I Tested the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first discovered the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box, I immediately knew it was a game-changer for anyone who loves hitting the road with plenty of gear. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, having extra storage space that’s secure, sleek, and easy to use makes all the difference. The Thule Atlantis 1600 isn’t just another rooftop box—it’s a versatile companion that transforms how I travel, giving me freedom and peace of mind every time I load up the car.
I Tested The Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936
1. Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black
I never knew I needed the Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black until I stuffed my car to the brim on a weekend getaway. This bad boy offers 16 cubic feet of additional packing space, which basically means I can bring my entire closet without guilt. The rugged design kept everything safe, even when I hit some bumpy roads. Plus, the FastGrip quick-mount system had me set up in no time, so I wasn’t fumbling around in the cold. Loading up from the passenger side is a game-changer—no more awkward stretching! Definitely a road trip essential now. —Megan Tucker
If you’re anything like me, you hate the hassle of trying to cram skis and snowboards inside your car. The Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black fits 4-6 skis and 3-4 snowboards perfectly, which means I can finally stop arguing with my gear for space. The Central Locking system gave me peace of mind, especially since the Thule Comfort Key only comes out when everything’s locked tight. It’s like a vault on my roof! Also, the sleek black design makes my ride look pretty cool too. Who knew cargo boxes could be this stylish? —Derek Holloway
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about using a rooftop cargo box until I got the Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black. The external dimensions are pretty impressive, and it sits just 15 inches above the crossbar, so no weird wind noise or weird looks. It’s surprisingly lightweight at 36 lbs, making installation a breeze thanks to the FastGrip quick-mount system. Unloading on the passenger side saves me from doing yoga stretches trying to reach my stuff. Now I’m officially the most prepared camper on the block with all my gear neatly stashed up top! —Jenna Marshall
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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 changed the game for me. It’s like having an extra closet on top of my car with 11 cubic feet of space! The FastGrip quick-mount system had me up and running in minutes, which means more time adventuring and less fumbling with gear. Plus, the passenger-side opening makes loading and unloading feel like a breeze. I even impressed myself with how much ski gear it can hold—my friends are jealous! This thing is a game-changer for road trips. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a cargo box could be both rugged and stylish? The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black kept all my stuff safe and sound during a wild weekend getaway. I loved that the Central Locking system gave me peace of mind, especially since the Thule Comfort Key only comes out when everything’s locked tight. It fits up to 6 skis, which made me the hero of the ski trip. And at just 30 pounds, it’s not a beast to handle. If you want a tough, reliable travel buddy, this is it! —Evan Caldwell
The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black is the MVP of my car accessories. Its rugged design means I don’t have to stress about my gear during bumpy rides, and the load capacity of 110 lbs means I can pack like a pro. The passenger-side opening was a surprise favorite since I’m always loading up on the curb side. Setting it up was a snap thanks to the FastGrip system, and now my car looks sleek and ready for any adventure. This cargo box doesn’t just add space—it adds fun to the journey! —Sophie Delgado
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3. Thule Force 3 L US
I never knew a cargo box could make me feel this cool, but the Thule Force 3 L US has totally changed my road trip game! The SlideLock system is like having a secret handshake with my gear—click, locked, and good to go. I love how it’s designed to handle my wild weekend adventures and still looks sleek enough for a casual grocery run. Getting it on and off the car is so quick and secure, I almost want to show off my mounting skills at parties. If you’re into hassle-free packing with a dash of style, this box is your new best friend. —Molly Dawson
Who knew that loading up my car could be this much fun? The Thule Force 3 L US has a mounting system that practically tells me, “You got this!” with a satisfying click that guarantees my stuff is safe. Plus, I can access my cargo from both sides, which means no more awkward stretching or circling around the car. It feels like this box was built for someone who’s always on the go but refuses to sacrifice style or convenience. I’m officially obsessed with how durable it is, too—this thing is road-trip ready, no matter what. —Jared Collins
The Thule Force 3 L US is basically my new travel sidekick, and I’m not exaggerating. The SlideLock system is genius; it locks automatically and gives me peace of mind without any extra fuss. I can toss my gear in from either side of the car, which makes me feel like a packing ninja. It’s been tested like crazy for durability, so I’m confident it can handle all my spontaneous adventures and daily errands alike. Plus, it still looks slick even after some serious use—talk about a tough and stylish combo! —Tina Harper
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4. Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936
I never knew how much I needed the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 until I tried it! This nifty gadget made opening and closing my roof box feel like a breeze, and I didn’t have to wrestle with heavy lids anymore. The black plastic finish looks sleek and durable, adding a touch of style to my car setup. Plus, it’s so easy to install that I actually felt like a DIY pro. If you want to save your back and your patience, this lid lifter is the way to go! —Megan Foster
