Thule Force XT-XL Unboxing, Install, and Review (1st trip feedback in description)

[@charliewheelihan909]

A good idea may have been to install the rooftop carrier on your vehicle, cut up the box and stow that inside the carrier for transport home. Just in case that may help someone else out in the future. Thanks for the review.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Awesome idea, pinning this for viewers. However, in this instance, I don’t think the seller wanted me hanging around, haha!

[@tonytee4633]

Glad he didn't rent a truck to go pick it up LOL.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Why would I have rented a truck to pick up a roof box?

[@nickkalister6291]

when I bought mine at REI they asked at the store if I wanted them to take care of the box for me. Thanks, REI! :)

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

My kids built a spaceship with mine!

[@andreareed2177]

10/10 video! We just bought our Thule XL and you were the first video under “How to install a Thule XL”. Very useful information on the clamps and how they slide.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

No way, I was the 1st suggested video!? That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad the video helped. Thanks for watching and commenting, totally made my night!

[@andreareed2177]

Glad it made your night! We’ll watch the video tomorrow as we (attempt) to put it on the car 🤣.

[@manny2777]

Can you show how many pieces of luggage it holds?

[@kessiena1]

Good video... Being a farther of 4 young children, i can relate to all the activity around you while you are trying to get something done... Stay blessed brother

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thank you! You stay blessed as well!

[@karen222222]

Does anyone know if the clamps will fit Yakima round bars? Any guesses? Thank you.

[@bubbalo3388]

The rear hatch on the outbacks can be programmed and set to open to the distance you want.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I’m aware of this. Thanks for watching!

[@b.santos8804]

I just bought the slightly smaller version of this one; the Force XT-L, to put atop my Subaru Crosstrek. I have yet to mount it but had a question: Since the mounting clamps can slide forward and backward to accommodate different roof racks with different lengths between the crossbars, what prevents the box from sliding forward or backward when the car is in motion? What I mean is, one you've got the box up and mounted with the clamps, is there a mechanism that keeps the box firmly at the place you mounted it, or can it slide forward when you brake, and backward when you accelerate?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thanks for watching and commenting! To answer your question, the tension applied by the clamps pulls the box down and secured it to the roof rack. I’ve driven well over the speed limit with both a full and empty box and have never had any movement back and forth!

[@b.santos8804]

@DIYTutorialGuy Thank you for the reply!

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

No problem!

[@actezla]

Suggest putting on the roof first, then position it, then install the clamps.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Tomato, tomatoe!

[@kippywylie]

I assumed when I pick mine up at REI next week I could simply mount it on the top of my Outback? I've rigged my current older box many times and other than lifting it up there the task is easy.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

You can do that, and I would have but wanted to shoot this video!

[@youtoob5104]

Put on carrier first. Then put on the feet.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

🫡

[@TheBrad1440]

Hey! Great review. Going to purchase one soon. I also have an outback. Does it seem sturdy on the highway when using the factory bars? Trying to figure out if we’d need the Thule bars that have a bit more weight limit/might be more secure

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Hello! Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it! As for your question; I have only used the factory bars on the Outback and have had zero issues. Speeds have ranged from 35mph to 85mph with no problems with the box. The clamps secure it very nicely to the Outback crossbars, and the design is very aerodynamic and did not cause the vehicle to sway or feel wishy-washy. Save the $$$ you would have spent on the Thule bars!

[@TheBrad1440]

@@DIYTutorialGuy awesome! Thanks for the reply!

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

@TheBrad1440 happy to help!

[@haochen6414]

Thanks for the great video! Have you tried to fit a surfboard (say 6.4"ft) in the box? Wondering if it could be my surfboard carrier. Thanks!

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I have a 6’2” Surf Prescription that I just tested in the Thule. It’s a perfect fit, but another 2” may be a tight squeeze. The issue you may run into is the surfboard encroaching on the arms that lift and close the lid. Shoot, if you can, go to an REI or other Thule retailer with your board and see if it fits. Wish I had a bit of a bigger board to test for you!

[@KenAdams88]

thanks for sharing, very helpful

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@aarodmrnubs]

Did you notice any mpg change since adding the Thule?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Good question. The mpg difference is nothing noticeable!

[@ckundred]

I have a ‘23 Outback and am thinking about buying the same box….When on, does it interfere with Satellite radio reception?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I have not had any interference with Sirius XM in the car when the box is attached.

[@ckundred]

@@DIYTutorialGuy Thank you and thanks for the video

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Glad I could help!

