thule or yakima

I just got a thule rack system and i like how it looks it just seems kind of flimzy. What rack system do you guys prefer, thule or yakima? Lets see some pics!

 

i have a yakima (fat cat)

 

The Thules aren't flimsy. Maybe the fairing (the front piece with the "Thule" on it), but the Yakima fairing is nearly identical.

I like the Thule... but Im partial. See below....

 

Oh, both are about the same price.

Thule is a Swedish brand. And Yakima is an American brand. Sometimes people like the American brands more I purchase based on the flag.

 

Thule for the win!!!

 

Here are my new racks!

 

Arizona, I want my truck to look like yours!!!!!! How's the noise on the Thule racks? Did the racks lower your mpg? I have the oem rack and even in the 'off' position, I'm getting about 20-30 miles less per tank.

To the OP, I personally am partial to Thule as well. I have Thule's Flat-top 6 ski carrier and love it. I may just have to get rid of my OEM setup for a complete Thule.

Here's my setup:

 

Nightstr, How much did you get the racks for? Did you get it from a retailer in Sac?

 

check out REI

 

I prefer the round bar look (yakima)

 

I found a brand new in the box Thule on CL for $150 plus $45+/- for the deflector.

The deflector is a must to reduce the noise level.

I believe it does drop my mpg. Want to get a scangauge to see exactly how I lose but I bet over 1 - 1.5 mpg.

I could not see much difference between Yakima or Thule.

It is pretty solid after I got it set in place, I can use it to rock the whole truck and it does not budge.

 

The noise on the racks is not bad at all but i think its because of the wind deflector. As of the mpg i have not seen a diffrence.

 

I got the whole set up for 413 out the door at REI. I shoped around and they had the best price and return policy.

 

The Thule Tracker bars and the Yakima crossbars seem to be fairly equal on sturdiness. I can't say about the Thule Aerobars though, they don't look as sturdy. I've got a Yakima rack on my ARE topper and my gf has a Thule Tracker rack on her Element. They both seem of really good quality.

 

I love this set up!

 

I was a Yakima guy for a long time until I got my Toyota. After crappy customer service from Yakima in trying to find the proper part numbers for use with the Toyota cross bars I switched to Thule. Customer service was excellent and the bike trays I have fit much better than the Yakima ones would have.

 

i've got the yakima rack. here it is bare w/o any carriers:

check out rackattack.com they carry both yakima and thule. if you're buying from there i've got an online coupon for $20 off your >$200 order. pm me for the code if interested...

 

Nightstr - do you have any closer up pictures of the racks attached to the cab? I'm looking to put some on my access cab - I think it looks great just want to see the setup a little closer.

 

Yakima for me. I have heard in the past Thule had problems with bending of the frame in the rack..The Yakima parts were easier to get, so I went with those.

 

My thule rack has been on my DC year round since April 2007. Its worked great with no issues. Here is my kayak setup.