Thule 753 still the lowest profile option for T6.1?

[Californication69]

I developed some generic calculations for the California as part of my roofrack engineering project. I just used standard drag coefficients and some basic assumptions to get comparative figures.

I assumed a base case of 5000 miles at 60mph and concluded that a set of 150 cm wingbars will cost an extra £13 with fuel at £6 per gallon. My roofrack by comparision was £22 which would be expected because it is heavier construction, whereas other roofracks with "shall we say - dubious aero-dynamic properties" had a very significant cost. I am sure lower bars will be more aerodynamic, but the numbers are small with an aero design of bar.

As I have said on this site before, the biggest factor with fuel consumption is the headwind or tail wind. Since you can't measure this and it varies from day to day (and direction) it is rather pointless making comparisons over a short time duration.

What’s the eBay link please, do you have any left?
Thanks in advance

 

[Johnboy]

Hi, yes I have some left - std finish or powder coated.

Search "low profile mounts california" on ebay for all the blurb.

Or email me at info@vixxos.com and I can cut out the ebay fees.

John

 

[ThomasHJ]

Sorry for revamping an old thread, but I'm looking to buy roof bars for my T5 Cali. The Thule website suggests the following for our van:

• Thule Wingbar Evo 150 cm | 711520
• Thule Fixpoint Evo | 710700
• Kit 187009

Can anyone confirm this is right? And is it also possible to use wider or less wide wingbar evo's?

 

[Catbus]

The mounts that @Johnboy are still the lowest I found. Not sure if he still makes them but I picked up a set from him last when they were on eBay
Not sure about the Thule mounts but with these you can as low as possible and use the shortest width of 127cm (Thule part 711320) which is about the width of the outside edges of the roof bar channels. I don’t have any 150cm ones to try but I think they go to the edges of the van, so it’s easily possible to fit slightly longer witdth if you want a overhang.

Here’s a few pics I took of the 127cm wing bars to make sure it’s the smallest width possible.

 

[Californication69]

The mounts that @Johnboy are still the lowest I found. Not sure if he still makes them but I picked up a set from him last when they were on eBay
Not sure about the Thule mounts but with these you can as low as possible and use the shortest width of 127cm (Thule part 711320) which is about the width of the outside edges of the roof bar channels. I don’t have any 150cm ones to try but I think they go to the edges of the van, so it’s easily possible to fit slightly longer witdth if you want a overhang.

Here’s a few pics I took of the 127cm wing bars to make sure it’s the smallest width possible.

@Johnboy T-track mounts are the slimmest and only mount you need to buy for a Thule wingbar.
Awesome.
I have 127mm wingbar on Johns mount in the pic below. And I keep to 1.98m
You’ll be able to use 127cm and wider for sure.
Does the T5 use T-track in the pop up roof ?

 

[ThomasHJ]

@Catbus and @Californication69 thanks for sharing your photos. The mounts and low profile look really nice.

@Californication69 so your total height went from 1904 mm to 1980mm with this combination? Which still keeps you under 2 meters? That's impressive. Being able to stay under 2m would be great!

Am I correct that neither of you have the standard awning installed? I ask, because I wonder if the roof bars might interfere with the awning.

Also, the roof bars mounted so low probably don't leave room for any solar panels I guess?

decisions...decisions.. ;-)

 

[Californication69]

@Catbus and @Californication69 thanks for sharing your photos. The mounts and low profile look really nice.

@Californication69 so your total height went from 1904 mm to 1980mm with this combination? Which still keeps you under 2 meters? That's impressive. Being able to stay under 2m would be great!

Am I correct that neither of you have the standard awning installed? I ask, because I wonder if the roof bars might interfere with the awning.

Also, the roof bars mounted so low probably don't leave room for any solar panels I guess?

decisions...decisions.. ;-)

I have the standard awning, whatever comes with the California Ocean.
I have one 100w panel from @Roger Donoghue.
Will soon add another solar panel.
The Thule mounts from @Johnboy will not interfere with the mounts from Roger.
Only if I put something onto the roof bars, (like roof box or kayak/ surfboard) it will cover the Solar and cause less charging.
(kinda obvious I guess ?. )
But in total I will soon have.
2 solar panels.
Thule wing bars with 90mm between them for a Kamei dolphin roof box.
And still enough space for a Starlink pivot mount and McDishy flat face.

 

[Californication69]

You can just about see the solar panel at the rear….

 

[ThomasHJ]

Thank you again for the information @Californication69. I think it might be time for me to try to get in touch with @Johnboy

 

[Yosoyjollyvan]

I have thule wingbars with low profile

Now I´ve added 2 bars more (I need to carry more stuff in the roof this vacations) so I´ve bought ones from a Spanish Brand but they look very like like this ones from hess. They are a few centimeters taller

 

[Blue Yonder]

 

[B9BHS]

Hi @Johnboy

Hey thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

If anyone wants some then e-mail me at info@vixxos.com (£40 inc p+p) or use ebay.

John

I have just sent you an email John (also contacted you via eBay today)

 

[Charlotterobin]

Just as a follow up I ended up going with the Yakima bars. Its a close fit!! One day I will maybe get the van lowered!

View attachment 86850

#Explorer, what Yakima bars are they please? Also, are you in Bristol?

 

[Explorer]

#Explorer, what Yakima bars are they please? Also, are you in Bristol?

 

[Explorer]

#Explorer, what Yakima bars are they please? Also, are you in Bristol?

Hi - details below we are in Oxfordshire