Anyone try to fit a Yakima Skybox 18 or 21 on a 5th Gen?

Marlin 444 · Mar 14, 2012

I am in the market for a cargo carrier and really like the Yakima Skybox and would like to get the biggest that I can fit.

I don't have factory crossbars and have read some threads that say to go with aftermarket if you can. So I am planning on buying the Yakima Railgrabber kit from Amazon.

It looks like most have the Yakima 16s and Yakima's website says the 18 and 21 would fit too. I just want to see if anyone attempted to go with the larger carrier.

The price difference between the different sizes isn't that bad either:

21 is $379
18 is $389
16s is $360

All of the prices above reflect the current Yakima rebate (must buy before 3/22/12).

I would be stupid to pass up the 21 for $379 if it fits.

Thanks in advance.

Redwolf · Mar 15, 2012

Yes

I got the Skybox 21, fits fine. The only issue is with a spoiler. The trunk will only open up parallel with the ground. As in, not all the way, but we are just fine with it.

We are going to put some 3M foam tape on the box, so that when we open it up it won't scratch the spoiler.

Marlin 444 · Mar 15, 2012

Redwolf said:
I got the Skybox 21, fits fine. The only issue is with a spoiler. The trunk will only open up parallel with the ground. As in, not all the way, but we are just fine with it.

We are going to put some 3M foam tape on the box, so that when we open it up it won't scratch the spoiler.

Thanks for the info.

Does the 21 look too big for the 4runner?

Update - I noticed your pics and I don't know if it is the angle or what, but no offense, that Skybox looks huge on the 4runner. Not sure I am going for that look.

TX - Longhorns · Mar 15, 2012

I actually went with the Thule Atlantis 1800, we just got back from the ski trip and we were able to fit most of our stuff up top (2 adults + 2 kids). As you say in your post, definitely a good idea to go w/ aftermarket cross bars, this will bump the roof box up above your antenna fin in the back. $379 bucks is a good price for a Yakima 21; however, check out REI - they have an awesome return policy if anything ever goes wrong w/ it (you may pay a little more there, they do run specials every so often 20% off items).

nomad10th · Mar 16, 2012

I'm also in the market for a rooftop cargo box. What length do the crossbars need to be so that they don't stick out too far past the outer edge of the factory rails? That Thule Atlantis 1800 looks great on Silver!

Marlin 444 · Mar 17, 2012

TX - Longhorns said:
I actually went with the Thule Atlantis 1800, we just got back from the ski trip and we were able to fit most of our stuff up top (2 adults + 2 kids). As you say in your post, definitely a good idea to go w/ aftermarket cross bars, this will bump the roof box up above your antenna fin in the back. $379 bucks is a good price for a Yakima 21; however, check out REI - they have an awesome return policy if anything ever goes wrong w/ it (you may pay a little more there, they do run specials every so often 20% off items).

I really like how the 1800 looks on the 4runner. I compared the measurements to all 3 Yakima I was looking at and the 16s is just a little shorter. The 18 and 21 is about 8 inches longer. Not sure I want the 18 and 21 now.

I talked to a sales rep at REI and the 20% coupon is starting on March 23. I am going to stop in and see if they can either do a price adjust or just give me 20% off because I need to buy on or before March 22 for the Yakima rebate.

Marlin 444 · Mar 17, 2012

nomad10th said:
I'm also in the market for a rooftop cargo box. What length do the crossbars need to be so that they don't stick out too far past the outer edge of the factory rails? That Thule Atlantis 1800 looks great on Silver!

Not sure what length is best, but I am going to get the Yakima Railgrab Kit from Amazon for $156. It comes with the 58" rails that can be cut down (with a hacksaw) to whatever length you want. Yakima recommends atleast 1 inch sticking out on each side. And the bars have endcaps that will cover up your cut.

And I was going to order 4 SKS locks for the Railgrab towers through Amazon, but after looking into it a little more, I am going to wait until I get the Yakima cargo box. That way I can order the 4 lock cores directly from Yakima ($12 each) and have one key to open the box and take off the towers.

TX - Longhorns · Mar 17, 2012

Marlin 444 said:
I really like how the 1800 looks on the 4runner. I compared the measurements to all 3 Yakima I was looking at and the 16s is just a little shorter. The 18 and 21 is about 18 inches longer. Not sure I want the 18 and 21 now.

I talked to a sales rep at REI and the 20% coupon is starting on March 23. I am going to stop in and see if they can either do a price adjust or just give me 20% off because I need to buy on or before March 22 for the Yakima rebate.

Yep, I appreciate it - we thought the silver on silver looked good as well. Got our first sticker at Red River, NM last month - will start populating the box w/ the places we've been. It depends on how much gear you are carrying, the step down on the Thule wasn't large enough for us. I don't think REI will do a 20% off now for you; however, you can probably buy now then go back in while the 20% is going on and they can price adjust then (if you are going to be in town while that's going on, or get someone to do it for you).

I will say the 18 covers the satellite radio antenna; however, we had zero reception problems.

nomad10th · Apr 19, 2012

I'll answer my own question in case it can help a brother out. The 50" crossbars are a perfect fit on the 5th gen. I ended up buying the silver thule atlantis 1800 box, and the thule complete crossroads rail system 45050. With the 50" bars they only stick out about 1" past the factory rail outside edges. I rode around with just the bars mounted and the howl from the wind was pretty damn bad. I skeptically ordered the 38" Thule fairing (which is also just about a perfect fit between the rails with about an inch space on each side) and the wind howl is gone. I ordered folding wheel step off of amazon so I could get up there and load stuff and I couldn't be happier with the setup.

