Quick Thule Box Attachment

[concretejungle]

Has anyone made their own attachment system for their Thule or Yakima box? We got an older Thule Mountaineer yesterday but the stock attachment system is a pain as it is partly broken, missing parts and, as such, requires two people to attach it to the factory rack on our '06 Subaru Outback. What I want is something that will allow my wife or I to secure the rack in as little time as possible.

I'm heading to REI and the hardware store but would appreciate any input from people that have done this.

I searched and found nothing of note so if you remember a thread please link the thread if you can. Thanks.

[bluespark]

if you are trying to attach thule or yakima bars to the cars factory rack, just get the approriate sized threaded U bolt,you might need to experiment with different sizes at the hardmare place. then all you need is the corresponding nuts and connecting plates. you'll need 8-U bolts, 16 nuts, and 8 connecting plates. i've never removed mine in 5 years but it would disassemble fairly quick.

[mtskier]

what part is pain in the ass? if its assembled right all you have to do is loosen (not remove) the 8 wing nuts inside the box, keeping everything else in its place for easy removal/install. as far as hardware, $24 + shipping gets you a completely new set of hardware. don't waste your time rigging something up. do it right.

[PNWbrit]

Are you sure that you'll be able to open the tailgate of your Suby with that particular box?

[concretejungle]

PNWbrit- With the current holes no the trunk opens about a foot or two. We got it for free so I'm not complaining just looking for alternatives. I need to drill new holes and move it up on the roof. I don't expect it to open fully but the trunk didn't do that with a ski rack on anyway. That's why I want something a little quicker than the stock system.

mtskier- Most likely that's what I'll do I just though someone here might have a better method of secure attachment. What do you mean just loosen the wing nuts with respect to taking the box off? Just leave the hardware on but take the box off?

[XXX-er]

. i've never removed mine in 5 years but it would disassemble fairly quick.

unless you got SS hardwear likely not IF you havent moved it in 5 years,I missed a year or 2 with anti sieze compound (good on wheel nuts and all threaded rack parts) and my thule is welded to the vehical

CJ is likely missing hardware cuz they had to hacksaw it to remove the box from whatevr it was on

get the hardware pack from thule ,its reasonably quik connect

OR for REAALY quick ghetto attachment do what my stoner buddy Tim does ... forget hardware & just loop a thule cam strap around the bars & box