If you want enough storage space to transport a lot of stuff with your car and without compromising on comfort, you have to find a better way. A roof box is the easiest way to expand your car’s storage space so that you can carry more stuff at a time without having any hassle. And if you are looking for the best cargo box for you, you can look for a Thule box because Thule is one of the most famous roof box manufacturers.
If you want more room to accommodate all of your stuff, then a roof box can solve that problem for you. If you store all of your luggage in your roof box, then you can get enough space for your legs and ride your car with more comfort.
Thule is one of the most famous and trustworthy rooftop cargo box manufacturers with various rooftop cargo boxes to solve the storage problem for you. And they have been tested strictly and marked as safe for your car.
Thule have available roof box in different size. And they are made with high-quality materials. To help you in choosing the best Thule roof box for you, we have a guide. You can get any information you need to decide which roof box from Thule is best for your needs and the roof of your car.
What is a Thule Cargo Box?
Roof boxes for the car are nowadays a very famous solution for enough storage space. There is a lot of variety in roof boxes available in the market. Among them, choosing the best roof box for you is quite challenging. Thule is one of the best roof box manufacturers that make the most value-for-money roof boxes. Thule was established in Sweden in 1942, and it is very famous because of its stylish, safe, and user-friendly Cargo boxes.
Thule roof boxes are strong and durable, and they are straightforward to attach with your car’s roof. These roof boxes can provide you with enough storage space you need, making the ride more comfortable for you and your passengers. A Thule roof box can accommodate every type of luggage and outdoor sports equipment.
The roof box was invented to help you with enough storage space. There is a large amount of variety among roof boxes, and those are very impressive. You can get a roof box available in many colours and different sizes and unique shapes. But Thule does it far better than others. Thule is famous worldwide because of its durable construction and sleek, aesthetic design. Most of the Thule roof boxes can give you access from both sides, making it easier to load things in it or unload items from it.
How Much can Thule Cargo Box Hold?
Thule’s roof boxes are here to fulfil your demand for enough storage space. These roof boxes are designed to fit your car’s roof well and accommodate all of the components you need for your trip. If you want to ski and want to carry the essential gears with you, you will need a long and thin roof box. Again, if you’re going to go on trips with your family, you will need a giant roof box to fit all of you and your family’s stuff in it. So for every kind of use, you will get a roof box available in the market.
The carrying capacity of a roof box depends on its size. The available storage space with Thule starts from 10 to 12 cubic feet. This size of roof boxes is perfect for two people. But if you want to pack for more people, then you will need a giant roof box. So you can get bigger Thule boxes with 20 plus cubic feet of storage space that can accommodate up to five people’s stuff.
Roof boxes with 15 to 18 cubic feet of storage space are the most famous among people. With this size of the roof box, you can pack for at least four people. Moreover, if you want to carry skis, hockey sticks, or something long like that, you will need a more extended roof box.
An average-sized roof cargo box comes with the same storage space as the trunk of a Honda Accord. You can double the amount of your storage space with a rooftop box.
The Thule Force XT XXL is the most extended Thule roof box. The length of this roof box is 92.5 inches. You will be able to accommodate 215-centimetre long skis in this roof box easily. Moreover, you will be able to carry up to seven pairs at a time. The extra-large Thule Force XT from Thule also can carry 165 pounds, and it comes with 22 cubic feet of storage space.
Despite being so long, this roof box doesn’t create any problem in opening the trunk of your car. The size of this long Thule roof box is 35.5 inches wide and 18 inches tall.
What Is the Largest Thule Cargo Box?
There are two boxes from Thule also among the most massive roof boxes available in the market (Thule Force XT XXL, Thule Motion XT XXL). With these two roof boxes, you will be able to carry anything you want. These two large-capacity roof boxes will accommodate even the most extended and bulkiest equipment.
The Thule Motion XT XXL is known as the highest weight holder from Thule. This roof cargo box can hold up 165 pounds, and it comes with 22 cubic feet of storage space. Moreover, this roof box is available with the largest width from the Thule box, which is 37.5 inches.
The Thule Motion XT XXL is 91.5 inches long and 18 inches tall. It weighs only 55 pounds. With a huge size, this roof box is still lighter than many medium-sized roof cargo boxes. The design of The Motion XT is unique and aerodynamic also. Moreover, this box can easily fit with most of the cars. And it doesn’t make any unnecessary noise when you are driving with it.
The Thule Motion XT XXL is 91.5 inches long and 18 inches tall. It weighs only 55 pounds. With a massive size, this roof box is still lighter than many larger-sized roof cargo boxes. The design of The Motion XT is unique and aerodynamic also. Moreover, this box can easily fit with most of the cars. And it doesn’t make any unnecessary noise when you are driving with it.
How Are Thule Cargo Boxes Made?
Roof boxes from Thule are famous for their safe, durable, and robust design. The Cargo box is made from five layers of super-strong, automotive-grade acrylic. If you love nature, you would be very happy to know that Thule uses 80% recycled material to make their roof boxes.
A large layer of the plastic is heated and vacuum molded to shape the box to make these roof boxes. Thule molds are designed to increase additional strength and stability by adding grooves. Most of their boxes come with embedded support bars at the bottom of the box to increase the durability and weight carrying capacity. Dual-function struts ensure that you can easily open and close the box without having any problems. You will also have many choices that affect your roof box’s appearance and functionality.
When you are using a roof box for a road trip, it always remains under direct sunlight. So the ultraviolet rays from the sun can hamper your roof box, and it can fade the color also. So Thule roof boxes are made with ultraviolet protection to prevent the fading of colors or any sun damage. Thule’s roof boxes are coated with different types of surface textures.
Let’s talk about the sonic alpine. The lid of that roof box is dimpled like a golf ball. This design increases the aerodynamics of the box and also directs water off of the box.
Most of the Thule boxes come with multiple locks. These locks are unique because they work as both locks and hinges. So you can easily open and close the box.
The materials used in Thule roof boxes are tested very strictly with many rough experiments. So visiting the product testing area of Thule’s website is an adventure. Thule ensures their materials will handle every possible extreme weather condition by testing them in different rough weather.
Every box from the Thule must tolerate drop, shock, and crash testing to confirm the materials’ durability and strength. Before approving a new design, a Thule box virtually travels the whole world to see how it reacts to different weather conditions like the harshest arctic cold, pelting rain, desert heat, and stormy winds.
Are Thule Cargo Boxes Waterproof?
If you are using a roof box in wet weather conditions, you will always want to make sure that your valuable stuff will be dry and clean in that box when you reach your destination. But most hard-shelled rooftop cargo boxes available on the market are weather-resistant but not waterproof, and Thule is no exception.
Technically a waterproof roof cargo box means it would keep the interior completely dry, even when submerged in water. Thule roof boxes are designed to keep moisture from rain or snow out of the box in wet weather conditions. The openings of Thule’s roof boxes are equipped with seals that keep the wet weather out. The rigid, curved, and aerodynamic lid of the Thule also helps to weatherproof by quickly directing water or snow off the box.
If you are going to drive in extreme weather, then you don’t need to let it bother you too much. If you don’t overfill the box and close and latch the lid properly, then you have nothing to worry about your items being wet.
How To Install a Thule Cargo Box?
Sometimes when you don’t need to use your Thule box, you’ll want to remove it from the roof of your car. So the installing and removal process should be very easy and fast. Thule has designed its mounting system with ease and safety in mind.
If you want to set a cargo box on the roof of your vehicle, you have to equip a roof rack or roof bar first to support the box’s weight. Some cars are available with a factory-installed roof rack or roof bar, but most vehicles don’t. So you have to buy an additional roof rack. Nowadays, there are plenty of roof racks available in the market. You have to choose the one that fit your car and your roof cargo box.
Thule roof boxes are designed to fit most aftermarket roof racks. Before you buy a roof box, we recommend that people be sure that your desired Thule roof box will do well with your roof rack. If you want a roof box than can carry more weight, then you have to pick a roof rack that is made for that weight range. Thule and other manufacturers produce a variety of roof racks. Among them, you can choose the roof rack, which is best for you.
After setting up the perfect roof rack now, you can mount your Thule roof box on the roof of your car. Thule has a signature mounting system, and that is the AcuTignt bolts mounting system. If you purchase a roof box with that mounting system, make sure the knobs inside the box are fully open the clamps that extend below the box. If the clams are fully developed, it will be easier to sit the box in the right position. You will need a helping hand to lift most roof boxes on the roof.
