What’s up, adventure seeker? Running out of trunk space again? Yeah, we’ve all been there—stuffing tents between coolers, cramming ski boots under seats. Total nightmare, right? What if you could magically add 16 cubic feet of extra storage without trading your passenger seat for a duffel bag mountain? Enter the Thule Force XT cargo box. This matte black beast isn’t just plastic slapped on your roof; it’s your ticket to stress-free road trips. Let’s break down why it’s legit changing how families and gearheads travel.
Space Anxiety? Solved.
Picture this: you’re packing for a week-long camping trip. Sleeping bags, paddles, firewood, dog gear… it feels like playing Tetris on nightmare mode. The Force XT laughs at clutter. With room for 5–7 pairs of skis or 3–5 snowboards (up to 175 cm!), suddenly, everything fits. Internal dimensions (70 x 28.75 x 16.25 inches) mean no more “sorry, kids, leave the bikes behind.” It’s like adding a second trunk—just way cooler looking. Road trip claustrophobia? Gone.
Large
X-Large
Sport
Design That Gets You (Seriously)
Ever wrestled a rooftop box while balancing on one foot in a parking lot? Thule gets it. The DualSide opening is a game-changer. Need snacks mid-highway? Pop it open from either side of your car—no awkward climbing over suitcases. And that forward-positioned design? Genius. It gives you full trunk access without bashing your head (we’ve all done it). Plus, matte black isn’t just sleek; it hides scratches like a pro. No more wincing when branches swipe past.
Mounting Made Stupid Simple
Raise your hand if you’ve spent hours decoding cryptic roof rack instructions. 🙋♂️ Thule’s PowerClick system cuts the grunt work. Slide it onto your bars, tighten until it clicks—yep, it literally tells you when it’s secure. No torque wrenches, no guessing. Even if you’re all thumbs with tools, you’ll have this locked down in 10 minutes flat. Heading out at dawn? No big deal. Setup’s faster than brewing your coffee.
Built Tough for Your Wild Side
Plastic? Sure, but not any plastic. Thule uses aircraft-grade ABS that laughs off potholes, hail, and UV rays. Water-resistant seals keep gear dry even when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. And that LockKnob? It’s silky-smooth to twist but locks tight against sticky fingers. Worried about longevity? These boxes outlive most car leases—some users report a decade-plus of abuse. For real, it’s a bunker for your belongings.
Ski Bum? Meet Your Soulmate
Winter warriors, listen up. That 18-inch height isn’t random—it swallows fat powder skis or bulky snowboards whole. No diagonal jigsaw puzzles. Just slide ’em in and go. And since it opens from both sides, grabbing goggles or a flask doesn’t mean unpacking the whole thing. Heading to Tahoe? Your gear stays organized, dry, and ready to shred. Dirtbags rejoice: this is your mobile gear locker.
Specs That Don’t Suck
Let’s geek out for a sec. Here’s the nitty-gritty:
Feature | Thule Force XT Specs |
|---|---|
External Size | 74.75″ L x 33″ W x 18″ H |
Weight | 41 lbs (featherweight for its class!) |
Max Load | 165 lbs (fits 4 full suitcases) |
Color | Stealthy Matte Black |
Key Perk | Opens from both sides + full trunk access |
See how it dwarfs soft bags? Yet it’s lighter than you’d think. And 165 pounds? That’s two adults… but please don’t test that.
But Wait—What’s the Catch?
Okay, real talk. Roof boxes aren’t magic. They do dent your gas mileage—think 10–25% less MPG depending on your lead foot. Highway speeds? Keep it under 80 mph; Thule’s cool with it, but crosswinds get sketchy faster. And yeah, premium brands cost more. But compare replacing a shattered budget box mid-trip versus this tank. Suddenly, the math feels fair.
Bottom Line: Worth the Hype?
Totally. If you road-trip more than twice a year, carpool athletes, or just hate packing Tetris, the Force XT pays for itself in sanity. No more “forget it, we’ll buy a roof rack later” meltdowns. It’s the Swiss Army knife of storage—tough, smart, and ready for whatever you throw at it. So next time your trunk screams “I quit,” you’ll be ready.
