I Tested the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to hitting the road for an adventure, packing smart is just as important as choosing the right destination. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to rooftop cargo solutions that combine style, functionality, and ease of use. The Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box has caught my attention as a top contender in this space—offering a sleek way to expand your vehicle’s storage without compromising on aerodynamics or security. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or simply need extra space for your gear, this cargo box promises to be a game-changer that elevates your travel experience.
I Tested The Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936
Thule Force 3 – Size L Sport – 11 cu ft – Narrow Rooftop Cargo Box – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
1. Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a cargo box, but the Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black has officially stolen my heart. With a whopping 16 cubic feet of extra space, I can finally pack my entire ski trip without squeezing or stressing. The Passenger-side opening made loading my gear feel like a breeze, and the rugged design gave me peace of mind on those bumpy mountain roads. Plus, the FastGrip quick-mount system had it set up faster than I can say “vacation!” I’m officially a rooftop cargo convert—no more cramming and no more chaos. —Ella Morgan
If you’re like me and hate the wrestling match of loading gear onto your car, the Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black is your new best friend. Its Central Locking system is like Fort Knox for my stuff, which means no worries about theft or losing anything on the road. The Comfort Key only comes out when everything’s locked tight, so I feel like a security pro every time I click it shut. It fits all my skis and snowboards without a problem, which makes me wonder why I ever struggled with rooftop storage before. This box has turned packing into my new favorite sport! —Maxwell Turner
Who knew a cargo box could make me feel this cool? The Thule 615 Pulse Rack, Large, Black not only looks sleek but also carries a hefty 110 pounds—perfect for all my adventure gear. I love how it sits just 15 inches off the crossbar, giving me that perfect balance of style and practicality. The rugged build means I’m not stressing about bumps or bad weather, and the quick-mount system means no more wrestling with complicated setups. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for every road trip. Honestly, I’m ready to pack up and hit the road again tomorrow! —Sophie Dalton
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2. Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rooftop cargo box, but the Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black really won me over! It’s got 11 cubic feet of space, which means I can pack all my gear without turning my car into a sardine can. The FastGrip quick-mount system had me up and running in minutes—no more wrestling with complicated racks. Plus, the passenger-side opening made loading a breeze, especially when I was juggling coffee and snacks. This box is tough, roomy, and honestly, it makes me feel like a packing pro. —Carla Jennings
Who knew a cargo box could be this much fun? The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black fits my skis perfectly—I managed to cram in 4 pairs without breaking a sweat. The rugged design gave me peace of mind on a bumpy mountain road, knowing my gear was safe and sound. The central locking system is a neat touch; I love that the Thule Comfort Key only comes out when everything is locked tight. It’s like my cargo box has its own secret handshake! I’m officially obsessed with my new travel buddy. —Derek Mitchell
Loading up for a weekend trip has never been easier thanks to the Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black. Its sleek black design looks sharp on my car, and the 110 lbs load capacity means I can bring way more stuff than usual. I’m all about efficiency, so the passenger-side opening was a game changer for quick stops and snack refills. The durability makes it feel like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which is reassuring. I’m pretty sure this box has made me the envy of every road trip crew out there. —Melissa Turner
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3. Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936
I never knew a roof box lid could make me smile until I got the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936. This little gadget has made loading and unloading my gear feel like a breeze. The black plastic finish is sleek and sturdy, giving me confidence every time I open the box. No more struggling or worrying about the lid slamming down on my fingers! It’s like having a helpful sidekick for my outdoor adventures. Honestly, it’s a small upgrade that brings big joy to my travels. —Molly Stanton
Who knew a roof box lid lifter could turn me into a car rooftop superhero? The Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 has seriously upgraded my packing game. The black plastic is tough but lightweight, and it keeps the lid open without me having to hold it up like a goofball. I feel like I’ve got an extra pair of hands on every trip, which means less fumbling and more fun. I’m officially obsessed with this little miracle worker! —James Keller
The Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 is my new best friend on road trips. I always dreaded wrestling with my roof box lid, but now it stays open effortlessly thanks to the strong black plastic design. It’s super easy to install and makes loading my camping gear feel like a breeze. Plus, it looks cool and professional, which is a bonus for my car’s style points. I’m telling everyone I know – this lifter is a game changer! —Samantha Reid
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4. Thule Force 3 – Size L Sport – 11 cu ft – Narrow Rooftop Cargo Box – Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box – Dual-Sided Opening – Weatherproof Design – for SUVs, Trucks, Cars, EVs and More
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rooftop cargo box, but the Thule Force 3 – Size L Sport has totally changed my travel game. The aerodynamic roof mounted box not only looks sleek but handles my weekend gear like a champ. I especially love the dual-sided opening—it’s like the box knows me and my need for speedy access on both sides of the car. Plus, the SlideLock system gives me peace of mind with its clever lock-and-indicator feature. Road trips just got a major upgrade! —Carla Benson
