As the April long weekends roll around, many South Africans are already planning to pack the bakkie or boot and hit the open road for a well-earned escape. Whether it’s a weekend on the beach, a bush break, or just a bit of fresh air at a farmstay, one thing’s for sure – if you’re travelling with family, pets, fishing rods, golf clubs and half the contents of your house, you’re going to need clever cargo solutions.
Let’s face it, packing for a family getaway is practically an Olympic sport… and if you have kids, you’ll know it’s less “travel light” and more “how many bags can we legally fit in here?”
But beyond the Tetris challenge of luggage stacking, there’s also safety to consider. Overloading your vehicle, incorrectly packing a trailer, or letting heavy items roll around inside the cabin isn’t just annoying, it’s downright dangerous. In a sudden stop or crash, even a seemingly innocent loose cooler box can become a projectile. Not ideal.
That’s where the clever Swedes from Thule step in. Known globally for their premium vehicle and travel accessories, Thule offers a top-notch selection of products designed to carry your gear safely and smartly – from bicycles and e-bikes to surfboards and fishing rods.
Double your boot space, without buying a trailer
A rooftop cargo carrier might not sound like a life-changer but trust us, it can be. Thule’s range of rooftop boxes gives you anywhere from 360 to 610 litres of extra packing space, all mounted securely to your vehicle’s roof rails (no drilling required, don’t worry). That’s more than double the boot space of popular cars like the Suzuki Swift (265 litres) and even the Fortuner with the back seats up (296 litres). Even the Toyota Corolla Cross, with its 440-litre boot, gets shown up by Thule’s big daddy – the 610-litre box.
Suddenly, all the bits that normally get squashed into the back seat – beach umbrellas, camping chairs, braai grids, golf clubs, inflatable flamingos – have a safe, secure home on the roof.
Plus, these cargo carriers are aerodynamic, meaning they won’t guzzle your fuel or hold you back on those long hauls to the coast. And thanks to clever engineering and side-opening designs, they’re also super easy to access, even if you’re vertically challenged like some of us.
Small car, big dreams
With many families downsizing to more affordable, fuel-efficient cars, Thule’s cargo solutions are a real win. That compact hatchback can suddenly moonlight as a mini adventure mobile, ready for action without compromising on space or style.
One of Thule’s newest offerings is the Motion 3 – a sleek rooftop box that combines clever functionality with good looks, available in either a shiny black or titan finish. It features one-handed opening (very useful when the other hand’s holding a cappuccino), a secure locking system, and a shape that’ll look right at home on any modern SUV or sedan.
Have a 4×4 or a rugged weekend planned?
Thule has solutions for off-roaders too. The Canyon XT roof basket is perfect for carrying the bulkiest of items – we’re talking firewood, cooler boxes, or that oddly shaped camp table. And for the true adventurers, there’s the Caprock Platform, a heavy-duty, modular rooftop platform that’s as versatile as your overlanding dreams.
Want to take the bikes too?
One of the best things about using a rooftop carrier is that it frees up your towbar. And what better use for it than a Thule towbar-mounted bike rack? Whether you’re transporting regular road bikes or chunky e-bikes, these racks keep your precious cargo safe and wobble-free.
Thule’s racks – like the EasyFold XT or the very fancy Epos – can carry up to four bikes, fold away neatly when not in use, and even tilt to give you access to the boot. No more unloading the whole family’s bikes just to grab the snacks.
Adventure awaits
Thule’s full range of rooftop carriers, bike racks and travel accessories is available at Thule Concept Stores across South Africa. Whether you’re headed for the berg, the bush or the beach this long weekend, travel smart, travel safe – and leave the trailer behind.
For more info or to browse the full range, visit www.thulestore.co.za.