Your Thule Force XT Questions—Answered!
Which Thule bars are best?
For the Force XT, go with Thule’s Aeroblade Edge or WingBar Evo. They’re whisper-quiet, reduce whistle, and handle the box’s weight like champs. Avoid round bars; they’re old school and noisy. Match them to your vehicle’s specs using Thule’s online fit guide—no guesswork.
Who competes with Thule?
Yakima (SkyBox) and Inno (Shadow) are Thule’s big rivals. Yakima’s boxes are slightly cheaper but often heavier. Inno’s sleek but lacks Thule’s click-mount system. For durability? Thule still leads.
Why are Thule boxes so expensive?
You’re paying for aerospace-grade ABS plastic, wind-tunnel testing, and that sweet PowerClick mount. Cheaper boxes crack, leak, or howl at 60 mph. Thule’s 5-year warranty also backs their “no compromises” build.
What’s the best Thule cargo box for skis?
The Force XT L or XL! They fit up to 235 cm skis (yes, backcountry monsters). Low profile + dual opening = easy loading. Need more space? The Motion XT Alpine rocks ski-specific dividers.
What’s the difference between Thule Force and Motion?
Force is lighter and more affordable. Motion has a wider opening, reinforced walls, and a “smarter” locking system. Both are awesome, but Motion’s for heavy-duty users.
Do Thule boxes affect gas mileage?
Yep. Expect 2–5 MPG loss on highways. Aerodynamic boxes (like Force XT) hurt less than clunky ones. Remove it when not in use to save fuel.
How fast can I drive with a Thule roof box?
Thule says max 80 mph. Beyond that, wind drag and stability get risky. In storms? Drop to 65 mph. Safety first, speed demon.
How long is the Thule warranty?
5 years if you register your product online. Cracks? Mount fails? They’ll replace it. No receipt? No problem—warranty follows the box, not the buyer.
Is Thule Made in China?
Some parts, yes. Final assembly happens in the USA and Europe. Quality control’s strict, though—no sketchy materials.
Is Thule a premium brand?
Totally. Like Yeti for gear haulers. You pay more for R&D, durability, and that hassle-free warranty. Find Force XT on Ebay.
Does Thule have a military discount?
Not directly. But check GovX or ExpertVoice—they often have up to 30% off for military, vets, and first responders.
Still unsure? Peek at the best roof cargo boxes of 2025 or learn how long these boxes really last. Happy trails! 🚗💨
Thule Force Cargo Boxes Compared: Which One’s Your Road Trip Soulmate?
The Contenders: Quick Overview
- Thule Force XT (Standard): 74.75″L × 33″W × 18″H | 16 cu ft | 41 lbs | Fits skis up to 175cm.
- Thule Force XT L (Large): 82.75″L × 33.75″W × 17.25″H | 18 cu ft | 47 lbs | Handles skis up to 195cm.
- Thule Force XT S (Slim): 74.75″L × 24.75″W × 16.75″H | 11 cu ft | 32 lbs | Designed to share roof space with bikes/kayaks.
🚗 Space & Capacity: Who Fits What?
Force XT (Standard) is your Goldilocks pick: 16 cu ft swallows 5-7 ski pairs or 3-5 snowboards. Perfect for families hauling camping gear + luggage. Internal height (16.25″) fits bulky duffels but struggles with extra-wide items like cribs.
Force XT L (Large) screams “overpacker’s dream.” That 18 cu ft and 195cm ski capacity? Ideal for pro skiers, long expeditions, or roof-only trips. Tradeoff: It’s heavier (47 lbs) and may dwarf smaller cars.
Force XT S (Slim) is the minimalist’s muse. At just 24.75″ wide, it leaves room for bikes/kayaks beside it. But 11 cu ft means tighter packing—best for couples or gear-light adventurers.
⚙️ Design & Usability: Daily Grind vs. Epic Trips
All three share killer features:
- DualSide opening: Grab gear from either side of your car.
- PowerClick mounts: Hear the click when secured—no tools needed.
- LockKnob system: Twist-to-lock simplicity (keys stay safe!).
