Thule Vs. Yakima Cargo Box

Are you planning a long trip? Worried about how to carry the luggage of the entire family? Not to worry, we got you covered.

Traveling with all your essential accessories can be tricky. More importantly, it poses a challenge in front of outdoor lovers. 

When you love to explore the outside world and are constantly on the go, traveling and exploring nature, opting for camping expeditions, the luggage can be a whole lot to carry. 

There aren’t many solutions that cater to carrying your camping equipment along with your luggage. That is why cargo boxes manufacturing companies have mastered their job and have come up with excellent solutions.

Rooftop cargo boxes enable you to inconspicuously store the essential items that you need during your outdoor explorations. Thule and Yakima are two major big companies that manufacture rooftop cargo boxes with the best features possible.

Both have their differences and high points. If Thule has more options to choose from, Yakima may offer more features. So, between Thule vs. Yakima Cargo Box, which one is better? Let’s find out.

Thule Vs. Yakima Cargo Box: Key Points of Difference

Several points differ Thule Cargo Box from the Yakima Cargo Box. Here are the key differences between Thule and Yakima Cargo Boxes.

• Yakima Cargo box has an easy-to-install lock system, whereas Thule’s lock system is secure and tight.
• While Yakima Cargo Box is poorly water-resistant, Thule is highly resistant to all kinds of weather.
• Yakima Cargo Box uses an exclusive carbon fiber-like material, whereas Thule has a resilient weight capacity.
• While Yakima uses steel reinforcement, Thule follows a mode of operation.

With limited options of cargo boxes in the market, it can be challenging to get all the required features in your choice of cargo boxes. These features would cover their construction and build quality, their compatibility, fit, and their operation.

Before concluding between Thule Vs. Yakima Cargo Box, it is important to know the considerations to make. 

Thule and Yakima, both major manufacturing companies, have established their reputation in the cargo boxes market. Both have prospered well in creating a wide variety of options for different types and models of vehicles. 

While these two share the common ground of manufacturing cargo boxes in the market, both dominating companies differ in their services, features, and needs.

Further in this blog, you will come across everything you need to know about the various features of Yakima and Thule. You will also learn the major differences between the two in detail. That will help you to make a better choice in purchasing the ideal cargo box.

Thule Vs. Yakima Box: A Detailed Comparison

You may often find yourself in the dilemma of choosing between a Thule Cargo Box or a Yakima Cargo Box. That is because apart from the commonality between the two- both are carbo box manufacturing brands -there differ in several ways. Here’s how.

Cargo Box Material

Thule and Yakima both use 80% recycled materials for their cargo boxes. You can, therefore, rest assured when you’re buying any of their cargo box option for their environmental friendliness.

They are made of thermoformed ABS plastic and are hence, highly durable and lightweight. Plus, these cargo boxes are resistant to water and other impacts. But they may differ in their shape and variants.

Thule cargo boxes are built with heavy-duty steel reinforcements. They are resistant to any wear and tear or stress in the box’s base area.

On the contrary, Yakima boxes have a more flimsy feel to them than that of Thule.

Additionally, the ABS plastic material is extremely lightweight. It is easier to lift them during installation. You need not use too much strength while maneuvering it onto your car.

Mounting System

Today’s cargo boxes are simply easy to install without even the need for a tool. All you need to do is find yourself the right rooftop cargo box.

It is important to remember that the type of cargo box you purchase influences the roof rack you’ll need to buy. Before you move on to buy your cargo box, it is vital to check the compatibility of the box with your vehicle and hence, the roof rack.

The rule of thumb you should follow is buying all your car accessories from the same manufacturer. This way, you can stay assured of their compatibility.

Yakima rooftop cargo boxes are relatively easy to install. They come along with a pre-assembled box, and all you need to do is release the mounting levers. Then, undoing the thumbwheels, open the attaching clamps.

The next step is to fit the box onto your rack while the clamps are engaged to the bars. And then, tighten the thumbwheels to close the levers. And you’ll be done!

On the contrary, Thule boxes are a little complex to install. But not all of them. One of the plus points of the Thule mounting system is that it makes a clicking sound when the installation is complete. This way, you have nothing to be confused about.

Thule’s distinct ratchet click sound is called the Thule PowerClick system and has proven to be a useful feature to many.

Aerodynamics

When it’s about cargo boxes, aerodynamics is an essential factor to consider. The more the air resistance, the higher will be the fuel consumption. That leads to irritating vibrations and increased cabin noise.

The shape and the design of the cargo boxes are important factors that influence the overall performance and stability of the vehicle. More so in windy conditions and at high speeds.

