I have a 2003 Suburban and was wondering what is a good roof rack basket for the money. I am not looking to spend the big bucks on a very high quality one, but I would like to find one that is about $400 or less. I know the saying "you get what you pay for" but I don't need a good one. I am planning on using it for 4 lights and a tire. I have seen the Defender Series and they are expensive for me since I want a somewhat longer version so that it won't look awkward on my Suburban. Any help will be appreciated, thanks.
Roof Rack Basket..
- Thread starter obert272
- Start date
paulj
Expedition Leader
The Coleman basket has about the same area as the Loadwarrior, but is shallower (4 as opposed to 6"). There are several brands of baskets like this, and in the same price range. A number of Element owners are happy with baskets like this. But I would hesitate using one of these for a spare tire. You would have to design your own mounting system. It should be solid, using some sort of bolt, nut, or mechanical lever to clamp the tire securely to the basket. Just tying it down is not enough.
Do you have a roofrack on the truck already?
If you are interested primarily in securing a spare tire to a roof rack, I suspect you could do better using 3/4" plywood as the base.
paulj
Do you have a roofrack on the truck already?
If you are interested primarily in securing a spare tire to a roof rack, I suspect you could do better using 3/4" plywood as the base.
paulj
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I have a Sport Rack basket I've used on my wagon, same as the Coleman. They're light duty, but suitable for most anything light. Tents, sleeping bags, etc.
If I wanted to put a tire in one, I'd make sure the tire was directly on top of the crossbars holding the basket, so the weight transfers directly into the bars. Sorta defeats the purpose of having a basket, but I guess you'd be left with a little room to pack around the tire.
If I wanted to put a tire in one, I'd make sure the tire was directly on top of the crossbars holding the basket, so the weight transfers directly into the bars. Sorta defeats the purpose of having a basket, but I guess you'd be left with a little room to pack around the tire.
adrenaline503
Explorer
x2 on Surco. I used it for a 32" tire, no problems. Until it got stolen that is.
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Yakima Megawarrior. You'll appreciate the extra capacity. I have the loadwarrior and wish I'd gotten the megawarrior when I had the chance. You can also always extend it whenever you want to increase capacity. It has provisions for a hi-lift and shovel/axe as well whenever you're ready to add those.
The system is great as there are so many accessories that fit these.
The system is great as there are so many accessories that fit these.
I have factory z71 roof rack and I live in South Carolina. I don't have the skills to just fab up something so I want something that will be able to fit on my Suburban without having to make additional brackets. I don't need something too tall I would like it to be about 4-6" high. I am going to put lights up there so I also need light brackets.