vehicle and roof configuration.

Not every roof type uses exactly the same combination. For example, Thule raised-rail feet attach to suitable raised roof rails, while cars with a normal roof, flush rails or fixed mounting points use different mounting solutions.

This is why changing cars does not automatically mean changing the complete system.

What Do I Need to Replace When I Change Car?

The quickest way to work out what you need is to compare your old setup with the roof system on your new car.

Always check the exact vehicle and individual Thule part numbers before reusing components.

Step 1: Identify Your New Car's Roof Type

The roof configuration is one of the most important factors in determining which Thule components you need.

Common roof types include:

• Raised roof rails – where you can usually fit your hand underneath the rail.
• Flush roof rails – rails which sit directly against the roof.
• Fixed mounting points – usually hidden beneath covers or flaps in the roof.
• Normal or bare roof – no rails or visible mounting points.
• Other vehicle-specific mounting systems.

Do not assume two versions of the same car use the same system. Model year, body style and trim can affect which fitting components are required.

A hatchback, estate and SUV carrying the same model name can have completely different roof configurations.

Step 2: Identify the Thule Parts You Already Have

Before buying anything, find the part numbers of your current components.

Check:

• The model of your roof bars
• The length of the bars
• The foot-pack model
• The number on your existing fitting kit

For example, knowing that you own Thule WingBar Evo bars is useful, but knowing the exact bar length and foot-pack model makes it much easier to determine what can move to the new vehicle.

If you're unsure what you have, clear photographs of the bars, feet and fitting components can also help us identify them.

Do I Always Need a New Thule Fitting Kit?

If both vehicles use a vehicle-specific fitting kit, you will normally need to check the fitting kit specified for the new vehicle rather than assume the old one will fit.

Thule fitting kits are designed around particular vehicles and mounting arrangements.

Even when your existing load bars and feet remain suitable, the smaller vehicle-specific components can be different.

That is why replacing the fitting kit is often the cheapest way to adapt an existing Thule system to another car.

Can I Keep My Existing Thule Foot Pack?

Sometimes.

If the new vehicle uses the same type of Thule mounting system, your existing feet may still be compatible.

However, changing roof type can require a completely different foot pack.

Thule offers different mounting solutions for:

• Normal roofs
• Flush roof rails
• Raised roof rails
• Fixed mounting points

So if your previous car had raised roof rails but the new vehicle has flush rails, you should not expect the same feet to transfer directly.

Can I Reuse My Existing Thule Bars?

Often, but the bar length must be suitable for the new vehicle and compatible with the required feet.

A bar that fitted a small hatchback may be too short for a wider SUV. Equally, a substantially wider set may not be the correct specification for your new car.

Thule WingBar Evo is available in multiple lengths, which is one reason the exact bar part number matters when checking compatibility.

If your existing bars are the correct type and length, you may be able to retain one of the most expensive parts of the system.

Example: Changing From a Volkswagen Golf to a BMW X3

Imagine you already own a Thule roof-rack system for a Volkswagen Golf and you move to a BMW X3.

Rather than immediately buying another complete system, check:

• What roof type did the Golf have?
• What roof type does the X3 have?
• Which Thule feet do you currently own?
• Which fitting kit is fitted?
• What model and length are the bars?

If the roof systems differ, you may need new feet and a new fitting kit. If your bars are still the correct length and compatible with the new feet, they may be reusable.

If the bars are not suitable, that is when replacing the complete setup may make more sense.

The important point is to compare components individually rather than assuming the entire rack must be replaced.

What About Older Thule Roof Bars?

Older Thule components may sometimes be reusable, but compatibility between different generations should never be assumed.

If your bars or feet are from an older Thule system, identify the part numbers before ordering new components.

Roof Boxed deals with both new and used Thule equipment, so we can check whether your existing equipment can be incorporated into the new setup or whether replacing particular components is the safer and more practical option.

When Do I Need a Completely New Thule Roof-Bar System?

A complete replacement becomes more likely when:

• Your new vehicle has a completely different roof type
• Your existing bars are the wrong size
• Your feet are incompatible with the new mounting system
• Your equipment belongs to an older system that cannot be combined with the required current components

Even then, it is worth checking the individual parts first.

You may have components that can be part exchanged rather than left unused.

Save Money by Part Exchanging the Parts You Don't Need

If some of your existing Thule setup will not transfer to the new vehicle, Roof Boxed offers part exchange on suitable equipment.

That means you may be able to retain compatible components while trading in the parts you no longer require.

It can be much simpler than selling individual bars, feet or fittings privately and can reduce the cost of putting together the correct setup for your new car.

Find out more about Roof Boxed Part Exchange

How to Get Your New-Car Compatibility Checked

For the quickest answer, send Roof Boxed:

• Your old vehicle make, model and year
• Your new vehicle make, model and year
• The roof type on the new vehicle
• The part numbers from your existing Thule bars, feet and fitting kit
• Clear photos if you're unable to locate the part numbers

We can then identify what is reusable, what needs changing and whether part exchange makes sense.

Contact Roof Boxed for a Thule compatibility check - Form at the top of the page

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Thule roof bars on a new car?

Possibly. The bars can often be reused if they are the correct length and compatible with the feet required for the new vehicle. You may still require different feet or a new vehicle-specific fitting kit.

Are Thule fitting kits universal?

No. Thule fitting kits are designed for particular vehicles and mounting configurations. Always check the new vehicle rather than assuming your existing fitting kit will transfer.

Do I need new Thule feet when I change car?

Not necessarily. If both cars use a compatible mounting system, the feet may be reusable. Changing from raised rails to flush rails, a normal roof or fixed mounting points is more likely to require different feet.

Are Thule WingBar Evo bars reusable on another car?

They can be, provided the bars are the correct length and compatible with the foot system specified for the new vehicle.

Does changing to a newer version of the same car mean my Thule bars will fit?

Not automatically. Manufacturers can change roof dimensions and mounting points between generations, and different body styles can also use different roof systems.

How do I find my Thule roof-bar part numbers?

Check the labels and markings on your bars, feet and fitting components. If you're unsure, send clear photographs to Roof Boxed and we can help identify your setup.

Is it cheaper to adapt my existing Thule roof bars or buy new ones?

If your bars and feet are reusable, replacing only the vehicle-specific components can be considerably cheaper than purchasing another complete rack. The answer depends on exactly which parts transfer to the new vehicle.

Before You Buy Anything, Check What You Already Own

Changing your car does not necessarily mean starting again with your Thule roof bars.

The most cost-effective approach is to identify your existing components, establish the roof type of the new vehicle and check each part individually.

You may only need a fitting kit. You may need feet and a fitting kit. In some cases, the bar length or system type means a complete replacement is the better option.

If you send Roof Boxed the details of your old car, new car and existing Thule components, we can help work out exactly what you need — and what you don't.

Get a Thule compatibility check Below