Best roof box that maximizes storage while minimizes interference with visibility & hatch opening?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Tianen Chen, May 4, 2022.

  1. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    I drive 2020 Prius AWD XLE.

    I ordered two roof boxes from REI. They are Thule Force XT XXL (22 cubic ft), and Thule Motion XT XL (18 cubic ft), as attached. I would mount both of them on as trial and keep one of them. But I welcome better recommendations.

    Thanks.
     

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    #1 Tianen Chen, May 4, 2022
  2. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    I have travelled with the older Thule Traveller and Thule Adventurer.
    The Traveller, which is wider, is our “go to” box.
    The Adventurer which is longer looks really silly.
    Both boxes have approx the same volume.

    whichever box you choose you will lose 5-8 mpg

    5A662FDE-067E-4D63-A2E3-1D9B20570E0C.jpeg
     
    #2 PaulDM, May 4, 2022
  3. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    I just bought a Thule Force XT XL (30,511 cubic inch or 17.65 cubic ft). And it turns out my Prius can take it with ample space left from the opened hatch with no impediment to driving visibility (photos attached)! I am waiting to try the XXL size (38,016 cubic inch or 22 cubic ft). My guess is it will fit. If not, I will try Yakima SkyBox 21 (21 cubic ft).

    Prius is truly the ultimate utilitarian vehicle!

    I have just driven about a 100 miles on somewhat mountainous windy terrain in Inland Northwest of the US with Thule Force XT XL fully loaded including a full size steel-wheeled spare tire. MPG for the trip was like 42, so indeed 5 to 6 MPG worse than usual. I felt the car was towing something as the braking became less smooth and there was force pushing the car forward and back at the end of each braking. My spare tire was tied up properly inside the box so if must be the weight. I would took the spare tire off the box and into the car as it was very heavy. I did hear increased wind noise driving with that box.
     

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    #3 Tianen Chen, May 6, 2022
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  4. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    I always use power mode when towing or using the top box as it gets over the feeling of extra weight and gives a smoother drive. Remember most top boxes carry (pun intended) a weight limit of 75kg this prevents adverse denting or bowing of the roof. Interesting that you chose the Thule bars. Do they have a torque limiter for fitting like the OEM bars to prevent over tightening?
     
    #4 PaulDM, May 6, 2022
  5. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    modern Thule boxes have torque limiters. The connectors would click when the tightness is enough.
     
    #5 Tianen Chen, May 6, 2022
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  6. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    From the side of it, your box is aerodynamic but cargo inefficient.
     
    #6 Tianen Chen, May 6, 2022
  7. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    have you mounted a hitch as well?
    Do you tow?
    I want to live in my Prius. Do you think I need a hitch rack as well to carry my spare tire and other stuff?
     
    #7 Tianen Chen, May 6, 2022
  8. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Yeh we gave it up in favour of our older Weekender Traveller box. That pic was for one trip when we had to carry “long” things. Lol
     
    #8 PaulDM, May 7, 2022
  9. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Yes to both. See my profile pic
     
    #9 PaulDM, May 7, 2022
  10. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    #10 Tianen Chen, May 10, 2022
  11. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    #11 PaulDM, May 10, 2022
  12. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    #12 Tianen Chen, May 10, 2022
  13. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Yes
     
    #13 PaulDM, May 10, 2022
  14. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    You are not in America. We don't have that here.
     
    #14 Tianen Chen, May 10, 2022
  15. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Oh sorry AWD-e won’t work as the AWD-e motor gets in the way. It’s in the hitch space.
     
    #15 PaulDM, May 10, 2022
  16. Tianen Chen

    Tianen Chen Junior Member

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    And it looks like your setup is not able to attach to a hitch rack.
     
    #16 Tianen Chen, May 10, 2022
  17. PaulDM

    PaulDM Active Member

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    Check specialists in US you guys seem to be able to manufacture almost everything automotive wise.
     
    #17 PaulDM, May 10, 2022
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  18. Marianne444

    Marianne444 New Member

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    Are you using the boxes with the OEM bars? I tried to install my Thule Sport Rack box on my 21 Prime but the bars are so wide that the u bolts don't fit.
     
    #18 Marianne444, Feb 23, 2024
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