Lightweight Portable Step for Use with Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box on Tall SUV

Published 12/20/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Adjustable-Height, Folding Platform Step - Steel - 24" Long x 16" Wide - 300 lbs

(282)

$78.80

Wheel Step with Non-Slip Surface - 21" long x 9" wide - 300 lb Weight Capacity

(22)

$72.10

Safety Step Adjustable Height, Folding Platform Step - Aluminum - 24" x 16" - 1,000 lbs

(184)

$189.14

Telesteps Folding Step Stool - Aluminum - 300 lbs

(5)

$38.29

Thule Force XT Sport Rooftop Cargo Box - 11 cu ft - Black AeroSkin

(355)

$729.39

Question:

We have a Thule Force roof box that we use on two fairly tall SUVs. My wife is 5-foot-2 and has trouble getting up to the cargo when we camp. I see you have steps like S-150 and SASXLA-09C-G but these are pretty big, heavy and costly. Is there a step you can suggest that is small and light enough to take along on trips?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the size and weight of heavy-duty steps like # S-150 and # SASXLA-09C-G make them less than ideal for transport inside a rooftop cargo box like the Thule Force XT # TH6356B. Odds are if you are using a roof box you do not have space in the vehicle to store one of these steps. Handy as they are their best application is as an entry step for folks towing a large trailer such as a 5th wheel that has substantial cargo storage space built-in.

But anyone using a rooftop cargo box can still have a need for a way to have easier access to the box interior for loading and unloading. I think I have just the right item for you to take along on your family camping trips.

Telesteps Step # TE97FR comes fully-assembled, is lightweight (2-lbs) and very inexpensive, yet gives almost a foot of extra reach for easier cargo access. Unlike tire-mounted steps like the Performance Tool # PT68ZR the Telesteps is not limited to being placed on a vehicle tire so you can place it in any location you need it, whether at the front of the box or the rear. The Telesteps step also folds up for easy storage.