Thule Caprock Small on Genuine Toyota removable cross bars

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by otatrant, Jun 1, 2025.

  1. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2023
    176
    120
    10
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    I installed a small Thule Caprock on my Genuine Toyota Crossbars. I am attaching some photos to give an idea of what it sits like on the prius. Gives me a place to store my spare for long raod trips and makes it easier to attach many other accessories to the roof. Hoping it doesn't have too much effect on MPG.

    Photos -

    IMG_1234.jpeg

    side above.jpeg

    side profile.jpeg

    Rear above.jpeg Front above.jpeg

    Front showing overhang.jpeg
     
    AddMoreGas likes this.
  2. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2023
    176
    120
    10
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    I added 2 COB White Light LED strips to the channels on the side of the rack. Generates some nice light on both sides of the car. Not sure if the adhesive on the LED strips is going to hold up. Here are some pics.

    IMG_1329.jpeg IMG_1330.jpeg

    IMG_1323.jpeg

    Here is a close up of the side channels where I placed the LED strips.

    IMG_1274.jpeg
     
    #2 otatrant, Jun 13, 2025 at 1:49 AM
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2025 at 1:54 AM
    AddMoreGas likes this.
  3. AddMoreGas

    AddMoreGas Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2025
    76
    41
    57
    Location:
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Love the lights @otatrant. How's the wind noise?

    We are pretty happy with the Thule bars so far.

    20250613_184626.jpg
     
    otatrant likes this.
  4. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2023
    176
    120
    10
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    Two observations I have made since installing it.

    Gas Mileage: I do one 40 mile loop pretty regularly and have noticed that traveling 80 mph use to take me about 2/3 of the battery each way it now takes me 2/3 of the battery and a quarter gallon of gas.

    Wind Noise: Prior to installing the Caprock Roof Rack I was driving around with the rear door glass stopper which allowed me to pass the power cord for starlink through the window. currently I have run the cable through one of the rear cargo panels. I find the noise from the Caprock much less annoying than the noise of the rear door glass stopper. Lower pitch noise. Kind of sounds like an airplane taking off instead of a whistle.

    rear door glass stopper
    Stopper Rear Door Glass.jpg
     
    AddMoreGas likes this.
  5. AddMoreGas

    AddMoreGas Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2025
    76
    41
    57
    Location:
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    I like your setup, pretty versatile.

    Does the starlink have a solar power option, so users don't have to snake a power cord through? You could also possibly wire up a permanent power source for it up through the rear hatch trim that pops out just near the shark fin antenna. Just some ideas.

    With thule bars + roof box, gas mileage is down by 2 mpg. Noise at highway speeds is noticeable, but its 'flat' and consistent so your mind just gets used to it. The bars are very easy to mount so I only plan to run the bars when needed.