Thule Atlantis 1600 or 1800 roof box?? Im on the fence... [Archive]

View Full Version : Thule Atlantis 1600 or 1800 roof box?? Im on the fence...

lookaught

10-18-2009, 09:04 AM

I'm looking for some input from owners...

The 1600 can fit up to 180cm skis and easily fits a 29er wheel with a tall tires.

The 1800 is a full 10" longer than the 1600 but is 1.6" narrower, so it will fit virtually any ski and should still fit a 29er wheel/tire.

I can't really imagine using skis over 180cm, but at the same time I'll be kicking myself if down the road I get a set of deep powder skis and can't fit them. My long set at the moment is 177cm. I like the way the 1600 fits on the car and doesnt overhang much, and it is slightly less expensive.

Any input?

1600:
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj122/dotcomrade/2ccec304.jpg

1800:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/ssrgeoff/Car.jpg

kneel

10-18-2009, 09:32 AM

the 1800 is a bit big. you can always put the skis in on a angle. my friends skies are long not sure what size but we put them in my 1600 on a angle. plus a 180 ski now is a long ski.

Savant05

10-18-2009, 02:08 PM

I just got the 1600 gloss black. I love it. Perfect size for me. I would think the overhang on the 1800 would make alot of wind noise. I've done 120 and can hardly hear a thing.

BryanR

10-18-2009, 07:12 PM

I like my 1600

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/pitstop.jpg

Not sure about skis, or 29ers, but I know one of these

http://www.cheapestpushchairs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/phil_and_ted_sports_kid.jpg

and this

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/3543925897_7a73791932.jpg?v=0

fit with lots of room for other schtuff

[:D]

kneel

10-18-2009, 07:41 PM

BryanR

10-18-2009, 08:25 PM

sure

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/3.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/5.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/6.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/2.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/9.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/7.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/10.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/11.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/12.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/13.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/Project%20Avant/8.jpg

Photography courtesy of AZ member Tanner (http://www.audizine.com/forum/member.php?u=198) [up]

norsecarnut

10-18-2009, 10:56 PM

...
The 1800 is a full 10" longer than the 1600 but is 1.6" narrower, so it will fit virtually any ski and should still fit a 29er wheel/tire.

I can't really imagine using skis over 180cm, but at the same time I'll be kicking myself if down the road I get a set of deep powder skis and can't fit them.

I had the 1800 and got the 2100 instead, the new design with stiffeners, and really like it. It's wider and longer. I have it on the s4 avant and the rear hatch opens full just barely clearing the 2100 tail.

Now fitting it very close, with this length, and for hatch clearance, with a front air dam that lands in front of the sunroof edge, you have to use the strap type mounting feet which on these bars, and when mounted all the way forward, are THE most secure, period.

This is because the strap does not rely on ideal clamping shape around the bar and in turn, this type can be slid all the way forward so that when you mount the fairing, it lands just in front of the sunroof.

One cool thing about the 2100 width is that it covers the width of the sunroof such that you can leave the sunroof open in rain and it's "covered" by the 2100. Nice for ventilation when sleeping in a rest area and the car looks safely closed up from outside as well. (only recommended in cooler temps though)

These are also the lowest profile bar feet of either thule or yakima (I've tried them all and have several types on different vehicles)

So, that's mostly talking about the rail clamp feet and the bars, which being thule are square, but the yak bike mounts i use fit fine having some play in the rotational geometry about the bar axis.

To give you an idea of what 1800 vs 2100 allows, on my last trip I put TWO bikes inside the pod to keep the wind resistance down on my Seattle to Raleigh NC trip, as well as bugs, weather, etc. Two bikes, two back packs, misc stuff, wheels, etc. I did remove the seats and pedals but then only the front wheel, the back wheels stayed in! ;) I actually had to look for fluffy stuff in the car to fill in so they wouldn't be rattling around.

