Can The Thule Karrite Odyssey Roof Box Offer More Than Extra Space?
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On first impressions, the Thule Karrite Odyssey 470 Roof Box looks exactly like you would expect from a roof box but the more of the specification you read, the more appealing it becomes.
This silver luggage box has a Duotek lid, ABS base, straps and dual force struts for security as well as full UV Protection and a 470L capacity. Do these extra features really help or is this roof box just another box?
What benefits have been noted in reviews of this Thule Karrite Silver Roof Box?
It is understandable to expect that there would not be much to say about this product, particularly when it primary purpose is simply to offer secure storage on the roof of the car, but there are a number of positive reviews with some great comments about its features.
The first aspect to address has to the be capacity because it is definitely roomy, with one buyer claiming to have fitted four large rucksacks into its 470L capacity, and this means fewer worries about packing up a car on long trips.
Another interesting advantage is the unique locking system that ensures the box is locked before giving you the key – a great source of peace of mind which travelling on the motorway at high speed.
On that topic, buyers also report that the box has held up to these tough, fast conditions with no ill-effect and there is also no negative impact to the car’s performance because the box is so lightweight at just 15kg.
Are there any downsides to buying this Thule Karrite Roof Box?
Clearly, this roof box sounds like it covers all user needs with its capacity and durability but there is one big problem that has lead to some frustrated customers – it is difficult to attach this product to the roof bars in the first place.
There are some clear warnings about the dimensions and purpose of the box, with the manufacturer’s making sure that buyers realise it is for bars not roof rails and that there needs to be a distance of between 550 and 750mm between the bars for the box to fit.
The problem is that even if it does fit, the only sure way of getting it on its to remove the bars, attach the box and put the bars back because it is so fiddly. This difficulty in reaching the box also makes the single side opening more of a pain than it should be.
Summary: is this Thule Karrite Odyssey Roof Box too fiddly to be recommended?
The issue of fitting the box to the bars – not the rails – and the complexity of doing so will be an issue for many buyers; however, it can be argued that it is worth the effort for the other benefits that can be enjoyed.
The security offered with the locking and side opening is a nice touch, as is the lightweight and UV protection, but it is the capacity that has to be the feature that makes this Thule car roof box so highly recommendable as it offers a surprising amount of extra space and can really help travellers and campers pack with ease.