New Post has been published on Cascade Rack - Bend Oregon Car Racks, Truck Racks, Hitch, and Cargo Outfitter
New Post has been published on http://www.cascaderack.com/2014/05/12/base-rack-hitch-cargo-box-bike-rack-installation-2001-bmw-x5-thule-proseries-yakima/
Base Rack, Hitch, Cargo Box, Bike Rack Installation - 2001 BMW X5 - Thule / ProSeries / Yakima
Today we had the opportunity to provide a customer with an enormous amount of new cargo space in their existing car. The car that was brought to us was a 2001 BMW X5. Our customer was looking to add some cargo space to the top of their car as well as move their bikes from the interior of the vehicle to the hitch.
We went to work on putting together a system that met their needs and performed well with the car. First up was adding a hitch to the X5. We went with the ProSeries 2″ Receiver Hitch, Part#: 51093. The hitch installation on the BMW X5 involves removing the bumper and a small amount of drilling. It’s definitely a two person job to get everything accomplished.
While we installed the hitch, the Thule base rack system was installed on the roof. Our customer was looking for simplicity and utility so we went with the Thule Complete Crossroads Railing Rack (Part#: 45058). It connects to the raised rails on the X5 using rubberized metal bands, and is easily moved/removed using the integrated allen wrench. The system includes lock cores and keys out of the box.
With the hitch installation complete, it was time to mount the bike rack. Our customer went with the Thule Vertex 4 Bike Rack. The Thule Vertex features a design that adapts to both 1 1/4″ and 2″ receivers, anti-sway cradles to keep the bikes from bumping into each other while driving, and a fold away design that provides easy access to the rear hatch of the X5 when installed.
The last component was the car top cargo box. Our customer went with the Yakima Skybox 16, as it provides great hatch clearance when installed on the BMW X5 and will easily fit all of their gear and luggage. Even though it opens on both sides, we oriented the Skybox 16 to the passenger side of the vehicle in order to provide easier access.
Thule Complete Crossroads Railing Rack – Complete railing rack with feet, locks and 58″ bars (Part#: 45058)
Yakima Skybox 16S (Part#: 8007178)
Thule Vertex 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Bike Rack (Part#: 9029)
Pro Series Class III 51 Receiver Hitch (Part#: 51093)