I also created a 6'-4" sleep space behind the passenger seat using a ridgerest under a 3" delux thermarest. very comfortable really for quick overnights on the go.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Omak_sept_09_MG_1485.jpg

norsecarnut

10-18-2009, 10:58 PM

Inside that 2100 pod are one road bike and one xc mtn bike and lots of other crap. Bar width still allows for two kayaks on edge. Rear 2" hitch rated to 3500 lbs allows use of swing-away style 4 bike carrier when it's appropriate.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/NC-WA-NC_sept_09_MG_1583.jpg

norsecarnut

10-18-2009, 11:00 PM

This was the 1800. Never knew what I was missing until I got the 2100 ;)

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/564/s4_rivertrailhead_2.jpg

dougyfresh

10-19-2009, 07:20 AM

God Damn those Atlantis boxes are expensive.

I have the Yakima Spacecase. My friend gave it to me and I bought the Thule cargo box tooless mounting system to mount it to my cross-bars. Takes me about a minute to bolt it down.
http://www.sailworld.com/images/Yakima/space_case.jpg
http://www.bikepro.com/products/yakima_racks/yakima_jpg/spacecaseb.jpg

SpaceCase This is the ultimate luggage storage box, with room enough for the long, short, and bulky stuff all at the same time. If you've got a big family or need lots of storage capacity, this is your box.
• 92"x 29.5"x 15"
• 16.3 cu.ft. of storage/holds up to 150 lbs. (actual capacity depends on your vehicle)
• weighs 46 lbs.
• made from high impact ABS plastic
• gas-filled struts for easy opening and loading
• deep belly for really large loads
• Wing compatible
• lockable with SKS cores

The most I had in there was one 29inch wheeled mountain bike, one snowboard, one sleeping bag, one thermarest, one box of biking stuff (helmet, shoes, food, backpack of dogfood, and a bunch of other things. I easily load it over 150lbs and its stable at 100+mph fully loaded or empty.

Another time I had a 1.8T fully disassembled in there with the block in my trunk. I have to find those pictures.

I can also fit up to three bikes on the roof with the box. My cross-bars are also cut down to about 4inches wider than the factory rails. With three bikes you can't open the box but you're not going to open the box with three bikes on there anyway...

I would err on the larger side so I'm siding with Jwest on the 2100 model. I love the space.

AvantinUSP

10-19-2009, 09:09 AM

i got the 1600 and think it's perfect in size and look. but then again the most i put in it is 4 boards and gear with the longest board being 157.

EuroA4

10-19-2009, 10:45 AM

I have the Atlantis 2100 too...have not actually fit it to the Avant yet since it gets used on the Touarg mainly...but nice to know I can. It's big, but it fits a ton of stuff!

SoCalS4Avant

10-19-2009, 11:17 AM

My skis are 186's (used to ski on 215's!). So while I love the look of the 1600, I could never go with it since it would be too small for my skis. I don't like the "diagonal" recommendation, as I'd rather just have things fit right the right way. That's just me. I use my ski rack on top anyway, but have always loved the look of these roof boxes - and may try and get one sometime anyway!

If you can swing the 2100 like JWest, you should do it. More space is always good!

lookaught

10-19-2009, 02:20 PM

I think the 2100 is just too big. I won't be filling this thing to capacity all the time, I need it to fit skis, paddling gear, and a crash pad... plus other stuff from time to time.

I think for almost every use the 1600 will be sufficient, I just really don't want to get stuck with it being too small.

I guess the prudent choice is to get the 1800 "just in case" . . . hmmm. Thanks for the input everyone!

norsecarnut

10-19-2009, 06:32 PM

Ideas:

God Damn those Atlantis boxes are expensive.

Yup, REI just had their Yakima sale, and had the Thule sale recently. The only time to buy these is with 20% off and use the REI visa which gets you back an additional 5% in the spring! $150 off a $600 box makes it feel much better.

. I easily load it over 150lbs and its stable at 100+mph fully loaded or empty.
On my last trip, with the thing loaded, I ran over 140 mph about 4 times in Utah.... ;)

Another time I had a 1.8T fully disassembled in there with the block in my trunk. I have to find those pictures.
Would love to have seen that!

