Let’s be honest, tackling a road trip or even just a weekend getaway with a car full of people and gear can quickly turn chaotic. I remember feeling overwhelmed, trying to cram everything into our vehicle, sacrificing visibility out the back window and basically playing a game of Tetris every time we stopped. The thought of having extra storage space for bulky items like camping gear or sports equipment always seemed like a lifesaver, preventing not just clutter but potential safety hazards from obstructed views.
Anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s carrying capacity for trips or hobbies understands the need for a reliable solution. A roof cargo box is often the go-to answer, designed to free up interior space and secure gear safely outside the cabin. This type of product is ideal for families heading on vacation, outdoor enthusiasts with bulky equipment (like skis, camping tents, or fishing gear), or anyone who simply finds themselves needing more room for occasional hauling. However, it might not be necessary for someone who rarely travels, only carries small items, or has a large vehicle with ample internal storage. For those individuals, perhaps a smaller cargo bag or simply being more strategic about packing might suffice. Before you commit to a purchase, several factors warrant careful consideration: the size and volume you actually need, compatibility with your vehicle’s existing roof rack system (or the need to purchase one), the type of opening (single-side or dual-side), security features (locks), durability and weather resistance, ease of installation and removal, and of course, your budget. Thinking through these points will help you narrow down the options and find a cargo carrier that fits your specific requirements.
- Compact roofbox, ideal for small loads such as camping gear or golf clubs
- Sturdy U-bolts with reinforcement plates and adjustable brackets provide a assured fit to rack
- Compact design leaves room for other roof mounted accessories
Meet the Thule Sidekick
Enter the Thule Sidekick Cargo Box. This compact rooftop storage solution from a well-regarded brand promises to provide that much-needed extra space for smaller loads like camping essentials, golf clubs, or a few duffel bags, all without taking over your entire roof rack. When you purchase the Sidekick, you get the two molded plastic halves of the box, necessary hardware like U-bolts, reinforcement plates, knobs, nuts, washers, hinge screws, and two locks with accompanying keys. It’s presented as a more affordable and smaller alternative within Thule’s range, designed for those who don’t need a massive carrier but still want the quality and security associated with the brand. It’s definitely aimed at the occasional traveler or specific gear hauler rather than someone needing to pack luggage for a large family for two weeks.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Compact size leaves room for other items like bike racks on the roof.
* Lightweight nature makes single-person lifting and handling possible.
* Provides decent capacity (8 cubic feet) for smaller loads.
* Passenger-side opening is convenient for roadside access.
* Offers basic security with included locks.
* More affordable than larger cargo box options.
* Generally holds up well against weather.
Cons:
* Assembly can be frustrating, particularly attaching the hinges.
* Material can feel a bit flimsy or thin compared to premium boxes.
* Mounting system (U-bolts with knobs) isn’t the most secure or quick method.
* Knobs protrude inside the box, potentially snagging gear.
* Some concerns about the longevity of the U-bolts with frequent removal/installation.
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Functional rooftop cargo box provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel...
Exploring Key Aspects and Advantages
Having used the Thule Sidekick Cargo Box for a decent amount of time now, I’ve gotten a real feel for its strengths and weaknesses in practical use. It’s not perfect, but for the right situation, it’s proven to be a valuable addition to my gear-hauling setup.
Compact Design and Footprint
One of the main selling points of the Sidekick is its relatively small size. At 54 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 15.5 inches tall, it’s far from the behemoths you often see on SUVs. This compact nature is a significant benefit if you don’t have a massive vehicle or a huge amount of gear. Its narrower width (15.5 inches) is especially useful because it often leaves enough space on your crossbars for other accessories, like a bicycle rack or kayak carrier, alongside the cargo box. This modularity is great for multi-sport adventures or when you need to carry different types of equipment simultaneously. For example, I can fit this rooftop cargo carrier on one side and still have room for my bike mount on the other. The lower profile also means less wind resistance compared to taller boxes, which *should* translate to slightly better fuel economy and less wind noise, though a roof box will always impact those factors to some degree. While 8 cubic feet might sound small, it’s enough for a couple of medium duffel bags, some camping chairs, sleeping bags, or things like ski boots and helmets (though not full skis). It forces you to pack smarter for smaller items, which isn’t always a bad thing.
Material and Durability
The Sidekick is made from plastic. My initial impression upon unboxing was that the plastic felt a bit thin and flexible, particularly the lid. Compared to larger, more expensive Thule boxes or even some competitors, it lacks that rock-solid, premium feel. This initially raised concerns about its long-term durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions or accidental bumps. However, after using it through various weather conditions – including heavy rain and highway speeds – I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It has successfully kept contents dry through significant downpours, indicating the seals work effectively. The box itself hasn’t cracked or deformed under normal use, even when fully loaded up to its 75-pound capacity. So, while the material might *feel* less substantial, it seems to perform adequately for its intended purpose and load limits. It’s not built like a tank, but it holds up to the elements and the stresses of highway travel surprisingly well, provided you don’t overload it or subject it to undue physical stress. The U-bolt mounting system, while functional, also feels less robust than the clamp systems on pricier models, raising questions about its longevity if you frequently remove and install the box.
