Best Thule Roof Carrier Options for You and Your Vehicle | Thule

Q: What is the difference between a roof box and a rear-mounted cargo carrier?

Roof boxes mount on the roof of your vehicle and are great for lightweight cargo and long gear like skis and snowboards. Rear-mounted cargo carriers mount to the back of the car and sit at waist height for easy loading and unloading.

Q: What do I need to install a cargo carrier?

To install a roof box, your vehicle needs a roof rack system with crossbars. For a rear-mounted cargo carrier, you must have a towbar or hitch receiver. Both systems are designed for simple, user-friendly installation and can be easily removed when not in use.

Q: When should I use a cargo carrier?

Cargo carriers are ideal for anytime you need to transport something while keeping your interior free and comfortable. From stowing bulky equipment and essential cargo for adventures and road trips, to daily city errands like grocery hauls or carrying strollers.

Q: Are cargo carriers easy to use?

Yes. Cargo carriers are designed for accessibility and ease-of-use. Thule roof boxes are accessible from either side of the car via dual-side opening. Rear-mounted carriers offer easy access thanks to their position at waist-height. Both types feature intuitive mounting systems for fast and secure installation.

A dark SUV with a roof box is parked on a rocky mountain slope, while two people stand beside the vehicle with outdoor gear and a dog sitting at their feet. Snow patches and steep mountains surround the scene under an overcast sky.

For every journey

Unlock a new world of experiences with a cargo carrier. Versatile, safe and comfortable storage for the roof or at the back of the vehicle.

Choose your cargo carrier

Find your style

An SUV drives on a road at dusk with a Thule roofbox on top.

Roof boxes

The versatile standard designed to fit both your lifestyle and your vehicle. For sporty weekends, daily errands or adventurous vacations, Thule roof boxes suits every need.

A black SUV with a Thule Arcos rear mounted cargo box on the back drives down a road in nature.

Rear-mounted solutions

The modern traveller’s choice. Offers supreme energy efficiency and ergonomic storage at waist-height, handling both bulky equipment and daily essentials with ease.

A man loads a Thule duffel bag onto a Thule Caprock roof platform on a vehicle's roof with tents and a mountain lake in the background.

Roof baskets

Open-air storage for your weather-resistant cargo. From camping gear to irregularly shaped equipment, the open design allows easy access and limitless possibilities.

The road to new adventures

Choosing a cargo carrier means balancing your vehicle’s capabilities with your needs. Think about what you want to carry and whether you prefer storage on the roof or at the rear — this decides which mounting system you need, roof racks or rear-mounted solution. Choose a suitable style and size, add accessories, and start making new memories.

1. Define your style

Choose which solution suits you best, roof or rear-mounted.

2. Add your mounting system

Find your compatible roof racks, roof platform or carrier platform.

3. Optimize your experience

Complete your setup with customized accessories for storage and packing.

4. Mount and go

Get ready to explore the world and enjoy your next adventure.

A person loading a packed bag into an open roof box mounted on a vehicle, with several other bags already stored inside. Snow‑covered ground and a rocky landscape are visible in the background.

The full Thule experience

Make the most of your investment with customized accessories. Smart storage and organizing solutions with optimized bags, lift assists, and more, specifically designed for your cargo carrier.

Explore accessories

Your guide to cargo carriers

An suv with a Thule roofbox on top and a Thule rear cargo box on the back dries down a snowy road.

Roof or rear-mounted?

Finding the right cargo carrier starts with understanding your needs. Explore features and benefits to find your perfect match.

Comparing cargo carriers

A man, woman and two dogs walk near a car with a Thule roofbox mounted to the top in rocky landscape.

Roof boxes

A roof box transforms the way you travel. Find your size and style, and get practical tips on compatibility and packing.

Our guide to roof boxes

A family walks near the rear of a car mounted with a Thule roofbox on top and a Thule rear cargo carrier on the back in a snowy driveway.

Rear-mounted solutions

Ergonomic and efficient storage tailored to your lifestyle. Discover use cases, best practices and modular solution setups.

Our guide to rear-mounted cargo carriers

A dark car with a rooftop cargo box driving along a road.

The perfect fit

How do you know if a roof box fits your vehicle? Learn best practices, and key considerations when choosing a roof box.

Will a roof box fit my car?

Popular products

Thule Motion 3 L

roof box black glossy

Thule Vector L

roof box black metallic

Thule Force 3 L

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Pulse 2 L

roof box

Thule Arcos box L

large hard-shell towbar cargo carrier box

roof box black glossy

Thule Vector Alpine

roof box black metallic

Thule Force 3 XL

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Pulse 2 XL

roof box

Crash tested for your safety

At the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp, Sweden, products go through extreme testing. Our cargo carriers are designed to carry your gear and fit your car as safely and securely as possible. Below are just a few examples of the many tests conducted. 

We conduct multiple crash tests at different speeds and weights to see how the racks and cargo carrier protects its contents and the vehicle from damage.