I can also fit up to three bikes on the roof with the box. My cross-bars are also cut down to about 4inches wider than the factory rails. With three bikes you can't open the box but you're not going to open the box with three bikes on there anyway...
My bars are about 8+ " wider than the rails and I have the bike trays outboard so even the wide 2100 still opens on either side but you have to just keep the inside pedal low. This is the most balanced layout but when I've had a narrower box on our last wagon(sweet bmw 328), we had three bikes all to one side and a 1200 to one side overhanging the windows. That was much easier to deal with!

lookaught

10-19-2009, 06:36 PM

Yeah they are pricy. It's the EMS 20% off sale right now and in New Hampshire there is no sales tax [:D] It is hard to get a better deal than that on Thule or Yakima stuff.

lookaught

10-19-2009, 06:39 PM

I like my 1600

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/BryanR_photos/pitstop.jpg

Not sure about skis, or 29ers, but I know one of these

Did you paint the USP front lower bumper cover yourself?

Looks great! I've thought about doing this but where I live it would be in constant jeopardy.

UGwagen

10-19-2009, 06:48 PM

Have you considered the Yakima Skybox also? The regular sky box is comes in matte black finish.

21: $545
18: $475
16: $435
12: $360

the skybox pro costs more because, it is more expensive to make.

BryanR

10-19-2009, 06:56 PM

Did you paint the USP front lower bumper cover yourself?

Looks great! I've thought about doing this but where I live it would be in constant jeopardy.

Had it professionally colour-matched to the unpainted lowers. I like the sleeper look of it [:)]

Picked up my 1600 for $150. There's deals to be had out there...

kneel

10-19-2009, 07:40 PM

Had it professionally colour-matched to the unpainted lowers. I like the sleeper look of it [:)]

Picked up my 1600 for $150. There's deals to be had out there...

usp lower looks good.

dougyfresh

10-19-2009, 08:40 PM

Another time I had a 1.8T fully disassembled in there with the block in my trunk. I have to find those pictures.

found 'em!

2001 TT 225 1.8T
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4027728607_f991cee176.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/4027728361_8c7227d1e0.jpg

block went in the trunk with my tools and dog.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4028481794_a44b14cb69.jpg

everything else went up top (including engine stand and cylinder head).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4027728413_18cb6dbb2a.jpg
PLENTY of room left over.

I also found this. One of the few pics I have of my car with the box on the top. Last December.. Down in North Carolina
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4028482070_6d17325841.jpg

bryzf1

10-21-2009, 11:53 PM

I just purchased the atlantis 1600 last weekend in gloss black and I think that the size is perfect. I'm not a fan of the long and narrow boxes. The 1600 fits perfectly on the b5 and b6 that's why I went w/ it. And I personally didn't care for the yakima boxes b/c of the 45 degree angle on the back of the box. It doesn't seem to flow w/ the lines of the car very well IMO.

lookaught

11-29-2009, 11:34 AM

Quick update: went with the 1600. I was leaning toward the 1800 but in the end I decided that for 99% of the time that I need a box, the 1600 is sufficient and I prefer the way that it fits.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss221/lookaught/GTRS/atlantis1600-1.jpg
http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss221/lookaught/GTRS/atlantis1600-2.jpg

kneel

11-29-2009, 03:55 PM

looks really good! another one with gloss black, dam i wish the shop i got mine from had the gloss black instead or the wrinkled box

Silverwerke

11-30-2009, 06:52 PM

Here's my contribution thule 1600 another gloss black Kneel. [:D] http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs091.snc3/15856_1157548340755_1289136164_30389197_4531702_n. jpg,
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs111.snc3/15856_1157548380756_1289136164_30389198_2635923_n. jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs111.snc3/15856_1157548420757_1289136164_30389199_3057955_n. jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs111.snc3/15856_1157548460758_1289136164_30389200_6409665_n. jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs111.snc3/15856_1157548500759_1289136164_30389201_4083222_n. jpg

kneel

11-30-2009, 07:48 PM

^dam you[headbang]. another gloss black!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thats it mines going up for sale or to paint shop to be color matched to car. Atlas Gray ftw!
looks really good BTW

Silverwerke

11-30-2009, 07:58 PM

^color match with your votex spoiler doooo it!

