Wife bought me a cargo box, is this a good one?

[troy]

I've been thinking of gettting a roof top cargo box for my Jeep Cherokee. We have a second child on the way and space is at a premium already.

Yesterday was my birthday and the wife said she had to use the Jeep to haul something. When I came home from work this was on my yakima rack:

http://www.yakima.com/racks/cargo/boxes/product/8007178/skybox-16.aspx

I didn't even remember mentioning to her, I was thinking about one. I was just going to get a cheaper Thule Frontier, or something similar. She said I can exchange it if there is a different one I like better. It seem huge to me right now, but it needs to be big enough to fit our double stroller (18 month old and one due this month).

Are there any better options? I see there is a skybox 18 that is 10 inches longer ($75 more), but the 16 seem to fit the roof pretty good as is.

Thanks,
Troy

 

[Powdaze]

Troy

I just installed the SkyBox 16s on top of our 08 Subaru Outback. It's a fine product. The SkyBox is much stiffer than the RocketBox (the entry level Yakima cargo box) and is very solid. You can open it from either side with just one hand, and it features the new Yakima SLS easy latch system. It comes with SKS locks on either side and once it is set up, removing it only takes 30s via the 4 quick release security latches inside. You can literally have it on or off in less than a minute. Plus it is VERY quiet when driving - hardly any wind noise and is rock solid to the rack with no vibration.

The 16s is perfect for our needs but there are larger models if needed. The nice thing about the 16s is that it comes in the shorter config so it sits perfectly on top of the Outback without restricting access to the rear hatch. With 4 snowboards, 4 sets of bindings, 4 pairs of boots and a weekend worth of kit thrown in, we still had plenty of room left over. I'm pretty sure I could have crammed a couple more boards in if needed too. Admittedly there are cheaper cargo boxes available but I'm a Yakima fanboy and their stuff is always top notch and will serve you well for many years. PS: It should swallow a double stroller comfortably.

Pics on car:

 

[Nullifier]

She did well you'll be happy.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Mine works well...I use it on the Pilot and Element. Just make sure that all three latches are secure before you drive away. It's no fun picking your gear up off the highway after the top blows open at 75!

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

i have a smaller thule frontier glossy grey. i like it b/c it can sit at the rear of the roof and there is no wind noise. it holds a surprising amount of stuff and keeps it clean and dry.

that yakima box you got is positively huge. You are basically doubling your cargo capacity
if you carry 4 people, it will be perfect.

 

[troy]

that yakima box you got is positively huge. You are basically doubling your cargo capacity
if you carry 4 people, it will be perfect.

It is huge. I wanted a slightly smaller one that wouldn't look so big on the vehicle, but I really need to be able to tote the two seater stroller and have seating for the two kiddies.

Now I need to get the ARB bullbar and a swingout tire carrier to balance out the proportions. Also thinking of getting some wider load bars to allow me to have two bike attachments, Kayak and skybox.

 

[Powdaze]

It is huge. I wanted a slightly smaller one that wouldn't look so big on the vehicle

Exchange it for a SkyBox12 or RocketBox11 then.

Or buy a bigger truck.