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Whats up TC Group! I thought I would share a recent installation I performed on my '16 LWB TC. My van did not come with factory rails so I bought this fancy fixed mount kit from etrailer and it worked out incredible! I didn't have to drop the entire interior headliner to get this installed. I did, partially pull back the headliner on all 4 sides where I needed to access the holes from underneath. It was a bit tight but manageable. I used some really long angle tip needle nosed pliers and some good lighting to find and install the hardware inside the roof. I also used larger fender washers under lock washers to spread the load better on the mounts and ensure no vibration loosening. Underneath the roof rack feet I applied a generous amount if silicone sealant to help prevent water ingress. These kits did not come with the silicone sealant. The Lockrack is what I am using to carry my SUP board. I since moved the lockrack to the passenger side of the roof to access the arms more easily, but this rack is amazing it holds my ISUP even up to 70mph and doesn't budge. I used the T-Track fittings instead of the clamps, and I had to add a few fender washers underneath the lockrack fittings to raise it up so the removeable arms would clear the plastic caps on the end of the Thule rack. In addition , and this may or may not have been necessary, I installed a stubby antenna that I bought from ebay. Post up if you have any questions and I can try to answer them! Here's what I ordered: Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack - Fixed Mounting Points/Flush, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - Silver QTY. 1 Item # TH7603-TH7603 Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3032 QTY. 1 Item # THKIT3032 Lockrack Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Kayak, Canoe, or 2 SUPs - Side Loading - Universal Mount QTY. 1 Item # 339-LRUNISETX

Here is a nice advantage of the high roof on the TC. I installed a Thule Sidearm rack inside my 2016 SWB XLT. I fabricated a plate and used shoulder nuts (threaded rivets) to mount it to the floor. The mountain bike barely fits and the road bike fits perfectly.https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-rack/roof-bike-racks/thule-sidearm-594xt-_-5546509

Here is a nice advantage of the high roof on the TC. I installed a Thule Sidearm rack inside my 2016 SWB XLT. I fabricated a plate and used shoulder nuts (threaded rivets) to mount it to the floor. The mountain bike barely fits and the road bike fits perfectly.https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-rack/roof-bike-racks/thule-sidearm-594xt-_-5546509

Hello, new Transit Connect owner here. Well, new to me, right? I have a 2013 model that I bought with 47,000 and now have 51,000 on the odometer. And I love this thing! Made a camper set-up and it's just like home. All mileage has been with surfboards on the roof, with a Yakima rack that I installed after purchase. Thing is, I am afraid that the roof rack load is damaging my van. The damage appears in the form of divots under the beam that supports the roof rack. I usually carry 2 longboards and a shortboard, must be less that 40 lbs total load, including the rack itself. But look at my pictures, the roof itself seems to be buckling. I noticed this the other day when adding sealant to the rack mounting point threads (but that's another story). I know that the previous owner did not install a roof rack. I also never carry more than 40-50 lbs on top, and I never drive over 70 mph. Cannot figure out what is going on, and worried that I am going to have a problem with my van's roof in the future. Can anyone offer some advice?

Hey folks, new here on the forum. I just wanted to offer a recent find that took me over a month to figure out. Until recently (past two weeks) Thule had not made official availability of their 4016 fit kit for the Thule podium system in the US, but used for the Torneo model oversees. For those of you who have the factory rails, trying to find an aftermarket solution under $600 has been a nightmare, at least for me. A month ago I was looking all over for the 4016 Fit Kit in the states and it was no where to be found, accept for one retailer in Texas who sold the Aeroblades, Podium with 4016 as a whole package for $550.00 +Shipping. They said they had to import the fit kits from oversees so it all had to be sold as one set. All that aside, this week I was FINALLY able to order Rod Cross bars, the Podium feet, and the 4016 fit kit all on Amazon for $338.00!!! It appears some retailers have pulled the part and now sell them stand alone in the US. I've been all over this for a month, so it was a huge surprise to suddenly see them pop up. I called a handful of local retailers and no one had a solution they could offer me. I set them up last night and they fit great. Just in time for a week long trip in Sequoia National Park. I'm posting this here because when I was searching, there was nothing out there really regarding a conversation about this conundrum. Hope this helps! Here's the link on their website, which did not exist 30 days ago: https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/fit-my-car?c=roof+racks&q=VRLYWCEUw