And, you are confident it will last the same amount of time as Thule Force. And the inside gets style points as well: the mounting system uses a removable knob to tighten each clamp and then stores it to the side, creating a sleek, flat base and more room for your gear. You can save some money and opt for one of the more affordable options below, but its good to be aware of what youre giving up. Both models represent the ideal middle ground for many users, but we give the Yakima the slight edge for a few small reasons. Share. Most Yakima roof racks are modestly priced. Whether you drive a small hatchback or a large SUV, adding a cargo box to your vehicles rooftop can go a long way toward improving organization, carrying capacity, and comfort. $719 AT REI. Whats more, they usually have indicators that show when theyre ajar (the SlideLock on Thules Motion XT displays red), which provides an extra level of confidence that your lid is secure. Both have identical handles and integrated locks, which allow you to easily load or grab small items youve stowed in the interiors nooks and crannies. Generally speaking, the bulkier your cargo boxespecially in terms of width and heightthe more drag it will create. The Carbonite is the latest evolution of the Skybox. The most user-friendly carriers include dual-sided access with a handle and lock on both sides, meaning that you can open the box from either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle (but not both at once). We tested the 16-cubic-foot version of the Yakima SkyBox Carbonite, and it also comes in 12, 18, and 21 options depending on how much storage space you want. Rigidity increases with the premium models (by way of added stiffeners), while budget designs like the Thule Sidekick and Jegs Rooftop Carrier have noticeably floppy lids and bases that youll want to be sure to carefully close and secure (they might not easily line up). When loading items into your cargo box, youll want to give some thought to what you place where. The options on our list start around 8 cubic feet (the Thule Sidekick) and max out around 22 cubic feet for some of Thules XXL designs (the Motion XT and Force XT). The Skybox 21 is way too heavy at 62 pounds (at least with the OEM bars). This can be a somewhat polarizing featureif you keep your keys on a larger ring, the full set will be connected to the box and out in the open until you close itbut it does provide a good dose of security and ensures youve properly closed the box before heading out. Its also important to consider the weight capacity of both your box and your vehiclesurpassing this number is never a good idea, so prioritize lighter items up top and heavier items in the trunk. Get it in store: Out of stock. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: 6-8 pairs up to 185cmWhat we like: Contoured base helps keep a low profile without giving up too much depth.What we dont: Expensive and limited in terms of capacity. Finally, skiers will want to stick with a roof box or basket. In the case of the SkyBox, Yakima claims its open clamps will work with any of their rack systems (round or aerodynamic), factory bars that come from the vehicle manufacturer, and square bars (commonly found with entry-level Thule sets). However, the Pulse is shorter than the SkyBox at 6 feet 4 inches and can only be opened from the passenger side, which is a notable compromise in convenience (we really like the dual access on the SkyBox). The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). Yakimas GrandTour 16 offers the same capacity in cubic feet but is a step up in their lineup and costs an additional $100. Unless you purchase your rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll be doing the assembly and installation yourself. The lid is textured Carbonite which is fitted with lid stiffeners . ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price.What we dont: Handle and mounting system could be more user-friendly. If you park in a garage or frequent enclosed parking lots, youll want to think twice before purchasing a rooftop box. For instance, the Thule Vector($2,000) adds a removable felt-lined base to protect your gear, motion-sensing interior LED light, and white-colored lid to make it easier to see your gear. Dimensions: 62.5 x 30 x 15 in.Capacity: 14 cu. The first step in selecting a rooftop box is to identify the maximum length of carrier your vehicle (or vehicles) can accommodate. If you thought the Yakima CBX or GrandTour were premium roof boxes, you aint seen nothing yet. Most of the time, that equation will leave you with about 100 pounds left over for gear. The Vista XL used to be our top budget pick, but with a recent price jump (up from $400), its now tougher to justify over cheaper designs like the Sidekick and Jegs above. The majority of designs only permit you to remove the key when locked: although some users find this feature inconvenient, it does keep you from leaving the box unlocked or accidentally losing your keys inside. profile but has a number of shortcomings compared to the SkyBox (outlined in the Force XT Ls write-up below) and costs $30 more to boot. All told, the everyday user wont find much room for improvement with the Motion XT, making it our favorite do-all cargo box of the yearRead in-depth reviewSee the Thule Motion XT L. Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in.Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. If you want to maximize aerodynamics, we recommend opting for a model that looks more like a bullet than a box, including a tapered nose (this includes most offerings from Thule and Yakima) and a relatively low profile. Thule is highly resistant to any kind of weather, whereas Yakima Cargo Box are not as water-resistant. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. at 36 pounds. Moving into the ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features. But it's hard to be overly critical at this price point, and for budget shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a bit on quality, the Jegs is a good place to start.See the Jegs Rooftop Cargo Carrier. Besides that, the roof racks are also durable. $399.99 + shipping. Well cut straight to the chase: Cargo roof boxes are expensive items. One of the key advantages to opting for a cargo box over a rooftop bag or basket is the ability to keep your gear protected from the elements. I recommend going with the Motion XT L though because it allows you to install it on your 2016 Audi Q5, a 2019 Subaru Forester, or a 2019 Mazda CX-5 no . For reference, you can purchase a 100-watt, 12-volt Renogy solar panel (popular amongst van dwellers and overlanders) for just $160, which offers considerably more power for a fraction of the cost. Knowing that a rooftop box can only carry about 100 pounds worth of gear tells us a few things. For one, youll want to be cautious about opting for one of the larger models, as 22 cubic feet of capacity might not be very useful if your weight limit maxes out when its only half full. Yakima GrandTour 16 Cargo Box. No idea about the Thule. Find the latest Yakima bike racks, travel cargo boxes and ski racks available at Backcountry.com In some ways this is reassuringthe box is clearly well made, and the levers have held up great thus farbut wed prefer it took less effort. A lot of vehicles come with factory-installed racks, and after-market designs can also be easily matched to your make and model. And in addition to the Medium here, the Pulse is also available in a Large variation (16 cu. At $1,499, youre spending an additional $500 for the charging capabilities compared to the standard CBX 16 ($999). Next up is mounting the box, which again is a relatively user-friendly process for most modern designs and can be done in just a few minutes. These boxes come in a From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, youll want to have the right gear for the occasion. I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. But again, this largely comes down to personal preference (as well as garage height) and the types of items youll be stowing. Overall, it's long enough at 6 feet 9 inches to accommodate most skis and a fair amount of gear, but with ability to slide the clamps fore/aft, it works with a wide variety of vehicles. Bought the Yakima SkyBox 16 Roof Box and drove to San Diego with it. Thules Force XT L is the SkyBoxs closest competitor: It matches it in carrying capacity at 16 cubic feet, sports key features including dual access and an aerodynamic shape, and is quick and easy to install and remove. GrandTour Collection Sleek clean lines: complements modern high ends vehicles Smooth with high shine - no texture SkyBox Collection Aerodynamic shape with clean lines Micro golf ball texture RocketBox Collection Textured surface Matte finish EXPLORE YOUR SOLUTION CBX Solar CBX 16 CBX 18 GrandTour 16 GrandTour 18 GrandTour Lo SkyBox 12 SkyBox 16 And finally, make sure to complete this process with your rear hatch open to ensure youre getting proper clearance (if applicable), and check your mounts often, as they might need to be tightened from time to time. Design hits the sweet spot for all-season use: It's a manageable size that fits most vehicles while retaining ample capacity for skis and bulky camping equipment. Yakima GrandTour 16 or Skybox 16 I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. Thanks and we appreciate your support! Finally, while manufacturers tend to bring attention to the higher weight capacities of some boxes, vehicle load limits are the true equalizers, meaning that theres not much advantage to opting for a 165-pound limit over a 110-pound limit (like the budget SportRack Vista XL). lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 Expert Reply: Both the Yakima SkyBox 16 # Y07335 and the Thule Motion XT L # TH629706 are excellent options that look great, feature dual side access, and give you 16 cu ft of extra cargo space. For 2023, most of the top models are built by roof-rack giants Thule and Yakima, but brands like INNO and SportRack also have some solid contributions. From: $819.00. While we cant overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, the good news is that the downhill Back to Our Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table. What we dont: Only comes in one size and does not fit skis. Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335. Can be accessed by both the driver and passenger sides. Second, we already know that rooftop boxes have a negative effect on gas mileage, so it behooves your wallet to remove yours when not in use. In the end, each type of rooftop storage has its strengths and weaknesses, and taking a close look at your cargo and travel plans will help you decide on the best solution.Back to Our Top Rooftop Cargo Box Picks Back to Our Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table. Yakima Skybox (12, 16, 18, 21) Carbonite Cargo Boxes Available in (5) sizes: lo, 12, 16, 18. and 21 cubic. Yakima lists the maximum length at 185 centimeters, but I can confirm it was just long enough for a couple pairs of 182-centimeter all-mountain skis plus a snowboard. On the other hand, the Yakima GrandTour Lo ($929) is more of an investment but tacks on an additional 4 cubic feet of storage while adding less than a half-inch in height (10 in. with the CBX 18), and you get a highly functional hauler that can handle tricker items like skis (up to 185cm) and more. . And all the little details add up too, including mounting hardware, hinges, handles, and locksif these break, your box will likely be out of commission. Thankfully, its easy to find a good fit without having to try on multiple models: simply measure the distance between the front crossbar of your roof rack and your open hatch and compare it with the cargo boxs specs (both Thule and Yakima have published helpful fit guides). As we mentioned above, Yakima also makes the SkyBox in a Lo Carbonite version, which is shorter and longer than the model tested here and ideal for those concerned about aerodynamics. Compared to rooftop options, hitch storage is easier to access and doesnt require that you perch on your tire or door well to load and unload gear. Then you can slide the clamps (theyre highly adjustable) over the bars and secure them by flipping all four over. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Second, its a good idea to be strategic about what you put in your cargo box. On the other hand, budget boxes will often use simple U-bolt mounts, which require many moving parts (dont lose anything) and can take some effort to tweak into position and secure (sometimes this involves drilling new holes or moving your crossbars). ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 170cmWhat we like: Premium feature set at a good value.What we dont: Too short for most skis and pricier than true budget options. ft. Access: Dual side Skis: Up to 185cm What we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price. Compact Footprint. 4.7 (12) $999.99. Weve had a chance to test both the four- and six-person versions (note: The photos A key piece of any gear closet is a go-to daypack. baratza sette 270 vs eureka mignon subaru rooftop cargo carrier. Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. Its nice to have an alternative to the name brands above, but the Goplus unfortunately doesnt stand out much anymore unless you can find it on sale.See the Goplus Rooftop Carrier. Finally, its hard to beat the Motions nose design, which is specially engineered to resist gaping in strong winds. No matter which design you choose, remember to consider your vehicles dynamic load limit before filling your rooftop with too much gearmost max out around 165 pounds.See the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite. Most rooftop cargo boxes add about 15 to 18 inches to the height of your vehicle, but if you routinely navigate city parking garages or park your car in a garage or carport, you might want to consider a low-profile design. Some designs combine these two features, with basic lock mechanisms that also function to secure the lid to the base (i.e., when the box is unlocked, the lid is ajar). It is user-friendly. The SkyBox 16 barely fits the Y. You can wrap your front bar with a towel (and duct tape) or a bungee cord, swap in aerodynamic crossbars (Yakimas JetStream is a popular option), or add a fairing (like the Thule AirScreen XT). And if you have other Yakima or Thule products mounted on your vehicle(s), you might especially like Yakimas SKS (same key system) and Thules One-Key system, which allow you to swap out the cores with an identical set so that you can open all of your accessories (including ski/snowboard racks and bike racks) with the same key. There are also a few ways to hush this whistling without spending up for a techy box design, including both DIY solutions and after-market purchases. Whats more, its tall and wide shape isnt particularly aerodynamic, and with a short 57-inch length, it cant accommodate skis (for a relatively affordable ski carrier, check out the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 below). But it does fall a bit short in the details: The Forces aesthetic is no match for the Motions glossy finish, the LockKnob mechanism isnt as durable or easy to use as the more premium SlideLock, and you dont get a nice grip handle to help with opening and closing. But if you want to have your cake and eat it too, Yakimas SkyBox 12 Carbonite is your best bet. It cuts through the wind with sleek aerodynamics, stealth like designs that produces better MPG. 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