Mounting System and Installation
Installation is one area where user experience seems to vary wildly, often depending on the vehicle’s crossbars and whether you have help. The Sidekick uses a U-bolt mounting system with reinforcement plates and adjustable brackets. These U-bolts loop around your crossbars and then pass through holes in the bottom of the carrier, where they are secured with large plastic knobs from the inside. The design is simple, allowing it to fit a variety of crossbar shapes and sizes, including Thule racks, round bars, and most factory racks. However, aligning the U-bolts with the holes in the box bottom, especially when perched on top of your car, can be awkward. Some users have found the assembly part, particularly attaching the lid hinges with small screws and nuts from the inside, to be a real pain, sometimes requiring contortions or needing a second person. Once the hinges are attached and the box is on the roof, securing it with the U-bolts and knobs is relatively straightforward, though it does take time to tighten all four mounting points evenly. The knobs themselves protrude several inches into the box, which means you have to pack around them, and there’s a slight concern that vibrations over very long trips could potentially loosen them, although I haven’t personally experienced this issue when tightened properly. For some factory racks with limited clearance or unusual bar spacing, minor modifications like drilling new holes in the box bottom might even be necessary, as reported by some users. Overall, it’s a functional mounting system but not as quick or user-friendly as the tool-free quick-clamp systems found on more expensive models.
Loading and Access (Passenger Side Opening)
A key feature of the Thule Sidekick is its passenger-side opening. This is a conscious design choice, intended to allow safer loading and unloading from the curb side of the vehicle, keeping you away from traffic. While it might feel slightly less convenient than a dual-side opening (which are standard on larger, pricier boxes), it’s perfectly functional for accessing the box’s contents. The lid is supported by basic struts when open, which helps keep it up while you’re putting things in or taking them out. The actual opening and closing mechanism relies solely on the two side locks to keep the lid secured. There are no additional latches or clasps along the front or back edges. While this simplifies the design, it initially feels a bit unnerving, relying only on the locks to hold it shut, especially at highway speeds. However, in practice, the combination of the hinge stiffness, the lid’s slight flex, and the two locks seems to keep everything securely contained and sealed. You do need to make sure the lid is properly aligned before turning the keys to lock it, as it can sometimes require a little push or adjustment to get the locking mechanisms to engage smoothly.
Security Features
The Sidekick comes equipped with two locks, one on each side near the opening edge. These locks serve a dual purpose: they secure the contents inside the box and they also lock the box itself to your roof rack (preventing someone from simply opening it and taking your gear, or detaching the box entirely). Two keys are provided. While these locks offer a basic level of security and peace of mind against opportunistic theft, it’s important to understand they aren’t high-security measures. The plastic material itself isn’t impenetrable, and determined thieves could potentially force their way in. However, for deterring casual interference at a rest stop or while parked during the day, they are effective. The fact that the locks are the *only* mechanism holding the lid closed means you absolutely must lock the box every time you use it to ensure it stays shut, especially when driving. This differs from boxes with separate latches that hold the lid down even before locking. For me, knowing my gear is secured, even with basic locks, is a significant benefit compared to open cargo baskets or just piling things inside the car.
Volume and Load Capacity
With 8 cubic feet of volume and a 75-pound load capacity, the Sidekick is designed for smaller loads. It’s crucial not to exceed the 75-pound weight limit, as this could stress the box, the mounting system, or even your vehicle’s roof capacity. Eight cubic feet is enough space for a couple of medium-sized suitcases or duffel bags, some sleeping bags, maybe a tent, or specific items like golf clubs or fishing gear. It’s not big enough for larger skis or a massive amount of family luggage, so it’s essential to be realistic about what you plan to carry. For weekend trips, camping excursions for one or two people, or transporting specific hobby equipment, this volume is often perfectly adequate and helps avoid cluttering the car’s interior. The dimensions (48 inches internal length) are also important – make sure your longest items will fit inside. For bulky but relatively light items, it’s a game changer.
Weather Resistance
One concern with any roof box is how well it keeps your belongings dry and protected from the elements. The Thule Sidekick features a foam gasket seal around the lip where the lid meets the base. While this seal isn’t the most sophisticated I’ve seen, in my experience, it has performed remarkably well. I’ve driven through some significant rainstorms, and the contents inside have remained completely dry. This indicates that the seal, combined with the way the lid overlaps the base and is held down by the locks, effectively keeps water out. It also provides a decent barrier against dust and road grime, which is crucial for keeping your gear clean on long drives. The plastic material itself is, of course, waterproof. So, despite the box’s potentially less rugged feel, its primary function of protecting contents from weather seems well-executed.
Voices from Other Users
Having browsed through feedback from others online, it’s clear that experiences with the Thule Sidekick are quite varied. Many echo my sentiment about its usefulness for freeing up interior space and successfully keeping contents dry, even through heavy rain. The compact size is frequently praised for its compatibility with smaller cars and for leaving room for other roof accessories. However, a recurring theme in less positive feedback is the assembly process, with some users finding the hinge attachment particularly frustrating and awkward, sometimes describing it as a nightmare requiring significant effort or a second person. There are also scattered reports of receiving units with missing parts or signs of prior use, suggesting potential quality control issues or problems with returns handling from retailers. Concerns about the perceived flimsiness of the plastic and the longevity of the U-bolt mounting system are also mentioned, though many users, like myself, report the box performing well in practice despite initial impressions.
In Summary
If you often find yourself playing luggage Tetris in your car before hitting the road, dealing with obstructed rear views or cramped passenger space, a dedicated roof cargo box is a problem solver worth considering. Not addressing this storage crunch can lead to uncomfortable trips, damaged gear, or even safety compromises. The Thule Sidekick Cargo Box offers a compelling solution, especially for those who need extra space for smaller loads but don’t want or need a massive, expensive box. Its compact size, decent weather resistance, and basic security features make it a practical choice for occasional travel or specific gear hauling. While assembly can be a bit fiddly and the materials might not feel as premium as higher-end models, it gets the job done effectively for its price point. If you’re looking for an affordable, space-saving way to carry extra gear on your roof without sacrificing space for other mounts, the Thule Sidekick is definitely worth checking out. To learn more or purchase one, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API