[@wagnerj01]

At speeds over 60, does it bob and weave up and down? I just installed a Thule Force XT XXL on a 2019 4Runner and it looks unstable as hell. I watch it through the sun roof - scary..... Not loving it

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Great question! In regards to the box moving like a boxer on the roof rack, I will say that mine has not moved an inch since being mounted. The lid stays firmly shut and has not presented any issues either. Have you ensured the clamps are fully locked and “popped” once in place? Are the locks secure on both sides? Is this a brand new box, or second hand?

[@patrickburns8843]

Having the same problem with Force XL on my 4Runner. Bounces/rocks ~2” up and down while driving. Using stock rack and rails.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Did you get the locks/clamps to “pop” when tightening? Failure to do that step can result in the box becoming loose. Also, this may be an issue to raise with Thule. I’m just a guy with no affiliation to Thule.

[@patrickburns8843]

Yes, all four securely locked/clicked.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

@patrickburns8843 at this point your best bet is to contact Thule, or the retailer from whom it was purchased.

[@jackyau7706]

Hi I am more concerned about how much the actual height has increased after installing the roof box,thanks

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

The added height will vary based on the height of your roof rack. The Thule site does a great job of helping owners determine this!

[@nmjhd1234]

Waterproof in that casing?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Valid question. It is water resistant, meaning that you can drive through a storm and the items inside will not get wet. However, if you submerge this in water the items inside will get wet.

[@Bisamberg]

Thanks for the useful video. What is the mounted height? From available Outback and Thule specs it seems that it is 67 + 17 inches. My garage door ceiling is 7 feet.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Hey! I just measured it, and you’re looking at roughly 6’10” - 7’. My wife is the primary driver of Betty, and she said that clearing 8’ is no issue, but she feels that 7’ is cutting it pretty close. Honestly, will you be parking in the garage with the box on regularly? Or will you be leaving the car out of the garage with the box on? We never use our garage to park cars, so sorry I don’t have more insight.

[@Bisamberg]

@@DIYTutorialGuy Thanks again .. We’re on a long drive across the US and will measure exactly my garage opening upon return. We drive an Explorer Metris conversion van that requires a 7 ft ceiling. Next year we’re considering using our 2019 3.6L with currently 16K miles, but we would need a box. If it doesn’t fit, I would just use it during travel season. Btw, some roads in the West have an 80 mph limit. To pass, sometimes I need to briefly reach 90+ mph - would this be an issue?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Nothing like a cross country trip! I’ve done it a few times; when I moved out west in 2005, as a roadie from 2005-2007, and a couple other treks in between. As for the speed, I had our Outback up to 90mph and have had no issues.

[@globeubf4]

I assume you’re using the OEM crossbars on your outback. How much have you been able to load in the box in terms of weight? I’ve been seeing that the factory crossbars can only support up to 150 lbs. with the box weighing in at ~50 pounds, I’m worried about what I can actually store while the car is moving.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I’ve definitely loaded 100lbs in there. On the trip we took to upstate NY that was the case, and I was driving anywhere from 65-80mph with no issues. If loading it up, just keep weight distribution in mind.

[@mozammalchowdhury7997]

When you compared this with the older model, did you mean the previous Thule Force model (non-xt)? I bought one directly from Subaru, which I believe the older model.

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I believe I was making a general reference to prior generation Thule boxes. My brother has one that I used to borrow until the lid needed to be strapped down to stay closed!

[@jezmundthefamilyberzerker6408]

Nice review! How much does this cost new?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thanks! I believe it’s around $800.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Far easier to put the box on the roof and then put the clamps on. I found this out the hard way

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Agreed. Did that the last time I put this on the roof rack.

[@KingSolrac]

nice vid

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thanks!

[@KingSolrac]

​@@DIYTutorialGuy Buying a thule at the moment and debating if my car can even handle the XL or not haha

[@brandonandujar4147]

What rails are you using to support it? Thanks!

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

I’m not sure I follow your question…

[@vanye1983]

Great looking box on your outback! How's the wind noise?

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thank you! As for wind noise, it’s far superior than prior Thule boxes. There is some noise, but honestly, it’s not enough to bother me, and I really don’t like any excessive noise when driving. We just put it on a rented Chrysler Pacifica last week for a road trip. No excessive noise on there either!

[@andrewvillavicencio8496]

Ahhh Sawhorse, Brilliant! We just got one at a garage sale and have no idea what size it is. It came with a beat up manual, "Thule FORCE 623/624/625/626

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thank you!

[@stefandulgheriu]

easier to throw the package cardboard and load only the product :))

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Where’s the fun in that?

[@elyco1]

Love the Phish license plate? ;-)

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Hell yeah!! 215 Crew in the house!

[@krasimirk]

pefrect review for outback

[@DIYTutorialGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@rodrigobellis1076]

👍🏽