Thule Guide for Beginners: How to Choose the Right Car Rack
When it comes to carrying outdoor gear and luggage on your car, a car rack is an essential investment. A good quality car rack like Thule can help make transporting your belongings much easier, leaving more room for passengers and ensuring that your car is not overloaded. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your vehicle. In this article, we will provide you with detailed guidelines on how to choose the perfect car rack by Thule, the world’s most popular brand for car racks.
Determine Your Needs
The first step to choosing the perfect car rack for your vehicle is to identify your needs. What will you be carrying on your rack? Will it be outdoor adventure gear like kayaks, bikes, skis, or luggage? How many items will you be carrying? Will you be carrying more gear in the future? Once you know what you need, you can narrow down your options and choose the right Thule car rack accordingly.
Consider The Type of Rack
Thule offers a vast range of car racks to suit your transporting needs. Based on what you need to carry, choose the type of car rack that is suitable for your vehicle. If you want to transport bikes, Thule offers different racks for various bike styles. You can choose from a hitch-mounted, trunk-mounted, or roof-mounted bike rack. If it is luggage that you want to transport, a roof-mounted cargo carrier or a hitch-mounted cargo carrier could be the right choice. For kayaks and canoes, there are kayak racks that can be mounted to the roof of your vehicle or on the hitch.
Check Your Car’s Compatibility
Before choosing a car rack, it is essential to check the compatibility of your car model with Thule car racks. A perfect fit is paramount to ensure safe and secure transport of your gear. Fortunately, Thule has an online Compatibility Guide that allows you to enter your car’s make, model, and year, making it easier for you to choose the right Thule car rack for your vehicle.
Consider the Number of Gear Intended to be Carried
If you plan on carrying multiple items, you need to choose a rack that can handle the weight of the items you’ll be transporting. For example, if you want to carry several bikes, opt for a Thule bike rack with a high weight capacity. Many Thule car racks have an indicator on the box that shows the maximum weight capacity for the product. Ensure that the car rack you choose can support the weight of your items.
Ease of Use and Security
When purchasing a car rack, consider how user-friendly it is and how well it secures your gear. You want a rack that is easy to install and load your items onto. Thule provides different locking systems that are designed to keep your equipment safe from theft. Some models come with a lock at the rack itself, while others lock equipment to the rack. Choose a Thule car rack that has a reliable security system.
Conclusion
With so many car rack options on the market, choosing the perfect one can be challenging. However, by following the guidelines in this Thule Guide for beginners, you can purchase a suitable car rack for your car, whether it’s for recreational activities or luggage transport. Consider your transport needs, type of rack, compatibility with your car, weight capacity, security, and ease of use when selecting a Thule car rack. Remember, it’s always worth choosing a reliable brand like Thule that offers high-quality car racks so that you can have peace of mind when carrying your items.
Top Thule Roof Box Recommendations for Small Cars
If you own a small car, road trips can be challenging. There might not be enough space for all the luggage. But, with the help of a roof box from Thule, you can expand your storage capacity without having to worry about your car’s size or shape. Here are some of the best Thule roof boxes for small cars that you need to consider.
1. Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
This versatile cargo carrier has a sleek and aerodynamic design suitable for most small cars. Thule Motion XT can carry up to 165 pounds of luggage, making it the perfect option for family road trips. Its dual side opening and quick-mount system make it easy to install and access your belongings. Additionally, its 16 cubic feet of storage space is ideal for camping gear, sports equipment, and more.
2. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
The Thule Force XT cargo box is perfect for small cars due to its compact design and ample storage capacity of 11 cubic feet. Its unique diamond-textured AeroSkin lid makes it easy for the box to withstand any external shocks, and its sleek design reduces drag and noise while driving. The Thule cargo box’s intuitive clamping system makes installation and removal a simple process.
3. Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box
The Thule Pulse roof box comes in a variety of sizes, making it one of the most customizable cargo carriers available. Its durable and impact-resistant material will protect your belongings from the elements and allow you to travel with confidence. Its quick-grip mounting system, combined with its secure lock system, makes it theft-resistant and secure for long trips.
4. Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box
If you own a smaller car and don’t need a lot of extra storage space, then the Thule Sidekick rooftop cargo box is an excellent option for you. Though it only has 8 cubic feet of storage capacity, it still provides enough room for smaller items like camping gear, sports equipment, and more. It’s easy to mount on any roof rack, making it simple and functional.
5. Thule Interstate Cargo Bag
The Thule Interstate Cargo Bag is a great option for those who own small cars without roof racks. The bag can be easily attached to the roof of your car, with its durable, weather-resistant fabric keeping your belongings secure. It’s an excellent option for those who don’t want a permanent cargo box attached to their car, as it’s both portable and user-friendly.
In conclusion, the Thule roof boxes are an excellent option for those who own small cars and want to travel with all their necessary belongings. You need to consider the size of your car, the number of items you need to carry, and the length of your trip before choosing your Thule roof box. With these recommendations, you now have a broad idea of the different options available.
Thule Bike Rack Buying Guide: Which One Fits Your Car Best?
Thule is a popular brand for bike racks, serving customers for over half a century. When choosing the right bike rack for your car, you need to consider a few crucial factors such as the type of car you have, how many bikes you want to carry, the type of bikes you have, and your budget. Here are the top three Thule bike rack recommendations for your car:
1. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
Thule invented the T2 Pro XT 2 bike rack to make transporting bikes easy and hassle-free. This Thule bike rack is perfect for SUVs, trucks, and minivans. It is easy to install and remove without damaging the vehicle.
The bike rack can hold up to two bikes securely. The Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack can carry almost any type of bikes, including E-bikes, Fat bikes, and downhill bikes. The rack also has a tilt-down mechanism, making it easy to access the cargo area without unloading the bikes.
The rack has a low profile design, which reduces wind drag, fuel consumption, and noise compared to other bike racks in the market. The T2 Pro XT 2 bike rack is a bit pricey, but its features and versatility make it worth the investment.
2. Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack
The Thule Helium Pro 3 bike rack is an ultralight bike rack designed to carry up to three bikes. It is perfect for sedans, hatchbacks, and small SUVs as it has a compact design that can fit in tight spaces.
The Helium Pro 3 bike rack is effortless and swift to install without any tools required. The rack has a sleek and modern design which is easy to move around, even when not carrying bikes.
The Helium Pro 3 bike rack features a no-sway cage system, which helps prevent bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact. The rack also has an integrated locking system, which ensures safety and security when on the road.
Overall, the Thule Helium Pro 3 bike rack is perfect for those who want a compact and lightweight bike rack that is easy to install and remove.
3. Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack
The Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack is the perfect choice for those who have a sedan or hatchback style car. This Thule bike rack is easy to install, and it comes with cables that lock your bikes and the rack onto your car.
The Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack can carry up to three bikes, and the rack’s arms can be adjusted to fit different bike frames. The rack also has a patented Fit Dial system making it easy to match the rack to the car’s exact measurements.
The Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack also features a lockable cable, which secures your bikes to the rack and keeps them safe in transit. The rack is lightweight, easy to store, and can be easily mounted onto the back of your car.
The Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack is an excellent choice for those who have a smaller car and want a reliable, easy-to-use bike rack that can carry multiple bikes.
In conclusion, choosing the right Thule bike rack for your car depends on several factors, such as the type of car you have, how many bikes you want to carry, the type of bikes you have, and your budget. Keeping these factors in mind and choosing from the recommended bike racks above will ensure that you have a safe and secure transportation of your bikes.
Thule Cargo Carrier Options for SUVs and Trucks
When it comes to transporting extra stuff, Thule has got you covered with their cargo carrier options for SUVs and trucks. Whether you’re going on a road trip, camping, or need extra space for your outdoor gear, Thule has a carrier that can fit your needs. Here are four options:
- Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box: This carrier is perfect for those who need extra space for their belongings. It has a sleek and aerodynamic design, making it easy to install and reducing wind drag. The Pulse also features a passenger-side opening for easy access, and comes in three sizes: Alpine (11 cubic feet), Medium (14 cubic feet), and Large (16 cubic feet).
- Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket: This carrier is ideal for those who need to transport larger items such as kayaks, bikes, or skis. The Canyon XT Cargo Basket is made of heavy-duty steel and has a low profile, which makes it aerodynamic and fuel-efficient. It also features adjustable positioning of the tie-down points, allowing you to secure your cargo with ease.
- Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box: This carrier is great for those who want a carrier with a bit more style. The Force XT has a stylish design with a textured finish and comes in multiple sizes: Medium (13 cubic feet), Large (16 cubic feet), and X-Large (18 cubic feet). The carrier also features a dual-side opening for easy access, and it can accommodate skis and snowboards up to 175 cm in length.
- Thule TracRac XT Truck Rack: For those who own a truck and need to transport large items, the TracRac XT Truck Rack is an excellent option. The rack mounts onto the bed rails of your truck and can carry up to 1,000 lbs, making it a versatile and durable option for heavy loads. It also features adjustable tie-downs and load stops, which allow you to secure your cargo with ease.
No matter what type of cargo you need to transport, Thule has a carrier option that can fit your needs. With their products, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and secure during transportation. In addition, Thule cargo carriers come with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that they will last for years to come.
Thule Snow Sports Equipment Hauling Tips and Suggestions
Winter sports are undoubtedly exciting, but the challenge lies in transporting heavy sports equipment to the slopes. Fear not, for Thule has got you covered! Thule offers a wide range of products that are specifically designed to make your life easier and help you carry your snow sports equipment without any hassle. As a Thule user, here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your Thule carrier system.
1. Choose the Right Carrier
The first and the most crucial step is to choose the right Thule carrier for your vehicle and your snow sports equipment. Thule offers different types of carriers, from roof boxes, ski and snowboard racks, hitch-mounted ski carriers, and cargo carriers. It is essential to choose the right carrier that matches your vehicle and your equipment needs. For instance, if you have a smaller car, a roof-mounted cargo box might not be the best fit. Instead, a hitch-mounted carrier would be an excellent option.
2. Properly Secure Your Equipment
Securing your snow sports equipment correctly is critical to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure your safety on the road. Make sure that you tie down your equipment firmly using high-quality straps. Do not rely on bungee cords or ropes to secure your equipment as they are not reliable. Also, ensure that your equipment is not moving around inside the carrier. If it does, it could cause a hazardous situation while driving. Additionally, use locks to keep your equipment safe and prevent theft.
3. Load Your Equipment Properly
The way you load your equipment onto the Thule carrier also plays a crucial role in ensuring transportation safety. Make sure you place your equipment properly on the carrier to avoid scratching or damaging your vehicle or the carrier. When loading, ensure that your equipment fits snugly without any wobbling. It is recommended to load the equipment in the same orientation to reduce any unintended rotation during transportation.
4. Check Your Equipment Frequently
While traveling to the slopes, it is best to keep an eye on your sports equipment regularly. Ensure that the equipment is not getting damaged or shifting position. Stop periodically and check the carrier and equipment to ensure that it is secure and in good condition. Do not forget to check the straps and locks regularly to make sure they are tight and functioning correctly.
5. Ensure Safe Unloading
Once you have reached your destination, it is time to unload your equipment safely. Before opening the carrier, ensure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface, and the carrier is on a stable platform. Open the carrier carefully, and avoid dropping or tilting the equipment that could cause damage or injury. Gentle handling of the equipment while unloading is key to prevent damage.
With these tips and suggestions, you can now safely and efficiently transport your snow sports equipment using Thule carrier systems, ensuring your equipment stays secure and your drive is stress-free. Enjoy your winter sports adventure without worrying about your equipment transportation.