Thule 422XT Xsporter

I've seen some videos online and heard some thoughts about the Thule 422XT Xsporter. Some said the noise was noticeably annoying, but most everyone said the cost was absurd but aside from cost, what do you, the owners, think of this bed rack?

Thanks.

 

I ran this rack for a year or so before I bought a truck cap. It was great. Had some wind noise when the rack was run "up", (there are two positions, up and down). In the up position, I had about 30 2x4s and a bunch of fence boards -- no problem.

I would normally run in the lowered or down position when I didn't have cargo. You can easily take the uprights completely out of the mounts, and replace them whenever you want.

I still have the rack ... I'd still be running it if I hadn't bought the Leer cap. I'm in eastern Kansas (Leavenworth) -- let me know if you'd like to come by and take a look. For that matter, make me an offer ....

Dave

 

Bitman...
Are those 422XT you've got and do you have the rail adapters (I believe they are the XK1)?

If you still have them... shoot me some photos and I'll make you an offer. I'm Colorado.

Thanks

-Leo
dbbyleo at gmail dot com.

 

Anybody have any recent opinions on the 422XT Xsporter rack for Tacoma? It would be great if you could post a picture of the rack in the down (lowest position), as I have heard rumors that these don't lower too much?

Thanks!

 

I just purchased one (used). I'm about to use it for the first time to go camping this weekend. I don't have photos right now, but with regards to the height positioning...

If you have a shortbed (like I do), forget about getting to the lowest position. The wheel wells get in the way.

I have the older model of the 422XT that only has 2 positions (high and low). But even with the newer model that has multiple height, you won't get it much lower than just past the roof line.

So for me, I bought it for the convinience of being able to take the whole thing off and on for when I needed it.

Also... if you need it just at the right height, you can make your own "slots" into the uprights. The up position on mine was about 8 inches above the roof line. I had a friend mill a new slot for me (he's got a machine shop), but a miter saw with a metal blade could do the same thing.

Other than that... it's a solid product.

 

I have a long bed....just want to know how low I can get the rack, so it clears the garage!

Thanks!

 

I have been running one for about 7 years. Used it on my old Ranger, and on my Taco since I got it in 08. It has served me without fail for transporting Kayaks and Canoes. The crossbars do whistle at high speeds, so I usually slide the upright/crossbar piece out when I am not using it. It is a great rack IMO, but is not strong enough if you plan to haul industrial weight loads. This rack is designed for transporting your toys not lumber.

 

Even if you have the long bed, the tapered plastic bed on the tacoma gets in the way to lower the rack all the way down. (2nd Gen) I can only get it down just below the top of the cab roof. I use mine to haul ladders and kayaks. It works great for both. I doubt I will ever go over the 450 lb max weight rating. It is a very high quality rack but beware if you have any kayak rack or accessories you may have to get longer bolts or adapters. I have a set of Malone J racks for kayak and I had to get longer bolts. I still have to to the same for my Thule saddles. I haven't figured out how to use my Yakima J racks yet with it. I originally was using everything on factory racks and on square thule bars and everything worked well. Didn't think about it much before buying the Xsporter but quickly found out that those accessories are not automatically compatible.

 

Thanks for the info....I just need it to go down enough for me to clear the garage!