Thule was founded in 1942 in Småland, Sweden, and has a long-standing history of creating high-quality solutions to support active lifestyles. With a focus on design, safety, quality, and ease of use, Thule products are built to simplify and enhance adventures.
Their products range from roof racks to outdoor gear carriers and are rigorously tested at the Thule Test Center™ in Sweden, where products undergo extreme conditions to ensure durability and reliability. In recent years they also launched a few dog products ensuring they can also be included in adventures. Thule is committed to sustainability, and its products consistently exceed industry standards, making them a well-known choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking performance and longevity.
Thule Allax Car Dog Crate Features
The Thule Allax is a high-quality, crash-tested dog crate designed to provide safety and comfort for traveling dogs in the car. It is constructed with a strong aluminum frame and reinforced panels offering a lightweight yet durable design.
The crate includes a gas-dampened door that opens and closes softly, preventing sudden movements that could startle the dog. A built-in lock ensures added security, while the open side and front design allow for plenty of airflow and easy monitoring.
The Thule Allax is available in five different sizes for most locations but they also offer “compact” sizes for some markets for dogs (or cars) in-between sizes. One of the unique features of the Allax crate is the adjustable depth to fit a variety of vehicles. This depth adjustment only creates an additional few inches but that can be enough to fine-tune the space for the best fit.
The rounded edges help the crate fit snugly in the cargo area without taking up any unnecessary space. It comes with buckles to keep the crate securely fastened while driving, but they are not crash/weight-tested straps as this crate isn’t meant to be strapped down tightly by all corners to allow its crumple zone to work in an accident (more on this later).
Thule Allax
Crash-tested crate with a crumple zone
A dog crate that absorbs impact forces in a collision. Rattle-free and offers a secure fit in the cargo area.
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Allax’s Safety & Crash Testing
The Thule Allax is engineered for exceptional crash protection and has undergone extensive testing at the Thule Test Center, earning certification from TÜV SÜD. It has been crash-tested from the front, rear, and in a simulated rollover scenario, ensuring a high level of safety for both dogs and passengers.
This crate is designed to be used in the cargo area of the car against the upright rear seat(s). It is only crash-tested for that scenario and all its features are designed to provide protection when it is set up that way. The crate is designed for vehicles with a trunk threshold between 40 mm and 170 mm for the XS model, and up to 245 mm for larger sizes. Its adjustable depth ensures a good fit in various vehicle types while maintaining stability.
A key safety feature is the crumple zone, which absorbs impact forces in the event of a rear collision. Even when the crate is adjusted to its most shallow position, the floor, and roof plates do not completely overlap due to built-in stopping pins. In a rear-end crash, these pins are designed to break off under high force, allowing the crate to compress an additional ~10 cm (4") (depending on size). This controlled compression absorbs impact energy, reducing the risk of crate breakage that could endanger the dog or transferring excessive force to the back seat, which could put passengers at risk. This amount of compression doesn’t risk injury to the dog traveling in the crate when sized correctly.
The crate is secured in the cargo area using tension straps and buckles, which were included in crash testing along with the maximum dog weight. These straps are engineered to keep the crate stable during normal driving conditions but are designed to disengage in a significant crash to allow the crumple zone to function properly when needed. By releasing in a collision, the crate is able to compress as intended, absorbing impact energy.
Additionally, the crate is designed with an emergency escape hatch, allowing access from the back seat in case of an emergency.
Thule Allax Accessories
Thule Bumper Protector
The Thule Bumper Protect is a durable, easy-to-use protective cover designed to shield your car’s bumper from scratches, dirt, and damage when loading and unloading your dog. Made from high-quality, easy-to-clean materials, it attaches securely to the Thule Allax dog crate and extends over the bumper to provide coverage where it’s needed.
When not in use, it folds away neatly for convenient storage or alternatively can be attached to the front of the crate to cover that.
This is a great addition for any car setup, not only to protect the car but to provide a non-slip surface for the dogs when jumping in and out to prevent injuries. This bumper protector is very well-made and feels sturdy, I would definitely recommend adding it to the crate order for everyone.
Bumper Protector
Protective cover for car bumpers
Shields your bumper from scratches and dirt when loading and unloading your dog. Durable, easy to clean.
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Thule Silicone Dog Mat
The Thule Dog Mat is a thin but comfortable mat designed to enhance your dog’s travel experience. It is made from a soft yet durable silicone material to provide a cushioned surface for the dog to rest on during car rides. The water-resistant material ensures easy cleaning, and the non-slip surface ensure the dog will not slide while traveling or slip when jumping in and out. It comes with pre-made cutting patterns so you can cut it to the size you need for a perfect fit.
This silicone mat is a practical, low-maintenance addition to the crate to create a safer and more comfortable experience for the dogs. Even if you add blankets or a bed over it, having the silicone mat at the bottom prevents things from shifting around on the metal bottom of the crate and adds an insulating layer that is easier to clean.
Silicone Dog Mat
Comfortable & non-slip
A supportive, non-slip mat designed for your dog's comfort in the crate. Water-resistant and easy to clean.
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Thule Dog Crate Leash Hook
The plastic Leash Hook is a simple yet practical accessory that keeps the dog’s leash organized and easily accessible. Designed to attach securely to the Thule Allax crate, it prevents leashes from getting tangled or misplaced during travel. It is easy to snap on or move as needed.
