Yep, bought the same set up in December after dry fitting it prior to purchase and realizing it would actually fit with about 2" of room to spare and no mods needed. I was psyched because the 1600 would not fit my skis. I was really happy when I stuffed the 1800 like a sausage and realized that the 1600 would not have done the job for all of my families stuff. I also got the 20% discount and have a blizzard pearl LTD with the silver 1800, looks sharp.

 

Looks Great. Can you tell me what you paid pre-tax for the 1800XT ?

 

Retail at REI was $599.99 and I got 20% off that price during a sale.

 

Many thanks for MarkFrank for posting pics of this setup. We recently got an '09 Highlander Sport and wanted a cargo box for family camping trips. I was told by a Rack Attack technical advisor that the 16-cubic-ft Thule box was the largest that would fit the vehicle, but Mark's pics gave me confidence to go ahead and order the 1800XT. I used Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad towers on the factory roof rails and Thule RB53 Rapid Aero bars. I bought extra locks and changed the box locks to match those I installed in the towers. This will be a great help for family camping trips.

 

more pics are accessible HERE

a closeup of clearance to the rear-hatch spoiler:

 

hate to ask for a front shot to see the width, if thats possible?

did you look at other makes and models?

looks great.

grez

 

hate to ask for a front shot to see the width, if thats possible?...grez

 

hi MarkFrank, Aubrey...

I have few questions about the Thule Atlantis 1800XT if you don't mind.
1] what is the weight of 1800XT?
2] how much load it can carry? load limit?
3] is the factory installed crossbar will be ok and will fit in the 1800XT? of should I consider yakima or thule crossbars?

Thanks!

 

1. 47 pounds. I can lift the box onto the roof by myself.
2. 110 pounds.
3. Unknown on the factory crossbars. If they can adjust fore/aft sufficiently, maybe. They will be lower, so it may be a bit more dificult to get the aft end of the box to clear the rear-hatch spoiler.

As MarkFrank stated, the Yakima box, which is nice as well, is longer than the Thule for the same capacity, so fit will be less likely with the 18-cubic-foot size. I like the idea of buying from an American company like Yakima when all else is equal, and REI had the Yak boxes on sale, but I was afraid it would not fit.

We're getting some mild whistling with the Thule Aero bars installed, even without the box, and have ordered a Thule fairing. It's nothing extreme, but the Highlander is so quiet, it would be a shame to spoil that, and I don't want to have to take the bars on and off.

 

In case anyone is interested, I have the 16 cubic ft. Yakima Skybox and it fits fine with my Highlander Sport. I have it mounted on Thule cross bars.

 

ty

 

vinnyd,
Got pics?

 

She's a little dirty, but as you can see, the Yakima just fits.http://photoshare.shaw.ca/view/2983267218-1247889875-38828/

 

vinny - where'd you pick it up? How much? I called rach attack in Miss. and theyre asking 875 for the thule 1800 - i think i'll drive down to buffalo and pick one up

 

I did consider the Yakima box & wanted to stay with Yakima since I have Yak bars, locks, bike mounts etc. I used to have a Thule set up 15+ years ago & they were crap so I've been a Yak fan ever since. The one thing that sold me on the Thule vs the Yak box for the 1800 size is the Thule box is shorter by 6" or more. I didn't want the box to hang over the front bar any more than it does with the Thule.

I have mine mounted closer towards the pass side so I can add a bike mount on the drivers side.

 

curious if anyone purchased the 1800 and used the factory bars. did anyone try? and why not?

Aubrey: did you ever get the fairing, was curious if it hushed the whistle from bars........and how many cylinder locks did you need? six? one for each foot and two for box?

grez

 

1800 with factory bars

I just purchased the Atlantis 1800 and mounted on my 08 Higlander Sport's factory crossrails. I slid the crossrails and box as far forward as they could go, but the hatchback still hits. I whacked my head 3 times on our vacation, so am considering returning it (if possible). If I can't return, I guess I can get some non-factory bars, but that isn't ideal. I should have done my homework and got the 1600.

curious if anyone purchased the 1800 and used the factory bars. did anyone try? and why not?

Aubrey: did you ever get the fairing, was curious if it hushed the whistle from bars........and how many cylinder locks did you need? six? one for each foot and two for box?

grez

 

can someone be kind enough to take pic of interior? TIA

grez

 

My Thule Atlantis 1800 fits also

Yes, purchased the same rig last month for my 4runner (HumblePower ~$530 delivered). The fit with about 1 1/2" of room to spare and no corrections were needed. My X-Country skis fit in the 1800, so I am excited about that... Hope that helps

 

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I have a 2009 Highlander with factory crossbars and a 2008 Sequoia with factory crossbars.

Thule has the 687BXT Atlantis 1800 (18 cubic feet) which is the black version of the 1800 that you all seem to have luck with on the Highlanders, which is 84 inches in length.

The 688BXT Atlantis 2100 (21 cubic feet) is 92.5 inches in length. I'm guessing by the close fit of the 1800, the 2100 would be a no go on the Highlander. On the other hand either would fit on the Sequoia.

Better to go with the 1800 which would fit both or the 2100 which would just fit 1? Does 3 cubic feet make that much of a difference?

 

Does 3 cubic feet make that much of a difference?

Well that is the size of a small suitcase which you would have to leave on the sidewalk..
I have the 1800 and in my opinion is about as long as you can go. I can not mount farther back due the tail gate. This means the weight is not evenly distributed with the bulk on the front crossbar which means you need to load your carrier with this in mind.
I have found, with my limited use, (one trip) that there is a lot of wasted (empty) space when you just load suitcases up there. For optimum packing a lot of small soft suitcases would utilize the space better. However it is easy to go over the weight limit.