Cargo Box Decision - Narrowed Choice to Two Options

[shuly]

I haven't owned a cargo box for the roof rack before so I wanted some input. I have narrowed down my choice to one of two models. The Yakima Rocketbox 15s is 58in long or the Thule Ascent 1500 is 67in long. They are basically the same in storage capacity.
<O</O
Between the two of them the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><ST1Yakima</st1:City> only opens on one side but covers less of the moonroof. The <st1:City w:st="on">Thule</st1:City> opens on both sides but covers almost the whole moonroof. So the tradeoff for one is the lack of dual opening vs fully covering the moonroof.
<O</O
(Yes...I am aware the moonroof can still be opened and tilted...but the view will be blocked and the airflow will be changed.)
<O</O
For those people who currently own a cargo box and a t4r with a moonroof...what is the preferred tradeoff? Cover the moonroof and have dual opening or have most of the moonroof uncovered and have only the passenger side open of the box.
<O</O
Thanks for the feedback in advance...Shuly
:fishing:

 

[shuly]

Wow...no feedback eh? I ordered the Thule box and it should be here in about a week or so.

 

[Gordo]

Mounts

A bit late but I went with a Yakima - they had mounts that allow quick latching to the stock rack crossmembers (Thule may offer this as well).

As far as the moon roof goes - my box covers half of it. Doesn't really matter - the wind noise with a cargo box (any I would think), makes opening the roof unbearable.

Gordo

 

[shuly]

A bit late but I went with a Yakima - they had mounts that allow quick latching to the stock rack crossmembers (Thule may offer this as well).

As far as the moon roof goes - my box covers half of it. Doesn't really matter - the wind noise with a cargo box (any I would think), makes opening the roof unbearable.

Gordo

Thank you for the feedback. It's a little late but I appreciate it. I ordered the Thule box and it should be here the end of the week. Both Yakima and Thule offer quick latching systems. Both boxes are almost the same but the Thule is a bit longer. I didn't want a box to hang over the windshield so I went towards the smaller sizes. The Thule Ascent 1500 had 15 ft^3 of space and is 67"x35"x16" and weights 35 lbs. This unit opens from both sides. Yakima makes only one box shorter than 81 inches....and that was 58"x38"x15" and also has 15 ft^3 of space. But only opens on the passenger side. Cost wise the Thule was about 50 bucks more but overall I decided the option of opening either side was probably going to be worth it in the end. Given 4wheeling, camping, and you never know who is parked next to you and such. I'll see how this one works out.

 

[dms1]

I personally think the cargo boxes are over priced, Saying that, I got a killer deal on a Thule Mountaineer for $49.00 from Pep boys.

Here is how that happened. The model I was interested in had a sign underneath it for $199.00, called the Sidekick - they store these thing up high on the shelf, so I had them get it down so I could look at it, after inspecting it I said, OK Ill take it. Get up to the counter to pay for it and it keeps coming up for $49.00, they call the manager and after messing around with the bar code thing, he says go ahead and sell it for $49.00.

So I get home and my friend comes over and I start telling him how I got the killer deal on the Thule Sidekick for $49.00, after a few minutes he points out the sticker on the side of the cargo box that says Mountaineer (I didn't notice that when I bought it), so I run into the house and get on the internet to make sure I didn't get ripped off and found out it sells for about $400.00 - Score

So you might want to check out Pep Boys - I know these are the low end models, but I made my own mounting points with u Bolts and can mount or remove the box myself in less than 10 minutes. I have it setup so I can mount it on either of my 4 Runners.

Last Chance Canyon

Nightmare Gulch

 

[shuly]

Most of us probably won't be quite that lucky when it comes to getting one for 50 bucks.

I agree they are expensive and that is why I haven't bought one until now. I used my REI rebate and the 20% off and ended up saving 41% so it was an excellent deal for me.

 

[sheik]

I have the Ascent 1700. Great cargo box. I have never looked back since we use every last square inch of it. You wouldn't think the ability to open it from either side would be that big of a deal but it has been very useful and saved me many trips to the other side of the vehicle to get at something up top.

 

[shuly]

I picked up the box on Friday. Was able to install it myself. Would definitely have been easier with two, but the size is perfect. I still have most of the view with the moon roof and the dual side opening is worth it. If I had gotten the single sided one it would be rather difficult to reach all the way across the roof of the truck to turn the clamps for the crossbar attachments. The wind noise is minimal, though it does direct airflow to the back of the neck more. Now all I have to do is take another trip!

 

[747ifly]

That doesn't look bad on your 4runner. Have you taken a trip with it yet? I too am now considering a cargo carrier. I want the biggest one possible. But, looking a yours the length is probably about right. I suppose you can only mount it a certain distance to the back due to the rear door opening and the spoiler?? I was thinking I could get a longer one but probably not... What do you think?

 

[shuly]

That doesn't look bad on your 4runner. Have you taken a trip with it yet? I too am now considering a cargo carrier. I want the biggest one possible. But, looking a yours the length is probably about right. I suppose you can only mount it a certain distance to the back due to the rear door opening and the spoiler?? I was thinking I could get a longer one but probably not... What do you think?