TX - Longhorns · Apr 20, 2012

nomad10th said:
I'll answer my own question in case it can help a brother out. The 50" crossbars are a perfect fit on the 5th gen. I ended up buying the silver thule atlantis 1800 box, and the thule complete crossroads rail system 45050. With the 50" bars they only stick out about 1" past the factory rail outside edges. I rode around with just the bars mounted and the howl from the wind was pretty damn bad. I skeptically ordered the 38" Thule fairing (which is also just about a perfect fit between the rails with about an inch space on each side) and the wind howl is gone. I ordered folding wheel step off of amazon so I could get up there and load stuff and I couldn't be happier with the setup.

So, you went w/ a Thule fairing and the howling went away? That's a big reason why I don't leave my Thule bars on there all the time, they are definitely nosier than factory bars; however, will have to try the Thule fairing... Post which one you got.

I'm not sure what size my Thule bars are; however, I know they stick out a good 4-6 inches on either side, I like the longer bars in case I want to push the bars all the way over to one side, and maybe put some ski/snowboard racks on there to hold the skis/snowboards. You know, one thing I found handy - when you open the back door, right there beneath the seat is a good place to put your foot when accessing the Thule Cargo carrier.

nomad10th · Apr 30, 2012

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-871xt-fairing.asp 38" is the right fit. It completely eliminated the wind noise like I said. I was about to take my bars off but gave the fairing a try. Glad i did.

Theomoji · Sep 22, 2020

Yakima Skybox 21 fits fine on OEM crossbars if you drill your own holes so that it doesn't stop your trunk opening. Also I changed the fitting so it's more secure and thinner than clamps.

You'll have to mount on top of the bumps in the box in the front. There's no way around it. So I found some fittings for screws so that I can lock the bump the same way I lock the flat parts.

I bought this box used for $130 on Facebook Marketplace just 2 weeks ago. I drilled 2 holes on the lips so i can lock it down with a U-shaped bike lock.

cruf665 · Dec 15, 2020

Hey team, Reviving this thread. Currently have a skybox 18 that I had before my 5thgen 4runner. Having clearance issues with the rear spoiler. Has anyone found any solutions to this issue other than drilling new holes into the box? I will if I have too but not going to be my first choice. Thanks!

Cymon · Dec 15, 2020

[MENTION=634715]cruf665[/MENTION] Are you using the OEM rails? If you use Thule or Yakima it should set it up high enough to clear since they are above and not integrated into the roof rails.

caw4runner · Dec 28, 2020

no enough clearance for oem bars

I just bought a 21 4runner and I don't have enough room to clear the roof with the yakima box up top, disappointing as I just bought the OEM bars, I am hoping they will take them back but sucks to have to spend more $$ on aftermarket to make it fit. So stupid to put the roof rack so close to the top of the car.

svowels · Dec 28, 2020

We already had the Skybox Pro 16 so I just stuck with it. The only issue I had were the stock crossbars and clearance between them and the roof. Got some Thule crossbars that mount perfect and give it some height, works perfectly. Considering a different rack on top but no issues for now.

bluebullet · Dec 28, 2020

caw4runner said:
I just bought a 21 4runner and I don't have enough room to clear the roof with the yakima box up top, disappointing as I just bought the OEM bars, I am hoping they will take them back but sucks to have to spend more $$ on aftermarket to make it fit. So stupid to put the roof rack so close to the top of the car.

That was an enhancement to reduce wind noise and make a major improvement on gas mileage. :mad2: Would have fit my 2011 Trail no problem. 2020 ORP OEM bars are lower so you have to purchase aftermarket bars.

bigbadpoppa · Apr 21, 2022

So Skybox 21 will not clear the trunk door unless you modify/drill, correct?

I am also in the market to get a skybox, and I think from reading all the threads, the max size is Skybox 16 before you need to do some custom work to make it fit from hitting the trunk spoiler/door right?

90Duck · Apr 21, 2022

Big, bigger, biggest

I've had this gigantor Packasport for years and moved it over to various vehicles. Originally a Suburban, then to a '04 Pilot, now on to the 4Runner for the last 4 years. It sits up on Thule crossbars and I had to drill new holes in the Packasport to move it forward to clear the spoiler. I like the look of a roof basket, but this thing just swallows up bulky gear in a much more aerodynamic form and has advantage of being lockable.

benhalleniii · Apr 26, 2022

Lose the Skybox...

...and get thee a set of Rago Fabrication molle panels and shelf for the rear fo the truck.

I do a lot of road trips with my wife and two sons. We used to have a Skybox 16 on top for all the camping gear. Now that I have the Rago shelf I can fit all of our camping gear, food, luggage and fridge in the rear cargo area. 2 bikes on the top of the truck and two on the rear rack. Only gets a little tight when we have to haul firewood but that's usually only a little ways each time we camp.

First pic is with the box and 2nd is the rago setup. Not very organized in this particular shot but it works. There is SO much more space back there when you have the shelf. Good luck!

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Anyone try to fit a Yakima Skybox 18 or 21 on a 5th Gen?

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