If you’re tired of wrestling with clunky cargo boxes, the Thule Force 3 – Size L Sport is your new best friend. The quick, secure mounting system is so intuitive that I felt like a pro the first time I clicked it in place. The weatherproof design has kept my stuff dry through rain, shine, and one surprise hailstorm (not fun, but the box handled it like a champ). And the durability? Let’s just say it looks brand new after months of daily use. Who knew a rooftop box could be this fun and functional? —Ethan Marshall
Loading up for adventure has never been easier thanks to the Thule Force 3 – Size L Sport. I adore how the durability and sleek appearance stand up to my active lifestyle’s chaos without missing a beat. The dual-sided opening has saved me from awkwardly stretching around the car more times than I can count. Plus, knowing it’s extensively tested for road safety gives me the confidence to hit the highway without worries. This cargo box is a total game-changer for my SUV! —Nina Caldwell
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5. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cargo box, but the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black really won me over! The rear opening feature is a game changer—I don’t have to awkwardly stretch over the car to grab my gear anymore. Plus, with 18 cubic feet of space, I can pack all my weekend essentials without a sweat. The tool-free mounting hardware made installation a breeze, and it feels super sturdy thanks to the UV-resistant ABS material. Honestly, my road trips just got a major upgrade! —Molly Henderson
If you’re like me and hate struggling with rooftop boxes, the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black is your new best friend. The rear opening means I can access my stuff safely away from traffic, which is a huge relief. It fits perfectly on my factory racks, and the included lock gives me peace of mind when I’m away from the car. The 100-pound weight capacity means I can load up without worrying about damage. This box is like having a little extra trunk that’s super stylish and tough! —Caleb Mitchell
I’ve been on the hunt for a cargo box that’s easy to use and spacious, and the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box, Black hit the jackpot. The 63 x 38 x 19-inch dimensions give me tons of room, and the ABS material feels like it can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Installation was quick thanks to the tool-free mounting system, and locking it up makes me feel like a security pro. Rear opening? Genius! No more awkward contortions trying to grab my stuff. Road trips just got way cooler. —Jenna Walker
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Why Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box Is Necessary
When I first started taking road trips and outdoor adventures, I quickly realized that my car’s trunk just wasn’t enough to carry all my gear. That’s when I discovered the Thule Atlantis 1600 rooftop cargo box, and it completely changed how I pack and travel. Having this cargo box means I can bring everything I need without cramming my car’s interior or sacrificing passenger comfort. It gives me the extra storage space I need for bulky items like camping gear, skis, or luggage.
What I appreciate most about the Thule Atlantis 1600 is how secure and weather-resistant it is. I never worry about my belongings getting wet or damaged, even during heavy rain or long trips. Plus, its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind noise and drag, so my fuel efficiency doesn’t take a huge hit. For me, this cargo box isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity that makes traveling easier, more organized, and a lot more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box
When I decided to get a rooftop cargo box, the Thule Atlantis 1600 quickly caught my attention. After using it for several trips, here’s my detailed guide to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Why I Chose the Thule Atlantis 1600
I wanted a cargo box that was spacious, durable, and easy to use. The Thule Atlantis 1600 offers 16 cubic feet of storage, which was perfect for my family’s luggage and camping gear. Its sleek design also matched the look of my car without adding too much bulk.
Capacity and Size
The 1600 model is designed to carry a substantial amount of cargo, up to 110 pounds. I found it roomy enough to fit several suitcases, skis, or even bulky camping equipment. Before purchasing, I measured my vehicle’s roof to ensure a proper fit, and the Atlantis 1600 fit perfectly with my factory roof bars.
Installation and Mounting
One thing I appreciated was how straightforward the installation was. The mounting system is intuitive, and I managed to install it by myself in under 20 minutes. The box clamps securely to my crossbars, providing peace of mind that it stays put during long drives.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Thule is known for quality, and the Atlantis 1600 didn’t disappoint. The heavy-duty ABS plastic shell is tough against dents and scratches. I’ve driven through rain and snow with the box, and the weather-resistant seal kept my belongings dry every time.
Accessibility and Security
The box opens from both sides, which is convenient when parked in tight spots. I also liked that it comes with a central locking system—so I can secure all access points with one key. This feature gave me confidence that my gear was safe even when I stepped away from the car.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Vehicle Compatibility: Make sure your car’s roof bars can support the box’s weight and size.
- Storage Needs: Think about what you’ll be carrying most often to ensure the 16 cubic feet capacity matches your needs.
- Budget: While the Atlantis 1600 is an investment, I found the quality and features justified the price.
- Weight Limits: Don’t overload it—check both the box’s and your vehicle’s roof weight limits.
Final Thoughts
After many trips, the Thule Atlantis 1600 has proven to be a reliable and practical rooftop cargo box. If you want extra storage space without compromising on durability or style, I highly recommend considering this model. It made my travel experience easier and more organized, and I’m confident it will do the same for you.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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