If you're going on a road trip, then you're definitely going to need all the load capacity you can get for your car. There are many practical options for you, including installing cargo boxes and carriers on your car’s roof. We went out in search of the best roof cargo carrier, and Thule Motion XT aced the test, so we decided to give our Thule Motion XT reviews.
Do I Really Need A Rooftop Cargo Carrier?
Let's first start by understanding whether a rooftop cargo carrier is really necessary. Simply put, roof carriers will let you add cargo storage space mounted on top of your car without making you look like the Beverly Hillbillies but other than that, they are a great investment because:
- Mounting luggage/gear on top of your vehicle leaves you with plenty of room to comfortably transport everyone in the car
- Increase space for the luggage/gear you need to carry for your trip
- Are great and secure storage space for camping equipment and gear like skis
- With Aerodynamics in mind, they're designed to reduce drag while driving
- They come in various sizes that suit your needs
Also, a huge plus is the fact that today's cargo carriers are pretty sleek and will work with the preferred aesthetics of your vehicle without sabotaging its gas mileage. Additionally, to determine whether or not a roof cargo carrier is for you, you need to ask yourself:
- How often do you go camping or travel?
- Do you need to haul a significant amount of gear to the campsite or vacation destination?
- What kind of cargo/gear are you going to be carrying?
With all the many options to consider, finding the right one for you can be such a daunting task. This is why we are here to help you learn all about the Thule Motion XT, a very popular brand that many campers and families reliably trust and what it actually brings to the table.
Thule Motion XT Reviews
Thule Motion XT is a rooftop cargo box that offers impressive features that stand out, making it a truly appealing option. As an excellent, high-end cargo roof box that tops in every category, it comes with a sturdy lid, large ergonomic handle, bonus pull cord, great exterior, and style, all for a superior mounting system.
Besides its flashy features, it also gets bonus points for its two-color shiny finish choices and impressive new red locking indicator to give you the confidence that your luggage is always secure. Here's a more in-depth review.
Features of Thule Motion XT
A) Unbelievably Spacious
More specifically, the Thule Motion XT L model comes quite spacious and can hold many cargo/gear. Many people end up using all the space in the Thule Motion XT L cargo box to haul sports gear and equipment. The manufacturers say it can hold up to 8 pairs of skis and up to 6 snowboards, depending on their sizes.
This model is specifically designed to carry up to 110 pounds of cargo, making it quite a desirable option for people like camping or going on a road trip. Besides being able to pack in a lot of stuff, it’s an excellent way to transport sports equipment and camping gear safely.
B) Installation and Viability to Different Vehicles
This cargo box has been designed with modern SUVs, vans, and wagons in mind, so it works great for different vehicles. This makes it blend in with your car aesthetics and makes it very easy to install on your rooftop rack. In addition, the installation of this mounting system is designed to easily mount onto most factory-installed roof racks and aftermarket roof racks.
Using Thule's extra-wide, pre-installed PowerClick and QuickGrip mounting system, this cargo box becomes so easy to install that just about anyone can do it, and you won’t even need to use any complicated tools. If you need to buy a roof rack or loading bar for your vehicle, rest easy because it has great compatibility with all Thule load bars, Yakima crossbars, Yakima clamps, most factory-installed, and aftermarket roof racks.
For installation, all you need to do is simply insert the AcuTight clamps provided into the slots at the carrier base, and it's ready to be mounted on your car.
C) Simple Open and Close
Some cargo boxes can be a bit cumbersome and make it so hard to get your stuff in and out. However, the durable lid stiffeners and struts on this cargo box make it so simple to open and close the carrier single-handedly if need be. In addition, it incorporates Thule's SlideLock system, which comes with separate locking and opening functions.
D) Secure
You just have to love the fact that this cargo box comes with an ergonomic lock knob. This not only keeps your mounted luggage safe while on the road but also keeps people from meddling into your stuff if you happen to stop by a hotel for the night.
The SlideLock system automatically locks the lid in place and also indicates when it's securely closed. So even at a crazy high speed, this cargo box is reliably secure and stable just as long as it's mounted properly. It comes in a simple, sleek design, yet it's so effective.
The latching system gives a loud, satisfactory click when the carrier is latched, and it's impossible to remove the key unless the carrier is properly latched. This means that there's no way you're going to accidentally lock in the keys or drive away without properly locking it.
E) Aerodynamic Sleek Design
Another reason to install this cargo box is its aerodynamic design. Its great quality and design significantly reduce the pressure and noise that comes with the wind as you drive so that you can enjoy a much quieter drive. Its polished, gleaming look is another bonus that definitely makes this a great purchase from both practical and aesthetic perspectives.
Other than a quiet drive, the cargo box wind-breaking ability comes with great fuel efficiency.
F) Aesthetics and Sizes
We usually shop for the car we want mostly based on style and functionality, so why wouldn't you want to evaluate car accessories the same way. Generally, most cargo boxes are long and slim; however, the Motion XT has a sleek rear-end tapered look that you'll come to appreciate because it doesn't interfere with your trunk door.
It comes in 2 colors; glossy black and glossy titan, and 3 sizes; L, XL, and XXL, all to fit different vehicle sizes. Additionally, it comes with an ergonomic handle that's thoughtfully built not to distract its pomp high-end design.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Amongst all the cargo boxes in the market, Thule carefully thought out a quick mount to give campers, families, and people going on a road trip a good and reliable rooftop cargo box. This cargo box is a premium rooftop box that's not just easy to install but has impressive features that are designed to give you satisfactory convenience while you travel.
Furthermore, unlike other cargo boxes, this high-quality cargo box has a durable construction and use of materials that will stand the test of time. From our Thule Motion XT reviews and findings, we can confidently conclude that this is a rooftop carrier that is indeed worth your consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions on Thule Motion XT Roof Box
1. How to pronounce Thule?
Thule is pronounced as "too-lee."
2. Is Thule Motion XT rooftop cargo carrier waterproof?
Generally, Thule Motion XT cargo boxes are somewhat water-resistant but not completely waterproof.
3. What is the load capacity in a Thule Motion XT XL box?
The Thule Motion XT XL box load capacity is plenty and long enough to fit a shower tent, camp rockers, 10 x 10 canopy and screen walls, camp tables, fly rods, rifles, shotguns, tripods, etc. After loading all those, you'll still have enough room for luggage, wading bags, and kit bags.
4. What is the difference between Thule Motion XT and the Thule XT Force cargo box?
Thule XT Force is a rooftop cargo carrier that comes with a quick-mount system and dual-side opening. At the same time, Thule XT Motion is a rooftop cargo carrier that comes with a SlideLock system in addition to the dual-side opening that makes it the most secure cargo carrier.