You have to position the roof box to have full access to the trunk of your car, and you can clear your roof antenna without any problem. And it would be best if you did not buy a roof box that is too long to interrupt your forward vision. It is unsafe to use a Thule roof box which creates a problem in opening your car’s trunk. It can damage your car or the box. If you want to transport anything with your roof box, like a mountain bike, then you have to position the roof box on one side of your car’s roof. Otherwise, you can place the roof box in the center.
After placing the box on the roof of your car, you will don’t need anyone’s help to attach a Thule box to the roof rack. You have to tighten the bolts that lock your roof box to your roof rack to secure it. Some Thule box comes with a U-bolts mounting system. These U-bolts wrap around the roof rack bars and spread into the interior of the box. Support plates inside the box make for a sturdy connection between the box and the roof rack.
Other Thule boxes come with a sliding roof mount system. Thule roof boxes with this mounting system are easier to install than others. A big diameter, easy-grip tightening knob inside the box controls the clamps that extend below the box and grab the roof rack bars. To secure the box, you have to tighten the bolt that closes the clams.
To install the Thule boxes that come with the AcuTight mounting system, you have to press gently on the lid of the box and wait for the click sound to ensure the security of your roof box after correctly placing it in your roof rack. This prevents over or under-tightening, like the mechanism on a gas cap of a car.
With the Thule’s dual-side opening feature, you will be able to easily install your Thule roof box by mounting the bolts from each side. After hearing the signature click sound of Thule’s AcuTight mounting system, you are ready to load your items in the cargo box.
How to Remove a Thule Cargo Box?
Thule is well known because of its convenience-minded and user-friendly designs. These designs have made sure the installing and removing of a roof cargo box is fast and easy. For Thule boxes equipped with the AcuTight clamping mechanism, it’s a matter of accessing the box’s interior and loosening each knob until the clamps that fasten to the roof rack are entirely open.
To unmount a Thule roof box with U-bolts and plates, you have to loosen the easy-grip knobs and remove the bolts. After doing these, you can easily lift the box off of the roof rack and keep it in a safe place.
If you are not using a tiny sized roof box, it is better for you to have another person to help you remove the roof box from the roof of your car. You can think that it will be easy to remove yourself, but you don’t want to take the box’s risk fall to the ground.
How to Unlock a Thule Cargo Box?
Thule is also unique from its great locks and keys and closing mechanisms. These locking systems are very user-friendly and safe. Thule boxes also come with a safeguard system that ensures that you have closed and locked your Thule roof box correctly.
It is better to have a Dual-side accessible roof box equipped with a lock for both sides, which can be accessed with the same key. Most roof boxes from Thule come with a key insert in the middle of the lockKnob, placed in the center of one side of the box. So that you can easily unlock the box even if you are put hand gloves on.
The rest roof boxes from Thule come with Thule’s SlideLock system, with separate locking and closing functions. The SlideLock tab is placed in sideways to close the box entirely. And this SlideLock system has an indicator that indicates if your box is fully closed and latched. With this locking system, you will not be able to remove the key unless you locked and closed the box correctly.
Can Thule cargo Box Be Unlocked Without a Key?
All Thule roof cargo boxes come with key-entry lock mechanisms. There are two keys available with each new Thule box. If you anyhow lost the keys of your Thule roof cargo box, you don’t have to worry much because you can get a replacement key from Thule. To order the correct key for your Thule roof box, you must ensure the four-digit number stamped on the lock core.
After ordering the correct key for your Thule box, you will get that within a week. But if you need to open the box immediately without waiting for the replacement key, you may need to call a locksmith. Because Thule doesn’t compromise with their box’s security, you can’t get access to the box without a key. So if you are in haste to use your roof box, you will need to call a locksmith, which will be best for you.
If you anyhow damage the built-in lock of your roof cargo box, you will be able to get a replacement lock from Thule or any other merchants. If you can’t even insert the key in it, you will need to drill the damaged lock to replace it. If you are going to drill the lock, you have to be aware that you are not drilling into the surrounding plastic.
If you want to Replace the built-in lock, you can get the lock and detailed installation instructions available from Thule. If your roof box’s built-in lock is not damaged and fully working, but still you want to change the lock, then you can get a change key from Thule. This will allow you to remove the lock and replace it with a new one. The Thule website can help you know the part number for your product’s change key and match your roof cargo box with the proper replacement cylinder.
