Thule Roofbox experiences & compatibility

[MatC21]

Hello everyone,

I’m thinking about getting a roof box for my Macan for ski trips and summer holidays.

I find the original Porsche ones ridiculously expensive and also a bit too large. Has anyone had experience with a Thule roof box (or another brand) on the Macan?

At the moment, I’m leaning toward the Thule WingBar Edge carrier system. One advantage is that, unlike the Porsche accessories, it’s completely black and also sits lower.

As for the roof box itself, I’m torn between the Thule Motion 3 XL Low and the Motion 3 L in the standard height. The XL Low might have slightly better aerodynamics and would also fit cross-country skis. The L offers more space and is shorter. I’m wondering whether I might run into problems with the tailgate opening if I choose the XL. In the German Porsche forum someone claims it fits but glad to hear some more opinions.

This is the first time I’m considering a roof box, so I’d really appreciate any feedback. Of course I’m aware of the impact on fuel consumption, but with a small child you simply have to bring a lot of stuff along

Cheers

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[RGBArgee]

Hello everyone,

I’m thinking about getting a roof box for my Macan for ski trips and summer holidays.

I find the original Porsche ones ridiculously expensive and also a bit too large. Has anyone had experience with a Thule roof box (or another brand) on the Macan?

At the moment, I’m leaning toward the Thule WingBar Edge carrier system. One advantage is that, unlike the Porsche accessories, it’s completely black and also sits lower.

As for the roof box itself, I’m torn between the Thule Motion 3 XL Low and the Motion 3 L in the standard height. The XL Low might have slightly better aerodynamics and would also fit cross-country skis. The L offers more space and is shorter. I’m wondering whether I might run into problems with the tailgate opening if I choose the XL. In the German Porsche forum someone claims it fits but glad to hear some more opinions.

This is the first time I’m considering a roof box, so I’d really appreciate any feedback. Of course I’m aware of the impact on fuel consumption, but with a small child you simply have to bring a lot of stuff along

Cheers

I have Thule wing bars from a previous car and just bought the Macan feet adaptation- far better than paying crazy Porsche prices imho

 

[Doggo]

Can offer some data points here

- have the evo edge roof racks
- have the force xt x-large
- no problems with the tailgate. The 4 Thule roof bags they sell for $250 or so are actually great quality, and allows you to pack them/throw them in the box really easily. Well worth that spend.
- used heavily for summer. Decent amount of noise, even from the racks themselves. Didn't pay much attention to kw usage.

- did a skip trip recently, and used the ski holder (not box). 4 skis on the roof
- -15c, so decent cold
- noise was insane
- 1.5kw/m, at 70/80mph
- which gave me headaches for this particular trip
- impulse bought the edge bar racks (the flush mount version
- impulse the motion 3 xl low
- too cold to put it on this weekend but hoping for a significant difference in noise and range

Side note - Porsche has dimples on the inside of the roof rack, use that for placement to get it right. This is the strongest part of the rack and will allow you to get alignment as best as possible without getting down to the millimeter

 

[tomthemac]

have moved my thule system from etron to macan - Thule Motion 3 LARGE Roof Box Black Glossy Part No 639700 & Thule 7106 Evo Flush Rail Foot Pack (710600) Thule Evo Flush Rail Fitting Kit - 6207 (186207) Thule WingBar Evo 118 (711200)
we use it every 6 weeks back and forward to normandy from london
also invested in the Thule GoPack bag for roof box four-pack black,
recommended for easy load in and out of roof box

it all works well, little additional noise, looks good, comes off easily and yes clearly affects consumption - but no pain no gain!
"always be charging (abc)"

 

[AlanH]

Hello everyone,

I’m thinking about getting a roof box for my Macan for ski trips and summer holidays.

I find the original Porsche ones ridiculously expensive and also a bit too large. Has anyone had experience with a Thule roof box (or another brand) on the Macan?

At the moment, I’m leaning toward the Thule WingBar Edge carrier system. One advantage is that, unlike the Porsche accessories, it’s completely black and also sits lower.

As for the roof box itself, I’m torn between the Thule Motion 3 XL Low and the Motion 3 L in the standard height. The XL Low might have slightly better aerodynamics and would also fit cross-country skis. The L offers more space and is shorter. I’m wondering whether I might run into problems with the tailgate opening if I choose the XL. In the German Porsche forum someone claims it fits but glad to hear some more opinions.

