The Best Guide to Thule Roof Boxes 2023

How Are Thule Cargo Boxes Made?

Thule roof storage boxes are well-known for their robustness, durability, and safety. The box is made up of five layers of super-strong, automotive-grade acrylic, which is commonly utilized in moulding applications due to its light weight and impact resistance. 

If you care about the environment, you’ll be happy to learn that Thule uses up to 80% recycled materials in several of their products. Heat is applied to a big sheet of plastic, which is then vacuum moulded into the appropriate shape. 

By integrating grooves and other indentations, Thule moulds are meant to provide greater strength and stability. For extra rigidity and weight-carrying capacity, most boxes have embedded support bars at the base of the box.

Car roof boxes are virtually always exposed to the elements, especially the sun, when in use. To prevent fading and other sun damage, the shell material has been coated with ultraviolet protection. 

Depending on the model, glossy or matte finishes are offered in black, grey, or white. Thule produces a variety of surface textures. The Sonic Alpine box, for example, has a dimpled top that mimics the surface of a golf ball and is supposed to boost aerodynamics. The Thule Force line’s AeroSkin diamond texture coating improves in aerodynamics while also directing water away from the box.

The majority of Thule boxes have multiple lock-down points on the sides. To enable Thule’s dual-side opening feature, these mechanisms are designed to operate as both locks and hinges. 

The materials used in Thule storage boxes have been rigorously tested across a variety of characteristics. Visiting Thule’s website’s product testing section is an adventure. Thule goes to considerable pains to ensure that their products can withstand any form of harsh weather.

Is it true that Thule Cargo Boxes are waterproof?

Because roof storage boxes are frequently exposed to the elements, you’ll want to know that when you get at your destination, your items will be dry and clean. Most hard-shelled rooftop storage boxes, including Thule boxes, are weather-resistant but not watertight. 

But that’s merely a quirk of the system. To be technically waterproof, a product’s inside must remain fully dry even when submerged in water. 

Thule storage boxes are made to keep moisture out of the box, whether it’s from rain or snow. The materials used in the shell are water-resistant, and the apertures have seals to keep damp and rainy weather out. Thule’s strong shell and curved aerodynamics help with weatherproofing by directing moisture away from the box quickly. 

If severe weather is forecast for your road trip, don’t be too concerned. Your goods will keep dry if the box is not overfilled and is properly closed and locked.

How Do You Install a Thule Roof Box?

Because you may not always require your Thule box on your car, it’s critical that the process of installing and removing it be as straightforward as possible. Thule’s attachment solutions were created with simplicity and safety in mind. 

To sustain the weight of a roof storage box, your vehicle must be equipped with a roof rack. Many vehicles come with roof racks or roof bars installed from the factory, but some do not. Roof bars are widely available aftermarket, and you should have no trouble finding one that fits your vehicle.

Fortunately, Thule storage boxes are compatible with most common roof racks. To be safe, double-check that your roof rack is compatible with the Thule box you want. If you plan to use a roof cargo box with a bigger capacity, select a roof rack that is rated for that weight range. Thule and other manufacturers provide a wide range of roof racks, with easy-to-use online tools to help you find the correct one for your car.

You’re ready to put your Thule roof box on the roof now that you’ve installed the right roof rack. Make sure the knobs inside the box are turned to fully open the clamps that extend below the box if the box is equipped with Thule’s signature AcuTight bolts. 

Positioning will be significantly easier because of this. Most box sizes will want the assistance of a second person to hoist the box onto the roof. Before attaching the box to your rack, you’ll want to consider various aspects while it’s lying on the roof rack cross bars.

The idea is to position the box far enough forward to clear any roof antennas and enable full access to your vehicle’s back compartment. The box should not protrude past the top of your windshield. 

It is not necessarily dangerous to utilize a Thule box that prevents your rear vehicle hatch from opening, but it is inconvenient and could cause harm to the car or the box. If you have a second item on the rack, such as a mountain bike, the side-to-side position of the box will be determined. If there isn’t a second item, put the rack in the middle.