Details
- Aerodynamic shape and the diamond-textured skin on lid of roof box help to reduce drag
- Tool-free QuickGrip™ mounting system comes pre-installed so you'll be on the road in seconds
- QuickGrip system can be mounted on square and round crossbars and most factory racks (see Fit List); attaches with a single, 1-handed motion
- Patented, dual-side openings let you access your gear from either side of the box
- Locking system features an external lock-assist knob that is easy to use; built-in safety feature means the key can only be removed when the box is fully closed
- User-friendly locking system includes an oversize key; a lock is located on each side of the box, and each lock comes with 2 keys
- Thule Force XL roof box holds 6 - 8 pairs of skis or 4 - 6 snowboards
Made in USA.
Please read carefully.
Specs
| Best Use | Travel |
|---|---|
| Box Opening | Dual Side |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 481 liter |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 29,376 cubic inches |
| Ski Load Capacity | 6 - 8 pairs |
| Snowboard Load Capacity | 4 - 6 |
| Internal Straps | Yes |
| One-Handed Opening | Yes |
| Length | 7 feet |
| Width (in.) | 34.5 inches |
| Height (in.) | 17 inches |
| Weight | 44 pounds |
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lacey Hiker from
So far.....so good!
After leaving from Lacey, Washington on an extended road trip around the northern US, Canada and Alaska, we realized we needed more storage to avoid having to move stuff around when sleeping in our Suburban, and bought the Thule Force XL in Boise, Idaho. It was mounted in about 10 minutes and we were on our way. We have it loaded with about 150+ pounds. Traveled across Idaho, Montana, South Dakota at highway speeds of 70-75 mph with no issues of the top raising up. I am guessing that those reviews mentioning problems with the lif opening at highway speeds may have had the roof box mounted too far forward on their vehicle allowing wind to be forced upward onto the roof box. However, I can detect no looseness that would allow the lid to raise up when latched closed. Will provide an update if problems arise as we continue our travels......
Date published: 2014-08-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
neilbfree from
Great ski carrier
Picked this box up and it took maybe 5 minutes to mount it on my Outback (with factory crossbars) in the store parking lot. Had very little wind noise. Filled it up the following week with ski gear for three adults and one snowboarder for a 5 day ski/snowboard trip to Canada. The box worked like a champ. Car mileage dropped from 27 to 25 MPG during this trip which is not bad considering the load I was carrying. It was quiet, very secure and it carried a ton of stuff. When we returned home, it took less than 5 minutes to remove it from my roof after we emptied it out. I am very pleased with this box.
Date published: 2017-01-22
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Rick21157 from
I highly recommend this product
Found the Force XL to be a breeze to install, the quick turn latches that secure the unit to the roof rack are a definite plus, no tools required!!! The unit was installed on a 2013 Suburban LTZ and found the aerodynamics to be first rate as I neither felt nor heard a thing while driving at above highway speeds nor noticed a drop in MPG during my 1,000 mile round trip to Vermont. I flip flopped between the Thule XL and XXL but ultimately chose the XL, and I'm glad that I did. I was able to stow 1 snowboard, 4 pairs of skis along with boots, poles, helmets, snow pants, jackets and still had enough room for other incidentals. I highly recommend this product. Quick note, you should definitely use the Thule provided tie down straps even for short jaunts as cargo will bounce around on bumpy roads as I found out (could hear the equipment bouncing around) on a day trip from Okemo to Killington
Date published: 2014-03-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DC 5 from
Excellent product.
I am very happy with this product. We purchased the Thule Force XL to free up space in our SUV. Installation couldn't be easier. So far, we've used the cargo box for 5 ski trips; the container easily holds gear for 4 skiers, and then some. We did find out that the container is not completely water tight, but pack accordingly, and that's not much of an issue. Looking forward to warm weather usage (camping, beach)!
Date published: 2013-03-04
Rated 1 out of
5
by
CTSkier from
Not good
As with the previous reviewer, at highway speeds the leading edge of the carrier would lift and open a one inch gap. First time we used it it was raining and obviously the contents got wet. We could see the front of the carrier thru the sunroof window. It would open at about 60mph and would then close when slowing down. Was being used on a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The carrier must be properly closed to remove the key so it was not user error.
REI was totally great about accepting it as a return and we purchased the (more expensive) Thule Sonic XL and have not had any problems with it.
Date published: 2013-05-09
Rated 4 out of
5
by
supermomva from
So far, so good!
