How to Determine if Thule Force XL Cargo Box Will Allow Rear Hatch to Open

Published 10/30/2015

Question:

Will it interfere with our antenna? Could we open the hatch back enough to use it?

asked by: Joe H

Expert Reply:

To determine if the Thule Force XL cargo box, # TH6358B, will fit your Lexus RX 350 without hatch interference you will need to take 1 important measurement.

First, if you can move the crossbars on the vehicle, move the front bar as far forward as it will go. Then measure from the center of the front bar straight back to the seam between the top of the hatch and the roof. If that measurement is greater than 51-1/8 inches the box will fit without hatch interference. I have included a picture that shows where to measure and lists the clearance requirements for all Thule boxes.

Since I do not know the year of your vehicle it's hard to know for sure what fit info Thule recommends. If your front antenna sits higher than the crossbars of your roof rack you would need to measure from the front bar like I previously mentioned to it as well to determine if the box would interfere.

expert reply by: Jameson C