Roof Top Cargo Rack

Thinking about getting one of these before heading to the mountains this fall and since the web seems to be a little lacking in information on them (at least for usage/problems) I was wondering if anyone has them and what you like/dislike with your brand.

I'm thinking something along the lines of the Yakima RocketBox 16 or a Thule Cascade XT 1500. From reviewing their respective car fitting guides it looks like the Thule requires replacing my 4Runner factor rack with theirs to use the Cascade (at $200 extra that probably rules it out), but the Yakima will install on the factory rack.

Anyway, if you have used or are using one of these types of racks I'd love to hear your opinions on them.

Thanks, Craig

Hi Craig.

With a box, you gain space and you are better organized (I like this part just as much). You lose a little bit of gas mileage, and possibly power (if you have a 4 cylinder engine).

I have a Thule 18 cubic foot box and love it. I highly recommend these.

Craig, I use a Thule 1500 and it mounts easily to the stock Outback crossbars. One feature that's nice is it opens from either side.

Lee, I see that you do have it mounted to the Outback nicely. Your Outback looks new, what year is your vehicle? According to the Thule car fitting site only 4Runners 2002 and newer can mount it directly to the factory rack. I'm hoping that is incorrect as REI is having a sale on the Thule stuff right now and I would love to save $100 over the equivalent Yakima.

It's great news that both of you like them and had no major issues. I'd love to get some extra space back, especially when traveling with the entire family.

Thanks for the info,
Craig

Craig, ours is a 2006. When you look closely at the Thule mounting system, and the recesses in the box bottom, you'll know whether it'll work on your Yota bars. The main limitation might be their weight-bearing capacity.

Craig, I use a Yakama Rocket box on a 2001 Yota. If you move the factory roof rack all the way forward and even turn the front one around, the back hatch will still hit the box when opened. I fixed this by making some oak blocks to raise the box a couple of inches. If you can still get the white topped rocket box, get that as things stay cooler inside. I got a good deal on mine at (of all places) McGuckins (sp) Hardware in Boulder.

Craig, I use a Yakama Rocket box on a 2001 Yota. If you move the factory roof rack all the way forward and even turn the front one around, the back hatch will still hit the box when opened. I fixed this by making some oak blocks to raise the box a couple of inches. If you can still get the white topped rocket box, get that as things stay cooler inside. I got a good deal on mine at (of all places) McGuckins (sp) Hardware in Boulder.

Craig, I can attest to the fact that these things are awesome for longer trips! Since I sleep in the back of my 95 4Runner on all photo trips, it had been a great thing to have. Lets you take along a few "luxuries" like comfy folding chair etc.

I have an older version of the Thule, got it for a steal at a thrift store believe it or not. It just uses the factory racks no problem. When I first got my 4Runner three years ago, I borrowed what I believe was the Thule 1500 from a friend for a great trip to Utah, and it also worked just fine using the factory rack. The pic attached above is that borrowed one.

I'd highly recommend one that opens from both sides too, like Lee said above. Very handy!

Good luck!

Craig

I have the Yakima Space Booster box. I absolutely love it!!! I can put all sorts of crap into the box, and keep the inside of my car neat. Even though the box is narrow, and allows me keep my two bike racks, it is long and holds quite a lot of gear. It does only open on one side, but so far, I have not found that to be a major problem. I also like the Yakima fastening mechanism – they seem to attach to virtually any type of roof rack.

I have it on a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If you carry a lot of gear, you will not regret getting any type of box.