Tip for Installing Hinge of Thule Roof Cargo Box

Question:

I can not for the life of me get the hinge to snap over the ball. I have tried tapping with a hammer and hitting it quite hard with the hammer. Put some graphite lube on as well and it will not snap over. Is there something wrong with the socket? It snapped over the bottom just fine, but the top seems beyond me. tell me the trick please. B Bowen

asked by: Betsy B

Expert Reply:

Are you attempting to install the hinge part # TH14936 outside in the cold possibly? It's a pretty tight fit and if the plastic is cold it's going to be even more difficult. I'd recommend moving everything inside and let it warm up for a bit so that the plastic becomes even more flexible. You might even set the hinge on a heater vent or use a blow dryer to warm it up as well.

I am including a link to a video review of the Thule Ascent cargo box and at the 1 minute and 4 second mark of the video it will show the hinge snapped onto the top and bottom brackets of the cargo box.

expert reply by: Jameson C