SoCalS4Avant

11-30-2009, 08:22 PM

Silver, did you post up in the "show your box" thread yet? We gotta a good photo-list going. Planning to get that thing sticky'd in here.

Silverwerke

11-30-2009, 08:52 PM

Silver, did you post up in the "show your box" thread yet? We gotta a good photo-list going. Planning to get that thing sticky'd in here.

not yet but i will... its not everyday i get to whore out the car [up]

kneel

11-30-2009, 09:02 PM

not yet but i will... its not everyday i get to whore out the car [up]

do it whore it out! the avants are taking over this website haha

rjpeaks

12-01-2009, 11:27 AM

i like the size of the 1600 - looks great Silverwerke

Bull0080

01-18-2010, 10:08 AM

Does anyone have any pics of the 1600 mounted on a b7/b6 sedan? I just got a new one on CL for 275... i hope it dosent look to big, looks great on the wagon. Thanks!

SoCalS4Avant

01-18-2010, 10:40 AM

Bull0080

01-19-2010, 01:05 PM

Thank you much! Looks Ok, cant complain for the price i got it at, plus it will hold mega gear.

Cheers

87supraman

02-10-2011, 06:17 AM

I am glad I'm not the only one that had a hard time choosing which box to get!!! [confused] I have it narrowed down to 2.

?*?*?*? Which box... Thule Atlantis 1600 Silver (http://www.amazon.com/Thule-686BXT-Atlantis-Rooftop-Cargo/dp/B001PQQFWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1297368847&sr=8-1) OR Yakima Skybox Pro 16 (http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-SkyBox-Rooftop-Cargo-Titanium/dp/B001PUV814/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1297099189&sr=8-8) ?*?*?*?

Just found a good deal on a Yamina Skybox Pro 18... so if someone has a side picture of their avant with that box it would be most helpful!!!! Click for Ad on CL (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/spo/2200519875.html) This box is in Atlanta and comes with the cross bars (for a honda van) for $425. Im interested but if someone else wants it I won't care. I think the 18's are just a tad big for what we want it for.

latte

02-10-2011, 03:28 PM

I initially bought a Thule Atlantis 1800 (1800 shown in avatar) and then sold it for the 1600 version. The problem I had with the 1800 is that there's slight overhang and the box just barely cleared my tailgate with the bars all the way forward and the box sliders adjusted all the way back also. I don't really notice the difference in capacity as i had packed it full of camping gear even with fold out mats (since my wife doesn't want to sleep with just sleeping bag on the ground of the tent) and a bike on each side of the box. I don't know how practical it would be for skiing since I snowboard but fits all my snowboard equipment just fine ( I ride a 156cm) with plenty of room to spare. The 1600 just seems to fit better for me and I dont have to worry about my trunk hitting it when I open it.

pdxa4

02-10-2011, 10:11 PM

ChannaD's beautiful Sprint Blue S4 and Thule Atlantis 1600.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/channad/mammoth%2009/IMG_1911.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/channad/mammoth%2009/IMG_1909-1.jpg

Nice good to see this pic on a sedan, as I'm considering one for my S8...

I really like the built quality of the Yakima Skybox, it just seems stronger to me, also the floor of the box seems to be flatter.
However I do love the look of the Thule boxes, and i have the aero bars and Thule feet on my car already to carry my bikes...
http://pdxa4.smugmug.com/photos/1094182024_8X3mE-L.jpg

lookaught

02-12-2011, 10:21 AM

FWIW I kind of regret not getting the 1800, only because the max ski length in the 1600 is 183 and the skis I'm going to get are 186cm. Dammit. Other that that, it's a great setup and fits a lot of shit, including my dog's crate which is nice for road trips because it's kinda bulky and rattles in the car.