How to Repair a Thule Cargo Box?
You will leave your Thule box on the roof of your car when your car is parked in you. But if you don’t clear the garage door as you pull in, cracking or denting the top of the box. Plastic becomes more rigid in the cold weather. So the roof box becomes more sensitive and can be broken easily.
You will be able to repair a minor crack or dent of your roof cargo box by yourself using various tools, and products, like liquid rubber, liquid resin, patches, etc. each of these methods come with their detailed instructions and process on how to complete your particular type of repair. You can start the repairing process by generally applying tape on the crack, and then you have to fill the crack with the product you want; after curing it, you have to do sanding and refresh it. After doing these, your roof box is ready to put on.
If your Thule roof box is damaged and you want to repair it or replace any part, you can find many options with various replacement parts for each roof box from Thule and other manufacturers. You can get Tight knobs, lock mechanisms, hardware kits, lid lifters, sealing strips, and many other parts available in the market if you want to buy.
What’s the Best Way You Can Store a Thule cargo Box?
If you are going to buy a roof box for transporting skis during winter, you will definitely want to remove it from the roof of your car and store it in a safe place during the summer season. There are many techniques that you can keep your roof cargo box safely, depending on your situation.
Your cargo box should be placed on a Horizontal, level surface. If you have enough space in your basement or car garage, you can store your roof cargo box there. If the floor’s surface is a little rough, you can put a towel or blanket under the box to keep it safe from damage. But if you don’t have enough space inside and store your roof box outside, it will be better to cover the roof box with a tarp.
But if you can’t find enough space to place your roof box anywhere, you don’t have to worry. Thule knows garage space is valuable, so they have designed innovative storage solutions for your rooftop cargo box and other outdoor equipment.
You can set The Thule MultiLift pulley system in the ceiling of your garage or basement to store your Thule roof cargo box if you don’t have enough space on the floor. In the Thule MultiLift pulley system, Strong ropes wrap around your storage box, and you will be able to lift the roof box to the ceiling.
You have to be sure about the weight carrying capacity of the lift you choose. And you can put your roof cargo box in it. The Thule MultiLift comes with a great weight carrying capacity. It can hold up to 220 pounds. The lift is available preassembled and with drill patterns so that you can install it easily. When you are using your Thule roof box, and the MultiLift is free, you can store any other thing like canoes, surfboards, or anything you want.
Roof cargo boxes can be dirty when you are using it, so we recommend you clean the box each time you remove it from the roof rack. This prevents storage ropes or straps from scratching the finish of your roof box.
You can use a soapy solution to clean your roof box, but you can’t use alcohol, bleach, or ammonia. Before applying the solution, rinse the box with water. After applying the soapy solution, rinse the box with a soft microfiber cloth, wash the box thoroughly with water and dry the box with another microfiber cloth. So when you are going to use the roof cargo box for your next trip, it will be neat and clean.
So, which way is the best for storing your Thule box depends on your available space have. If you want enough space to store your Thule box, then the Thule MultiLift can help you keep your Thule box.
Thule vs Yakima: Which Cargo Boxes Better?
Thule and Yakima are the most famous roof box manufacturer. Thule is a Swedish company. Their roof boxes are famous because of their excellent sleek and durable design. And Yakima is a Washington state company, and they are well known because of their production efficiency and practicality.
The Thule and Yakima both are well known because of their weatherproof, functional roof cargo boxes that can keep your stuff safe in it. Moreover, they are very user-friendly and easy to use.
Roof cargo boxes from these companies come with lifetime warranties. But Yakima’s warranty has some limited features. Some buyers like Yakima’s installation device, but Thule’s signature click indicator eliminates the guesswork when tightening the clamps.
Most customer reviews tell that Thule has a slight edge over Yakima because of its attractive, aerodynamic, and durable designs and specialized finishes. Yakima roof cargo boxes are best for budget-minded customers. Thule offers more alternatives for car storage products and accessories. So if you want a stylish, aesthetic, and a bit more aerodynamic roof box, then Thule will be a good option for you.
If you are using your front seat in carrying your surfboard or fishing rods when you go on trips, then it’s time to buy a Thule roof cargo box for you.
–our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Last Update : 2024-06-27
