Downsides to Leaving a Cargo Box Permanently on a Vehicle

Published 06/29/2016

Question:

Outside of fuel economy, what would be the downsides of leaving this on for an extended period of time?

asked by: Patrick D

Expert Reply:

Besides fuel economy, there are a few downsides to leaving a Cargo Box, like the Thule Motion XT, part # TH629906, on all the time.

I recommend uninstalling the cargo box when it is not in use because leaving the box on all the time causes it to be exposed to the elements including UV exposure and temperature extremes which causes constant wear and tear to the cargo box. While Thule makes their products from durable materials, a roof box that is left installed when not in use will cause a box to not last as long as one that does get uninstalled when not in use.

Also, this cargo box will cause drag and wind noise when in use. So while you will have a worse fuel economy you will also have wind noise when you carry this cargo box as well.

Thule does recommend their roof racks and cargo carriers be taken off when not in use.

expert reply by: Sarah H