Can I Reuse My Thule Roof Bars on a New Car?
Can I Reuse My Thule Roof Bars on a New Car?
Changing your car doesn’t always mean changing your roof bars.
If you already own a Thule roof rack and you’re buying a new car, there’s a good chance that at least some of your existing system can be reused.
Because Thule roof bar systems are made from separate components, you may only need to replace the vehicle-specific parts rather than buying a completely new roof rack.
At Roof Boxed, we specialise in new, used and discontinued Thule roof bar components, so we can help you work out exactly what you can keep, what needs changing and the most cost-effective way to get your existing roof rack onto your new vehicle.
How Does a Thule Roof Bar System Work?
Most Thule roof racks are made up of three main components:
1. Roof Bars
These are the crossbars that run across the roof of your vehicle.
Depending on your system, you may have:
- Thule WingBar Evo
- Thule WingBar Edge
- Thule SquareBar
- Older AeroBar or WingBar systems
- Thule ProBar
The length of the bars is important. A bar that was suitable for your previous vehicle may be too short, or occasionally unnecessarily long, for your new car.
2. Foot Pack
The foot pack connects the roof bars to your vehicle.
Common examples include Thule 7104, 7105, 7106 and 7107 foot packs, as well as previous-generation systems such as the 753, 754, 757 and 775.
The correct foot pack depends largely on the type of roof fitted to your vehicle.
3. Vehicle-Specific Fitting Kit
For many vehicles, a separate fitting kit is required.
This is the part designed specifically around the dimensions and mounting points of a particular make, model, body style and year of vehicle.
Because of this, the fitting kit is often the component that needs changing when you change cars.
Some vehicles with raised roof rails use systems that do not require a separate vehicle-specific fitting kit.
Can I Use My Existing Roof Bars on My New Car?
Quite possibly.
The easiest way to find out is to compare the components required for your old car with those required for your new car.
The important thing is not to assume that a roof rack fits simply because it physically appears to sit on the vehicle. Always use the correct components specified for your exact vehicle.
What Type of Roof Does Your New Car Have?
Before comparing components, identify the roof type on your new vehicle.
Normal or Naked Roof
There are no visible roof rails.
These vehicles normally use a foot pack together with a vehicle-specific fitting kit.
Flush Roof Rails
The rails sit directly against the roof with little or no gap underneath.
A compatible foot pack and, in many cases, a vehicle-specific fitting kit are required.
Raised Roof Rails
There is a visible gap between the rail and the vehicle roof.
These often use a foot pack that clamps directly around the raised rail, meaning a separate fitting kit may not be required.
Fixed Points
The vehicle has manufacturer-provided mounting points, normally concealed beneath covers or flaps in the roof.
A compatible foot pack and vehicle-specific components are required.
Older Thule Roof Bars vs Current Thule Roof Bars
This is where changing vehicles can become confusing.
Thule updated its roof rack range in September 2019, which means there are now multiple generations of Thule roof bar components in circulation.
Many older Thule systems are still perfectly usable, but components from different generations cannot always be mixed together.
For example, certain older bars can still be used with newer components, while older foot packs cannot simply be combined with every current fitting kit.
This is particularly important if:
- Your roof bars were bought before 2019
- You bought your roof bars second hand
- You don't know the part numbers
- Your original fitting kit has been discontinued
- Your new vehicle is considerably newer than your previous car
Don't throw your old roof bars away just because you can't find the parts on a standard fitting guide.
Roof Boxed specialises in older, used and discontinued Thule equipment and may be able to help you build a compatible system using your existing components.
How to Find Out What You Can Reuse
Step 1 — Identify Your Current Roof Bars
Look for labels or part numbers on:
- The underside of the bars
- Inside the end caps
- The foot packs
- The fitting kit
- Your original box or instructions
Don't worry if you can't find them all. Clear photographs are often enough for us to identify the system.
Step 2 — Tell Us About Your Old Car
We need:
- Make
- Model
- Body style
- Year
- Roof type
This helps us establish what system you currently have.
Step 3 — Tell Us About Your New Car
Send us:
- Make
- Model
- Body style
- Year
- Roof type
Small differences matter. An estate and hatchback of the same model can require completely different roof rack components.
Step 4 — Send Photos of Your Existing System
Ideally include photos of:
- Both roof bars
- Foot packs
- Fitting kit components
- Any labels or part numbers
- Locks and keys
- How the feet attach to the bars
We can then work out which components can potentially be retained.
What If My Existing Parts Won't Fit?
You don't necessarily have to start from scratch.
Replace Only the Parts You Need
Roof Boxed stocks a large selection of individual Thule roof rack components, including new and used:
- Roof bars
- Foot packs
- Fitting kits
- Locks and keys
- End caps
- Rubber strips
- Fixings
- Replacement parts
This means you can often replace one component instead of purchasing a complete roof bar set.
Used and Discontinued Thule Parts
Have an older Thule roof rack?
This is one of the areas where Roof Boxed can really help.
We stock a wide range of used and discontinued Thule components, including parts for roof bar systems that are no longer available through normal retail channels.
So if your fitting kit has disappeared from the latest Thule catalogue, it is still worth asking us before replacing the entire system.
Trade In the Parts You No Longer Need
If some of your existing roof rack won't work with your new vehicle, Roof Boxed may be able to take those parts in part exchange.
Rather than leaving unwanted roof bars or foot packs sitting in the garage, you may be able to trade them in and put the value towards the components required for your new car.
We accept a range of Thule roof bars, foot packs and accessories depending on condition and current stock requirements.
Want Us to Fit Them?
Once we've worked out the correct combination, Roof Boxed can professionally fit your roof bars at our Castle Combe showroom.
We'll make sure the correct components are installed and show you how to use and remove the system.
Not Sure What You've Got? Ask Roof Boxed
Roof bar part numbers can get confusing — particularly when you're dealing with older Thule systems.
You don't need to work it all out yourself.
Send us:
- Your old car registration or vehicle details
- Your new car registration or vehicle details
- Photos of your current roof bars
- Any part numbers you can find
Our team can help identify your existing setup and tell you what you can reuse.
Roof BoxedCastle Combe, Wiltshire
Call: 01249 588665
Email: hello@roofboxed.com
Before You Buy a Complete New Roof Rack…
Check what you already have.
Changing a fitting kit, foot pack or bar length can be considerably simpler than replacing the entire system — and reusing compatible components keeps perfectly good roof bar equipment in use for longer.
Whether your Thule roof bars are brand new, several years old or a discontinued model, Roof Boxed can help you find the right combination for your new car.