IMO if you don't plan on fitting anything more than 183cm skis, go with the 1600.

avant1

02-20-2011, 09:15 AM

love my 1600 and my 165 board fits perfect. even the box fits really well on top.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/28turbo/DSCN0019.jpg

CZA420tAvant

02-20-2011, 10:10 AM

1600 is the way to go!

SoCalS4Avant

02-20-2011, 12:32 PM

CZA420tAvant

02-21-2011, 04:02 AM

^dam you[headbang]. another gloss black!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thats it mines going up for sale or to paint shop to be color matched to car. Atlas Gray ftw!
looks really good BTW

Neil, Ill buy yours off you and paint it red!

lookaught

02-21-2011, 08:35 AM

They won't fit, even at a slight angle? Not that you want to do that, but it may be a fair compromise.

No the 183s are really the max and that is already at an angle, which makes putting in the other skis a PITA too. I havent tried a 186 but I'm 99% sure it won't fit.

kneel

02-21-2011, 09:39 AM

Neil, Ill buy yours off you and paint it red!

done!

allroadstomtl

02-21-2011, 05:57 PM

bedarda

11-15-2011, 06:40 AM

I love my Thule Atlantis 1600, I bought it online from HumblePower for about ~$480, delivered tax and shipping free to my door.

My long skis days are behind me, and the kid's snowboard, so I'm just fine with the 1600

BCsniper

11-15-2011, 08:50 AM

I just found a 1600 here on vacation in south Fla and now waiting for the racks. I agree, there are many bargains out there. Cant wait to packer her up for the road back up north. One thing I don't relish is the cold, Yuk!

When I was looking for my 1600 I kept seeing a lot of them for sale down in FLA. Mine came from the Tampa area. Luckily I was able to talk somebody into shipping it via Greyhound to me. I'd called other people down in FLA previously about doing so but had never been able to get anyone to agree to it. Most don't want to deal with the hassle, even though all there is to it is dropping it off at the bus station.

A6Avant

11-15-2011, 10:03 AM

On the A4 the 1600 is the bomb for the 'look' but the practicality of the box itself for more then just skis/board go with the 1800.

I have an A6 Avant and went with the 1800 but it suits the C5 better... But this year I went with the Yakima Skybox 21.... Tons of room! With a family of 5 i dosent take long to fill it up!

A6Avant

11-15-2011, 10:06 AM

My C5 with the Alantis 1800

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/b3vr6/A6%20Avant%207%20seater/Endof2010343.jpg

This year with the Skybox...

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/b3vr6/A6%20Avant%207%20seater/photo1.jpg

lookaught

11-15-2011, 02:57 PM

No the 183s are really the max and that is already at an angle, which makes putting in the other skis a PITA too. I havent tried a 186 but I'm 99% sure it won't fit.

Quick update: I was wrong, a 186cm will fit. One pair, if each ski is laid flat, side by side, in the middle of the box where it is longest. I have not tried two pairs... it may be possible, but at least one pair fits and you can still throw a bunch of skis and boards and poles on top of them and to the sides.

In retrospect, I like the 1600 but primarily because it is really wide. It fits my dog's crate, a 29" MTB wheel with tire, etc. I do wish it were about four inches longer but the width is pretty useful for non-long ski trips.

SoCalS4Avant

11-15-2011, 03:15 PM

Quick update: I was wrong, a 186cm will fit. One pair, if each ski is laid flat, side by side, in the middle of the box where it is longest. I have not tried two pairs... it may be possible, but at least one pair fits and you can still throw a bunch of skis and boards and poles on top of them and to the sides.

In retrospect, I like the 1600 but primarily because it is really wide. It fits my dog's crate, a 29" MTB wheel with tire, etc. I do wish it were about four inches longer but the width is pretty useful for non-long ski trips.

Bingo. Got my 186's in there as well.

Another bingo on the length/width. I like the width of the 1600 v 1800...but the 1800 is longer and slightly taller. Damn Thule, just make a 1700! LOL