Roof Rack vs. Cargo Box

[j_shoe99]

Cargo Box, FTW.

I feel like i've been thru an evolution of roof top stuff over the years.

1. I used the Thule Quest cargo bag, for on top of my Nissan Xterra. One of the cheaper ways of getting cargo on top of the truck. I just hoped it didn't rain.

2. Then I was able to get the Yakima Load Warrior Basket, thru Subaru, for $99. Pretty versatile, and I can use my above bag to keep stuff organized. You can definitely hear the howl up top, as well as decrease in mpg's.
<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/basket_zps1817c7c6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/basket_zps1817c7c6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo basket_zps1817c7c6.jpg"/></a>



3. Lastly, I was able to buy a Thule Ascent 1600 cargo box(from a buddy for a steal). 16 cu. ft of enclosed, dry space, that you can keep locked. This is my favorite for camping trips, with the pop-up camper in tow. It also leaves room on the sides of the cargo box to haul (2) bikes as well. Virtually no wind noise up top, unless you have a crazy cross wind, and mpg's don't really show any differences.
<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/campertow.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/campertow.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo campertow.jpg"/></a>

The below photo doesn't have any boxes or baskets, just bikes! :bravo:
<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/4r1_zpsd4bf06f5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/4r1_zpsd4bf06f5.jpg" border="0" alt="4r1_zpsd4bf06f5 photo 4r1_zpsd4bf06f5.jpg"/></a>

 

[buckeyeguy]

How about these two???

Bay33saw, how do you like the Rola carrier? I was thinking about buying a hitch carrier as well, but was kind of worried about the exhaust coming straight out the back. The Rola seems to be raised slightly which would help.

 

[Bay33saw]

Bay33saw, how do you like the Rola carrier? I was thinking about buying a hitch carrier as well, but was kind of worried about the exhaust coming straight out the back. The Rola seems to be raised slightly which would help.

I have no problem with exhaust heat as like you said the carrier is slightly raised. I like mine and use it more than I thought I would

 

[nomad10th]

Thule on top, ROLA hitch basket, and dog kennel in the back.

 

[Bay33saw]

A question for those of you who use a cargo box. Have you ever had a problem with the box blocking your Sat radio reception? I have an opportunity to pick up a lightly used Yakima box, but I'm concerned about blocking the antenna. On an extended trip last summer I used a soft sided bag and opened the roof rack cross bars all the way forward and backward to make room. During the trip I had terrible satellite radio reception. Turns out the rear cross bar was covering the antenna.

You can see from the side picture of mine that the antenna is actually just under the back of my box but I never lost signal.

 

[Jhalko]

I have the Thule ascent as well and have blocked the antennae without any loss in reception. Scratched my tailgate on it so put something up there to protect you paint if you use the box. I also drive a ton in the mtns here in Colorado and its been stable and works great up there.

 

[Bay33saw]

The only concern I had with mine is there was a warning NOT to drive it empty on top of the vehicle at high speeds in case it get's pulled off? I really don't know how that would happen as the mounting brackets are really held on tight. Maybe it's just a precaution thing????

 

[AutoRotate]

BajaRack

I'm running the BajaRack Flat Utility Rack with their "Yakima Bar Adapters." This allows me the versatility of a flat rack and round bar attachments for traditional cargo boxes, bicycle racks, kayak racks, etc. Couple of pictures below:

 

[AutoRotate]

No issues for us.

A question for those of you who use a cargo box. Have you ever had a problem with the box blocking your Sat radio reception? I have an opportunity to pick up a lightly used Yakima box, but I'm concerned about blocking the antenna. On an extended trip last summer I used a soft sided bag and opened the roof rack cross bars all the way forward and backward to make room. During the trip I had terrible satellite radio reception. Turns out the rear cross bar was covering the antenna.

 

[submarinepirate]

I really wanted a permanent install, but the wife was gawking at the cost of the Gobi and the Baja. So I was able to convince her that the Thule MOAB was an okay purchase. I got it and installed it the other day. The only thing I'm considering now is pulling the fairing off. I think it's generating a lot of noise.

 

[ColoradoFrosty]

Nice pictures Autorotate.

I want some of those "Yakima Bar Adapters" for my Gobi. Can't seem to locate on the Web. Any pointers? Thanks!

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I'm running the BajaRack Flat Utility Rack with their "Yakima Bar Adapters." This allows me the versatility of a flat rack and round bar attachments for traditional cargo boxes, bicycle racks, kayak racks, etc. Couple of pictures below:

Was the mesh an option over the regular round bars that make up the floor of the rack or is this the way they're coming now? Just curious because it's something I'm looking into but I think I'd rather the round bars vs the mesh floor. Thanks in advance.

 

[AutoRotate]

Nice pictures Autorotate.

I want some of those "Yakima Bar Adapters" for my Gobi. Can't seem to locate on the Web. Any pointers? Thanks!

Email/Call Bajarack directly. They are a relatively new part unique to them. Very well made and work as advertised.

Was the mesh an option over the regular round bars that make up the floor of the rack or is this the way they're coming now? Just curious because it's something I'm looking into but I think I'd rather the round bars vs the mesh floor. Thanks in advance.

The mesh/expanded metal comes standard with BajaRack "Flat Utility Rack" models. You can still get the other style with round bars and sides. I like the flexibility of the flat rack.

 

[kowski49]

I'm running the BajaRack Flat Utility Rack with their "Yakima Bar Adapters." This allows me the versatility of a flat rack and round bar attachments for traditional cargo boxes, bicycle racks, kayak racks, etc.

Sweet setup man; I think that is exactly what I'm looking for. I bought a Yakima box a few months ago but returned it because with the factory rack you can't set the box far enough forward to allow the back hatch to fully open. It looks like you can put those Yakima adaptors pretty much anywhere on the rack.
You're not messin' around with that kennel either. Looks like the heavy duty stuff we use in the animal hospitals.

 

[AutoRotate]

Looks like you are in the DFW area also! I'm over in Rockwall - fly with DPS Aircraft out of Mesquite. You are welcome to check out the setup anytime you want. You can put the mounts anywhere you want to the rack. I pushed mine forward and left as far as possible to make room for the FrontRunner boxes and OzTent on the passenger side.

We train with the local police K-9 boys regularly and I work a female Shepherd myself. Here she is...

Sweet setup man; I think that is exactly what I'm looking for. I bought a Yakima box a few months ago but returned it because with the factory rack you can't set the box far enough forward to allow the back hatch to fully open. It looks like you can put those Yakima adaptors pretty much anywhere on the rack.
You're not messin' around with that kennel either. Looks like the heavy duty stuff we use in the animal hospitals.

 

[kowski49]

That is freaking badass.

 

[MidwestJ]

That is freaking badass.

Agreed.

 

[AutoRotate]

Test fit some gear today.

....Also loving the Raven Concealment Vanguard II Holster!!!!

 

[Bay33saw]

Test fit some gear today.

....Also loving the Raven Concealment Vanguard II Holster!!!!

What belt are you using???

 

[AutoRotate]

Belt

This particular belt is from John Willis at SOE Tactical
SOE Tactical

I also wear an Ares Gear Ranger Belt
Ares Gear


Both are sewn with double scuba webbing, providing a super stiff belt perfect for carrying handguns and magazine pouches.