ProView – Thule RodVault 2-rod Review

Days spent casting flies on cold snow melt mountain fed water, soaking up sunshine, and enjoying the sounds of wildlife and the babble of the river doesn’t have a glamorous origin. It starts in the garage unpacking a large cardboard box which arrived during the snow-filled Washington winter months.   

Use of the RodVault Carrier

The Thule RodVault 4 is a premium rooftop fly rod carrier designed to transport fully rigged fly rods securely and conveniently. During my testing, the RodVault was mounted on a 2020 Subaru Outback and performed exceptionally well during highway and secondary-road travel. The carrier remained secure and stable, and I did not notice any measurable change in fuel economy with over 1000 miles of testing performed. The ability to leave rods fully rigged between fishing locations saves time and reduces the risk of damage associated with repeated assembly and disassembly. 

Features

The RodVault has a capacity to store four fully rigged fly rods up to 10 feet in length with an optional extension available for rods up to 12 feet in length. The carrier has a lockable compartment which offers a secure space for transporting expensive fishing equipment during travel and avoiding storing rods inside the vehicle where they can become tangled, damaged, or filling up valuable compartment space.

The RodVault 4-Rod body is constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum and features a lockable, weather-resistant design to protect valuable gear from both the elements and theft. Large 46 mm rod openings accommodate rods with larger line guides, and Thule states this “makes loading and unloading easy while reducing the risk of damage” however I still noted difficulty inserting and removing the rods in the carrier as the line guides on the rod need to be carefully finessed to avoid hitting the guide on the cylindrical opening of the carrier.

I also found the bungee straps that secure the rod handle get in the way with the rod when you’re trying to insert it into the carrier which is a bit frustrating. The padded reel box protects reels during transport, and a spring-loaded access door automatically opens when unlocked for quick access at the water.     

Assembly and Installation

Installation and assembly of the RodVault is my primary negative feedback for Thule. The assembly process requires some patience and a PG-13/R rated assembly space away from young ears. In my experience, the assembly process took approximately two and a half hours using the included pictograph-style instructions and the provided single Allen wrench. While the instructions eventually guide users to a completed product, they rely heavily on instructions with no written explanation, which felt more like solving a puzzle than assembling a premium rod carrier (and gave me flashbacks of assembling Ikea furniture as newlyweds).

The Thule SpeedLink mounting hardware is also not intuitive and required some trial and error before the carrier was properly positioned on my Outback. That said, the components fit together well, the build quality is excellent, and once completed, the RodVault feels exceptionally solid and secure. The initial time investment is largely forgotten once the carrier is in use, but prospective buyers should prepare for an afternoon assembly rather than a simple thirty-minute setup.  

Cost and Value

With a retail price of approximately $849.95, the RodVault 4-Rod carrier represents a significant initial investment. However, it is aimed at serious fly anglers who want a purpose-built storage solution for equipment that can easily cost several thousand dollars. When viewed as protection for premium rods and reels, the cost becomes more justifiable.

The convenience, security, and time savings it provides may be well worth the investment for frequent anglers. As a novice fly fisherman I can see this high end price point limiting purchase of the carrier to all but the affluent or very serious and experienced anglers. Had I not been given the opportunity to test the Thule RodVault carrier I do not feel I would purchase a carrier from any manufacturer at this price point unless my fly fishing became much more advanced and serious, likely many years from now.  

Durability and Style

Durability is one of the RodVault’s strongest qualities. The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction is designed to withstand exposure to rain, road debris, UV light, and coastal environments. Thule also subjects its products to extensive crash, durability, and environmental testing to ensure long-term reliability. Visually, the RodVault features a sleek black finish and streamlined profile that complements modern vehicles without appearing bulky or oversized.

Eco-Friendliness

While the RodVault is not specifically marketed as an environmentally focused product, several characteristics contribute positively to sustainability. Its aluminum construction promotes a long service life, reducing the likelihood of replacement compared with lower-quality alternatives. Additionally, the aerodynamic design helps minimize added wind resistance, keeping vehicle mileage unchanged. Investing in a durable product that remains functional for many years can also reduce overall material waste.

The Final Word

The Thule RodVault 4-Rod carrier is well constructed with durable components. The design is low profile and streamlined which gives the carrier an eye-pleasing modern appearance once attached to your vehicle. Thule’s instruction manual is minimalist with no written instructions which is frustrating and assembly requires the use of a single Allen wrench to secure the twenty-four, that’s right, twenty-four bolts to complete the carrier’s assembly. Due to the high price point for a single use item I would recommend this (and any other premium rod carrier) to only the dedicated and frequent anglers desiring a rod carrier for security and convenience of their expensive fly fishing equipment.      

 

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