Is a Crossbar Spread of 21 Inches Too Small for my Thule Square Crossbars?

Question:

Hello, I have a 2019 Ford Transit connect. The instruction manual for my new Thule square bars shows warning signs for the front-most fixed points see attached. Is there a specific reason for this? I have existing roof accessories that eliminate use of the two rear locations, which would only leave me with the second and third points, which are spaced 21 inches apart. Is this 21 inches too small for most applications? Thanks

asked by: Kevin

Helpful Expert Reply:

I talked to my contact at Thule, and the reason why the two fixed mounting points are crossed off is because the wind resistance to anything mounted on those front points can cause the cargo to shift on the bars.

As far as the use of the 21 inches on the second and third points of your Transit, Thule recommends users to avoid crossbar spreads of 24 inches or less. The reasoning behind this is the concern that the cargo might shift unexpectedly. With that being said, as long as the cargo is extremely secure, you would most likely not have an issue with a spread of 21 inches.

expert reply by: Bob C