In-depth review
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, X-Large Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Thule Force XT XL: 82.75 in shell, matte black ABS construction, about 47 lb weight, and limited lifetime warranty.
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, X-Large
Thule's X-Large box: the longest shell in this guide at 82.75 in, in matte black ABS.
Our verdict
The Force XT XL is the length pick in Thule's line: at 82.75 in externally it is the longest box in this guide, which settles the adult-ski question and swallows family loads without Tetris. It is also about 47 lb and needs a home when off the car, the standing hard-box trades, but owners who need the length get it with Thule's warranty behind the shell.
What we like
- 82.75 x 33.75 x 17.25 in external shell is the longest in this guide, swallowing long skis and full family loads
- Matte black ABS construction from the Thule box line
- Lockable, weatherproof hard-box security a soft bag cannot offer
- Limited lifetime warranty backing from Thule
What to watch out for
- X-Large footprint needs real off-car storage space
- At about 47 lb it is a two-person mount for most owners
- Check crossbar spread and hatch clearance on shorter roofs
What owners report: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, X-Large
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- The longest shell here takes long skis and a full family load together
- Matte ABS and proper locks give hard box security on overnight stops
- Limited lifetime backing from Thule reassures owners making a long term buy
Common complaints
- Its footprint needs serious storage space when it is off the car
- The weight makes fitting it a two person job for most households
- Shorter roofs need crossbar spread and hatch clearance checked before ordering
Who it is for
Families and skiers whose gear length, not just volume, decides the box, and who have garage or storage space for an X-Large shell.
Length is the specification
Most boxes compete on cubic feet; the Force XT XL competes on inches. The 82.75 x 33.75 x 17.25 in shell out-lengthens the Motion XT class, so long skis, fishing rods in tubes, and full-length duffels ride inside instead of on a separate rack.
Construction and ownership
The matte black ABS shell delivers the hard-box essentials, lockable, weatherproof, and secure at stops in a way no soft bag matches, backed by Thule's limited lifetime warranty. At 21.3 kg it is realistically a two-person lift onto the crossbars.
Fit checks before buying
An X-Large shell demands three measurements: crossbar spread, rear hatch clearance with the box mounted, and the storage space it will occupy off-season. Shorter-roofed cars should verify overhang, and low garages should check the added height against the door.
Key specifications
- External dimensions
- 82.75 x 33.75 x 17.25 in
- Weight
- 21.3 kg (about 47 lb)
- Construction
- Matte black ABS
- Part number
- 6358B
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime
Sources: Thule product data, Amazon listing, CamelCamelCamel
Also consider
Thule Motion XT XL
An 18-cubic-foot premium box with dual-side opening and SlideLock security.
Why consider it: Choose the Motion XT XL for dual-side opening, PowerClick mounts, and the self-confirming SlideLock at the flagship tier.
- Capacity: 18 cu ft
- Load limit: 165 lb box rating; observe vehicle roof limit (typically 75 lb cargo class)
SportRack Vista XL Roof Box
An 18-cubic-foot rear-opening box at a mid-market price.
Why consider it: Choose the Vista XL for 18 cu ft of lockable hard-box space at a mid price if the flagship length is more than you need.
- Capacity: 18 cu ft
- Load limit: 100 lb (manufacturer rating)
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Will the Force XT XL fit long skis?
Its 82.75 in external length is the most in this guide; compare your longest skis against the internal length in Thule's specifications before ordering, since wall thickness and the lid shape take their share.
How heavy is it to mount?
About 47 lb (21.3 kg), so plan on two people to lift it onto the crossbars safely.