Thule AeroBlade and ARB awning

[Sifrk]

Hey guys,
So I'm looking at an ARB 2000 awning for my 4R but I have a set of Thule AeroBlade Edge crossbars. The AeroBlades have what Thule calls a T-Track system for accessories like a bike rack. I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of the system by ordering some T-Track bolts and a couple of ARB adapter plates. I just called Thule, and I'm sure for liability reasons, the guy said he couldn't recommend using their track system to mount an awning this way because they haven't tested it with such a product and also the way the stress would be applied to the bars. I know Rhino Racks have a similar system with tracks and they make an adapter. Of course, I don't know what materials / testing has been involved. Any chance any of you guys out there have attempted a similar approach to mounting your ARB awning? Feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Crikeymike]

We did it once for the awning, but for the tent, we drilled through the whole bar and bolted through it. It should be fine for the awning, just use 3 bolts to hold the bracket in place if possible.

 

[Sifrk]

We did it once for the awning, but for the tent, we drilled through the whole bar and bolted through it. It should be fine for the awning, just use 3 bolts to hold the bracket in place if possible.

Nice! So you worked for ARB.
I assume since you've done it that the T-Track bolts are at least 8mm in width. Even Thule couldn't tell me the width of the T-Track bolts. And you're right about securing will all three bolts. The Thule T-Track set only comes with four bolts but I had planned on getting two sets for added security. The AeroBlades are a bit narrow in how much of the crossbar you can actually use so the hope is even with the ARB awning bracket on there I can get my roof top box to fit.
I appreciate the reply!

 

[Crikeymike]

Nice! So you worked for ARB.
I assume since you've done it that the T-Track bolts are at least 8mm in width. Even Thule couldn't tell me the width of the T-Track bolts. And you're right about securing will all three bolts. The Thule T-Track set only comes with four bolts but I had planned on getting two sets for added security. The AeroBlades are a bit narrow in how much of the crossbar you can actually use so the hope is even with the ARB awning bracket on there I can get my roof top box to fit.
I appreciate the reply!

Yeah, I did.

It's been a while, we did it on a Thule rack in the bed of a Tundra. The next time around though in the Tacoma, we drilled all the way through and got longer bolts with the same size holes as the ARB brackets, as we couldn't wait to get more of those sliding Thule bolts in for the build.

I don't remember if we tried, but would the head of a bolt fit inside that channel, with a washer, facing upwards?

 

[Sifrk]

Yeah, I did.

It's been a while, we did it on a Thule rack in the bed of a Tundra. The next time around though in the Tacoma, we drilled all the way through and got longer bolts with the same size holes as the ARB brackets, as we couldn't wait to get more of those sliding Thule bolts in for the build.

I don't remember if we tried, but would the head of a bolt fit inside that channel, with a washer, facing upwards?

Honestly I hadn't checked. That might worth a shot. Most of the time I think getting OEM stuff makes sense since I assume they've done the testing, but after this morning's call with Thule support I'm rethinking my position. Ha

 

[Rbreezy]

I have my ARB awning mounted underneath my Thule aero bars using some "L" brackets and stainless carriage bolts ground down to fit in the track system... You can pretty much rock the vehicle just by rocking the awning itself.. It's plenty strong and not too much wind noise at high speeds either.

 

[hey4runner]

I have the same set up I only have two bolt holding the awning and two going to the T slider, I went to home depot and got a flat head bolt that fit in the t-slot with a washer I put nylon nut and it being in my truck for the last 40000 miles including a trip from houlton maine to bay area ca. I will post some pic tomorrow

 

[Sifrk]

I have my ARB awning mounted underneath my Thule aero bars using some "L" brackets and stainless carriage bolts ground down to fit in the track system... You can pretty much rock the vehicle just by rocking the awning itself.. It's plenty strong and not too much wind noise at high speeds either.

You think you can post a close-up shot of the setup? I can't quite picture what you mean by "mounted underneath". I would prefer to use L-brackets if they're strong enough to hold over time because I think going with the ARB brackets will mean I might not be able to fit my roof top box.

And just so I know we're talking apples to apples, are you using the Aeroblades Edge cross bars? I know they make a couple of different bars all with the "aero" name.

Last comment, looks from the picture like the awning may be touching the vehicle. Is that just the angle of the picture?

 

[Sifrk]

I have the same set up I only have two bolt holding the awning and two going to the T slider, I went to home depot and got a flat head bolt that fit in the t-slot with a washer I put nylon nut and it being in my truck for the last 40000 miles including a trip from houlton maine to bay area ca. I will post some pic tomorrow

Yeah, pics would be great! Same question, are you using the Aeroblade Edge cross bars?

