Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack + Load Stops for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.5
out of 10
7 Positive, 0 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 8 Reviews
Retail Price:
$799.95
Used Value:
$479.97
Sale Value:
$719.96

The Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack with Load Stops (part number 500XT) is essentially an extended roof that mounts to your bed rails, allowing you to carry kayaks, SUPs, bikes, or just about anything else that’s too long for either your truck bed or your truck roof on its own. You won’t have to drill anything to mount it, and it adjusts without tools.

Specifications

Brand:
Bike Capacity:
can fit up to 5 bike racks, not included.
Locks Included:
yes
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Part Number:
500XT
Recommended Use:
boating, surfing, SUPing

Full Reviews

8
Love that I can adjust this. Will be using it for roof top tent. Trick for the locks I found on youtube is there is a master key for installing them. The normal keys will not allow you to install the locks. Quality built
Ryan Walker, backcountry.com
April 19, 2019
10
I always preferred the look of the custom welded rails to hold roof top tents over a truck bed. However, when it was time for me to get my setup I couldn't deny the added value of being able to move the setup up or down as needed. So I bought this more expensive and worse looking setup out of practicality, and have been VERY happy I did. First, it doesn't look that bad at all. I actually like the look now that I've seen it in person. And more importantly, the ability to adjust the height depending on what gear I need for a certain trip is insanely valuable. Overall the quality and strength seem really great which makes the price tag easier to stomach. I have a Tepui tent and awning on it, it feels super solid even when extended near the upper height limits and has withstood very rough roads without budging. The height adjustment system is very well designed, so that the weight does not rest on the bolts that you tighten, but rather on notched out grooves. This makes it super secure, and also very easy to set up since the grooves are numbered to help you put all 4 corners at the same height.
Vinny Mauro, backcountry.com
July 19, 2018
2
*UPDATE* this rack has no business on a Tacoma. It just doesn’t work. The adjustments are useless and only serve as fail points. Shakes, rattles, loosens (all with regular adjustments). Inside bolts from top rack securing to vertical brace sheered off with a spring bump hit, with no load. Racks useless, wont sacrifice my boats with this unreliable unit. No interest in brand again, and I’ve had their racks for 20 years... This rack is really well built and easy to install. On the Tacoma models, you do have to buy an adapter to secure to the truck bed with pre-existing rails, plan on an additional $60 for this. The vertical adjustments are crazy easy to do, although on the 2017 Tacoma there is a pop out over the wheels that limits how low it can go (adjustment 27 out of 33 is as low as it goes). For my truck, this is perfect as it has the bar height just above the front roof without any of my boats making contact with the roof. It really negates a lot of the adjustment functionality though so it may be worth looking at racks that don't adjust and costs much less. I have had Thule racks on every vehicle I've had for 25 years, so this rack was an easy choice to be sure all of my accessories fit perfectly (they do!). I had a Bote paddleboard on my racks for 1000 miles of travel over a week and half camping trip and it stayed secure and perfect the entire time.
Kristen D., backcountry.com
September 5, 2017
10
I was looking for a solution to carry my canoe without requiring my wife and I to lift it on and strap it to the roof of my truck. The Xsporter Pro seemed to be the best candidate out there. Installation is pretty straight forward but could end up being a task for one person. With two we were able to take it from box to truck in about an hour without any difficulty. I did have to remove a couple of my bed rail cover's plastic clips to ensure a solid fit on the rail, but once they were out of the way the clamps seated down very securely. Because the length of my boat is 16 feet, we stretched the supports out as far as we could front to back. I think down the road if I want to use a cargo box, basket, or bike rack on there I will need to move them closer together, but for now they support the canoe very nicely. The only issue I have had so far with the rack is limited visibility out the back window when the rack is lowered all the way. Normally this isn't an issue, but if I was pulling a trailer I would probably raise it up just enough to clear the back window. Being able to lock the clamps to the rails and the crossbars to the clamps makes me feel very confident that no one will be able to steal the rack or anything hooked to it. For attaching my canoe, I used 2 cam buckles around the boat and crossbars and a hooked V strap into the lashing points in the rear of the bed. With the load stops adjusted to the gunwales, the boat was as secure as I could have hoped. Travelling 5 hours home in a fairly stiff crosswind, the boat did not move an inch. Some may want to have a front strap on for more security, but with the rear strap preventing the boat from moving backwards I didn't feel it was necessary. Loading and unloading the boat is also very simple. Once the bow was on the tailgate, it was simply a matter of climbing up and lifting the bow to the rear crossbar and sliding it until it was centered. Overall, there isn't much I would change about the rack. From the ease of installation to the security of the load, Thule just got this one right. If you are looking at hauling long, heavy loads in your tuck bed, I'd definitely recommend it.
Cornell Brown, backcountry.com
February 29, 2016
8
I retired the subaru baja and picked up a pickup. Dumped the hard tonneau cover and went shopping for a decent truck bed rack system. Passed up the contractor grade versions (they were cheaper than the Thules) because they weren't versatile. I probably won't change the height of these much, but if I wanted to I could; you can't do that with the others out there. I wanted to be able to take off the top bars and leave the uprights. Not ideal, but better than not having that option. These will take some time to assemble and I recommend two people (but not your wife in 30 degree temps with a stiff wind blowing). The hardest part is getting the uprights attached to the railing; it might not be a problem for your truck. The integrated load tie downs are a nice feature. Haven't used them yet, but I'm glad I have them. I mainly got these to hold the Titan Rod Vault. But, I'm certain I'll may throw the kayak up there. I may end up getting a Diablo sup/kayak which weighs about 80lbs. I'm sure the racks can handle it but I'm a little concerned about more weight. Because... I have these jacked all the way up to allow my Titan Vault to sit under the rack (this is to allow full use of the racks above). And I do find that they do seem a weeee bit shaky (read I notice they move a bit when I'm on rough roads) when all the way up. Needless to say I won't put the max weight on the racks in this position or give it five stars. You may not have the same issue.
Cardopski, backcountry.com
January 16, 2015
10
Look at the previous review.
Andrew Preece, backcountry.com
April 12, 2014
10
Look at the previous review.
Andrew Preece, backcountry.com
April 12, 2014
10
I got this for my dad as a birthday present, Hes pretty stoked on it. This rack can hold up to 4 Stand up paddle boards or up to 6 surf boards, and you still have all the room in the bed of the truck. Took him under an hour to install it
Andrew Preece, backcountry.com
April 12, 2014

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