Cargo Box Suggestions

[hojodro]

Newer member here needing some help on figuring out the best cargo box for snowboarding. I've searched a few threads on the boards and noticed that a lot are outdated, with older model Yakima/Thules that don't give the best info due to the age of the posts.

A quick background: I have an 08 Sport with factory rails, and I typically drive up to WV 4-5 times a season. I'll be bringing my dog with me on some of these trips so the added room will be beneficial when he tags along.

I'm looking at a few models, the Yakima Skybox 12 and Rocketbox pro 11 in particular. Anyone have any experience using either of these or other models like Thule?

 

[revox92]

Howdy mate! No direct experience but an ex-neighbor have the skybox and seems very sturdy. Yakima is well-known brand here and never heard much complain so it might be worth a shot.

 

[hojodro]

I appreciate the input. I was able to go to a local REI today to compare the Yakima Skybox 16 and the Thule Apline Force. Yakima seemed to have a more durable top piece when compared to the Thule, both were about the same amount of cubic space and length, so not much different on the specs in general. I'm leaning towards Yakima though for the look and feel of the materials used.

 

[Nmich4runner]

I'm looking for one too. I heard the newer entry level Yakima and thule are so flimsy and the locks are near pointless. I've heard really good things about late 90s and earlier 2000s were made much more sturdy, they are cheaper on Craigslist and look better... Imo

 

[placermike]

Yakima

Great for cargo. If you can make it ride then get one.

 

[Wingsuit]

Used to be a Yakima guy, now I am a Thule guy. They are both good, but the difference in quality in their economy lines v. their premium boxes is dramatic. And so are the prices. If you are using the stock rack cross bars, you might want to check two things: the clearance under that rear cross bar is minimal, maybe someone on here knows if the box clamps will even fit under it. If not, you're looking at buying some aftermarket cross bars too. Plus, the Toyota cross bars have considerable bow to them, so a box won't seat flat on them. Might not be as secure, and might be noisy. Maybe someone knows ..... If we're only going to ski a few times a year I might just use a ski rack.

 

[vjack]

I'm looking for one too. I heard the newer entry level Yakima and thule are so flimsy and the locks are near pointless. I've heard really good things about late 90s and earlier 2000s were made much more sturdy, they are cheaper on Craigslist and look better... Imo

I have a newish Thule... a Sonic (size XL, I believe). That is in the middle of the current Thule lineup. I like it.

When the top is up, I will admit it is a little floppy. I think that is partly due to the double-hinged design (can open it from either side), which is really nice. But the bottom of the box is very stable... a combination of a corrugated base and a metal stiffening bar running the length of the box make it quite rigid. When the top is fastened down the whole thing seems very stable.

As for the security of the locks... I have no idea how to evaluate that. I would be shocked if someone could get into it with their bare hands, but obviously with a crowbar or a sawzall it would be trivial. For a plastic box I'm not really sure what kind of security is really expected.