Best Thule Roof Rack: Reviews In 2024 By Experts

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best Thule Roof Rack
Best Thule Roof Rack

Our Top Picks

1. Best Efficient: Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53”), Black

Thule Wingbar Evo 135 packages a wind diffuser to reduce noise, drag and improve fuel efficiency, plus a bright new black paint job for the best of both worlds. Thule's smart slide feature allows you to quickly and easily install the Wingbar with or without under-bar aerodynamic covers. Read Review

2. Best Efficient: TracRac TracONE Universal Truck Rack- Silver

Perfect for long items that just won't fit in your truck bed, the TracONE is a one size fits all truck rack. Made out of rust resistant aluminum construction and dual stage powder coating to resist wear and match the finish quality of your truck, this rack is perfect for any truck or SUV. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53”), Aluminum

Thule WingBars help you get the most out of your vehicle by reducing aerodynamic drag and noise, while improving fuel economy. The SmartSlide design is perfect for quick, no-hassle installation. Plus, the TrailEdge design allows clean air separation from the bar to reduce wind and drag. Read Review

4. Best Efficient: Thule Xsporter PRO, Black, One Size

A truck bed rack system designed for carrying 450lbs- No drilling required! Thule Xsporter PRO features a sleek and aerodynamic design that improves fuel efficiency. It also includes three diffusers to reduce noise and drag, and is compatible with most pickup beds. Read Review

If you are in the market for a roof rack for your car, truck, or SUV, then there are a few things you need to know. It’s easy to find racks that will neatly and securely slot into place on your vehicle; however, there are some key factors you need to take into account before making that final purchase.

A roof rack is an important purchase as it helps you transport heavy items safely and conveniently. Depending on your needs and how often you plan to use it, you might choose a more affordable model rather than spending top dollar on the most expensive one available. An All-Star Rating is not the only thing we consider when putting together our list of the best rooftop carriers. The quality of each product is also taken into consideration. This means that we only include Thule products in our reviews.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53”), Black as our top product. Or you can check the TracRac TracONE Universal Truck Rack- Silver as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53”), Black
Our Score:
9.9
Thule
  • Smart Slide, slid able length scale doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover, providing quick, no-hassle rack installation
  • Swing Blade end cap pivots open to allow easy access to the T-track for easy installation of accessories
TOP Choice #2 TracRac TracONE Universal Truck Rack- Silver
Our Score:
9.8
TracRac
  • Compatible Kayak Accessories: Thule Dock Grip and Dock Glide Kayak carriers (sold separately)
  • Rust resistant aluminum construction with dual stage powder coating to resist wear and match the finish quality of your truck
TOP Choice #3 Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53”), Aluminum
Our Score:
9.6
Thule
  • WindDiffuser technology disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy
  • SmartSlide, slidable length scale doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover, providing quick, no-hassle rack installation
  • Adjustable bar height for added carrying, storage, and loading options
  • A truck bed rack system designed to carry 450lbs - No drilling required!
5 Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.3
Thule
  • Load capacity: 44 lbs
  • Universal upright bike rack for 1 bike
6 Thule SquareBar 118 (47”), Black
Our Score:
9.2
Thule
  • Polymer coating provides additional grip for rooftop cargo
  • Slot underneath is compatible with all Thule Eva and Rapid foot packs
  • Accommodates bikes equipped with disc brakes
  • Mounts to all Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks
  • Foot installs easily onto vehicles without pre-existing roof rack attachment points
  • Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
  • Locks the bike to the bike rack and the bike rack to the roof racks with Thule One-Key lock cylinder (sold separately)
  • Easy to secure the bike to the carrier with the locking skewer (lock and cylinder sold separately)
  • Includes two ratcheting bow and stern tie downs and two straps with buckle protectors
  • Quick on and off hardware

How can you get the best thule roof rack you need quickly?

Do you need to buy the best thule roof rack in 2024 from e-commerce websites within the next few hours? Perhaps you've recently learned of something that can benefit individuals in your life but aren't sure where to turn or who to trust. So, we're here to help. Our article will show you how to acquire the best thule roof rack for your needs swiftly so that it arrives on time and as planned. It's that easy!

We'll show you some pointers on how to avoid having to make another purchase. Purchasing things online should be a breeze after reading this article!

 

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

 

FAQs

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

Conclusion

So, what's the easiest approach to get the best thule roof rack you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach. 

When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier, One Size will be your new buddy.


0 ratings

About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio