perfect size
we were looking for a cargo hauler for a motorcycle trailer,it is the perfect size for extra luggage. We have not used it yet,hopefully it works as well as expected.
Great but the specs are off...
Bought this unit based on the size specifications listed (and the awesome price). After a lot of research I purchased it for my 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe thinking we could mount it in the garage and then fill it up before our winter trip. Well, it was at least 3" too high for our doors so instead of being mounted and loaded before our trip south it went into the back of the SUV, filled it up, and left. We mounted it while in Florida for the trip back. It held tons of stuff and sealed well and stayed waterproof through a torrential downpour while on the interstate. Had to drill out new holes (easy) to mount it on our existing roof rack tracks so it wouldn't interfere with the satellite radio/nav antenna and also mounted it slightly to the passenger side. We also used some nylon cord to secure it to the tracks (we're belts & suspenders kind of people) but it didn't move, sway or rock at all during the entire trip. Locks are secure.
My advice--check the size specs and add at least 3-4 inches for height. You're probably not going to get your SUV back in the garage after it's mounted (our Santa Fe is tall--it's AWD) and you might consider some long cargo straps for that added sense of security. It also will probably cut down your MPG by at least 2-5 MPG, but it's worth it for the extra storage space. I'd give this unit a 5 star rating for price/space/reliabity, but only 3 stars for accuracy in the size description. It'd be great for car/sedans (like a Suburu Forester) but it's too tall for the standard SUV to get in your garage. Five stars for the great Amazon price and speed of delivery!
sidekick performed well
The sidekick assembled easily. It is very light and easy to install on th roof of my VW Tiguan. A little bit flimsy but very usable. I have taken it on a 1000 mile trip with no issues. Gas mileage is about 1 mpg less than normal, not much of a sacrifice for the added storage. I would recommend this to a friend.
Love it!!
I have to say that this cargo box was GREAT!! We got it rather quickly and put it together. It does help to have 2 people put it together but one can do it just fine. We drove through 5 states and over 2000 miles with no problems. My husband was able to easily put his golf clubs in the box along with other items. All positive and plenty of room but if I could have I would have ordered a wider box....that's because we carry alot when we travel. Gas mileage...very little effect. I heard no noise as we were going 75 mph most of our trip. I recommend this to anyone that needs the extra room. I thought that we only needed the factory rails but you need the cross bars as well...(I am new to the cargo box thing).
New Sidekick
I just got the Thule Sidekick. I have assembled and mounted it so far. I will travel soon so I will have more input when the time comes. Lets see what I've learned so far.
Assmebly was easy. The instructions are hard to follow but the product is originally from Sweden. Anyone who has assembled furniture from Ikea will know exactly what I'm talking about. There are English instructions that are lacking description and the pictures could be a little more in detail. I did need help aligning the hinges just like everyone else but it wasn't difficult with another person.
The construction seems sturdy and with it filled will only get better. The materials are light but well put together. This is very important considering you are hefting this onto the top of your vehicle and if there was a mishap the weight would not do damage to the roof (I know, I did drop it on the top of my Jeep Liberty). There are extra holes so that adjustments can be made for mounting but there are extra vinyl stickers included to occlude the holes once you've found the right spot.
After reading other reviews about moisture getting inside, I have decided to put the less crucial items that I will need in the box with a layer of waterproofing (aka Gladbags) over them. The rest will ride in the vehicle. Until my trip from DC to Bangor, Maine in December I won't know how this holds up but I will be back to tell you the rest once I am done.
Thule Sidekick Cargo Box
Amazon.com Product Description:
Perfectly suited to carrying everything from camping gear to golf clubs, the Thune 682 Sidekick rooftop cargo box makes a great cross-country companion. The Sidekick, which mounts directly to most removable and factory-installed roof racks, offers a convenient side-opening design that facilitates easy loading and unloading. It's also plenty spacious, with a total capacity of 8 cubic feet--enough for up to two sets of golf clubs or a bunch of camping gear. And thanks to the impact-resistant polyethylene construction, the Sidekick is built to last. A good-looking and functional addition to any vehicle, the Sidekick measures 54 by 15.5 by 25 inches (W x H x D) and assembles easily. Users should note that this cargo box is not One-Key System compatible.
What's in the Box?
Rooftop cargo box, master parts bag, small parts bag, mounting hardware, user's manual
About Thule
To say that Thule’s beginnings in the U.S. were humble would be an understatement. Founding member Ake Skeppner sold products at windsurf competitions on the New England shoreline, exhibited the product line at a number of different trade shows, and even canvassed local retailers in the greater New York area, all from his "office"--a now-famous station wagon. Initial success was found in the small but growing sport of windsurfing where a strong, reliable roof rack was an indispensable piece of equipment. This was quickly followed by success in the ski business where Thule's Swedish heritage certainly helped the product gain rapid acceptance.
By the mid-1980s, the company sold products directly to ski and windsurfing shops but sold through distributors to address the large and growing bike business. A risky decision was made to terminate these distributor relationships and sell direct to retailers through a network of independent sales representatives. Much of the company's market success today can be traced to that decision. Shortly after, Ake hired an engineer and set up a small assembly plant in Elmsford, New York in order to design and manufacture bike carriers that would offer the features demanded by the U.S. consumer and compete effectively with other racks on the market.
The company has since grown rapidly through product innovation, a commitment to quality, and the continuance of a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as continuing to evolve their products to meet the needs of users.
- Rooftop cargo box with 8 cubic feet of storage
- Ideal for carrying camping gear and golf clubs
- Side-opening design for easy loading and unloading
- Mounts to most removable and factory roof racks
- Measures 54 x 15.5 x 25 inches (W x H x D)
