Not all roof boxes play nice with your rear hatch — especially on shorter vehicles, vehicles with spoilers or with large boxes mounted too far back. Here's how to check your clearance before you buy.

How to Measure Hatch Clearance

To make sure your boot or hatch can still open fully with a roof box installed, measure the distance from your front roof rack crossbar to the point where your roof meets the top of your rear hatch (see diagram below).

Roof box hatch clearance diagram

Measure from the front roof rack crossbar to the top edge of your open hatch.

Example: A Subaru Outback typically has 1300–1400mm front clearance depending on rack position.

Minimum Clearance Needed (Box by Box)

If your measurement is greater than the value listed below, that box should clear your hatch without issue.

Model Min Front Clearance
Vector M 1311mm
Vector L 1409mm
Force XT Alpine 1399mm
Force XT Sport 1227mm
Force XT M 1153mm
Force XT L 1207mm
Force XT XL 1299mm
Pacific L 1251mm
Motion 3 Sport 1147mm
Motion 3 L 1304mm
Motion 3 XL 1324mm
Motion 3 XL Low 1324mm
Motion 3 XXL 1391mm
Motion 3 XXL Low 1391mm


Can I Slide My Roof Racks Forward?

Some vehicles and roof rack systems let you move the front crossbar forward, giving you more clearance and more box options. If you're not sure whether your crossbars are adjustable, check your vehicle or rack manual — or flick us a message and we’ll take a look for you. 

Still Unsure?

We're happy to double-check your vehicle specs or recommend a setup that won't interfere with your hatch. Get in touch or check out our Roof Boxes Page for more info.

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