Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 28
 Camping for 5 September 22, 2008
R. Howell (Medford, OR)
I bought this version several years ago for our camping trips. I have a family of five and we usually take a guest or two. Very easy to install but is easier with two people just for lifting it onto the vehicle. I've used this on a Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, and a Dodge Durango fitting it directly to the factory racks on each vehicle. It has adjustable mounts, opens from both sides, and locks onto the racks using four U-bolt assemblies with locking clasps. My only complaint would be the locking assembly has a rather cheap security clip to prevent the assembly from randomly popping open which actually takes a small bit of pressure anyway so the clip is just an extra precaution (this is a little orange/red clip - one of mine broke easily but locking assembly is still completely functional). I've never noticed any wind drag or top-heaviness from mine. I've also never had any problems with the unit sliding on the racks as the lock assemblies hold it firmly in place. I did however notice that my gas mileage was slightly better the first year we drove with the Thule on it as compared to the prior trip, but not sure I can attribute that to the aero-dynamic function of the unit.
Storage is great. On average, I can fit 5-6 sleeping bags, 2-3 air mattresses, one 8-person tent, 2 camping chairs, a pie iron, axe, and a small backpack into my Thule. That's ample room for the basics and with cautious packing I can do 5 sleeping bags, 2 tents, 2 air mattresses, and 2 chairs. A worthy investment for our camping trips and it hasn't let me down yet.
Excellent Luggage Carrier August 12, 2008
Khan (Kentucky)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Bought this from Amazon for a 06 Honda pilot. Does not obstruct the rear hatch and protrudes slightly over moonroof. Does not interfere with XM or navigation although mounts over the receiver. Easy to install.May need to adjust crossbars, which requires a simple Hex Key ( aka L key). No noise at all at any speed. Easy to access. Didn't care much, initially, for the straps inside to secure luggage but actually work fine.
amazing piece and easy to use August 8, 2008
M. gniwisch (Montreal)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this product , it is easy to install and the free shipping with prime was a great bonus.
This box rocks July 18, 2008
Basem Hassan
I love the box. All my junk is now on top instead of scattered around the car. I have it on a Mazda 3 Sedan (NOT the wagon) and it doesn't really stick out over the roof line. The 1600 is short and wide which not only helped keep it low profile on a sedan but allowed for more bulky items to fit into the box, even with room to spare! Amazingly secure locking mechanism and the mounting system is simple and phenomenally well thought out.
Also, an unexpected benefit is that since it covers the car roof, it absorbs the sun/heat which keeps the car interior MUCH cooler than it used to be.
The only complaint was that it took Amazon a full week to get it to my door even though it had super saver shipping. The freight company was pretty spacey and never delivered it at 1st, never called, and told me that my house was vacant (I still don't know how they seriously used that as an excuse).
Thule 686B on my 2005 Lexus RX330 July 17, 2008
Christopher Powell (Ohio)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Added a picture of this box on my Lexus.
This appears to be the most perfect box for my Lexus RX330. It doesn't interfere with the rear hatch opening or the rear antenna. I've driven with it full of beach stuff for a 1500 mile trip at speeds of 75+ miles an hour on the West Virginia turnpike and it does not seem to impact the handling of the vehicle too much. I lost about 2-3 MPG with it on, but its hard to tell if that was just because of the drag or the fact that both the box and my rear cargo area were pretty darn full and heavy.
It does tend to catch side winds more than without, but that's to be expected in increasing the SUV's profile.
The finish on this thule box is glossy, much like the paint on my car, and would match well with black, white, any grey cars extremely well.
It opens on both sides and has a very good locking mechanism to ensure your cargo is secure. It will not let you remove the key unless it latches and locks successfully.
It uses a claw typ of connection to existing crossbars, if you don't have crossbars on your roof rack, you will need to get some. The claw connection was tight and did not move or slide at all after installation. I've attached and detached this roof box at least 3 times now and it has not done any damage to my vehicle. I take extra precaution of putting a folded towell under the crossbars until the claws are fully tightened. They have a rubberized cover, but when extended open can rest on the finishtop of my lexus until it is removed or tightened.
It's been an excellent investment and is a fairly attractive cargo box compared to its competitors. I've also purchased and installed a Thule box lift to store the 989B in my garage cieling when its not in use -- keeps it up and out of the way.
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