I have been researching these for quite awhile, as in over a year. We have four children and we travel quite a bit. My husband has a Tundra and we have a travel trailer that we use, but I wanted an extra "trunk" for my 2012 Toyota Sienna. We plan on going to Yellowstone next year, so I wanted something to expand our cargo area. I had narrowed my choice down to this one and the Yakima Skybox 18. Reviews had pointed me in the direction of the Yakima, however, when I got to the store and saw the Yakima beside the Thule, I went with the Thule instead. The employee at this store was incredibly helpful (I have bought things from this employee before, so I trusted her judgment) and she said that the Yakima and Thule were both comparable but that she always goes with Thule products because of the company values. Me, personally, I like to buy things that are Made in USA, especially since there aren't that many done that way these days, unfortunately. Both Thule and Yakima are Made in USA because it isn't practical to ship these over seas. Having said that, the Yakima Skybox looked a bit more flimsy when it is side by side to the Thule. Both of them are exactly the same otherwise though: open from both sides, can attach to factory racks, and lock in place.
Here is the amazing part. I installed this all by myself (okay, a little help from my 11 year old son) and *gasp* I am a woman. It really is quite simple and a little bit of common sense gets you a long way for this installation. Luckily for me, my factory cross bars on my Sienna also adjust forward and backward so when I tested it to see if the hatch interfered and it did, I simply moved my cross bars forward and voila.
Another thing to note and the reason I chose the 17 cubic feet instead of thte 18....I am a very efficient packer and I was worried that I could easily over pack the larger size and exceed the weight limit. Don't let the online pictures deceive you..these are much wider and larger than they appear online. I have a large stroller (City) and it folds and I can fit it inside this box.
On the way home, I heard not a peep out of the box and I was traveling 70-75mph on the interestate. The box did wiggle, not as in it moved or loosened, but it was moving because it's in 70mph wind. I did not worry at all that it would open though.
First impressions so far are very good. I look forward to using this on our upcoming beach trip in two weeks.
Date published: 2013-06-10
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Happy and Living from
Nice box
We purchased this box for a family vacation, 6 out of 7 seatbelts occupied meant not a lot of room for gear. The box on top accommodated sleepingbags & clothes for everyone, leaving the passenger area free for snacks and personal entertainment gear. NEVER would have made this trip without the box. Worth every penny at full price, but we used our yearly 20% off Member coupon, which made this an even sweeter deal!
Date published: 2013-05-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BostonJ from
Handy for skiing family of 4
I purchased the Thule Force XL 2 months ago to use for our ski trips to Vermont. We've used it almost every weekend for the 3 plus hour drive up in ski country from Boston.
As a ski family of 4 this has been the best piece of travel equipment purchase to date. Not only does it have enough room for all our skis but it also holds all our helmets, boots, etc., so that it allows us to put other things in the back of our '04 Honda Pilot.
There is no noise at 75 mph and it doesn't interfere with the rear hatch. The XL fits perfectly on our factory installed crossbars.
Removing and installing on top of the car is fast and easy but it is slightly awkward when bringing it down to the basement. However, that's par for the course for a cargo box that size.
We'll be using it for our 3 day drive to Florida in the summer.
Date published: 2017-03-22
Does this fit 2017 Audi Q7 with Audi cross bars?
Thule currently does not list a fit for a 2017 Audi Q7 with factory crossbars. We recommend contacting Thule directly.
Date published: 2017-01-13
Will this and other Thule boxes mount to round Yakima cross bars?
Yes they will.
"QuickGrip system can be mounted on square and round crossbars and most factory racks."
Date published: 2017-04-05
Will this fit on a 2015 Nissan Murano with Dealer installed Nissan cross bars?
Thule does not recognize a fit for a Force Roof Box on your vehicle. Please contact Thule directly for more details.
Date published: 2017-01-27
Is this compatible with the Thule Aeroblade bars? Is an adapter needed?
Yes, the Force XL Roof Box will be compatible with the Thule Aeroblade bars.
Date published: 2017-01-27
I have a '16 GMC Acadia with the GMC factory cross bars. I've just mounted the Thule XL and the mounts fall wider than the cross bar onto the plastic end caps that hook into side rails. Have you seen this before? Is this safe for loading and travel?
According to Thule's fit guide, both the L and the XL boxes are compatible with the factory crossbars on a 2016 GMC Arcadia. We recommend contacting Thule directly for any installation or safety questions.
Date published: 2017-04-12
Would the XL fit my Fiat pop? I am going to live out of my car for awhile, and wondered if it'd be a good choice?
