Recommended Thule Roof Rack and Cargo Box for a 2012 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Hello, I have zero experience with roof racks. We have a 3rd kid and need the storage space. 2012 Odyssey has side roof rails but no cross bars. What is the entire setup - cross bars, box, shoes ? and locks needed? We plan to use 2-3 times a year on family travel, so need to be able to put on and take it off easily, which is why I was tending towards a Thule Motion or Force. Thank you!

asked by: Chris V

Expert Reply:

For a Thule setup on your 2012 Honda Odyssey with the side rails you have a few options for the AeroBlade crossbars.

The first option would include the WingBar Evo bars, part # TH711500 for Silver or part # TH711520 for Black, and the Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401.

The other option would be to use the AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack, part # TH7503-TH7504 for Silver or part # TH7503B-TH7504B for Black, which would give you more of an OEM look on your Odyssey.

To lock either of these roof rack options to your side rails you will also need the Lock Cores # TH450400 for the roof rack. Since you are looking into a Thule cargo box I recommend going with part # TH450600 instead which comes with 6 locks. This will enable to only need 1 key for your roof rack and cargo box.

For a cargo box I recommend the Thule Motion XT # TH629706 over the Thule Pulse # TH615. Either one of these boxes will work great and easily install with the clamps on the AeroBlade roof rack system, but the Motion XT has an edge on the Pulse because it has dual side access instead of just access from the passenger side, plus the Motion XT is geared more towards aerodynamics. This will help to reduce wind noise and drag versus the Pulse.

I have attached some review videos that you can check out.