Customer Reviews

Thule 554XT Hang Two Rooftop Surfboard Carrier

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Was excited to get this as my crossbars are very close together and lateral stability was key. My board is 11'3" L 29.5" W and over 4" thick. Had everything set up all nice and neat until I tried to get the straps on. Except they are too short to hook on for my board. Don't see how any stand up board or thicker and wider board would fit with the included straps so I was back to standard compression straps. So much for the quick convenience. But the captures are nice and work well. So hopefully Thule will send me some longer straps when they wise up and make them bigger. I did call to complain. If your dimensions are smaller than mine (29.5" w and about 4.5" thick) then you'll be fine. The straps were short by about 2+ inches at their longest.

The straps are too short for my windsurf board. So I have to use an other strap.

Bought this attachment from another retailer but its the same product. Boards go on and off, super fast and easy. One thing that bears mention is that it doesn't work with two wide (23") boards stacked on top of each other. Besides that, you'll be stoked with the simplicity and security of this carrier. Alo-o-o-ha!

Excellent rack but I wish it would be a slightly larger to hold another board. So easy to install and easy to mount and remove the board. Thanks Thule.

The good news. Item fits thule, OEM or any other roof rack according to its box which is nice in case you have another vehicle w/out a thule rack. Keeps board secure in cradle.
The bad news: The straps WHISTLE when on the top of the board. And the plastic hooks into the feet don't feel as stable as the rubber straps in the previous model. I'll be sending these back pronto.

I bought this surfboard holder in hopes of having a quick way to easily rack my board on the car. After using it about 20 times, the plastic clasps on the straps broke. But, I continued to use the rubber feet that hold the board with some standard surfboard straps. Unfortunately, these rubber feet don't stay in place. Even with the screws cranked down tight, I can move the rubber feet with my hands (and I'm a girl, not some beefy guy!). I just don't feel that my board is secure on this rack and have returned to a more traditional setup (foam roller pads on the bars with a standard surfboard strap).

First of all, I only own this for a month and got to use it a couple of times, so I won't comment on the durability.

What I like about the design is the attention to detail. The bolts have a square shape at the stem so they are locked when screwed in with the nut and don't unscrew from vibrations while driving. The plastic ends on the belts holding the board actually slide in to the carrier pieces that go on the side of the board and are locked after you slide them in - they won't accidentally slip off during the drive.

The board holders (main pieces that attached to your roof rack) have a very soft surface thus not scratching the board and at the same time creating high friction so the board doesn't slide in transit when mounted.

Learning how to use this is easy and I found the instructions very adequate.

I think the prices is fairly high for the cost of manufacturing of this product, but the nifty though-out features that make mounting the board securly very easy and quick are worth it. If this product proves to be durable long term, then I would consider getting very high value for the price.

Side note: I lost on of the mounting screws. There are no spare parts in the kit (which is a shame since they don't cost much). Instead of ordering the spare screw from Thule, I bought an equivalent from a local hardware store for just a few bucks.

Also it does look as if the mounts could accomodate a roof rack of a diameter up to 1". Mine is 3/4" round, so I have no problem at all. Surf's up people, let's get out there!

The only cons as I see them:
1. the carrier mounts could somehow be made lockable, so as not to be taken by a "curious bypasser" in your absense from your vehicle.
2. the mouting screws could perhaps be replaced by some other mechanism where the bolt and the nut would lock to each other without having to screw it on with a high density thread. It takes me 5 or so minutes to install or take off these mounts (all together), and I do it since I believe it could be easily stolen while my car is parked on the street.

These are amazing. Never had a problem. They stay secure and haven't scratched my car yet

This an excellent rack accessory. I have a Ford Explorer with factory racks and the 554xt fits perfectly.