Thule Roof Box Buying Guide
Whether you need to carry skis and snowboards, camping gear, or just need extra space for luggage and gear; Thule has a roof box that will suit your needs. Thule roof boxes are available in a wide range of sizes with models to suit everyones budget.
Thule roof boxes are available in 4 models: Vector, Motion XT, Force XT, and Pulse. Each model is available in multiple sizes to accommodate different vehicle sizes, offer different carrying capacities, and carry different lengths of skis and snowboards. Thule box models such as the Vector and Motion XT are also available in multiple colours to best match your vehicle.
There are many features and design elements that set one Thule roof box model apart from the next. Below is a comparison chart which provides a simple breakdown of the features and options that are available for each Thule roof box model. A more detailed breakdown of the features is provided below the chart.
What to look for when purchasing a Thule roof box
There are a many factors that go in to choosing the right Thule roof box for your vehicle and carrying needs. Below are a few of the most important things to look for when choosing a roof box.
Length of your skis and snowboards
If you plan to use your Thule box to carry skis and snowboards the interior length of the box needs to be long enough to fit your longest set of skis or longest snowboard. When browsing on our website you will find the maximum ski and snowboard length that a box will carry in the Specifications section of each product page. We generally recommend purchasing a box that is slightly longer than your longest ski length. This will allow for some wiggle room if you purchase new skis or have children whose skis will get longer over the years.
How much gear you need to carry
Adding a roof box to your vehicle will allow you to carry more gear or relocate items from the rear of your vehicle to the roof of your vehicle. Having a general sense of the number of bags, the amount of camping gear, or the number of skis and snowboards you will need to fit inside the box will be helpful when choosing the size of box. As a general rule of thumb, a Large Thule box provides enough space if you travel with 2-3 people in the vehicle, an XL Thule box provides enough space if you travel with 3-4 people in the vehicle, and an XXL Thule box provides enough space if you travel with 5 or more people in the vehicle. Both of our Edmonton store locations have all the different Thule models on display. It is much easier to view the different sizes in person when determining which size of Thule box you will need.
Being able to open your back hatch
If you drive an SUV or hatchback you will want to purchase a box that allows your back hatch to open fully when the box is installed on the vehicle. The size of box you choose will be based on the distance between the center of your front crossbar and the back hatch when in the open position. The best way to determine which boxes will fit your vehicle is to visit one of our Edmonton store locations with your vehicle. Our staff can properly measure your vehicle and let you know which boxes will fit without hitting your hatch.
How often you will use the box
Features such as the type of mounting hardware, type of locking/opening system, and whether a roof box opens from one or both sides will vary the user experience. Boxes which feature the SlideLock opening system are easier to open and close than boxes which use the LockKnob or Central Lock system. If you will be using your box frequently this is an important feature as once the box has been installed all you really do is open and close it. If you plan on installing and removing your Thule box frequently, look for boxes which feature the PowerClick mounting hardware as they are easier to install and the hardware clicks when it is tight. Dual side opening boxes can be accessed from either side of the vehicle making for easier installation and easier loading. Boxes that are single side opening only open from the passenger side making it more difficult to reach the drivers side mounting hardware and more difficult to load and unload your gear, especially on taller vehicles.
Thule Roof Box Comparison Chart - Vector vs Motion XT vs Force XT vs Pulse
| Feature | Thule Vector | Thule Motion XT | Thule Force XT | Thule Pulse |
| Dual or Single Side Opening | Dual Side | Dual Side | Dual Side | Single Side |
| Available Sizes | Alpine (13.4 cu.ft.) | M (12.7 cu.ft.) | Alpine (16 cu.ft.) | L (16 cu.ft.) | XL (18 cu.ft) | XXL (22 cu.ft.) | Sport (11 cu.ft.) | L (16 cu.ft) | XL (18 cu.ft.) | XXL (22 cu.ft.) | Alpine (11 cu.ft.) | M (13 cu.ft) | L (16 cu.ft) |
| Mounting Hardware | PowerClick | PowerClick | PowerClick | FastGrip |
| Type of Opening/Locking System | SlideLock | SlideLock | LockKnob | Central Lock |
| Load Capacity | 165 lb | 165 lb | 165 lb | 110 lb |
| Color Options | Black Metallic | Titan Matte | Black Glossy | Titan Glossy | Black Textured | Black Pebbled |
| Length of Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Where it's Made | Germany | USA | USA | USA |
Dual Side vs Single Side Opening
Dual side opening boxes can be accessed from either the drivers side or passenger of your vehicle. This feature makes it is easier to install and remove from your vehicle as the hardware can be easily accessed. It is also easier to load and unload the box as you do not need to reach across the box to grab items such as skis and poles. Single side opening only open from the passenger side making it more difficult to reach the drivers side mounting hardware and more difficult to load and unload your gear, especially on taller vehicles.
PowerClick vs FastFrip Mounting Hardware
The Thule Vector, Motion XT, and Force XT roof boxes all feature the Thule PowerClick mounting hardware. This hardware has an ergonomic rubber coated knob inside the box which tightens and loosens a set of claws that grip around your crossbars. When installing the box the knob will eventually "click" indicating that the proper tension is achieved. The PowerClick mounting hardware can be attached to all Thule and Yakima roof rack bars as well as most factory installed crossbars.
The Thule Pulse roof boxes feature the FastGrip mounting hardware. This hardware has a plastic know inside the box which tightens and loosens a set of claws that grip around your crossbars. The FastGrip mounting hardware can be attach to all Thule and Yakima roof rack bars as well as most factory crossbars. In some cases, due to the shape of the mounting claws the Pulse will not work with low profile factory installed crossbars as the hardware will contact the roof of the vehicle.
SlideLock vs LockKnob vs Central Lock Locking and Opening Systems
Once a Thule roof box has been installed onto a vehicle the only thing you really do when using it is open it and close it. The SlideLock locking and opening system is the easiest and most user friendly system to use and is featured on the Thule Vector or Motion XT roof boxes. The SlideLock visually indicates when the lid of the roof box is properly closed and ready to be locked. This provides you confidence that the box is securely latched in all three points and there is never any stress on the key.
The LockKnob locking and opening system is featured on the Thule Force XT roof boxes. While the LockKnob does not visually indicate when the lid of the box is properly closed the LockKnob protects the key and provides a larger handle to turn the key with. This prevents the key from bending and eventually breaking inside the box. The Central Lock locking and opening system is the most basic locking mechanism and is featured on the Thule Pulse roof boxes.
The Central Key simply relies on the key being turned inside of the central locking mechanism. Since there is no extra protection for the key and no visual indicator of when the lid is closed the key can encounter stress when the lid is not fully closed. This can result in the key bending or breaking inside the lock.