Thule Evo Clamp Roof Rack Installation on a 2012–2016 Mazda CX-5
The 2012–2016 Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that is incredibly popular with Calgary drivers for commuting, family use, and weekend trips to the mountains. With a bare roof design and no factory rails, it is rack-ready only when paired with the correct vehicle-specific fit kit. For this installation, our team set up a Thule Evo Clamp system paired with Thule SquareBar load bars. The result is a strong, practical base rack ready for carrying bikes, skis, cargo boxes, kayaks, and more across Alberta in every season.
Clean, Secure Fit on the Mazda CX-5
This Mazda CX-5 features a bare roof with fixed mounting points concealed beneath the door frame area. Because of this design, the rack system must connect using a vehicle-specific fit kit engineered for the 2012–2016 generation.
The Thule Evo Clamp system uses precision-fit brackets from the Thule Fit Kit 145110 to interface directly with the CX-5’s mounting locations. Once installed, the 135 cm SquareBar load bars sit level and secure, providing dependable load support with wide compatibility for Thule and universal accessories.
What We Installed on This Mazda CX-5
- Thule SquareBar Load Bar 135 53 inch
- Thule Evo Clamp Foot Pack
- Thule Fit Kit 145110 for Evo and Edge Clamp
Why This Rack Setup Works for Calgary Drivers
- Vehicle-specific fit for the 2012–2016 Mazda CX-5 bare roof
- Compatible with bike racks, ski carriers, cargo boxes, and kayak mounts
- Budget-friendly square bar solution with upgrade potential
- Reliable year-round performance for Alberta snow, wind, and highway driving
Square bars are one of the most cost-effective ways to add roof carrying capacity to your vehicle. They are durable and versatile, making them a great option for families and weekend adventurers. It is important to note that square bars can produce noticeable wind noise at highway speeds compared to aerodynamic bar options. For many drivers, the affordability and strength outweigh that trade-off, especially for seasonal or occasional use.
Important Fit Note: 2012–2016 Mazda CX-5 Bare Roof Models
The first generation Mazda CX-5 from 2012 to 2016 requires the correct Thule Fit Kit 145110 for proper fit. Using an incorrect kit can result in improper mounting and reduced performance.
If your CX-5 has factory-installed rails or is a different model year, the required components will differ. Our team at Roof Racks Calgary confirms vehicle details before recommending any rack system to ensure safe and correct fit.
Professional Installation by Our Calgary Team
This installation was completed in approximately 10 minutes on-vehicle after pre-assembly, which takes about 5 minutes. Every install we complete includes:
- Verification of the correct components for the exact vehicle year
- Proper bar spacing for accessory compatibility
- Door seal and clearance checks
- All fasteners torqued to Thule manufacturer specifications
Proper installation is critical on bare roof vehicles like the CX-5. Correct clamp positioning and torque ensure stability when carrying bikes to Bragg Creek, skis to Banff, or cargo boxes for family road trips across Alberta.
Your Local Roof Rack Experts
At Roof Racks Calgary, we actively use the gear we install for biking, skiing, paddling, camping, and exploring Alberta year-round. We understand how wind, snow, and long highway drives affect rack systems, and we help customers choose setups that balance budget, performance, and long-term durability.
Get Help Choosing the Right Rack System
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Edmonton:
(p) 780-463-4892
(e) edmonton@aqoutdoors.com -
Calgary:
(p) 403-288-9283
(e) info@aqoutdoors.com
