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Anyone have a Thule Force 3 XL rooftop box mounted on factory crossbars?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by RobS10, Jun 24, 2025 at 7:42 AM.

  1. Jun 24, 2025 at 7:42 AM
    #1
    RobS10

    RobS10 [OP] New Member

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    We currently use a Yakima Road Warrior basket mounted to our 2022 Toyota factory crossbars. It's pretty tight clearance between the bars and roof, but works. I want to pick up a Thule Force 3 XL abd use the stock crossbars if possible, but get conflicting info - REI and Sports Basement both say it will work, but Thule says the forks that grab the rails will touch the roof. Anyone mount a Force 3 XL on factory bars?

    If this is a no-go, which Thule bar setup fit the 4Runner's rails the best/most securely, the Evo or Edge? The Edge towers look like they sit the crossbars a little lower and sleeker than the Evo, but attaches with a strap instead of a clamp like the Evo
     
  2. Jun 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM
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    Stoney Ranger

    Stoney Ranger Lockers? Pffft. Pizza Cutters baby

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    IMO, toss the factory x-bars and get the LFD's. I did and have not regretted it at all. You will have all the clearance you need. Be warned that the feet/clamps will not fit around the fairing bar. I figured I had the fairing bar so I mounted it in the back. The rocket box feet don't go back that far. It gets mounted on the 2nd-from-the-rear bar.
    I mount a lot of stuff on the roof, so I bought a 4th regular bar. I now have 5 X-bars.

    Individual bars.
    Ruggedized Crossbar - 5th Gen 4Runner – LFD Off Road

    4 X-Bar Bundle.
    Ruggedized Crossbar Kit - 5th Gen 4Runner – LFD Off Road
    17507985717021267528230471020259.jpg 17507986896925946515329453039697.jpg 17507987158931545664723411108418.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
  3. Jun 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
    #3
    Fortuner

    Fortuner New Member

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    I ran a Thule Motion XL with Wingbar Evo for a few years prior to getting a full Westcott roof-rack, and it was a great setup overall. I never tried it with the factory crossbars, but remember seeing posts on the other 4runner forum about people who had successfully done so, with very tight clearances due to the fork/clamp style design.

    If you decide on the Wingbar Evo's, note that I opted for a 53" length vs the THULE recommended 55" -- the latter overhangs the vehicle a bit too much for my taste. The 53" looked great IMO.

    [​IMG]
     

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