Replacement Lock for Older Thule Rooftop Cargo Box

Updated 12/03/2018 | Published 12/01/2018

Question:

HI, Ive recently purchased an old, used Thule Cargo Box. I am usure of the year, make, or model, but am trying to figure out what kind of locking system would work for this box. Please refer to the attached images to see the box, where the lock should go, and a photo of the metal bar which needs to slide left and right to unlock the box.

asked by: Gordon

Expert Reply:

Your pre-owned Thule rooftop cargo box is quite a few years old indeed! My contact at Thule noted this one was actually produced in Sweden, before Thule moved cargo box manufacturing to the USA.

Often older boxes may need to use alternate parts for locks, hinges etc when the original items are no longer available. Your photo does not show the lock itself, but if it is a round metal core with a letter and several numbers after it, like # THLOCKN028, we may have a replacement lock core; we'd just need that lock code.

It is sometimes necessary (and perfectly okay) to replace a lock with a standard hasp such as parts # ML702D and to use a small padlock.

I did notice something in your photo that deserves mention. It appears from your photo that your Thule box is mounted to one of their Ride-On Adapters TH532. These roof rack adapters are intended ONLY for use with certain Thule roof bike carriers. This adapter is not intended for use with a cargo box.

Under the circumstances I will suggest that you consider replacing the box with a new one that can directly mount on your roof rack. Malone and Car Top Cargo offer very cost-effective rooftop carriers that you can see on the linked page.

If you wish you can send me interior and exterior photos of your box's lock so I can see what type is on it.

expert reply by: Adam R