How to Install a THULE Cargo Box

In this short video I show you how install a Thule roof top cargo box on a vehicle with factory cross bars. This installation would also cover the install of the cargo box onto Thule cross bars. Thank you for watching and please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you found it useful! Thank you!
If you are interested in picking up a THULE cargo box:
*Amazon Affiliate Links*

[vegetablehead]

better than the phone instructions i received.

[webcoderltd]

A great video but majority of cars are not like this so I would be interested to learn what's the best positioning in terms of front and rear of the car as I can't find any official Thule guidelins based on their tunnel test?
I have had my Motion XT XXL for about 6 years now and just bought the updated version Motion3 XXL (still have both so can do comparison). A Thule dealer suggested moving bars thus the new box as far as possible to the front. I did that but it just didi't feel right with such unneccesary front overhang in Skoda Kodiaq (unfortunately can't be avoided in smaller Seat Leaon Estate/Kombi) while thre's plenty of spae available at the back. ChatGPT suggested the below:

What's is the best place to attach large roof boxes such as Thule Motion XT or 3 XXL on car's roof bars to minimise drag and improve fuel economy?


ChatGPT said:

"
To minimize drag and improve fuel economy when attaching large roof boxes like the Thule Motion XT or 3 XXL on a car's roof bars, the placement is critical. Here are the optimal steps:

1. Position the Box Slightly Rearward
Slightly rearward placement is generally the best approach, meaning the front of the box should be just behind the roof's leading edge. This allows the windshield to deflect airflow smoothly over the box, reducing turbulence. Avoid placing the box too far forward, as it increases drag by disrupting the airflow at the front of the car.

2. Align Symmetrically Along the Roof

The box should be centered between the two roof bars, without tilting to either side. Symmetry is crucial to maintaining proper aerodynamics and balance. Uneven positioning can disrupt airflow and reduce fuel efficiency.

3. Avoid Excessive Overhang

Minimize the overhang at both the front and back of the vehicle. An overhang beyond the rear windshield can create a drag pocket, increasing wind resistance. Make sure the box is not extending too far past the roofline of the car.

4. Adjust for the Roof Bar Height

Some cars have adjustable roof bar heights. Lowering the box as close to the roof as possible will reduce wind resistance. Ensure the roof box is mounted securely with minimal gap between the box and the roof.

5. Secure the Roof Box Tightly

Ensure the roof box is firmly attached and doesn’t shift or wobble. Movement can increase drag and affect handling, so double-check the attachment points.

6. Smooth and Aerodynamic Shape

While the Thule Motion XT and 3 XXL already have aerodynamic designs, placing the box in the correct position amplifies the benefits. These boxes are designed to direct airflow more efficiently when placed slightly rearward and centrally aligned.


By positioning the box slightly rearward, centering it on the roof, and minimizing overhang, you can reduce drag and maintain better fuel efficiency while driving.

"

Once water got inside my Motion XT XXL during driving in very heavy rain when attached to my Volvo XV60 (sold now).

Cheers,
David

[jvu]

thank you so much for this video, super helpful and to the point.

[netfun]

Great video, did the arms ever hit the roof or hurt the pain on the roof in any way? Also, once you finished the install what kind of clearance do you have between the arms and the roof?

[EPHONIC]

Curious: How much weight could you put in the box that would safely work with your crossbars?

[lionyouth]

Is there a store that installs racks for you? I have a Honda Civic with no roof rack of any sort. I want to make sure I don't mess up my car.

[pacora]

HI the box you are showing in your video. do you know the model? I have the same box, but I need parts to fix few things, but I do not know the model. when I bought it all that info is gone,

[ijimppangi]

If the knobs slide back and forth freely to adjust to the spacing of the crossbars, doesn’t the cargo box move back or forth during hard acceleration or braking or even strong wind?

[thomasvasquezjr]

I need to replace a broken rivet on my cargo box any suggestions ?

[mudasr]

I have this box but the 2100, on the highway, the front wobbles up and down depending on my speed, does this have the same issue?

[nancybrowning]

does the cargo box come with the cross bars?

[vcool]

Its is a thule force m… or thule polce m…???

[nat.serrano]

But how do you install the rack with those bars?

[nunez]

Well the title of the video is installation of the crossbar cargo box and not the crossbar. Try typing crossbar installation instead

[darkobelisk]

Every video just casually assumes cars have cross bars but nobody explains how they magically appeared on their car.