I bought the carrier for a week long trip to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><ST1Oregon</st1:State>. Pics are here: http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15834

Getting the biggest one possible will likely mean it overhangs the front of your windshield. Be aware of this. I didn't want the overhang and I am happy with both the length and width of the one I purchased. The length is just long enough to maximize space but not completely cover the moonroof. The width is also nice. It gives you space to access from both sides. As far as worrying about the rear spoiler you can adjust the cross rails and the clamps on the inside so that it doesn't hit while the door is open.

Having the ability to open mine from both sides really makes loading and unloading much easier. If you are debating about one that opens from one side only, make sure you get a narrow one. That way you can still install it and not have to reach all the way across to load/unload.

Of course now I have a Bajarack...so I have to get <st1:City w:st="on"><ST1Thule</st1:City> attachments to attach to the side rails of the BR when I need to use the box again. <O</O

 

[747ifly]

Thanks for the input. Awesome trip you had. Great photos. I appreciate the info.
One other question then. How water proof and dust proof is the Thule cargo carrier?

 

[shuly]

Thanks for the input. Awesome trip you had. Great photos. I appreciate the info.
One other question then. How water proof and dust proof is the Thule cargo carrier?

There is always a little dust....but that only happens on trails...I can't seem to avoid it haha...Honestly though on pavement you really won't have dust. As far as water goes, I wasn't in any heavy downpours but everything did stay dry. The only caveat would be to make sure that you close it properly. If you overload it and really smash in something that will compress but doesn't actually fit it should work fine!

The thing you will find, especially driving through central california ... BUGS BUGS BUGS!!! I brought home so many dead things. They wash off the outside though.

 

[MikesToy]

Not bad! Looks like yer 4runner is wearing a hat. But what's inside?

 

[Tusa123]

Shuly- thanks for posting, this is a huge help. Question for you, I saw all of your pics but many are taken at a distance. I am trying to get a sense for side profile to see if I can get a bit more space out of the box without extending beyond the natural roof line and windwhield. Do you have any side profile pics by chance? Something thats a little closer in?

Also a question for everyone else. I have a white 2007 sport, which color would look best for the box, black or silver? I worry that black will be too much of a change but would love the opinions.

Thanks y'all!

 

[shuly]

Not bad! Looks like yer 4runner is wearing a hat. But what's inside?

Depends on the trip...for Oregon I put stuff up there that I needed to carry but really didn't need quick access to. Extra tools....I threw the hi-lift in there....an axe, shovel.....emergency camping gear....

Shuly- thanks for posting, this is a huge help. Question for you, I saw all of your pics but many are taken at a distance. I am trying to get a sense for side profile to see if I can get a bit more space out of the box without extending beyond the natural roof line and windwhield. Do you have any side profile pics by chance? Something thats a little closer in?

Also a question for everyone else. I have a white 2007 sport, which color would look best for the box, black or silver? I worry that black will be too much of a change but would love the opinions.

Thanks y'all!

If those pics don't help I don't know what really will. I didn't photograph the truck for the sake of how the box looked. Your best bet is to grab a tape measure and see where it will fall on the vehicle. If you want a close up view, REI carries them. They don't stock everything but chances are you can get a better feel for their size. As far as color...that is something I forgot to mention. Silver will stay cooler than black. It is sometimes something people like to consider. As far as what looks good...Black is ALWAYS safe...silver looks ok too Personal Preference....I'd recommend finding an REI or store that carries them so you can see the color and sizes up close. It may help solidify your decision.

 

[747ifly]

I finally got a cargo box. I decided to pay the big money and get an expensive box. I bought the Thule boxster 611. It is awesome. I love the way the box itself looks. Finish is great. It looks, I think, very good on. As good as I could possibly hope for. The ease of putting it on was very nice. Just adjust your rails so everything is centered so to speak and hand tighten it down. Awesome. It fits a lot of stuff inside so hopefully I will have enough room to sleep on my new mattress in the back of the 4runner. I really like the way it looks.

 

[747ifly]

oops- Here are some pics
.

 

[ThePennySaved]

As far as dust and water are concerned:

I drove from Michigan to Alaska with a Yakima RocketBox 16 on my old Dodge Neon (you want to talk about windshield overhang - it's 92" long ...) and everything stayed clean and dry. Being that I had to fit my entire life into a neon it was CRAMMED with stuff but the Yakima took it like a champ. Now I only use mine in the winter for skis and snowboards so there's always dirt and moisture getting thrown in.

My buddy has a Thule that opens on both sides and I must say it is a pretty handy feature. He's been really happy with his, too.

 

[glocke12]

Awesome photos of your Oregon trip..What I wouldnt give to live back out in the NW again!

 

[ethernectar]

Well, in case anyone in CA is looking for one, I've had one posted in the classifieds forever:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/class...s-please/71827-fs-yakima-skybox-pro-16-a.html