To cargo box or not to cargo box!

[xcmountain80]

Well It's that time, I bought that horrible engel 45 and now it eats up 1/2 my rear cargo. Oh well wife will have to live with it hehe. Though with my pup traveling with us I find my self needing some more room. A land cruiser is not currently in the works so I was thinking a Yakima cargo roof box. Who's used them whats a good size, what do you hate about them?

Thanks


Aaron

 

[grahamfitter]

I've got a long thin Thule cargo box permanently mounted to the external frame rack on my Jeep Wrangler. It swallows a load of stuff and I like it. I bought mine used and I'd definitely recommend that over the extortionately priced new ones.

The only cons are its a long way up there and, while I'm happy balancing on a muddy tire and reaching off-balance, most would prefer a small step ladder. And if you're not careful something can block the sliding lock mechanism so it won't lock.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[xcmountain80]

I've been looking on Craigs list for a nicely reduced price one buth nothing yet. I would like a newer one if a possible. In the grand plan I will move my roof tent to my super cool expo trailer (whenever I build it) and get some more cargo room on the roof.

Aaron

 

[TeleScooby]

I have a yakima spacebooster and love it!

it's a skinny model as well because I need room for lumber, bikes, etc...

I got it mainly for skiing, but have found that with 2-3 people and the dog, I use it for other duties as well...shopping, muddy hiking boots, wet gore-tex, etc...

Keep checking CL, they pop up everyonce in awhile, but use a feedreader, around here at least they disappear quick!

 

[Jacket]

THey are great for exactly the reasons you need one. For us, it was two adults, two kids and a 90lb Lab - leaving very little room for any gear inside the vehicle. I agree with Graham that it's kind of a pain to load/unload on top of an SUV. You also need to plan your bulk/weight ratio for packing. It can't hold a ton of weight (100-150 lbs on most racks), so I tend to put things that are bulky but not that heavy in mine (skis, boards, strollers, tents, sleeping bags, etc).

THe only other con is if you don't plan on leaving it on your truck full time, then storing is a pain. If you use a garage, then you probably can't leave it on top of the truck (unless you've got an extra tall garage door), which means storage space.

I've always used Thule, but I don't think there's much of a difference between them and Yak.

 

[paulj]

I have the cheapest, lightest Thule, the Sidekick. I would describe it as moderately useful. On extended camping trips it carries the lightweight overflow stuff - extra tarps, a small spade, traction mats etc. Items up there are bit more vulnerable to theft (but out of sight), subject to heat or cold, may get wet, as well as being awkward to reach on a tall SUV.

A plus side to the small box is that storage off the car is easy. It will fit, for example, on top a wide shelf or cabinet in a utility room. But they do seel pully systems to lift and store big boxes in the garage ceiling.

paulj

 

[xcmountain80]

Well cool just need to decide which one to get. I figure I can wrap one of my motorcycle chains around it and leave it at that. It will act as a visually acceptable method of security. Nope no tall garage, after the 1" BL I clear by 1/2" getting into my garage. Storage space wont be a problem I can tie them to the roof of the garage.

Aaron

 

[Ruffin' It]

Thule - or Tooly

Thules are fine if not heavily (i'm usually between 80 and 150 lbs.) loaded and used in rough conditions. I've been using a Thule with a Moab extended basket for my off-road travels for the last few years and it is awful. The feet that support my gutter mounted rack are simply not up to off road travel and I find myself getting out, loosening every bolt up, adjusting, and retightening at least once an hour. Often in the evenings at camp I have to remove the rack and disassemble the entire mounting and load bar setup to stop it from steadily destroying my roof. For the cost of the body work I need to have done to the car from the Thule, I could have easily bought a really nice one that was up to the task.

I'm sure that others have had different expereinces, but this has been mine.

 

[xcmountain80]

Thules are fine if not heavily (i'm usually between 80 and 150 lbs.) loaded and used in rough conditions. I've been using a Thule with a Moab extended basket for my off-road travels for the last few years and it is awful. The feet that support my gutter mounted rack are simply not up to off road travel and I find myself getting out, loosening every bolt up, adjusting, and retightening at least once an hour. Often in the evenings at camp I have to remove the rack and disassemble the entire mounting and load bar setup to stop it from steadily destroying my roof. For the cost of the body work I need to have done to the car from the Thule, I could have easily bought a really nice one that was up to the task.

I'm sure that others have had different expereinces, but this has been mine.

So I'm to understand that your makes your rack move around? My roof tent is heavy and even wheeling it, my rack doesnt get moved anywhere. So I'm not worried about that but good o knoe it can be loaded.

Aaron

 

[Grease Cruiser]

We bought a Yakima Rocket Box about 5 years ago for the sole purpose of an adventure. We had a 78' FJ55 that we drove from Colorado through Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern Cali, Nevada, and Utah. In 12 weeks and over 8,000 miles, I never had a problem with it. It was great for storing our sleeping bags, Therma-rests, tent, and other light stuff. It was never wet inside even with lots of rain up in the Pacific North West. However, sand was able to enter while we were in the Utah desert.

 

[bovw]

I'm using a Thule cargo bag for roadtrips now, I like it. I have been thinking of upgrading to a box, this has been very helpful. Thanks!

 

[HenryJ]

I use a cargo box. Mine was purchased a Sears for 1/4 the cost of a Thule.
It has served me well for years and continues to.

Since that picture I have added Wireless control lighting