We recommend entering the year, make and model of your vehicle into Thule's online fit guide to determine if this box will fit your vehicle.
Date published: 2017-05-02
Will this fit on a 2011 GMC Terrain and is it compatible with the factory installed crossbars or will I need to buy the Thule Aeroblade bars in addition?
The Force XL Roof Box is compatible with the factory crossbars on your 2011 GMC Terrain.
Date published: 2016-08-12
I have a 2015 Subaru Outback and a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, will this fit both?
This cargo box fits both of your vehicles if they have factory installed racks.
Date published: 2017-05-29
Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lacey Hiker from
So far.....so good!
After leaving from Lacey, Washington on an extended road trip around the northern US, Canada and Alaska, we realized we needed more storage to avoid having to move stuff around when sleeping in our Suburban, and bought the Thule Force XL in Boise, Idaho. It was mounted in about 10 minutes and we were on our way. We have it loaded with about 150+ pounds. Traveled across Idaho, Montana, South Dakota at highway speeds of 70-75 mph with no issues of the top raising up. I am guessing that those reviews mentioning problems with the lif opening at highway speeds may have had the roof box mounted too far forward on their vehicle allowing wind to be forced upward onto the roof box. However, I can detect no looseness that would allow the lid to raise up when latched closed. Will provide an update if problems arise as we continue our travels......
Date published: 2014-08-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
neilbfree from
Great ski carrier
Picked this box up and it took maybe 5 minutes to mount it on my Outback (with factory crossbars) in the store parking lot. Had very little wind noise. Filled it up the following week with ski gear for three adults and one snowboarder for a 5 day ski/snowboard trip to Canada. The box worked like a champ. Car mileage dropped from 27 to 25 MPG during this trip which is not bad considering the load I was carrying. It was quiet, very secure and it carried a ton of stuff. When we returned home, it took less than 5 minutes to remove it from my roof after we emptied it out. I am very pleased with this box.
Date published: 2017-01-22
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Rick21157 from
I highly recommend this product
Found the Force XL to be a breeze to install, the quick turn latches that secure the unit to the roof rack are a definite plus, no tools required!!! The unit was installed on a 2013 Suburban LTZ and found the aerodynamics to be first rate as I neither felt nor heard a thing while driving at above highway speeds nor noticed a drop in MPG during my 1,000 mile round trip to Vermont. I flip flopped between the Thule XL and XXL but ultimately chose the XL, and I'm glad that I did. I was able to stow 1 snowboard, 4 pairs of skis along with boots, poles, helmets, snow pants, jackets and still had enough room for other incidentals. I highly recommend this product. Quick note, you should definitely use the Thule provided tie down straps even for short jaunts as cargo will bounce around on bumpy roads as I found out (could hear the equipment bouncing around) on a day trip from Okemo to Killington
Date published: 2014-03-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DC 5 from
Excellent product.
I am very happy with this product. We purchased the Thule Force XL to free up space in our SUV. Installation couldn't be easier. So far, we've used the cargo box for 5 ski trips; the container easily holds gear for 4 skiers, and then some. We did find out that the container is not completely water tight, but pack accordingly, and that's not much of an issue. Looking forward to warm weather usage (camping, beach)!
Date published: 2013-03-04
Rated 1 out of
5
by
CTSkier from
Not good
As with the previous reviewer, at highway speeds the leading edge of the carrier would lift and open a one inch gap. First time we used it it was raining and obviously the contents got wet. We could see the front of the carrier thru the sunroof window. It would open at about 60mph and would then close when slowing down. Was being used on a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The carrier must be properly closed to remove the key so it was not user error.
REI was totally great about accepting it as a return and we purchased the (more expensive) Thule Sonic XL and have not had any problems with it.
Date published: 2013-05-09
Rated 4 out of
5
by
supermomva from
So far, so good!
I have been researching these for quite awhile, as in over a year. We have four children and we travel quite a bit. My husband has a Tundra and we have a travel trailer that we use, but I wanted an extra "trunk" for my 2012 Toyota Sienna. We plan on going to Yellowstone next year, so I wanted something to expand our cargo area. I had narrowed my choice down to this one and the Yakima Skybox 18. Reviews had pointed me in the direction of the Yakima, however, when I got to the store and saw the Yakima beside the Thule, I went with the Thule instead. The employee at this store was incredibly helpful (I have bought things from this employee before, so I trusted her judgment) and she said that the Yakima and Thule were both comparable but that she always goes with Thule products because of the company values. Me, personally, I like to buy things that are Made in USA, especially since there aren't that many done that way these days, unfortunately. Both Thule and Yakima are Made in USA because it isn't practical to ship these over seas. Having said that, the Yakima Skybox looked a bit more flimsy when it is side by side to the Thule. Both of them are exactly the same otherwise though: open from both sides, can attach to factory racks, and lock in place.
