Thule Fly Fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I transport fully rigged fly rods in a Thule RodVault?

  Yes. The Thule RodVault 2 (870016) holds two fully assembled fly rods (up to about 10–12 ft with the optional extension) and the RodVault 4 (870004) carries four rods up to about 10 ft. Both accept reels up to about 4.25" or fighting-butt setups so you can arrive ready to fish.
• How do RodVault racks mount to my vehicle and how secure are they?

  RodVault units use a universal mounting system that fits most roof-rack crossbars and can be installed tool-free with Thule SpeedLink hardware; front and rear tube clamps secure the tubes to load bars. They are lockable (built-in locks with keys on some models or use a padlock) and feature an aerodynamic profile to reduce wind noise.
• What materials and protective features keep my rods safe in a RodVault?

  The rod tubes are aircraft-grade anodized aluminum with polypropylene-lined interiors to protect blanks, guides, and tips while allowing smooth joint sliding. The reel canister is glass-reinforced nylon, padded and spring-loaded for weather resistance and easy access, and large 46mm openings reduce loading stress.
• How does the RodVault 2 (870016) compare to the RodVault 4 (870004)?

  The RodVault 2 is optimized for two fully rigged rods and offers an optional extension for extra-long 10–12 ft rods, while the RodVault 4 carries four rods up to about 10 ft for group or multi-rod trips. The RodVault 4 is larger and heavier (about 35.7 lbs) versus roughly 31 lbs for the RodVault 2, so choose based on rod count, rod length needs, and vehicle roof-load considerations.
• What should I check before buying a Thule RodVault for my vehicle and gear?

  Match the model to your longest rod and reel dimensions (RodVaults accommodate ~4.25" reel diameters and fighting-butts), confirm crossbar compatibility with SpeedLink-style mounting, and verify your vehicle's roof load limit. Also factor in unit weight (~31 lbs RodVault 2, ~35.7 lbs RodVault 4), locking preference, and the need for weather resistance based on where you fish.