Thule 685BXT Atlantis 1200 Rooftop Cargo Box (Black)

Thule’s best-selling cargo series has been updated for 2009. Durable reinforcement features complimented with refreshed aesthetic upgrades secures the Atlantis as a front runner in the premium box category.

The Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box combines the best of form and function like few other automotive storage solutions in its class. Depending on the model chosen, it provides from 12 to 21 cubic feet/110-lbs of rooftop stowage per unit, freeing up precious space in your vehicle, while complementing your overall appearance on the road with a high-gloss automotive finish. It is compatible with all Thule base racks, as well as most any aftermarket or factory roof rack, and installs/can be removed from your rack in minutes without the use of tools via the Thule Quick-Grip mounting system. Additional features include and aerodynamic design for increased fuel efficiency and a quieter ride, access to the box from the left or right side, a secure locking system and more.

A mounted Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box showing gear inside Thule’s Atlantis series of rooftop cargo boxes combine the best of functionality and form.
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Get Your Gear Out of the Car and onto Your Roof

Thule’s cargo boxes are designed with your active life in mind. Compatible with all Thule rack systems, as well as round bar and most factory racks, they allow you to get your gear out of your car and onto the top of your roof – saving precious interior space, keeping moisture out of your vehicle when hauling snowsport or watersport gear and securing items that would otherwise roll around during transit. They are innovative, built to last, are easy to load and unload, and break down quickly and easily when the time comes. Finally, Thule’s assortment of rooftop boxes gives you many options to transport your gear safely, easily and in style. Simply choose the one that best fits the length of your vehicle roof and rack and experience the difference they make in your travels.

A demonstration of the dual-side opening capabilities of the Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box Conveniently access from the left or right side.
View larger. Schematic of the mounting parts and procedure of the Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box Rack mounting and securing with the Quick-Grip mounting system and included tie down straps.
View larger. Turning a knob of the QuickGrip mounting system used with the Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box Ergonomic Quick-Grip knobs mean tool-free installation and removal.
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Installation with the Quick-Grip System

Installation and/or removal of the Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box from your rack is easy via Thule’s patented Quick-Grip mounting system. This tool-free mounting system allows you to attach your rooftop box to virtually any roof rack in less than 5 minutes. The Quick-Grip system utilizes a two-armed pincer mechanism controlled by a simple knob control. The Atlantis contains four of these knobs embedded within the bottom of the box, each set along two internal tracks that can be moved forward or back along these tracks to accommodate your existing rack crossbar configuration. As a knob is turned, the pincers are released down and inward from the bottom the cargo box. These clamp around crossbars providing fast, maximized holding power that you can count on.

Simple Use, Stowage and Security

Once Thule’s Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box is installed it is ultra easy to use. Secure, slip-free stowage of gear is provided via two tie down straps, included with the cargo box, that connect to the inner edges of the Quick-Grip units and cinch down tightly. In addition, easy access to gear is guaranteed with Thule’s dual-side opening system built into the lid of Atlantis series models that allows the lid to be opened from either lengthwise side of the box. This system allows for one-handed usage, with the lid staying in place when opened. Finally, the Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box provides for maximum and convenient security of your gear via an oversized lock with an ergonomic knob that is easy to grasp and turn, even while wearing gloves. A duplicate key is included with each unit, and new lock cores and lock upgrades can be added to existing units as the need arises.

What’s in the Box

1-Thule Atlantis Rooftop Cargo Box, 2-tie down straps, 2-lock keys, 1-user’s manual/warranty card.

Key Features

Smooth, effortless opening and closing with the reinforced lid and redesigned lid lifters Oversized ergonomic lock knob is easier to grasp and turn – even while wearing gloves High-gloss black or silver automotive finish Aerodynamic design minimizes wind for greater fuel efficiency and quieter travel Quick-Grip mounting system for fast, easy, tool-free installation and removal Dual-side opening functionality allows for easy loading and unloading of the box from either side of the vehicle SecureLock ensures that all gear is locked and box is properly closed prior to driving Provides between 12 and 21 cubic feet of storage space, depending on the model 2 One-Key Locks (included) secure box contents and lock the box to the carrier Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks Reduces overhead clearance

Technical Specifications

  685BXT/XT 12 Foot 686BXT/XT 16 Foot 687BXT/XT 18 Foot 688BXT/XT 21 Foot Volume (cf) 12 cubic feet 16 cubic feet 18 cubic feet 21 cubic feet Length (in) 81.5″ 74″ 84″ 92.5″ Width (in) 24.5″ 36″ 34.4″ 36″ Height (in) 17″ 16.3″ 16.9″ 18″ Weight (lbs) 38 lbs. 42 lbs. 47 lbs. 59 lbs. Mounting System Quick-Grip Quick-Grip Quick-Grip Quick-Grip Box Opening Dual-Side Dual-Side Dual-Side Dual-Side One-Key Lock System Yes Yes Yes Yes SecureLock Box Closure Yes Yes Yes Yes Central Lock Available Yes Yes Yes Yes Capacity – Skis 5-6 pairs 6-8 pairs 6-8 pairs 4-6 pairs Capacity – Snowboards 2-3 3-4 4-6 6-8

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Thule will warranty all Thule brand car rack systems and its accessories manufactured by Thule during the time that an original retail purchaser owns the product. This warranty terminates if a purchaser transfers the product to any other person. No warranty is given for defects caused by normal wear and tear, cosmetic rust, scratches, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modification of, or any types of repair of a load carrier system other than those authorized by Thule.

About Thule

Thule was founded in 1942 by the Thulin family, when Eric Thulen, a true lover of the outdoors, put the Thule name on a pike trap he designed and began to sell in Scandinavia. It wasn’t long before he added other practical items to the company’s portfolio. By the 1960s, the company began to concentrate on car-related products, including its first roof rack. The Thulin family sold Thule to the publicly listed company Eldon in 1979, and it has continued to grow both organically and through acquisitions ever since. The Thule Group is a world leader in providing transport solutions for an active life.

Product Features

  • Black version – carries 12 cubic feet or up to 110 lbs of cargo per box
  • QuickGrip Mounting System
  • Holds 6-8 pairs of skis up to 198cm or 110 lbs 4-6 snowboards
  • Also mounts to most factory-installed racks and after-market systems
  • Durable lid stiffeners and struts make opening and closing the lid effortless – even with one hand