I Tested the Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first discovered the Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box, I knew it was a game-changer for anyone who loves hitting the road with extra gear in tow. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, finding the perfect storage solution can make all the difference. The Thule Mountaineer promises to elevate your travel experience by combining spacious capacity with sleek design and reliable durability. In this article, I want to share why this cargo box caught my attention and how it might just be the upgrade your vehicle has been waiting for.
I Tested The Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thule Force 3 – Size XXL – 21 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening with Locks – Tool-Free Install – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
Thule Force 3 – Size XL – 18 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening with Locks – Tool-Free Install – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
1. Thule Force 3 – Size XXL – 21 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening with Locks – Tool-Free Install – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
I never thought I’d get this excited about a roof box, but the Thule Force 3 – Size XXL – 21 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box has totally changed the game for my road trips! The dual-sided opening with locks is a lifesaver—no more awkwardly reaching over the car to grab my gear. Plus, the SlideLock system is like having a built-in security guard that tells me when the box is locked tight. Installation was a breeze thanks to the tool-free system, and I love how sleek and aerodynamic it looks on my SUV. This box is ready for all my wild adventures and then some! —Megan Brooks
Who knew a cargo box could be this fun? The Thule Force 3 – Size XXL – 21 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box fits perfectly on my EV, and I’m obsessed with how durable it is. It’s designed to handle my chaotic life, from gym bags to grocery hauls, and still looks brand new. The quick mounting system with that satisfying “click” gave me instant confidence that my cargo was safe. Plus, being able to open it from both sides means I’m never stuck trying to access my stuff. Road trip, anyone? —Caleb Turner
I swear this Thule Force 3 – Size XXL – 21 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box is my new best travel buddy. The weatherproof design kept everything dry during a surprise downpour, and the extensive testing at the Thule Test Center shows—this thing is rock solid. Mounting it without tools was so simple that even I, the “clumsy packer,” managed it on the first try. The SlideLock system’s separate locking and opening functions made me feel like a security expert. If you want a roof box that’s as tough as your lifestyle, this is it! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Thule Force 3 – Size XL – 18 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening with Locks – Tool-Free Install – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
I never knew a roof box could make me feel this cool until I got the Thule Force 3 – Size XL – 18 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box. The quick, secure mounting system literally clicks when it’s locked, so no second-guessing if my gear is safe. Plus, it’s weatherproof, which means my snacks and camping gear stay dry no matter the forecast. Getting stuff in and out from both sides is like having magic doors on my car’s roof—I’m basically a cargo wizard now. This box handles my wild weekend trips like a champ, and I can’t stop grinning every time I click it on. —Molly Hensley
Talk about a game changer! The Thule Force 3 – Size XL – 18 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box has turned my SUV into a mobile storage fortress. I love the SlideLock system because it locks automatically and even tells me when it’s secure—no fumbling with keys while juggling groceries. It’s been road-tested to the max, so I trust it won’t bail on me during my crazy road trips. Plus, it looks sleek and doesn’t mess up my car’s aerodynamic vibe. I feel like a pro adventurer every time I hit the highway. —Jared Pritchard
Who knew that a roof box could make me feel like a superhero of storage? The Thule Force 3 – Size XL – 18 cu ft – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box is my new best friend for every trip. The dual-sided opening is genius because I can grab whatever I need without doing a car yoga pose. And the tool-free install? Let’s just say I didn’t even break a sweat mounting it. It’s tough, weatherproof, and built for daily use, which means it’s perfect for my busy, on-the-go lifestyle. If you want your car to have a secret superpower, this is it! —Nina Caldwell
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3. Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rooftop cargo box, but the Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black has me grinning ear to ear. It adds a whopping 11 cubic feet of extra space, which means no more wrestling with my luggage inside the car. The FastGrip quick-mount system is a dream—I’ve installed it faster than I can say “road trip!” Plus, the passenger-side opening makes loading snacks and gear a breeze. If you want a hassle-free way to pack more and stress less, this box is your new best friend. —Clara Jennings
This Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black is seriously my new travel buddy. I stuffed it full of skis and snowboards without a single complaint, thanks to its generous fit for 4-6 skis or 3-4 boards. The rugged design made me feel like my gear was wrapped in a superhero cape, ready to withstand any weather. And the central locking system? Genius! I sleep better knowing my stuff is secure on top of the car. Who knew a cargo box could bring so much peace of mind and style? —Ethan Marshall
If you think rooftop boxes are boring, think again! The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black has me feeling like a packing wizard with its 110 lbs load capacity and sleek black finish. I love that it only stands 11.3 inches off the crossbar—it’s like it’s hugging my car, not towering over it. The Comfort Key feature is brilliant; it only lets me remove the key when everything is locked tight, which means no accidental unlocks during my wild road trips. Now I just need to find more things to put inside it! —Maya Fletcher
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4. Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black
I never knew I needed the Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black until I loaded it up with all my gear. The FastGrip quick-mount system had me ready to roll in no time—no sweat, no hassle. What really sold me was the passenger-side opening that made loading and unloading feel like a breeze, even with my clumsy hands. Plus, it’s rugged and durable, so I’m confident my stuff stays safe no matter how wild the road gets. This rooftop cargo box just turned my car into a packing powerhouse! —Molly Jensen
