I also have the Thule Motion XT XL. We go skiing a lot and camping (dont do any real off roading) so its nice to have the tons of extra cargo space. I use it currently with the stock cross bars moved all the way forward. The box touches the antenna slightly but isn't such an issue for me; I probably could add cross bar pads to eliminate the touching but again not a big deal for me. The box also touches/interferes with the lift when open but again when you are conscious of it you just need to gently open the lift so you don't scratch the rear spoiler or damage/scratch the box. I recently purchased a full roof rack which should allow me to move the cargo box forward another inch or so and solve just about all of my problems. Happy to take some photos if that helps your decision making process.
Help me choose my Cargo Box
- Thread starter Farby
- Start date
Decipher
New member
Another option is a hitch-mounted cargo box or basket. This will give you extra space if you can’t fit a big enough box for your needs up top. Hitch-mounts are also easier to access (obviously) and won’t effect wind noise or MPGs. I use both my cargo basket up top and a hitch mounted box when I’m really loading up.
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LITOY4runner
New member
Thule Force L
I’m using a Thule Force L with OEM bars, clears both antenna and hatch fully open. It’s not the biggest cargo box, but works with the least amount of additional equipment.
I’m using a Thule Force L with OEM bars, clears both antenna and hatch fully open. It’s not the biggest cargo box, but works with the least amount of additional equipment.
Thank you for the offer, but not necessary. I don't foresee ever needing a full rack. I'll only use the cargo box a handful of times a year, but it will be necessary to travel. From what it appears I think with aftermarket bars( i don't have any bars at the moment), the XT XL will fit and not rub anywhere, or so I hope. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but thanks for your input.
Toffees
Member
The hitch box has surprised me with how useful it is, definitely worth consideration. It isn't as big (at least compared to the XXL), but it's far easier to access (which is really nice if you have little people, etc).
I have a Thule Evolution 1800 cargo box that I managed to grab for $50 off of craigslist. It's pretty big. The hatch does hit the cargobox when I have it mounted but I created a limiting strap with some paracord that prevents my hatch from opening all the way.
I personally wouldn't use the oem crossbars as they do sit too low. I wouldn't be able to use my cargo box on the oem crossbars because the box won't clear the shark fin. I've had two setups. My first setup was yakima cross bars on some yakima mounting adapters that attach to the stock roof rails. It works great and you usually can find a set of used crossbars on craigslist for cheap. You'll just need to buy the mounts separately. My second and current setup are the LFD crossbars. I prefer these as they sit higher than the oem crossbars and lower than the yakima setup. Perfect imo.
did you clamp onto the LFD bars or did you bolt them directly or something
Beer_Runner
New member
I've got basically the same box as above, Thule Evolution. Mine is actually a Thule Subaru branded box that I bought when I had my WRX. I pealed to Subaru badges off of it. It's black and I use it with the traditional Thule square bars. I'm actually able to move it forward enough so that I can completely open my hatch without it hitting my box and the box also clears my shark fin.
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Decipher
New member
I actually couldn’t agree more. Although it looks kind of ridiculous, the hitch box is crazy practical and they make some that swing out so you can access your hatch. I also have a hitch basket I use with a waterproof cargo bag if I don’t need the full box.
Just another option...I know OP is asking about rooftop boxes.
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Toffees
Member
Yep. Mine has a hinge and swings down so you can lift the hatch. Not that I can lift it with the box on top, but still.
srsrogerissrs
Member
I clamped them but you could also directly bolt them if you wanted to. I already had the clamp setup so just kept using it.
Yes, sounds like we are in similar boats. I only use the box a handful of times a year. I didnt really need a full rack but I really like buying stuff so did it anyway lol. The XT XL fits with the OEM cross bars with the minor issues I stated but all of that should be resolved with aftermarket bars that sit higher than the OEM. I still have my OEM bars on so will take a picture anyway as I had trouble locating a photo prior to buying mine... I'm sure if it doesn't help you it may help someone else in a similar spot.
Jimmyasheville
New member
My Yakima Skybox clamps wouldn’t fit under the factory crossbars, so I use a Thule system left over from a few cars ago. My Thule box cheap plastic hinge arms broke after about 20 uses, so REI took it back and I got the Yakima. The Thule lid was always wobbly when opening/closing, I am surprised it lasted as long as it did. The Yakima Skybox is somewhat heavier but feels much more sturdy. For the price of those things they should all be super sturdy.
The factory bars seem flimsy compared to Yakima Jetstream or Thule Aerobars. Plus the way they tighten down with 4 thumbscrews doesn’t seem as secure as it could be, to keep a box from creeping back at 75 mph.
I have the biggest size Skybox, and it slides forward enough so the rear hatch doesn’t hit it. It is true that the Thule and Yakima bars sit higher than the stock bars, which is by design, so you can reach under there and fasten ski, paddleboard, bike, etc attachments. The Yak bars sit even higher than the Thule. Having a box sit an inch or two higher gas no effect on your mileage. The box has the same amount of air resistance as long as its facing forward.
The factory bars seem flimsy compared to Yakima Jetstream or Thule Aerobars. Plus the way they tighten down with 4 thumbscrews doesn’t seem as secure as it could be, to keep a box from creeping back at 75 mph.
I have the biggest size Skybox, and it slides forward enough so the rear hatch doesn’t hit it. It is true that the Thule and Yakima bars sit higher than the stock bars, which is by design, so you can reach under there and fasten ski, paddleboard, bike, etc attachments. The Yak bars sit even higher than the Thule. Having a box sit an inch or two higher gas no effect on your mileage. The box has the same amount of air resistance as long as its facing forward.
Anybody have any experience with the Thule Evo Wing bar set up
Thule Evo WingBar | Thule | USA
A little cheaper than the aeroblade and from what it appears it may sit a little higher giving better clearance?
Thule Evo WingBar | Thule | USA
A little cheaper than the aeroblade and from what it appears it may sit a little higher giving better clearance?
Toffees
Member
I don't know anyone that has clearance issues unless they're using the stock cross bars. My aeroblades give good clearance for what I use. I think your question will be access and wind/noise. Unless you're quite tall, an extra inch reach could make a difference in access. Also, that's $440 for the pair?
I guess i'm more worried about box length and hitting the shark fin if I go with an XL box.
And yea looks to be $440 for two bars and two sets of rail clamps. Aero blades are another $50 and do appear to sit lower. I Didn't think about wind noise though.
Toffees
Member
You might get the bars with feet to more further forward or back, the aeroblades I have include their own feet, but they are sit lower than that picture. No problem with shark fin at all with my setup. I think my aeroblades were about the same price, $220 each or so.
So I finally pulled the trigger on aeroblades and the Thule Motion XT XL box.
Bars came yesterday and I put one of them on. Will get the other on after the box gets here
Hopefully the remainder of the install goes well and I'll be sure to post up pics as long as it all works out!
Thanks everyone for their input.
Bars came yesterday and I put one of them on. Will get the other on after the box gets here
Hopefully the remainder of the install goes well and I'll be sure to post up pics as long as it all works out!
Thanks everyone for their input.
tankismyname
New member
Thanks for all the posts and feedback. Makes me feel confident I will be able to find a cargo box to add to my LFD rack that is arriving today.