But nuances matter:
- The XT L’s lower profile (17.25″H) fights wind noise better at 80mph.
- The S model’s narrow build avoids garage-scraping drama.
- Standard XT balances height + width for easy trunk access.
⚖️ Weight & MPG Impact: The Tradeoffs
- Lightest: XT S (32 lbs). Install/remove solo without grunting.
- Heaviest: XT L (47 lbs). Feels sturdy but demands muscle.
- MPG Hit: Expect 2-5 MPG loss. The boxier Standard/L models suffer more than the sleek S. Pro tip: Remove when unused!
🎯 Made for Whom?
- Standard XT: Families of 4. Road-trippers needing flexible space for skis and suitcases.
- XT L: Gear hoarders. Snow pros, cross-country movers, or anyone toting 195cm skis.
- XT S: Adventurers with sidekicks. Pair it with a bike rack or kayak carrier—no roof wars.
⚠️ Disadvantages: No Sugarcoating
- All: Pricey (but 5-year warranty helps). Wind noise over 75mph.
- Standard: Width (33″) blocks roof rails for other gear.
- XT L: Length (82.75″) risks garage/low-clearance scrapes.
- XT S: Depth (14.75″) limits bulky items like coolers.
💎 Why Thule? The Unbeatable Perks
- Aerospace plastic: Survives hailstorms and UV rays. Cheaper boxes crack; Thule flexes.
- Water-resistant seals: Gear stays dry in monsoons (tested!).
- Resale value: Holds up for 10+ years—unlike flimsy rivals.
Verdict: Match Your Lifestyle
- #VanLife families: Standard XT = balanced, no-compromise workhorse.
- Powder chasers: XT L = big-mountain energy.
- Weekend warriors: XT S = share your roof, keep your freedom.
P.S. Still torn? See how these stack up against 2025’s best roof boxes or learn height rules before hitting the road!
Here’s a clear comparison table for the Thule Force XT cargo box models:
Thule Force XT Series Comparison
Feature | Force XT (Standard) | Force XT L (Large) | Force XT S (Slim) |
|---|---|---|---|
External Dimensions | 74.75″ L × 33″ W × 18″ H | 82.75″ L × 33.75″ W × 17.25″ H | 74.75″ L × 24.75″ W × 16.75″ H |
Internal Space | 70″ L × 28.75″ W × 16.25″ H (16 cu ft) | 77.5″ L × 29.5″ W × 15.25″ H (18 cu ft) | 70.5″ L × 20.5″ W × 14.75″ H (11 cu ft) |
Weight | 41 lbs (18.7 kg) | 47 lbs (21.3 kg) | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
Ski/Snowboard Capacity | 5-7 pairs skis / 3-5 boards (≤175 cm) | 5-7 pairs skis / 3-5 boards (≤195 cm) | 3-5 pairs skis / 3-4 boards (≤175 cm) |
Max Load | 165 lbs | 165 lbs | 165 lbs |
Key Strength | Balanced space for families | Massive storage for long trips/pro gear | Fits beside bikes/kayaks (narrow width) |
Best For | Families of 4, mixed gear | Skiers with long skis, overpackers | Couples, gear + bike/kayak combos |
Installation | PowerClick system (tool-free, <10 min) | PowerClick system (tool-free, <10 min) | PowerClick system (<5 min, lightest) |
Noise/MPG Impact | Moderate (loses 3-4 MPG at 70+ mph) | Best aerodynamics (loses 2-3 MPG) | Least impact (loses 1-2 MPG) |
Garage Compatibility | Fits most 7-ft garages | Risky in low garages (82.75″ length) | Safest for low clearances |
Key Limitation | Blocks full roof for other gear | Heavy; may scrape driveways/garages | Shallow depth (14.75″) limits bulk |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
Key Takeaways:
- Need max cargo? → XT L (18 cu ft; 195cm skis).
- Sharing roof space? → XT S (24.75″ width + 32 lbs = bike/kayak friendly).
- Balanced versatility? → Standard XT (16 cu ft; no extremes).
All feature DualSide access, waterproof ABS plastic, and tool-free PowerClick mounts. For height rules, see global roof box regulations.
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