Cargo Box on a Cage/Basket?

[eric_rosenwald]

My 2000 4Runner has an OEM rail system on it. I'd like to put a cage/basket on it to hold a spare tire, fuel, shovel, etc. But it would also be nice to have the option to put a Yakima or Thule cargo box on top of that, when I'm not off-roading. I'd rather not take off a cage just to install a box. I don't want a cage that is very high. Would it be possible to put a cargo box on top of a cage?

 

[4eigner]

My 2000 4Runner has a factor rail system on it. I'd like to put a cage/basket on it to hold a spare tire, fuel, shovel, etc. But it would also be nice to have the option to put a Yakima or Thule cargo box on top of that, when I'm not off-roading. I'd rather not take off a cage just to install a box. I don't want a cage that is very high. Would it be possible to put a cargo box on top of a cage?

Just about anything is possible. But is it practical or wise?
Sounds like you want to load a ton of weight up high. This is not a wise decision as it raises the center of gravity of the truck and makes it more susceptible to rolling over.

A better option would be to get a rear bumper made that can accommodate a spare & additional fuel cans. Save the lighter stuff for the roof.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

I don't think I can afford getting one custom made... Do you know if there are any off-the-shelf options for this?

 

[4eigner]

I don't think I can afford getting one custom made... Do you know if there are any off-the-shelf options for this?

Look up hitch mounted carriers.
What size tire are you running? The factory spare location can accommodate up to a 33" tire in some instances.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Look up hitch mounted carriers.
What size tire are you running? The factory spare location can accommodate up to a 33" tire in some instances.

I just bought the 4R two weeks ago, and it already has a crazy tire history. It came with Longtrail A/Ts, and a 14 year old spare. America's Tire Co. had the Longtrails under warranty, so I brought it in to have them inspected and give me a new spare tire. I bought a barely-used BFG tire for the new spare (they say it was very good, I need to check to see the specific model though).

So... Durring a Death Valley backroad break-in trip, I blew both rear Longtrail tires in the middle of nowhere. Pretty stupid, I know. The T4R performed incredibly well, overall. Just what I expected. Even then, I wanted to push it hard, discover it's limits in a harsh environment, but not give it undue stress. But I was planning on replacing the tires soon to get something better for off-road use, anyway. After the T4R limped back to civilization, I had them put on Pathfinder Sport tires, to give me better off-road performance. It fit my price range, and matched how I plan to use them.

They reinstalled the spare I had originally bought (underneath), and left me with one of the good front Longtrails for use as a spare. I'm getting it mounted, inflated, etc. onto a simple spare-tire quality rim.

So I'm never going off-roading in the desert without two spares (and 4 cans of Fix-A-Flat). I'm starting to think that it just makes more sense to load the #2 spare in the back of the car, and put a 50lb box of off-road supplies (tools, shovel, sand mats, tire inflator, etc.) on a cage, on top. It just seems easier that way. By the way, I will never buy anything but Fix-A-Flat brand. Nothing compares!

 

[4eigner]

I just bought the 4R two weeks ago, and it already has a crazy tire history. It came with Longtrail A/Ts, and a 14 year old spare. America's Tire Co. had the Longtrails under warranty, so I brought it in to have them inspected and give me a new spare tire. I bought a barely-used BFG tire for the new spare (they say it was very good, I need to check to see the specific model though).

So... Durring a Death Valley backroad break-in trip, I blew both rear Longtrail tires in the middle of nowhere. Pretty stupid, I know. The T4R performed incredibly well, overall. Just what I expected. Even then, I wanted to push it hard, discover it's limits in a harsh environment, but not give it undue stress. But I was planning on replacing the tires soon to get something better for off-road use, anyway. After the T4R limped back to civilization, I had them put on Pathfinder Sport tires, to give me better off-road performance. It fit my price range, and matched how I plan to use them.

They reinstalled the spare I had originally bought (underneath), and left me with one of the good front Longtrails for use as a spare. I'm getting it mounted, inflated, etc. onto a simple spare-tire quality rim.

So I'm never going off-roading in the desert without two spares (and 4 cans of Fix-A-Flat). I'm starting to think that it just makes more sense to load the #2 spare in the back of the car, and put a 50lb box of off-road supplies (tools, shovel, sand mats, tire inflator, etc.) on a cage, on top. It just seems easier that way. By the way, I will never buy anything but Fix-A-Flat brand. Nothing compares!

As much of a fan of overkill that I am, 4 cans of fix-a-flat along with 2 spares seems a bit over the top. You should look into building & refining your vehicle's fix-it kit. A tire plug kit will solve just about every issue (and then some) that a can of fix-a-flat will, at a fraction of the weight, space, and even cost when looking at multiple tires.

Personally I'd drop the cans for the plugs, but might keep the 2nd spare when off-roading, especially when far from a shop or home. I'm a firm believer in the "Two is one, one is None" mindset.

 

[KidVermicious]

The best way to not blow tires is to have quality tires. Crappy tires will leave you stranded far more frequently than a decent name brand with a tough sidewall. Invest in some real tires, and you'll only need to carry one spare and a plug kit. Those Pathfinders of yours are false economy, and if you're going to be spending a lot of time in the remote desert they could put you in danger.

And don't put your spare on the roof. Besides screwing up your COG, it vastly increases your wind resistance, it's a PITA to get down if you need it, and it's a missile if you get into a collision. If you can't fit the spare in the stock location and can't afford a rear tire carrier, check out a hitch mount carrier. CBI has a decent one. They aren't ideal, but they're better than having a spare tire in your cargo area or on the roof.