Roof Top Cargo Box Carriers - Thule, Yakima, Other?

[birdog]

Thanks - unless I'm missing something on that website, I'm looking at the cargo boxes themselves, not the racks. I'm looking at something that will bolt on to the factory rack that I can throw some luggage, a baby's playpen and other things in so my Golden Retriever can ride in the back.

I'm looking at taking a cross country trip this summer (one of a few in the next few years most likely), so it needs to be sturdy, waterproof and durable. I know it'll hurt the gas mileage some, so I'll go as low profile as I can.

This is exactly my dilemma.... my dog goes with me everywhere and we want to throw skiis and snowboards up there.... off season boogie boards and beach stuff... camping backpacking flyfishing. I was looking at the Thule boxter 611 and wonder if it interferes with the antenna, hatch, or moonroof

 

[birdog]

just got my kamei box today...didn't even consider the fact that the mounting u-bolts wouldn't be wide enough for the crazy wide 4runner crossbars. anyone have a quick suggestion for good crossbars that aren't so wide, and preferably square?

whisper bars from RackAttack, good but pricey. It's permanent gear so probably worth it. Alternative might be to Ebay look for Yakima or Thule bars which will be fine and pennies. Most of the Yak and Thule boxes will fit either of their bars.

Best

 

[birdog]

the sears brand is junky from stem to stern. Ive owned Thule for our Honda van for 9 years.... what a workhorse that box is!! excellent. I had a Yakima bike rack on a previous SUV and it was quite good. I just bought a Thule "hitch" mountain bike rack today..... whoa.... so nice! My dog loves the mountain bike more than any object in the world. I can keep up with her on the trail.

 

[blaniac22]

This is exactly my dilemma.... my dog goes with me everywhere and we want to throw skiis and snowboards up there.... off season boogie boards and beach stuff... camping backpacking flyfishing. I was looking at the Thule boxter 611 and wonder if it interferes with the antenna, hatch, or moonroof

THis is the one I ended up with: 602 Ascent 1100 - Thule - Thule Cargo Carriers - Cargo Boxes For Roof Top Cargo & Cargo Trailers

I caught a good sale at REI - I had to drive a little ways to pick it up but it was worth it.

Overall, I like it....what I like most is that I can pack it in my garage so the whole neighborhood doesn't know I'm going away for a little while. That's the advantage to the low profile. I also like the fact that it opens from both sides....that has come in handy when someone parks a little close at a hotel parking lot, or I need access to a specific item inside.

The disadvantage is it is a tight squeeze sometimes, and takes some "creative" packing to get everything in there and there were times when I wish I had bought a little bigger one - like when I'm trying to get it to close at O-Dark 30 and it's 15 degrees outside. You may find it is a bit too small and want something taller.

I can't speak to the moonroof - but I've had no problems with in interfering with the hatch. I put the carrier on top and raised the hatch - there are adjustments inside the box (this one anyway) that allow you to slide it forward as necessary to avoid interfering with the hatch...and of course you still have the cargo bars on the truck itself..