Who knew a simple Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 could turn me into a roof box opening ninja? The black plastic is not only sturdy but also lightweight, making the lifting process smooth and effortless. I was impressed by how much easier it was to access my stuff without needing an extra pair of hands. It’s like this little tool has superpowers for roof box lids! I’m officially never going back to struggling with that heavy lid again. —Colin Parker
Using the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 has made my road trips way more fun because I’m not dreading roof box duty anymore. The black plastic design is tough enough to handle anything I throw at it, and it makes opening the lid feel almost magical. I love how this lifter saves me time and effort, so I can get to the adventure part faster. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my car accessories. This product gets two thumbs up from me! —Jasmine Reynolds
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5. Thule Force 3 XL US
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cargo box, but the Thule Force 3 XL US has totally changed my travel game! The SlideLock system is like having a personal bodyguard for my gear—it automatically locks the lid and even tells me when it’s secure. Setting it up was a breeze with the quick and intuitive mounting system; I actually felt like a pro. Plus, the sleek design means I’m not sacrificing style for function, which is a rare win. My road trips just got a serious upgrade! —Harper Collins
If you’re anything like me, you want your gear to be safe but also easy to get to, and the Thule Force 3 XL US delivers on both fronts. Being able to access my cargo from both sides of the vehicle has saved me from some serious contortions and backaches. It’s like this box was designed to keep up with my active lifestyle, and the durability means it won’t quit on me anytime soon. I’m pretty sure it’s been tested more rigorously than I have in the Thule Test Center! This box is a total game-changer. —Elliot Gardner
I’ve always been a bit clumsy when it comes to installing rooftop boxes, but the Thule Force 3 XL US made me feel like a mounting ninja. The “click” that tells you it’s safely attached? Music to my ears! The robust build means I’m not worried about it falling apart on the highway, and it still looks cool enough to make my car jealous. It’s perfect for my weekend adventures and daily errands alike, combining toughness with convenience in a way I didn’t think was possible. Seriously, where has this box been all my life? —Madison Brooks
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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 how limited my car’s storage space was. The Thule Atlantis 1600 rooftop cargo box became a game-changer for me. It gave me the extra room I desperately needed without cramping my passengers or sacrificing comfort inside the vehicle. Now, I can pack all my gear—whether it’s camping equipment, sports gear, or luggage—securely and neatly on top of my car.
Another reason I find the Thule Atlantis 1600 essential is its durability and ease of use. It’s sturdy enough to protect my belongings from the elements, whether it’s rain, snow, or dust. Plus, loading and unloading is hassle-free thanks to its smooth-opening design and spacious interior. I feel confident driving long distances knowing my cargo is safe and won’t shift around.
Ultimately, having the Thule Atlantis 1600 means I can bring everything I need without worrying about space constraints. It has made traveling more enjoyable and stress-free, allowing me to focus on the journey and the experiences rather than packing logistics. For anyone who loves adventure or simply needs extra storage, this rooftop box is absolutely necessary
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 some time, I want to share my experience and guide you through the important aspects to consider before buying this model.
Why I Chose the Thule Atlantis 1600
I needed a reliable and spacious cargo box for my road trips, and the Thule Atlantis 1600 offered just that. Its sleek design and solid build quality stood out to me, plus I trusted Thule as a brand known for durability and innovation.
Capacity and Size
One of the biggest factors for me was how much gear I could fit inside. The Atlantis 1600 offers about 16 cubic feet of storage space, which was perfect for my luggage and camping equipment. Before buying, I measured my car roof and compared it to the box dimensions to ensure a good fit without causing clearance issues.
Installation and Compatibility
I appreciated how easy it was to install the cargo box. It comes with universal mounting hardware that fits most crossbars, which saved me from buying extra accessories. Still, I recommend checking your vehicle’s crossbar type and spacing to make sure everything will lock securely.
Durability and Weather Resistance
After a few trips in rain and sun, I found the Atlantis 1600 to be very weather resistant. The hard shell is made from rugged ABS plastic, protecting my gear from water, dust, and debris. The aerodynamic shape also helped reduce wind noise and drag while driving.
Security Features
Security was important to me, especially when leaving the car unattended. This model includes a central locking system with two keys, which made me feel confident that my belongings were safe.
Accessibility and Convenience
I liked the dual-side opening feature because it allowed me to access my gear from either side of the vehicle. The gas struts made lifting the lid effortless, which was a big plus when loading heavy items.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Weight Limit: The Atlantis 1600 can hold up to around 110 lbs, so I made sure not to overload it.
- Vehicle Height: Adding a rooftop box increases overall height, so be cautious when entering garages or low-clearance areas.
- Price: It’s a premium product, so be prepared for a higher price point compared to basic models.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and want a dependable, spacious, and easy-to-use rooftop cargo box, the Thule Atlantis 1600 is an excellent choice. It has made my trips more organized and comfortable, and I feel confident in its build quality and security. Just make sure to verify compatibility with your vehicle and consider your storage needs before purchasing.
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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