Did you apply any Paint Protection Film to the area beneath the mounts? I'm just wondering if those rubber foot pads are going to leave a mark over time.

Thanks

My Thule attaches to the rails. Nothing touches the roof. So no. Never noticed any marks on the rails but I don’t really look either. Is the model you are looking at sit on the roof itself?

Yes, it attaches to the upper door sills and the feet of the bases the hold the bars crossways across the roof of the truck sit directly on the roof.

Not sure of what you are putting up there, whether it's something large or cargo boxes for clothing, etc while you travel.

If you are using it as extra cargo room while traveling and not something such as a kayak, I'd suggest looking into a hitch rack from Harbor Freight. That's what I use when I drive long distance. Nothing valuable is kept back there, of course, due to the ease of access. If it's something that would be a PITA to replace such as a gas can, I do keep that chained to the rack. It's mostly clothes and a gas can for spare fuel that I'll keep back there. I'll ratchet/bungee cord it to the rack and chain/lock something such as a fuel can. I also believe the hitch rack method is a big better with aerodynamics and you don't get punished in fuel efficiency.

Hi Edmond. Already purchased the system. Light items going up there, fishing poles, long surf rods, specifically.

I used to use them extensively. Had multiple Yakima systems that mounted directly on the roof paint. I never used anything, just made sure the car was clean when I mounted the system. The rubber / silicone pads between the paint and mount always seemed to do a good job.

If you’re concerned maybe you could apply a good coat of wax to minimize any issues.

I use them occasionally to transport a canoe on my Ridgeline. I just wipe the area well first to make sure it is clean and haven't noticed any change in the paint where the mounts rest.

Thanks guys, I’m over thinking it I guess. I’ll do the heavy coat of wax and move on.

In agreement, make sure it's clean and wax the area. I use Griots Spray on Wax for ease right before putting the rack on. Also make sure the feet are clean themselves. I tended to pick up spider webs and bugs on mine between use, surprisingly that stuff can be pretty abrasive.