Matrix Rack with a Thule Cargo Box on my 2009 Vibe GT with Pics

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

I got a long distant trip coming up so I got a Matrix Roof Rack from the local Toyota Dealer and Thule Ascent 1500 from the local bike shop. The whole set up took me lest than 30 minute to install.1) Remove plastic covers from the roof track.

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[JetBlack09VibeGT]

2) Install the Left and Right Roof rails with the hardware that is included.

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[JetBlack09VibeGT]

3) Install the cross bars and the roof rack is completely installed.

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[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Finally, install the Thule Ascent 1500 Box. Note that this is one of the shortest Thule Boxes and I am only able to open the rear hatch 3/4 of the way.

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[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Here is a picture of it from the front.

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[epcIII]

I've been looking at doing something like this too--thanks for the write-up.

[star_deceiver]

Nice!!! Does the glass hit it or the spoiler???

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Nice!!! Does the glass hit it or the spoiler??? It hits the spoiler. I'm guessing it will open 7/8 of the way and hit the glass if I didn't have a spoiler.

[A Psycho Martyr]

Quote, originally posted by JetBlack09VibeGT »It hits the spoiler.Could you move it up any? Or is that the only mounting spot?

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by JetBlack09VibeGT »I got a long distant trip coming up so I got a Matrix Roof Rack from the local Toyota Dealer and Thule Ascent 1500 from the local bike shop. The whole set up took me lest than 30 minute to install.I wish mine was as easy to install as that. It would be nice to have mounts that are part of the car like the '09-'10 models. When I put mine on it takes me about 45 minutes. It isn't too bad, but a little more work than yours. I'm glad there are a few other Thule boxes around here.Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »Could you move it up any? Or is that the only mounting spot?The boxes can be moved a little. When I put mine on, I leave mine as far back as possible and it still hangs over the windshield. Next time I put it on, I will have to take some pictures.

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »Could you move it up any? Or is that the only mounting spot?You can move the box about 6" forward and it is as far forward as possible. The spoiler hits when you open the hatch at about 3/4 of the way. This is because the mounting points for the cross bars on the Vibe/Matrix are in my opinion too far back on the roof.

[A Psycho Martyr]

Oh I see. You know I never really payed attention to them but yeah, I definitely see now. They ARE really far back. Seems like they went more for looks on the 2nd gen huh?