Is Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Good Value? Review

There are many challenges that come with driving a small vehicle on the road. It is especially difficult when you want to pack up all your luggage, but there isn't enough space or storage for it in this type of car.

The Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box is the perfect way to store all of your adventure gear! With an innovative design and enough space for anything you can throw at it, this box won't let go when it comes time to hit the road.

What are its Key Features?

Thule SideKick Cargo Box might seem small, but it can cater to most of the primary storage needs for a road trip, camping, or backpacking adventure. Here are some of its prominent features that can prove its value.

Sufficient Capacity 

Driving a small vehicle on a trip can be easy and efficient, but when it comes to giving you enough space for your stuff, it's pretty challenging. But with Thule SideKick Cargo, you'll have additional storage space that can hold up to 75 pounds of your things. Its dimension is 54 inches in length, the width of 25 inches, and the height of 15.5 inches, which is enough to accommodate two medium-sized golf bags. It can also hold most of your camping gear at the rate of its weight and dimensions. 

Support Hinges

Thule SideKick Cargo also boasts support hinges, keeping the box open when loading and unloading the things inside. Although one thing to note is that the opening of this cargo box is only accessible from the passenger side. It does not have a dual-side opening like the other Thule's Rooftop boxes. If you're looking for a more reliable and bigger rooftop cargo, the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box is the best option for you.

Two Lock Cores

The best thing about rooftop boxes compared to cargo bags is their strong lock system that ensures your belongings to be safe. In terms of the SideKick Cargo box, it also offers the security that you need for stuff during travels through its two lock cores. Although, it is not as modern as other cargo boxes that offer one key system. You still have to get to have two separate keys for each lock. 

Weatherproof

We all know that we don't hold the weather; it can be sunny during your trip and experience heavy rain once you're on your way home. It's unpredictable, so your rooftop cargo box should be able to withstand its unpredictability. Fortunately, the Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box is made of sturdy materials that withstand rain and harsh conditions. 

It comes in with a foam gasket that seals the box's interior and protects the content from getting wet. Its contoured lids are also one of the features that help in controlling the water from submerging inside the box.

Advantages of Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box

Durable

Thule SideKick is made of robust materials which offer durability and long-lasting use. Its sturdiness also helps in securing your belongings from outside elements, which makes it ideal for any kind of road journey. Therefore, it's not just more about its compact look but also about its excellent built that made it worth the investment.

Versatile

If you're looking for a compact cargo box that can fit almost any vehicle with racks or round bars, the Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box is one of the best options that you can get. Its versatility, along with its durability, will surely give you a comfortable and convenient road journey. 

Ease of Use

Thule SideKick also offers the utmost convenience to load and unload your belongings because of its support hinges and mounting system. You will not have to worry about getting access to the content of the box because its opening system is great.

Comparison Table of the Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box

Disadvantages of Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box

Thule SideKick is one of the basic rooftop cargoes of Thule, which means that we can't expect the same features as the other premium cargo box of the developer. Although, the features of this basic cargo box are already enough to give you a chill road trip.

Not a One Key System

The Thule Sidekick has two lock core systems, but it's not one key system which is not that bad at all. Although it can be a hassle sometimes having to keep and use two keys to open one box, it's not that bad. If you want a cargo box with one key system, you can check out some of Thule's premium luxury rooftop cargo boxes.

Time-consuming Installation

Installing the Thule SideKick is easy and requires basic instruction, but it also requires more time and effort. Unlike other advanced rooftop boxes, you need to carefully study the manual to get the process and secure the box properly. 

Possible Leaking

The exterior design of the Thule Cargo Box can help in preventing the water from entering the box. However, there are some reports from owners about possible leaking during heavy rains. So, it's essential to take note of this. 

It can be Noisy

Nowadays, there are lots of modern rooftop box which helps in reducing the wind-noise from the cargo box. Unfortunately, unlike those modern boxes, the Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box does not have a sleek aerodynamic design that can reduce the noise coming from the box when driving at high speed. Although, don't worry because Thule has plenty of other cargo box designs that offer noise-reduction features through aerodynamic exterior and air channels. Check out our guide about car carriers to know more about features you should consider before buying a cargo box. 

How to install Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box

Here’s a video generalized installation guideline

Conclusion

Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box is ideal for those who just want to have extra storage space for an affordable price. It might be the basic and small cargo box, but it also has the features that you can take advantage of to realize a great road trip.