Short answer: For light commercial vehicles such as the Ford Custom, Transit Courier, Citroën Berlingo, and Fiat Doblo, there are two options: locking TRX1/TRX2 Roof Bars (for mixed use) and Thunder Pro Series heavy-duty load-carrying bar (for daily commercial loads). If you carry ladders and long materials, the Pro Series is the right choice because it is designed to work with the equipment (clamps, roller, wide basket). In either case, the right product is determined by the model year of your vehicle.
Why Is the Model Year So Important?
Light commercial vehicles may also change their roof mounting points when the platform changes, resulting in different kits under the same model name. The catalog distinctions show this:
- Ford Custom — the TRX1 kit covers 2012–2023; on the Pro Series side, there are two separate bars, for 2012–2022 and 2023–2026.
- Ford Transit Courier — TRX1 covers 2014–2023 and 2024 and Later; the Pro Series has bars for 2014–2023 and 2024–2026.
- Citroën Berlingo — TRX1 for 2008–2018 and 2019–2024, TRX2 for 2024 and Later. In other words, the Berlingo changed its roof rail type in the new generation; this is a concrete example of a change that requires switching series.
- Fiat Doblo — TRX1 for 2000–2006, 2010–2023, and 2023 and Later, TRX2 for 2024 and Later; on the Pro Series side, 2012–2022 and 2022–2026.
That is why there is no single answer to “which bar fits a Doblo?” — you cannot choose the right product without the model year on your vehicle registration.
TRX1/TRX2 or Pro Series?
Locking TRX1/TRX2 Roof Bars — for people who use their vehicle for both work and personal trips. When parked and left on the road, the lock protects both the bars and the equipment on them; the bars work with a roof basket, roof box, bike carrier, or ski carrier.
Thunder Pro Series heavy-duty load-carrying bar — for teams that load and unload every day. Designed to work with commercial equipment such as ladder clamps, load rollers, and wide baskets.
Both series share the same physical limit. The permitted load is determined by whichever is lower: the roof load limit in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the Roof Bars’ capacity. The Pro Series does not mean “more kilos”; it is for carrying heavy and long loads shape safely.
Three Pieces You Need to Carry a Ladder
- Roof Bars — the base carrier; everything attaches to it.
- Lockable Ladder Clamps — supplied as a set with 1 front and 1 rear clamp. The hook passes between the ladder rungs, attaches to the Roof Bars, and locks in place. Securing it with string or rope is not sufficient for road safety.
- Loading Roller — allows one person to lift the ladder onto the roof. The roller code depends on the vehicle’s rear door configuration: Transit Courier 2014–2024 and Renault Kangoo 2022 and Later are in one group; Fiat Doblo 2 (2010–2021) and Ford Transit 2014 and Later are in another; vehicles on the shared platform from 2016 onward (Berlingo, Partner, Combo, Expert, Proace, Rifter, Scudo, Doblo 3) have their own group. Before ordering, provide the make, model, and year so the code can be confirmed.
For long and heavy loads, also use eye bolts, Load Stops, and ratchet straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which roof bars are the most durable for the Ford Custom, Berlingo, and Doblo?
For daily commercial loads and ladder carrying, Thunder Pro Series Heavy Duty Roof Bars are suitable; for vehicles used for both work and personal trips, use locking TRX1 or TRX2 Roof Bars. Whichever series you choose, the model year determines the right product — platform changes on these vehicles also changed the roof mounting points.
How do you install a ladder holder on Roof Bars for a Fiat Doblo or Ford Courier?
First, install Roof Bars that match the vehicle and model year (on the Doblo, TRX1 before 2024 and TRX2 for 2024 and Later; on the Courier, separate kits for 2014–2023 and 2024 and Later). Then fit the lockable ladder clamps: the set has two pieces, one front and one rear; pass the hook between the ladder rungs, attach it to the Roof Bars, and lock it. Add the vehicle-specific load roller code to make loading easier.
Why does the new generation Berlingo require TRX2?
Citroën Berlingo changed its roof rail type for the 2024 and Later generation; this generation uses flush roof rails and leaves no gap to grip. TRX1 is therefore suitable for 2008–2018 and 2019–2024, while TRX2 is required for 2024 and Later.
Does the Pro Series bar carry more weight?
No. The permitted load is determined by whichever is lower: the vehicle’s roof load limit or the Roof Bars’ capacity. The Pro Series differs in its use, not its weight capacity: it is designed to safely carry heavy, long loads and work with commercial equipment such as ladder clamps, load rollers, and wide baskets.
Why are there several kits for the same model?
Light commercial vehicles also change their roof mounting points when the platform changes. For example, the Ford Custom has separate Pro Series bars for 2012–2022 and 2023–2026; the Doblo uses TRX1 before 2024 and TRX2 from 2024 onward. You cannot choose the right product without the model year on your vehicle registration.
Can’t I tie the ladder with a rope or cord?
That is not sufficient for road safety. The right solution is mechanical fastening: a lockable ladder clamp attaches the ladder to the Roof Bars and locks it in place; for long loads, also use a Load Stop and a ratchet strap.
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Related product: Citroen Berlingo 2018-2026 Thunder Pro Series Heavy Duty Load-Carrying Roof Bar