Carrying Two Golf Bags in a Cargo Box on a 2016 BMW X3
Question:
I have a 2016 BMW X3 SUV. Id like to haul two sets of golf clubs in their bags to California. What size Thule Roof Box do i need? Can these be fitted to the BMW manufacture rails, or must I buy the Thule rails? Thanks!
asked by: Tom B
Expert Reply:
According to Thule, you'll be able to use a wide range of their boxes on the 2016 BMW X3's factory crossbars.
Before buying a box, you'll want to find your vehicle's top clearance, which is important on a trip so that you can access the rear hatch. To find this distance, you'll measure from the center of the front crossbar when its adjusted as far forward as it can go to the line where your hatch meets your roof. Your box will need to have a shorter required hatch clearance than your measurement to ensure a fit without impacting the rear hatch.
Since you're looking to fit two bags into the box, you'll want to look at the internal measurement of the boxes to make sure that the bags will have enough room to sit side by side, and able to fit the longest club or soft shell bag that the golf bag is in. I've found that on average, bags on the larger side are 52 inches long, 15 inches wide and 12 inches tall, so I'm sticking to recommending boxes that are at least 32 inches wide and 13 inches tall internally.
A good fit for you will likely be the Thule Force XT, part # TH6357B. This is a box with internal dimensions of 70 inches long by 28-3/4 inches wide, by 16-1/4 inches tall, letting you fit up to two normal golf bags into your vehicle. It opens from both sides of the vehicle, and includes locks for the box, improving its security. With the remaining room, you'll be able to store a little more cargo in the box, and not in the car. The Force XT requires a rear clearance of 47-1/2 inches to allow the use of the rear hatch.
A more value-oriented option that I recommend is the Thule Pulse, part # TH614. This box's internal measurements are 63 inches long by 33 inches wide by 14 inches tall, barely clearing our larger than normal size, and providing less additional cargo space. This box however requires clearance of only 42-5/8 inches for rear hatch operation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Matte Black
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Medium Length
- Medium Profile
- Medium Capacity
- Passenger Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Force XT L Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Medium Length
- High Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
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