I'm hopeful since it sounds like many of you guys have proven this out. What's nice is it seems it would be easy to remove and mount. I'm not hardcore, offroading every weekend so being able to remove it easily would be a huge plus.

 

[Rbreezy]

There's a track also on the bottom of the aero blade. I slid my carriage bolts into the track and hung the ARB awning with the "L" brackets hanging downwards off of them. I'm using thule arb43b cross bars with mines. You could also use the top track but I went with the lower one to have the awning more closer and flush to the the body. You can rock the vehicle side to side by grabbing the awning and it doesn't come into contact with the body not in my case anyways.

 

[Sifrk]

There's a track also on the bottom of the aero blade. I slid my carriage bolts into the track and hung the ARB awning with the "L" brackets hanging downwards off of them. I'm using thule arb43b cross bars with mines. You could also use the top track but I went with the lower one to have the awning more closer and flush to the the body. You can rock the vehicle side to side by grabbing the awning and it doesn't come into contact with the body not in my case anyways.

Yeah we got different bars. Mine do not have the track on the bottom. Can't imagine they're that different though. I should be able to rig something up. Appreciate the pic.

 

[cctt]

awesome info. I'm looking at finding some t-bolt to mount to the areoblade so I can mount my tred recovery ramps onto them.

does anyone know the size of the t-bolt head?

this site is awesome for finding specialized parts

https://www.mcmaster.com/#t-bolts/=14vcci2

 

[Sifrk]

awesome info. I'm looking at finding some t-bolt to mount to the areoblade so I can mount my tred recovery ramps onto them.

does anyone know the size of the t-bolt head?

this site is awesome for finding specialized parts

https://www.mcmaster.com/#t-bolts/=14vcci2

Thule gave them to me but I didn't write them down. I know they'll fit since they're made by Thule. If you really need them I'd call Thule. Sorry.

 

[Rbreezy]

Yeah we got different bars. Mine do not have the track on the bottom. Can't imagine they're that different though. I should be able to rig something up. Appreciate the pic.

If you have the track on the top you could always hang it off the top track if you don't mind the overhang on the side or drill thru them as a last resort to mounting. If you have the square tube cross bars I believe you can use 1" or 1-1/2" width u-bolts with the "L" brackets like those who have round tube cross bars like the yakimas do like this pic.

 

[Sifrk]

If you have the track on the top you could always hang it off the top track if you don't mind the overhang on the side or drill thru them as a last resort to mounting. If you have the square tube cross bars I believe you can use 1" or 1-1/2" width u-bolts with the "L" brackets like those who have round tube cross bars like the yakimas do like this pic.

The cross bars I have run pretty flush with the 4R's rails. There's no part of the cross bar that extends beyond the rails. Added to that there are caps at the ends of the cross bars. I'm not sure I have a choice other than to mount the bracket on top of the bars. Hopefully the pic shows what I'm talking about.

 

[Rbreezy]

The cross bars I have run pretty flush with the 4R's rails. There's no part of the cross bar that extends beyond the rails. Added to that there are caps at the ends of the cross bars. I'm not sure I have a choice other than to mount the bracket on top of the bars. Hopefully the pic shows what I'm talking about.

Oh those bars. Now I see what you're working with. Maybe "U" bolts on to the factory side roof rails might be the way to go. If you're gonna use the top track on those bars it's going to put the awning pretty high up there tho.


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[Sifrk]

Oh those bars. Now I see what you're working with. Maybe "U" bolts on to the factory side roof rails might be the way to go. If you're gonna use the top track on those bars it's going to put the awning pretty high up there tho.


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I got them at REI so worst case I can return them and get another set. I like the flushed look of these bars though but they're not very practical.

 

[Sifrk]

So after some thought and experimentation I don't think the AeroBlades are going to work. They would put the awning a bit too far in to reach. I'm back at either swapping the AeroBlades out for another set of Thules or saving up for a Baja or Gobi rack. The AeroBlades look great but lack a bit of function. Thanks for all the input guys.

 

[Brookey_813]

Hey guys,
So I'm looking at an ARB 2000 awning for my 4R but I have a set of Thule AeroBlade Edge crossbars. The AeroBlades have what Thule calls a T-Track system for accessories like a bike rack. I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of the system by ordering some T-Track bolts and a couple of ARB adapter plates. I just called Thule, and I'm sure for liability reasons, the guy said he couldn't recommend using their track system to mount an awning this way because they haven't tested it with such a product and also the way the stress would be applied to the bars. I know Rhino Racks have a similar system with tracks and they make an adapter. Of course, I don't know what materials / testing has been involved. Any chance any of you guys out there have attempted a similar approach to mounting your ARB awning? Feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Have you seen the Bomber Products awn-mount hardware?? It would work perfectly for your square bars. Heres the link: https://bomberproducts.com/products/awn-lock