Thule and Yakima, both manufacturers, implement the feature and make their rooftop boxes aerodynamic to the highest possibilities. It’s evident from the front of these cargo boxes. They have a cut in the front for air resistance features.

Opening and Closing

While the old-style cargo boxes were difficult to open or close, so much that you prefer getting rid of the lid completely, the modern styles have been ever considerate.

Now, loading and unloading cargo boxes are pretty easy. All the credit goes to the advanced hinges and opening mechanisms.

Thule and Yakima cargo boxes are easy to operate, open, or close, but they have a narrower angle until you can open them. The hinges control the opening and closing of the lid and can let it open only up to an angle. 

It may pose a challenge for storing bulkier objects. However, this leaves no difference between the lid angles of being fully open or up to the specific angle.

Thule and Yakima cargo boxes are equipped with dual side opening facilities that enable you to open the box from either side. That means you can open the box both from the driver’s and the passenger’s side of the car.

Additionally, some models of Yakima and Thule come with push buttons, while others come with conventional handles. Push buttons are relatively simpler and easier to operate. They allow you to open the cargo box using only one hand.

Having a strap on the inside of the lid helps you reach the lid if you are shorter and you have a taller vehicle. You would not need a ladder or do acrobatics to reach the lid on that stature.

The good news is that all Thule cargo boxes come with pull chords. However, Yakima boxes do not have this feature. Ensure to check if your model has one or not.

Looks

As much as the looks of your car matter to you, you are conscious about adding an extra addition to your car. Therefore, you should consider the looks of the cargo box that you purchase.

There are options like matte, glossy, or even carbon fiber finishes available among the Thule and Yakima cargo boxes.

Interestingly, the looks of these cargo boxes are pure reflections of the core values of both companies. While Yakima manufactures rugged and functional, interesting-looking cargo boxes, Thule cargo boxes have more urban and sleek looks.

Yakima boxes are meant for outdoorsy and sporty adventures, while Thule boxes mainly suit the urban and natural environments.

While Yakima’s look, feel, and appearance displays a hint of lightweight and high performance, Thule cargo boxes are bold, sleek, and futuristic in their design. Nevertheless, both add to the upgrade of your vehicle.

Moreover, you should also ensure the impact reactions of the cargo boxes. For instance, how the boxes react to or resist dirt, scuffs, and damage. 

Even though a high-glossy finish adds to the vehicles’ looks, it may not be ideal for resistance from dirt and grime than a less flashy cargo box.

Size

Size is a crucial part of the cargo box features. The size of your vehicle and the amount of the stuff you’ll carry determines the size of the cargo box ideal for your needs.

Generally, car boxes are available in four sizes. They are medium, large, extra-large, and XX-Large that can hold stuff with their capacity of about 13, 16, 17, and 21 cubic feet, respectively.

Thule and Yakima each have a plethora of different shapes and sizes for the differing needs of their customers. They also have ski and snowboard carrying versions available.

Security and Other Features

All cargo boxes come with lock systems. Security purposes are incredibly important for cargo boxes as you store important luggage in those boxes. Yakima boxes come with the Same Key System, which can be super useful if you use other Yakima accessories as well for compatibility features.

Thule also has a one-key system that allows you to remove the key once you store the stuff. This way, there are very few to no chances of losing your keys. Once the lid shuts, the Thule Secure Lock System automatically locks the box.

However, it is important to remember that regardless of how strong the security system of your boxes can be, somebody can break them if they intend to. Therefore, the best security is to keep an eye on your car and keep your expensive gear along with you if you leave the vehicle unattended.

You’d find an additional feature in Thule cargo boxes is their inbuilt LED light that turns on when you open the box. That is a useful feature for nights and dark places whose reasons need no further explanation.

Durability

Durability is one of the factors that Yakima and Thule Cargo boxes share in common. Both major companies use materials that are almost similar such as the opening hinge hardware and other features.

The cargo boxes can endure or resist the impacts of windy and rainy weather conditions. With the materials used to construct the boxes, the stuff you store inside is safe, and the gear is kept dry.

All the cargo boxes are resilient enough to resist any wear and tear. Even so, it would require careful mounting and removing to minimize potential scratches or dents.

However, Yakima boxes tend to be more wobbly, which is not a major minus point of their cargo boxes. You can notice it only when the lid is open. It does not harm the overall performance.

Thule Vs. Yakima Cargo Box: Core Specifications

Both Thule and Yakima manufacture high-quality cargo boxes. You can trust them to store all and any stuff with maximum security possible. However, both have different materials and manufacturing techniques you should be familiar with before making a purchase.

To help you make the best choice, here is a detailed description of the core specification of Thule and Yakima Cargo Boxes.