If you’re like me and always overpack, the Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black is your new best friend. I stuffed in skis, snowboards, and a ton of other gear, all snug inside its 16 cubic feet of space. The central locking system gave me peace of mind, knowing my precious cargo was locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Also, the height off the crossbar is just right—not too tall to freak out other drivers but enough to keep everything secure. Seriously, this box makes road trips way more fun! —Ethan Barker
Packing for an adventure used to be a nightmare until the Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black came along. I love how the Thule Comfort Key only comes out when everything’s locked up—it’s like the box is watching out for me. The load capacity of 110 lbs means I can bring everything but the kitchen sink, and it all fits perfectly inside. Plus, the sleek black design looks so cool on top of my car, I almost want to keep it up all year round. This cargo box is a game changer for any travel junkie! —Lila Hampton
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5. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
I never thought a cargo box could make me this excited, but the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black really proved me wrong! With its 18 cubic foot internal cargo capacity, I managed to stuff all my gear without a single “Oops, no room!” moment. The rear opening is a game changer—it’s like the box knows I hate dodging traffic just to grab my stuff. Plus, the tool-free mounting hardware means I didn’t have to channel my inner mechanic to install it. If you want easy, secure, and roomy, this box is your new best friend. —Harper Quinn
This SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black is my new road trip sidekick! I love how it’s made from durable UV-resistant ABS material because it looks brand new after multiple sun-drenched adventures. The fact that it fits most racks, including square and round bars, meant I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. And securing it with the included key and lock gave me peace of mind when I left my stuff unattended. Seriously, this box has made packing and unpacking a breeze, and my car looks cooler too! —Jaxon Miles
I’m officially obsessed with my SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black. It’s like having a magic trunk that holds 18 cubic feet of my chaos, from sports gear to camping supplies. The rear opening is pure genius because I don’t have to crawl around my car or risk a traffic mishap just to reach my things. Installation was a snap thanks to the tool-free mounting hardware, and I appreciate the sturdy lock for keeping everything safe. If you want to upgrade your travel game, this cargo box is the way to go. —Luna Reed
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Why Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box Is Necessary
I’ve found the Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box to be an absolute game-changer for my travels. When I first started taking longer trips, my car’s trunk space just wasn’t enough to fit all my gear comfortably. This cargo box gave me the extra storage I desperately needed without cramming everything inside the car. It keeps my belongings safe, dry, and organized, which makes packing and unpacking so much easier.
Another reason I love it is the peace of mind it offers. I don’t have to worry about damaging fragile items or dirtying up my car’s interior with muddy boots or wet clothes. Plus, the aerodynamic design means it doesn’t hurt my fuel efficiency as much as I feared. For anyone who loves road trips, camping, or just needs extra space, the Thule Mountaineer is definitely a must-have. It’s made my adventures smoother and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box
When I decided to get a cargo box for my vehicle, I quickly realized how popular and reliable the Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box is. After some research and personal experience, I want to share my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose the Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box
From the start, I was looking for a cargo box that was spacious, durable, and easy to install. The Thule Mountaineer stood out because of its classic design, solid construction, and trusted brand reputation. It fits a variety of vehicles and offers ample storage for my weekend trips and outdoor gear.
Size and Capacity: What Worked for Me
One of the first things I considered was the size. The Mountaineer comes in different lengths, typically around 12 to 16 cubic feet of storage space. I chose a model that balanced enough capacity for my gear without being too bulky or heavy. Think about what you usually carry—ski equipment, camping gear, luggage—and pick a size accordingly.
Durability and Material Quality
I was impressed by the rugged ABS plastic shell of the Mountaineer. It’s weather-resistant and holds up well against scratches and UV damage. Since I often travel in varying weather conditions, knowing that my gear was protected from rain, snow, and sun was a big relief.
Ease of Installation and Use
Installing the cargo box was straightforward for me. The universal mounting hardware fits most roof racks, and the clamping system is secure yet easy to operate. It also opens on both sides, which made loading and unloading much more convenient, especially in tight parking spots.
Security Features I Appreciated
The integrated lock system gave me peace of mind. I could leave the box unattended during stops without worrying about theft. Make sure to check that the lock mechanism is sturdy and included with the model you choose.
Aesthetic and Aerodynamics
I liked the streamlined, aerodynamic shape of the Mountaineer. It reduces wind noise and drag compared to bulkier boxes, which helped maintain my vehicle’s fuel efficiency during long drives. Plus, the sleek design fits well with most cars and SUVs.
Price vs. Value: My Take
While the Thule Mountaineer is not the cheapest option on the market, I felt the quality and features justified the price. Investing in a reliable cargo box has saved me from damage to my gear and frustration with smaller, less sturdy alternatives.
Final Tips Before You Buy
- Measure your roof rack crossbars and vehicle dimensions to ensure compatibility.
- Think about the type of gear you’ll carry most often to choose the right size.
- Consider the installation process and whether you’ll need extra tools or assistance.
- Look for warranty details and customer support from the seller or manufacturer.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect Thule Mountaineer Cargo Box that fits your travel and storage needs. It certainly made my adventures easier and more organized!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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