Thule also offers a dog crate storage bag that lets you store the gear on the crate in a zippered pocket.
Thule Leash Hook
A hanger for the Allax crate
Keeps dog gear organized and within reach by securely attaching to the crate. Compact, durable, and easy to install.
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Thule Allax Review
The Thule Allax crate is an incredibly well-made and stylish, modern-looking crate. I love he matte black finish but was worried it would scratch easily. Fortunately, so far it holds up pretty well and I can only notice scratches when I look very closely.
Even though it feels very sturdy, it is not overbuilt or bulky. Zulu’s crate weighs around 48 pounds (~22 kg) which is still reasonable for a metal crate.
The open design on the side and front allows for plenty of airflow which is crucial when the dog is traveling in the cargo area as there can be significant temperature differences between the passenger area and the back of the car. This is crucial for summertime when trying to avoid overheating but just as important for freezing days when it can take a long time to heat up the dog’s space with a more closed crate design.
On the other hand, the open design also means that you will end up with more dog hair and dirt in the cargo area than you would with a crate that has solid walls. The bottom plate comes up on both sides so the dirt and any water from the bottom stays in the crate but that doesn’t stop the hairs flying out.
Zulu’s crate is the M Compact (compact sizes are not offered in all countries). The “compact” option is an in-between size - meaning that the M Compact basically offers the base area of the Small crate with the height of the Medium. We decided on this size because I wanted Zulu to be able to sit up in the crate and she would not be able to do that in the Small crate. Normally a more snug fit is recommended for car safety as the dog has less room to be thrown around in an accident that way but since we do all-day training events when the dogs are staged from the car and 10-14 hrs road trips for search seminars or deployment, I prefer to slightly size up for Zulu.
To create a more enclosed space on the crate’s lower side, I added the Black Lab Trailblazer mat that helps keep the car interior clean and allows Zu to snuggle against the sides more comfortably. As the Allax was created for the cargo space, it has a more square base area than most crates, so Zulu still has a very comfortable space there even with the Trailblazer taking up some space from the sides.
If you are trying to fit a bigger or longer dog in the Allax, make sure to measure out the sides and check how the dog would fit on the base area as these crates are proportionally wider/shorter than most other dog crates on the market.
The assembly for similar crates can be a bit difficult but this one was a smooth process. The instruction was easy to follow step by step and all bars were numbered making it quick and easy to put everything in place. Another important feature is that the crate doesn’t rattle at all.
The smooth door opening is a great experience, however, it is easy to push the door in without it fully locking closed as it doesn’t open back up even if the lock did not latch. It is always best practice to double-check the door to confirm it is properly closed.
When it comes to car safety, most focus on crash-testing and sturdiness but it is just as important to consider how we can get the dog out in case the cargo door becomes inaccessible or dysfunctional after an accident. It really gives me peace of mind that the Thule Allax has an emergency exit on the back that is accessible from behind the rear seat. There are two sliders on the back panel that need to be pushed open to move the back panel. It can even be fully removed from its place after opening making the access easier. This creates a wide opening that makes it easy to access the dog even if they are older and need support stepping out of the crate, towards the inside of the car.
The back panel opens with two sliders
Large exit door that makes it easy to get the dog out
Functionality Review of the Thule Allax
- In-Car use: It is designed to be used inside the car, in the cargo area, and placed against the upright backseats. It is a very functional car crate option.
- At-Home Use: It can be used at home but it is probably an overbuilt option for that use case as its features focus on car safety. The open design can also come in handy for at-home use on hot days.
- Using it for Traveling, Hotels, Events, etc.: This is not a crate I would carry in and out of hotel rooms but it can definitely be done if needed. Having a lockable door does make it a safe option for events when you need to be sure no one can access the dog from the open car / in the waiting area.
Thule Allax Review Summary
I am truly impressed with the Thule Allax crate. It is a well-designed and practical option for keeping dogs safe and comfortable in the cargo area. It strikes a great balance between safety, airflow, and ease of use. The open design helps with ventilation, which is important for keeping the dog’s space comfortable in both hot and cold weather. The crash-tested crumple zone and emergency exit provide added peace of mind in case of an accident. Assembly was simple and quick, and once put together, the crate stayed quiet with no rattling. The open sides do mean more hair and dirt can spread in the car, but using a mat or liner can help keep things cleaner.
I enjoyed the variety of accessory options that can be purchased separately. I only wish they had a compatible water bowl (that can be attached to the side of the crate) and a more padded bed with tall walls to allow dogs to snuggle in and keep the dirt inside the crate. While it currently only comes in a single version, Thule was considering developing a double-crate version to accommodate two dogs in the cargo area.
Overall, the Thule Allax is a solid, well-thought-out crate that offers great safety and comfort for dogs in the car.
Thule Allax
Crash-tested crate with a crumple zone
A dog crate that absorbs impact forces in a collision. Rattle-free and offers a secure fit in the cargo area.
Disclaimer: this review contains affiliate links, which support Dog Gear Review if you purchase the product after clicking on it without costing you anything extra. Using affiliate links will never compromise us in writing unbiased, honest reviews!
