Roof Rack For The Mazda5 Thread

I have found the Thule racks available for the Mazda3 & 3Sport will work, the threads on the bolts are the same as on the 5, and as they're adjustable for width they will match the width of the 5 without difficulty.

There are rubber feet on the racks which conform to the curve of the roof so there shouldn't be any issues there either. Most of the Thule racks are a lower profile than the 'Mazda' rack and they'll also allow for a wider bar for wider loads.
 
I have found the Thule racks available for the Mazda3 & 3Sport will work, the threads on the bolts are the same as on the 5, and as they're adjustable for width they will match the width of the 5 without difficulty.

There are rubber feet on the racks which conform to the curve of the roof so there shouldn't be any issues there either. Most of the Thule racks are a lower profile than the 'Mazda' rack and they'll also allow for a wider bar for wider loads.

And where were you 4-5 weeks back when I got the OEM one? Just kidding :D, well, it seems to be a good option for the ones who have not bought one, it is always good to know...
 
And where were you 4-5 weeks back when I got the OEM one? Just kidding :D, well, it seems to be a good option for the ones who have not bought one, it is always good to know...

i wasn't in a Mazda then, or on the forum, soory... I guess just to add insult to injury I should tell you I picked up a Thule off craigslist for CAD $150 - and picked it up locally so there was driving pleasure instead of freight charges! All I need now is a wind deflector to ride in quiet comfort..... when I put the racks on that is.

perhaps if I can figure it out I will post a photo.
~J~
 
Thule Wind Deflector for OEM Roof Racks

Model: 871 - Fairing (Medium)
Size: 38 inches

Thanks to antlind for the tip. The subtle wind noise on highway cruise speed barely noticed now...

Phone pics :( so resolution is poor, but gives an idea...

By the way, Thule now has aftermarket options for the Mazda5!
 

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thule racks

I went in to inquire about the thule racks and the experts here were not too sure that thule got it right. I went to the top rack specialist in the state and they mentioned that the website has got part numbers wrong... beware. They are bringing in a set to "test" out... they did not want to sell it to me unless they were 100% sure that they would work correctly.

The main concerns are the obstruction of the sunroof with the bars and the load amount....

I'll keep you posted on what happens....
 
^^ (rant), I don't understand Thule, if they already make the OEM why they make it confusing by adding more standard ones to the list which may or may not work? In the US, Canada and Mexico they may only sell 3 a year aftermarket so I guess no big deal for them

Oh well, at least the price shown by Thule is similar to the OEM ones, so you are still stuck with it :D

Edit:
OEM and the Thule aftermarket racks use the same fairing/wind deflector (871), I just noted that (2thumbs)

http://www.thuleracks.com/ems/fg_vehicle.asp
 
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the thule racks look a lot better and are more stream lined..... plus the bars extend past the mounts which is needed when you strap down surf boards and need something to tie your straps off to.
 
the thule racks look a lot better and are more stream lined..... plus the bars extend past the mounts which is needed when you strap down surf boards and need something to tie your straps off to.

Yup, I'm with you, mine look too high for my taste, you may be right, there may be issues with the moonroof or something. What troubles me is, both roof racks (Mazda OEM and the ones you mention) are made by the same guys: Thule (scratch)...
 
Roof Rack for the 2008 Mazda5

Finally it is here - ordered our Mazda5 on October 30 and it arrived at the dealer on Friday. Wife believes that it was well worth the wait, and I am super jealous. Next order of business is the roof rack -

I have seen posts that say that Thule will be coming out with a fit kit for the MZ5 - (3069) I believe or I could just go with the OEM Mazda rack. I always internet search for the best deal (I probably spend too much time searching). Here are my results -

Mazda Rack and Short Box - I found the CC43-V4-701G Roof Rack - $280.80 and 0000-8L-G05 Roof Cargo Box - $202.80 for a total $528.40 including shipping to 60073 (North Chicago Suburb) at ocmazdaspeed.com. Sounds like a good deal.

Thule - Went to Thule site and configured for the 2008 Mazda5 and went to each partner site for pricing - only one partner site had all pieces needed - ORS Rack Direct - thule-460 (bracket) $134.10, thule-LB50 (Bars) $53.10, thule-3069 (fit pack for Mazda5) $54.00, thule-667ES (cargo box) $349.00 total with shipping $590.20.

