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Thule 684 Terrapin Installed w/Pics

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RAVPHO

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just installed the Thule 684 Terrapin Hitch-Mounted Cargo Box last night. I plan to take a few long road trips this year, and the extra cargo room was needed. The setup was purchased from Amazon.com for $494, and delivered to my doorstep a few days later. Capacity is 13 cubic feet, 165lbs. The box hooks up to the 4-pin wiring harness for brake light/turn signal functions.

The reasons I chose this box over the traditional rooftop boxes were aerodynamics / gas efficiency, and ease of use/accessibility. I just thought I'd share some pics and info in case anyone had been considering this option but were on the fence with concerns about the compatibility with the RAV's rear tire. As you can see from the pics, the setup works very well with the RAV's rear swinging gate and rear tire. The Thule 684 easily swings away to allow access to the rear cargo area. :wink:

Here's some info: http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/69A3098A0A0.aspx

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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thanks!

The lights are functional, once everything is hooked up (as simple as plugging the wires into the 4-pin harness). I tested it out last night and they function just as they would on a trailer - brakes and turn signals.

I found this video which is an installation / product review guide which helped me in making my decision. There are some good internal shots of the box too. :wink:
 
#8 ·
Interesting, but it needs at least reflectors or reflective tape on the sides, preferably side marker lights.

Somebody is going to nail the box at night as you back out of a parking spot.... well maybe your backup lights would illuminate it then. But it does need something extra.

Please post a review after you have used it a while.
 
#9 ·
John E Davies said:
Interesting, but it needs at least reflectors or reflective tape on the sides, preferably side marker lights. Somebody is going to nail the box at night as you back out of a parking spot....
Click to expand...
... excellent point JD... baby got back... :lol:

RAVitUp :thumbs_up:
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
John E Davies said:
Interesting, but it needs at least reflectors or reflective tape on the sides, preferably side marker lights.

Somebody is going to nail the box at night as you back out of a parking spot.... well maybe your backup lights would illuminate it then. But it does need something extra.

Please post a review after you have used it a while.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. I already plan on employing one of your handy tips - shimming the hitch interface to eliminate any up/down play, since currently there is a small amount of vertical play (no side-side). Now I'll be adding some reflective tape to the box as an extra precaution. :thumbs_up:

Maneuvering/parking in tight places were also concerns of mine, but even with the extra length of the cargo box, the RAV measures 211'' -- between the lengths of a Toyota Sienna (201'') and a Chevy Suburban (222''). :lol: As long as we stay cognizant of the box on the rear, I'm confident we'll be able to manage. I'll be sure to post a review and some pics after I use it over the winter break.
 
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RAVPHO
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