Get extra space without the bulk—Thule low profile roof boxes keep gear out of the cabin and stay aerodynamic for minimal impact on MPGs. They're easy to put on and take off, and they fit most crossbars, but you'll need crossbars and the box should rest fully on the rails. Avoid opening a sunroof with a box installed, and note some flat platform racks may not accept indented clamp mounts or could cause windshield overhang based on bar position.
It's best not to open the sunroof or moonroof with a Thule box on the roof. There's a chance it won't interfere, but there's also a chance it will. Even if it clears, moving parts and wind can cause issues. If you still want to test, open slowly and be ready to stop at the first sign of contact.
Yes, crossbars are required, and no cargo box mounts directly to a bare roof. Make sure the box sits fully on the rails and does not hang off. Check that your crossbar spread matches the clamp range shown for the box so the mounting feet sit where they should.
Measure from the center of your front mounting points or front crossbar out to where the windshield starts. Then note the center-to-center distance between your two crossbars to find your spread. With those two measurements, you can estimate how far a Thule low profile box will extend past the windshield and adjust bar positions if possible.
Use Thule's stated height above the crossbars to check garage entry clearance. For a low profile size, Thule lists 12 inches above the crossbars. Add your rack height and any antenna clearance to be safe, and measure your garage opening to confirm.
Sometimes, but check the mounting surface. Boxes that don't have a flat bottom and use indented clamps may not seat correctly on slatted platforms. Verify there's enough flat support under the clamp areas, or use crossbars that match the box's clamp footprint to help ensure a solid fit.