Here is the amazing part. I installed this all by myself (okay, a little help from my 11 year old son) and *gasp* I am a woman. It really is quite simple and a little bit of common sense gets you a long way for this installation. Luckily for me, my factory cross bars on my Sienna also adjust forward and backward so when I tested it to see if the hatch interfered and it did, I simply moved my cross bars forward and voila.
Another thing to note and the reason I chose the 17 cubic feet instead of thte 18....I am a very efficient packer and I was worried that I could easily over pack the larger size and exceed the weight limit. Don't let the online pictures deceive you..these are much wider and larger than they appear online. I have a large stroller (City) and it folds and I can fit it inside this box.
On the way home, I heard not a peep out of the box and I was traveling 70-75mph on the interestate. The box did wiggle, not as in it moved or loosened, but it was moving because it's in 70mph wind. I did not worry at all that it would open though.
First impressions so far are very good. I look forward to using this on our upcoming beach trip in two weeks.
Date published: 2013-06-10
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Happy and Living from
Nice box
We purchased this box for a family vacation, 6 out of 7 seatbelts occupied meant not a lot of room for gear. The box on top accommodated sleepingbags & clothes for everyone, leaving the passenger area free for snacks and personal entertainment gear. NEVER would have made this trip without the box. Worth every penny at full price, but we used our yearly 20% off Member coupon, which made this an even sweeter deal!
Date published: 2013-05-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BostonJ from
Handy for skiing family of 4
I purchased the Thule Force XL 2 months ago to use for our ski trips to Vermont. We've used it almost every weekend for the 3 plus hour drive up in ski country from Boston.
As a ski family of 4 this has been the best piece of travel equipment purchase to date. Not only does it have enough room for all our skis but it also holds all our helmets, boots, etc., so that it allows us to put other things in the back of our '04 Honda Pilot.
There is no noise at 75 mph and it doesn't interfere with the rear hatch. The XL fits perfectly on our factory installed crossbars.
Removing and installing on top of the car is fast and easy but it is slightly awkward when bringing it down to the basement. However, that's par for the course for a cargo box that size.
We'll be using it for our 3 day drive to Florida in the summer.
Date published: 2017-03-22
Questions & Answers
Does this fit 2017 Audi Q7 with Audi cross bars?
Thule currently does not list a fit for a 2017 Audi Q7 with factory crossbars. We recommend contacting Thule directly.
Date published: 2017-01-13
Will this and other Thule boxes mount to round Yakima cross bars?
Yes they will.
"QuickGrip system can be mounted on square and round crossbars and most factory racks."
Date published: 2017-04-05
Will this fit on a 2015 Nissan Murano with Dealer installed Nissan cross bars?
Thule does not recognize a fit for a Force Roof Box on your vehicle. Please contact Thule directly for more details.
Date published: 2017-01-27
Is this compatible with the Thule Aeroblade bars? Is an adapter needed?
Yes, the Force XL Roof Box will be compatible with the Thule Aeroblade bars.
Date published: 2017-01-27
I have a '16 GMC Acadia with the GMC factory cross bars. I've just mounted the Thule XL and the mounts fall wider than the cross bar onto the plastic end caps that hook into side rails. Have you seen this before? Is this safe for loading and travel?
According to Thule's fit guide, both the L and the XL boxes are compatible with the factory crossbars on a 2016 GMC Arcadia. We recommend contacting Thule directly for any installation or safety questions.
Date published: 2017-04-12
Would the XL fit my Fiat pop? I am going to live out of my car for awhile, and wondered if it'd be a good choice?
We recommend entering the year, make and model of your vehicle into Thule's online fit guide to determine if this box will fit your vehicle.
Date published: 2017-05-02
Will this fit on a 2011 GMC Terrain and is it compatible with the factory installed crossbars or will I need to buy the Thule Aeroblade bars in addition?
The Force XL Roof Box is compatible with the factory crossbars on your 2011 GMC Terrain.
Date published: 2016-08-12
I have a 2015 Subaru Outback and a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, will this fit both?
This cargo box fits both of your vehicles if they have factory installed racks.
Date published: 2017-05-29
