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Author Topic: Thule ski box and car wash  (Read 798 times)

Offline Zombie

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Thule ski box and car wash
« on: December 12, 2011, 11:35:02 am »
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/VehicleRacksCarriers/RooftopCarriers/PRD~0401153P/Thule+Cascade+1100+Car-top+Box.jsp?locale=en

I just bought this Thule ski box and was planing on leaving it installed on my car over the winter.
I think I remember reading that your not supposed to go through the car wash with one of these installed.
Is this really the case, do people take them off before going through the car wash?
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Offline Scarecrow

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2011, 11:43:11 am »
I suggest you remove the cargo box and roof rack before running through a car wash.

In fact you should probably leave it off all the time, except when you're actually using it.  These things act like huge aerodynamic brakes in everyday driving.  You will notice the extra fuel used when it's mounted.  We sure do.
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Offline ktm525

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2011, 11:44:47 am »
You aren't running your car through an auto car wash are you?

Wand wash for you. Don't the new Thules have some sort of quick release system now?
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Offline sailor723

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2011, 11:54:08 am »
Quote from: ktm525 on December 12, 2011, 11:44:47 am
You aren't running your car through an auto car wash are you?

Wand wash for you. Don't the new Thules have some sort of quick release system now?

I think you'd be OK in a "touchless" wash where the sprayer wand circles the car. I'd definately avoid the old fashioned automatic washes with brushes. (and not just because of the Thule box  ;) )
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Offline Zombie

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2011, 12:03:44 pm »
Well its not on yet.
Some of the Thule boxes have quick release but this doesn't. From the looks its not that hard to install and remove but there are 8 large plastic nuts and hardware to remove. Something that might be annoying in -15 weather.
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Offline mrthompson

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2011, 12:21:13 pm »
Indeed.  The plastic nuts will be brittle as glass in winter temperatures.  You don't want to bust a nut when fiddling with the rack.  :rofl2:
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Offline wing

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2011, 12:23:38 pm »
One of those guys eh ;)
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Offline ktm525

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2011, 12:31:03 pm »
Quote from: Zombie on December 12, 2011, 12:03:44 pm
Well its not on yet.
Some of the Thule boxes have quick release but this doesn't. From the looks its not that hard to install and remove but there are 8 large plastic nuts and hardware to remove. Something that might be annoying in -15 weather.

What type of rack is this mounted to?
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Offline Zombie

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2011, 01:07:50 pm »
Quote from: ktm525 on December 12, 2011, 12:31:03 pm
Quote from: Zombie on December 12, 2011, 12:03:44 pm
Well its not on yet.
Some of the Thule boxes have quick release but this doesn't. From the looks its not that hard to install and remove but there are 8 large plastic nuts and hardware to remove. Something that might be annoying in -15 weather.

What type of rack is this mounted to?

Nothing yet but it will be mounted to my factory rounded bars. They are removable but I pretty much keep them on all the time.

Here is a good picture of them if you can get past the dead woody woodpecker.
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Offline ktm525

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2011, 01:17:31 pm »
How quick do the factory bars remove? On the Volvo wagon I mounted the Thule box to the removeable factory bars. I could remove the factory bars in less than a minute. The box remained attached to the bars so everything was lined up perfectly when installing.

Now I thow the skis in the bed of the truck.
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Offline safristi

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2011, 03:34:12 pm »
wots that reposte...."A thule and their money are soon parted"....... :pimp: :bounce: :shuffle:...why do I want my stuff UP THERE... ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Online quadzilla

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2011, 04:08:33 pm »
I'd be terrified to take my box through the car wash.

BTW, you can get the new and better quick release models in the USA for cheaper. That price is horrible for only 11cf.  Just strap it on and drive back.

EDIT: I just checked some pricing and it seems that Thule have raised the US pricing instead of lowering the Cdn pricing, interesting. I take back my pricing comment. Its not horrible, just not as good.
« Last Edit: December 12, 2011, 04:13:41 pm by quadzilla »
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Offline Zombie

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #12 on: December 12, 2011, 04:43:09 pm »
Quote from: quadzilla on December 12, 2011, 04:08:33 pm
I'd be terrified to take my box through the car wash.

BTW, you can get the new and better quick release models in the USA for cheaper. That price is horrible for only 11cf.  Just strap it on and drive back.

EDIT: I just checked some pricing and it seems that Thule have raised the US pricing instead of lowering the Cdn pricing, interesting. I take back my pricing comment. Its not horrible, just not as good.

For cheaper? do you have the link please, the best I can find is 350 in the US.
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Offline Careener

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Re:
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2011, 06:10:44 pm »
LL Bean used to have good pricing..not sure if it holds true anymore.
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Online quadzilla

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2011, 07:13:42 pm »
Quote from: Zombie on December 12, 2011, 04:43:09 pm
For cheaper? do you have the link please, the best I can find is 350 in the US.

I usually buy from EMS or REI as both of those places always have 20-30% off sales. Don't know how much of a hurry you need one but if you can wait a little while, I"m sure there will be a coupon up shortly due to the xmas season. If I see any deals I'll try to let you know.
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #15 on: December 12, 2011, 07:46:09 pm »
As stated, wand wash.  Your box might make it through an automatic car wash, but you'd be sad if it didn't.
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Offline dr_spock

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #16 on: December 12, 2011, 10:04:46 pm »
Use one of these types of car washer.


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Offline aquadorhj

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #17 on: December 12, 2011, 11:18:12 pm »
Quote from: dr_spock on December 12, 2011, 10:04:46 pm
Use one of these types of car washer.





i know i'll get fleck for this, but it has to be asked.....    does the lady wash my car or come with the car wash package?  :rofl:
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #18 on: December 12, 2011, 11:31:59 pm »
I gave IQ a wash down in one of those one weekend because the showers were broken at the race track!
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Offline tortoise

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Re: Thule ski box and car wash
« Reply #19 on: December 13, 2011, 12:20:05 am »
.. and they say romance is dead.


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