FYI, See post 39 for pictures of the Sonic XL on a 5th Gen.

...and that is what I get for not clicking on links.

I was originally shopping for a Yakima Skybox 16, but I found one post saying it fit fine, while another post (with photos) showed the clamps were a very tight fit under the factory cross bars and the back of the box would hit the lift gate.

When I spoke to the guy at REI about my concerns, he recommended trying Thule, saying that he liked the single knob mounting system and smaller crossbar clamps on the Thule Force.

Based on his recommendation, I bought the Thule Force L 628. Fits great, zero clearance issues, tons of latitude in front-to-back adjustment so that the box doesn't hit the antenna or lift gate, and I can have the crossbars as far apart as the rails will allow and the box will still mount just fine--something that the Yakima apparently can't do (based on the Yakima specs).

Looking at the specs, the Skybox 16 is 81" long, while the Force L is only 74" long. So the Force L is an easy fit on the 4Runner with the factory rails.

Just brought it home, so I haven't used it on a trip yet, but I'm assuming it will work plenty well for my needs (storing camping gear).

Go HB!

That looks like the perfect size for the vehicle assuming it fits intended contents.

I have Yakima skybox 16 and it fits fine on Thule aero bars, but have to mount it as far back as possible within a few mm of the open hatch because of its length. Can't post pics, am on the road and might need a higher post count.

@LACA11 , that looks great, I also have the Yakima skybox 16 on the Thule aero bars, but that fits perfect on the OEM cross bars!

That looks outstanding. My Thule box hit the lift gate and I had to be extra careful with the roof. But I did parlay the fitment issues into a full length roof rack after showing my wife some minor paint damage. Your box is so much more practical, haha.

Ya, my number one concern was perfect fit with zero hassle, and the Force L met that requirement. Capacity was a distant second.

The REI salesperson strongly recommended getting a bigger box just to have the extra capacity, but I didn't want to deal with the potential hassle of hitting the lift gate.

I did see a few posts using the Thule or Yakima cross bars with the Skybox 16, but the factory bars are cheaper, and since I'll only be using the box a few times a year, simpler + cheaper = better for me.

Has anyone done a Thule "M" Sonic box with factory bars?

I managed to slam my Thule "XL" Sonic into a carport, and the San Antonio REI only carries the "M"...

What size Rightline did you get?

Any issues with load weight and the stock cross bars?

A couple quick pics after a test fitting before our ~3000 mile road trip next week.

Specs

• Whispbar Throughbar S17 - Bars Located at Max Spread
• Whispbar Fit Kit K328
• Whispbar WB701

Attached Images

       

That Whispbar box is cool....I've never seen one before.

I picked up a Yakima Skybox 16 pro off Craigslist this week. Fits the truck perfectly, although I do have an OEM trail rack, which is a couple inches higher than the others.

You really don't see to many Whispbar boxes, my guess would simply be due to the cost compared to standard Yakima/Thule alternatives.

I decided on the Whispbar because I wanted every bit of extra aero on the highway. It helped I got it for 20% off too.

This is the Thule Excursion. It hinges from the front and therefore accessible from three sides. It fit on the stock crossbars and didn't cover any of the sunroof which was a bonus.




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Got a bigger box recently. Thule Sonic XXL.

Fits and clears the hatch when it is on Thule Rapid Aero bars pushed as far forward as possible.