A closer look at South Africa’s new vehicle sales charts confirms that the vehicle downsizing trend continues and for good reason. Modern compact cars are now fitted with many of the features that were previously only offered in larger more expensive cars. This includes the latest in technology, automatic gearboxes, turbocharged engines and extensive safety systems. This means that motorists can save a lot of money and easily drive a smaller car, without having to give up any luxuries or creature comforts except for space.

While these more compact cars are easy to live with during the year, they can present a challenge when packing for the summer holidays.

Thule, the Swedish manufacturer of premium vehicle and travel accessories, offer a wide range of solutions for carrying luggage, cargo or leisure equipment safely and securely. This includes specially designed products for transporting leisure items such as bicycles, e-bikes, aquatic equipment and fishing gear to name a few.

However it is Thule’s range of rooftop cargo carriers that have become widely popular among South Africans and for good reason. They offer a safe and easy way for the thousands of South Africans who will hit the road to their favourite holiday destinations this festive season to expand the luggage carrying capacity of their vehicle.

Rooftop cargo carriers require no permanent modifications to a vehicle, no special licensing, are easy to store and have a minimal impact on your vehicles fuel consumption.

All Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers offer full access to the boot and are easily and securely mounted onto the vehicles roof rails, should they need to be removed or reattached once you reach your holiday destination. The cargo carriers are easy to open and close by design thanks to well-located handles and supporting lifters.

Utilising a rooftop cargo carrier as opposed to other luggage carrying solutions such as a trailer frees up the towbar for other duties, such as the fitment of a Thule bicycle rack or for the towing of a motorcycle trailer or caravan.

How much can a rooftop cargo carrier hold?

Thule’s line-up of cargo carriers ranges in size from 360 to 610 litres and can be fitted to most vehicles sold in South Africa in combination with the correct roof bars and foot packs.

What does 360 litres mean in real terms? As an example, SA’s top selling passenger car is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which has a boot space that measures 280 litres, while the popular Toyota Corolla Cross offers 440 litres of boot space. This means that Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers can easily double the luggage carrying capacity of SA’s most popular vehicles.

Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers are ideal for bulky items, that are not necessarily heavy, but which occupy a lot of space in terms of volume. This includes golf clubs, strollers, gazebos and beach umbrellas.

Thule Force 3

Thule are always refining their products to make them safer, easier to use and more aesthetically pleasing. The latest addition to the extensive range of rooftop cargo carriers is the Thule Force 3, which is available in multiple sizes to suit a variety of vehicles and lifestyles.

A tough AeroSkin surface can handle the demands of daily use, while ensuring long-lasting durability and functionality.

While all of Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers are designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of vehicles, the Thule Force 3 actually compliments the aerodynamics of the vehicle to which it is fitted. The streamlined design helps to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise, which may enhance fuel efficiency on the road.

The Thule Force 3 is equipped with a new PowerClick quick-mount system, which ensures a fast and reliable fit. The integrated torque indicator clicks to confirm when it is securely attached.

The SlideLock system offers separate locking and opening functions, which automatically locks the lid and indicates when it is properly closed. DualSide opening functionality allows for quick access from either side of the vehicle, which further simplifies the loading and unloading process. Features such as an integrated box light, a pull strap for easy opening as well as internal securing hooks add a level of practicality.

The Thule Force 3 is available in four sizes ranging from 300 to 500 litres and with a weight carrying capacity of 75kg. A slimmer profile means it can more easily be moved to one side of the roof and fitted alongside other items such as a bicycle carrier if necessary.

A range to suite every style and space requirement

Thule offer a wide variety of rooftop cargo carriers in various styles and sizes.

Kicking off the range at R9 499 is the Thule Pacific available in two size versions. The Thule Force 3 is available in small, medium, large and extra-large, ranging from 300 litres and a starting price of R14 999 to the extra-large 500 litre model that retails for R22 999.

The Thule Force XT is a versatile roof mounted cargo box that has DualSide opening functionality for easy access, from both sides of the vehicle and is available in a 500-litre variant for R20 999.

The elegant, sporty design of the Thule Vector incorporates seamless integration of the lid and base. Inside it boasts a felt lined interior for increased gear protection, while a white coloured interior lid and LED light makes for easier loading and unloading in the dark. The Vector is available in a large 430 litre option.

Thule understand that many of the vehicles that are being fitted with rooftop cargo carriers are sleek and stylish and the Thule Motion 3 has been designed to match that aesthetic.

The Motion 3 boasts clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic that will complement the appearance of sleek modern vehicles, while expanding their luggage carrying capacity. Designers also focused on aerodynamics which resulted in a rooftop cargo carrier that minimises wind resistance and ensures a fuel-efficient journey. The Motion 3 is available in a wide variety of sizes, including new low-profile options with a starting price of R22 999.

The Thule Canyon XT roof basket is another solution for rooftop loading, with the added advantage of not being limited in terms of the height of the items which it can carry.

The Thule Caprock platform roof top carrier allows off-road vehicle owners to transform the roof of their vehicle and create a foundation for everyday work or leisure adventures. With a modular design and endless possibilities the sleek roof platform supports a variety of gear and mounting types.

Shop online or in store today

Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers prioritise ease of use and safe transportation. Along with a host of innovative features, the latest models uphold the brands reputation of manufacturing equipment of an extremely high quality, which is backed up by a five-year warranty.

Thule’s wide range of rooftop cargo carriers, bicycle racks, accessories, luggage and car seats are available from Thule Concept stores located throughout South Africa. For more information please visit www.thulestore.co.za <http://www.thulestore.co.za>