This is the first time I’m considering a roof box, so I’d really appreciate any feedback. Of course I’m aware of the impact on fuel consumption, but with a small child you simply have to bring a lot of stuff along

Cheers

I transferred the Wingbar Evo from my previous car after buying the correct feet for the Macan. I compared the Porsche roof box with a similar size Thule (430l) and ended up getting the Porsche as it was cheaper. I need all the space for snowboards and skis and have been very happy with it so far. It reduces the efficiency but it’s not very loud at 130km. I was also able to change out the roof box locks for the same as on the Thule Wingbar so I can use only one key. I assume this means that the Porsche roof box is made by Thule.

 

[MatC21]

have moved my thule system from etron to macan - Thule Motion 3 LARGE Roof Box Black Glossy Part No 639700 & Thule 7106 Evo Flush Rail Foot Pack (710600) Thule Evo Flush Rail Fitting Kit - 6207 (186207) Thule WingBar Evo 118 (711200)
we use it every 6 weeks back and forward to normandy from london
also invested in the Thule GoPack bag for roof box four-pack black,
recommended for easy load in and out of roof box

it all works well, little additional noise, looks good, comes off easily and yes clearly affects consumption - but no pain no gain!
"always be charging (abc)"

Hey thanks for the message. Does the L fit well with the trunk? I am leaning towards the XL Low and I am worried about the trunk cover hitting the box.

 

[MatC21]

I transferred the Wingbar Evo from my previous car after buying the correct feet for the Macan. I compared the Porsche roof box with a similar size Thule (430l) and ended up getting the Porsche as it was cheaper. I need all the space for snowboards and skis and have been very happy with it so far. It reduces the efficiency but it’s not very loud at 130km. I was also able to change out the roof box locks for the same as on the Thule Wingbar so I can use only one key. I assume this means that the Porsche roof box is made by Thule.

Cheers. Porsche is 1500 CHF here while tue Thule Motion XL Low is 680 CHF. So definitely cheaper for me.

 

[tomthemac]

Hey thanks for the message. Does the L fit well with the trunk? I am leaning towards the XL Low and I am worried about the trunk cover hitting the box.

no trouble with L and rear hatch. the roofbox has fwd and aft adjustment when you reclamp. so check thule specs. in fact call them direct or supplier, they are usually very helpful and knowledgeable

 

[MatC21]

no trouble with L and rear hatch. the roofbox has fwd and aft adjustment when you reclamp. so check thule specs. in fact call them direct or supplier, they are usually very helpful and knowledgeable

Thanks. According to the pictures the XL Low has its length mostly in the front so I assume no issues with the hatch. But will try to reach out with the shop/thule if they have any experience on the eMacan.

 

[MatC21]

@tomthemac any pictures of the setup by any chance?
From the Thule website looks like the XL Low only needs an additional 2cm in the back. Wonder if that is is possible.

I would really prefer the XL Low due to the increased length for my skis and potentially better aerodynamic but are really worried it’s too large / long. Unfortunately shops around here have very limited return policies and shipping is extremely expensive.

I did the following measurement today as of the Thule website. They say one should measure from the front mounting bar to the hatch. If its larger than 132cm it should fit the XL low box. L is 130cm. Still tough call for me as I have no clue about the shape.

 

[tomthemac]

yep. ill see i can get over to where i keep the roof box sling it on and send photos with tape measure tmrw

 

[MatC21]

yep. ill see i can get over to where i keep the roof box sling it on and send photos with tape measure tmrw

Thank you very much, any pictures are highly appreciated. Also, if possible, how far they extend over the windshield and if it would still fit with mounting it slightly lower on the Wingbar Evo Edge (compared to the Porsche carrier).
@Doggo in case you have feedback on the XL Low (or even pictures), happy to hear them.

Probably need to order the box this or next week to have be able to test them before my trip in March.
I'll promise to provide this thread with detailed pictures after my purchase as well (for furture reference)!

It's surprisingly hard to receive good information online. I contacted Thule and they said they won't give any compatibility advice for boxes. All they said is I should run the measurement above.

 

[sor]

You probably already know but you can also program how high the hatch opens in the event things end up a bit tight.

 

[tomthemac]

You probably already know but you can also program how high the hatch opens in the event things end up a bit tight.

thats a good point!

 

[tomthemac]

Thank you very much, any pictures are highly appreciated. Also, if possible, how far they extend over the windshield and if it would still fit with mounting it slightly lower on the Wingbar Evo Edge (compared to the Porsche carrier).
@Doggo in case you have feedback on the XL Low (or even pictures), happy to hear them.

Probably need to order the box this or next week to have be able to test them before my trip in March.
I'll promise to provide this thread with detailed pictures after my purchase as well (for furture reference)!

It's surprisingly hard to receive good information online. I contacted Thule and they said they won't give any compatibility advice for boxes. All they said is I should run the measurement above.

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