Do you have the Thule Motion XT L or XL version? We know you want to invest in a long-lasting roof box that you can count on for countless future adventures, so we assessed this metric with a critical eye. In this review of the Thule vs. Yakima cargo box, you will be able to select the most suitable cargo box for you. But worry not, because its glossy design and hard plastic will do an excellent job in keeping your items dry and protected from moisture. Below, we pick which company we think makes the better product in each of three categories: crossbars, bike racks, and cargo baskets. The Thule Vector is one of the best boxes we have seen but it might blow your budget. We've tested and purchased close to 20 different cargo boxes in the past 9 years. However, we did find some of the glossier models, such as the Yakima GrandTour or the Thule Motion XT XL, to be slightly more prone to showing scuffs and scrapes than the matte or satin-finished models something to consider if you frequently store your cargo carrier off of your vehicle. How can we improve GearLab? Thule 800603 GoPack Set (4Xduffel) kuruma; Oct 29, 2021; The UK and Ireland; Replies 2 Views 716. 3. We began testing by unpacking and assembling each model while paying close attention to how easy each one is to install and load with gear. The lid is also a little on the floppy side, and the Alpine is bordering on boring when it comes to visual appeal. Not much difference in fuel consumption despite having them on top of the vehicle. It also makes it easier to slide your cargo around and adjust the position. David lives in Tahoe and spends a significant amount of time transporting skis, snowboards, and camping equipment throughout the year. These features inspire extra confidence that your belongings are safe, so we boosted their scores in this metric accordingly. While it isn't the cheapest roof box, it offers a surprisingly good price per cubic foot and a top-tier performance overall. Additionally, the quick clamps don't have an indicator to show that they are sufficiently tight - other models have an audible click that lets you know when they are clamped securely. Just wondering if people have experience with either product and would recommend one over the other if cost isn't a huge issue. No, thats not fun. vs Yakima GrandTour (16 vs 18?). We buy all the products ourselves. They are best known for their premium-quality products and excellent aftersales customer service. It uses a slightly different system with a single-piece clamp that requires a tool to install (included) but has the benefit of being much flatter on the inside than other Thule. The click will indicate that you had successfully installed the cargo box in its correct tension. For ease of use, were giving Yakima Skybox 7/10 while Thule Force 6/10. The RocketBox Pro 14 (back) is a bit less stylish than the Skybox (front) or the Motion XT (middle). 2. While there are a few cases where one company has a clear advantage (such as the Thule Hullavator for lift-assisted kayak loading) for the most part there is no difference in quality between the accessories of each brand. Stylishly-designed, the Thule Motion XT XL is worth the investment. Yakima has an edge in roof bike racks because theyre the companys main focus. The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting, and we think this provides a better seal than the vinyl stickers but not as good as the top-tier models with quick clamps that have a sliding seal. Finding the perfect rooftop cargo box for your next outdoor adventure can be tough. The area, where Yakima scores best is its versatility. Appearance While it isn't a big factor to consider in getting a cargo box, appearance is still part of its over-all features. To determine if it'll fit on your CX-5, you'll need to measure from the center of the front crossbar rearward until you . The Canyon XT retails for about $350. The reviews we ran hopefully gave you an insight into each items strengths and weaknesses. Both the Yakima Skybox and Thule Force passed this part. It believes in powering passion, helping outdoor enthusiasts, and allowing families to stay active, Thule says. But if you dont mind spending an extra few dollars on increasing the storage of your vehicle, then this is the right cargo box for you. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. This also means some cars will have too wide of a crossbar span to attach this carrier to if they aren't adjustable. Yakima Skybox isnt as thick as Thule Force, although the hinges and locks are on-par with each other. This wrench will click to alert when you have applied enough torque to the clamps, helping to prevent under or over-tightening them. Fun is, being able to bring everything you need while your company is sitting comfortably inside the car. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for years now and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review. And though its a great product, its not as adaptable as Yakimas HighRoad. On top of that, the key also can't be removed if the box is unlocked, making it much more difficult to accidentally drive off with the cargo carrier unlocked. Yakima Roof Boxes. It only requires a single person and a few minutes to install. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. You will fancy the matte black finish of Thule Force and Yakima Skybox. To date, theyve taken seven family trips to various trails throughout Oregon, Washington state, and Montana (where they have family), and he aims to continue his growing familys health and wellness through these activities. The Yakima LoadWarrior is only slightly larger with an additional 3 inches in length and 1.5 inches in height. Does adding a heavy box to your vehicle affect its power, handling, and fuel efficiency? Loading, unloading, and security features should also be considered. I am looking at these low profile boxes specifically for garage clearance issues and aerodynamics to keep on most of the time. Let us take a quick rundown of the things to consider in getting a cargo box. Adding only about 10 in. Our cargo box testing team is headed up by Lauren DeLaunay and David Wise. Thule Motion XT Lroof box black glossy. The Thule, on the other hand, uses five-layered ABS plastic. As with most things, it is wise to dig into all the information you need before jumping on buying the gear you need. Plus, theyre durable and easy to install. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. These stickers performed fine in our test, but we could see their effectiveness at keeping water out, degrading over time. It includes an exterior cover, an interior liner, and two motion-activated interior lights. Thule has always made an effort in making their products look stylish and sophisticated while Yakima focused on how they perform. Anyone have the Yakima GrandTour 16 or Thule Vector M Roof Box on their Model S? However, take note that the angle when you can open a cargo box is limited. Our last set of evaluations looked at the appearance of each cargo carrier, focusing on the color, finish, shape, and overall look of each product. Hence, using the buying guide and the featured items above, we hope you can choose the best cargo box for you. Roof box: Thule Motion XT vs Yakima GrandTour? However, these do show dirt and scrapes a bit more readily. lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 Black is probably the universal color for roof boxes. If you're going for a more muted aesthetic, the Thule Force, Horizon Alpine, and Yakima Skybox Carbonite might be better options. It even has an exterior dust cover, along with a dual-opening lid. In practice, how much less can you store with the 16 vs 18? The installation of this cargo box is a breeze. The only difference is that the previous was easy to hand-tighten while the latter has that click that lets you know youve tightened the box enough. Home; Over ons; FAQ; Retouren & Ruilen . However, the clamps don't have an indicator to tell you when you have tightened them sufficiently. Thule Force is something I would get if I were not concerned with the $50 difference from Yakima Skybox. The Force features the same PowerClick mounting system as the more expensive Thule models but lacks the more convenient locking systems featured on those models. Yakima GrandTour 18 Cubic Ft Premium Rooftop Cargo Box Manufacturer Demo review and installation instructions. The hybrid mounting system on the Alpine can be a bit finicky until you get the hang of it. Yakima specializes in affordability and durability. The more the cargo carrier resists against the wind, the higher the consumption of fuel. We wanted to present that in a way that will lead your decision to the best product to go for. We have a 2022 MYP and will be installing the Tesla roof rack, all that's left is to pick out a roof box. If the price tag of most of them is still outside your budget, then the SportRack Horizon Alpine is the cargo carrier for you. You can have the backseat taken up, you can have non-fragile things on your feet, or you can stack up against your bags all together where you cant see anything from your rear-view. However, we found after testing that there wasn't a significant impact on how a variety of different test cars handled, regardless if we were traveling on the freeway at high speeds, over windy mountain passes, or over potholes and bumps on rough roads. Both can fit one bike, are a universal roof rack fit, and feature a torque right knob. Testing for this metric was fairly subjective and based upon a group consensus. So, if you have a tall vehicle or you have a short stature, make sure to check the pull chords first before purchasing the product. The smoother interior surface (lacking awkward knobs or protrusions) makes loading and moving gear throughout the cargo box easier. We have tested plenty of cargo boxes that are annoying to operate, but this one flat-out works nicely and comes in at a reasonable price. And, its always better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it. We weren't the biggest fans of the surface texture and finish on the shorter, stubbier cargo boxes. Our experts test thousands of products each year. We awarded the most points to carriers that have simple and easy-to-operate security systems that seem durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough that we would entrust them with our beloved gear. Most of the models from Thule and Yakima are made of thermoformed ABS plastic. The GoPlus Carrier also features quick clamps and opens on both sides. Product Specs Weight: 51.50 lbs. Additionally, we appreciate that some models, like the Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector, are available in multiple colors, letting you pick the best match for your car. Advanced Search . 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