Now for some magic - Mazda Box for $228.24 with shipping at ocmazdaspeed.com and thule rack system for ORS Rack Direct $241.20 with shipping. Grand Total $469.44. The big question is will the Mazda Box fit on the new thule rack set?

What is my best bet?

Thanks,
Jeff the Noob
 
Just bought our 5...waiting on delivery

For obvious reasons I have been looking into rack options. I believe there is a 91" rack. Anyone have any pics on this longer option? My fear is that it is too long [hanging over front wind shield].

How long is the next size down?
 
Aftermarket THULE Roof Rack Install

Installed Thule 460R Rapid Podium with fit kit 3069 finally came in. no problems and does not hinder moon roof operation. Took about 45 mins. Probably take 20 next time. Have not installed the fairing yet 871xt recommended by Thule. Little wind noise noticeable because I am listening not bad though.Ordered from
/http://www.orsracksdirect.com/
No probs and fast shipping.Here are some pics
Now just need to figure out what cargo box to go with THULE Atlantis 1600 or 1800?
 

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those racks look slick... capermac... could you take photo that shows the whole car... I would like to get an idea on how it compares to the factory racks. I have the same set on order but us being in Hawaii... we always get things late....

You also mentioned that you were going with a fairing.... won't it hit the moonroof?
 
those racks look slick

+1, a slick design in general, although I'm not too fond of the 4 bar "tips". I like the lower profile compared to the OEMs as well...

Cargo box, I think both are pretty much the same, except the length of course, just watch out for the max weight allowed by the roof (and the box)...
 
The fairing came with the package I ordered. will put it on when I do long drives. 2 min to put on now that I got it together. It does sit on the moonroof. It has foam pads on the ends where it touches. I will post another photo in the next couple of days
 
Installed Thule 460R Rapid Podium with fit kit 3069 finally came in. no problems and does not hinder moon roof operation. Took about 45 mins. Probably take 20 next time. Have not installed the fairing yet 871xt recommended by Thule. Little wind noise noticeable because I am listening not bad though.Ordered from
/http://www.orsracksdirect.com/
No probs and fast shipping.Here are some pics
Now just need to figure out what cargo box to go with THULE Atlantis 1600 or 1800?

those racks looks horrible! you should not drive with those on. you know what, to save you from the potential humiliation you'll be getting driving that hideous thing around town, I'll buy it for half the price you paid for it. I'm helping you here man!!
 
Wow, my original post on this topic was back in October of last year and this thread is still going. (cool)

I finally got around to installing the racks on my 2008 mazda5 and I did end up getting the mazda ones; yeah, quite the delay, but the snow only disappeared a week ago!
I just wanted to say that the installation of these are a snap. It takes me about 5 mins to get em' on or off, much quicker than I was expecting. I was very suprised with the lack of wind noise. Even on the highway at 110+ km/hr there is hardly any noise. I used to have a pair of yakimas with wind jammers on my old car and those things would howl once I approached highway speeds, so with the high profile of the mazda ones I was expecting these to even worse.
Anyone else as impressed with how quiet they are? Maybe I'm just lucky with placing the little spoilers they include in just the right place.

BTW, there was some talk in this or another post on whether they are made by Thule. Well, the box they came in says 'made in sweden'.
 
those racks looks horrible! you should not drive with those on. you know what, to save you from the potential humiliation you'll be getting driving that hideous thing around town, I'll buy it for half the price you paid for it. I'm helping you here man!!

Forgot to insert the envy smilie at the end :D ;)
 
those racks look slick... capermac... could you take photo that shows the whole car... I would like to get an idea on how it compares to the factory racks. I have the same set on order but us being in Hawaii... we always get things late....

You also mentioned that you were going with a fairing.... won't it hit the moonroof?

808mz5
Yes the fairing will hit the moonroof. I am going to get a moonroof wind deflector don't know if I will get the mazda one or an aftermarket one. Here are the pics you asked for. Also got the tint done today 30% front and 15% rest. Makes a huge difference I think.
 

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