Rooftop Cargo boxes with stock roof rack crossbars

[RobS10]

Am I correct in thinking the best way to mount a Yakima or Thule rooftop cargo box on a 5th Gen is using those company's aftermarket crossbars due to how close the factory cross bars are to the roof? I have heard some people have had success mounting some boxes with the stock crossbars. Any thoughts on Yakima vs Thule boxes?

 

[plummerg]

In most cases yes, thats best and easiest way. Thats how I mount any thing on my roof, throw on the old Yakima round bars!

 

[curmudge1]

TE stock crossbars are OK

... with a Yakima Megawarrior cargo basket, so maybe try stock before buying?

I will note that my 2012 Trail Edition rails and crossbars are different from what you have.

 

[RobS10]

... with a Yakima Megawarrior cargo basket, so maybe try stock before buying?

I will note that my 2012 Trail Edition rails and crossbars are different from what you have.

We have a Yakima Load Warrior left over from our Gen 3 4R, and it works. But it's definitely tighter spacing to swing the lower part of the clamps under the stock crossbars. I'm driving close to an REI today, so will stop in and ask them about Thule boxes.

 

[RobS10]

I stopped by REI to see what they had in the store to look at and asked the sales person if a Thule Force 3 XL would fit a 4Runner stock rack/crossbar setup and he said yes, which is good to know.

Any thoughts on Thule vs Yakima quality?

 

[RobS10]

I checked with both REI and Sports Basement about whether the Thule Force 3 XL (it replaces the Force XT) will fit with 4R factory crossbars, and both said yes. Just to confirm, I called Thule and they said no . Does anyone have a Thule Force 3 XL that fits the factory crossbars?

 

[Cadesun]

I have logged over 10,000 miles hauling a Thule box (looks like the large Force model) using the factory cross bars on 4th and 5th gen 4runners and probably an additional 6,000 miles using some Thule Blades to carry the box. The only thing you need to make sure of is that your bars can shift far enough forward for the cargo box to not be resting on your rear antenna.

I try to only haul bulky, lightweight items on top so while the box is full, it is not overly heavy.

I don't remember any huge difference in gas mileage although the 4th gen definitely did better than the 5th.

 

[LechJ]

I think it depends on the size and weight of the cargo box. While in my experience both Yakima and Thule will fit with OEM crossbars, though a bit tight, the bars are flexible and have a limit of 123 lbs or something like that.

At speeds above 65 mph or depending on wind conditions or even airflow due to traffic around you or even in the opposing direction, the front clamps would slap the top of the roof. If you search the topic, others have had this issue.

Picked up some used Yakima aero blades for less than OEMs go for new and have had no issue since.

 

[RobS10]

I think it depends on the size and weight of the cargo box. While in my experience both Yakima and Thule will fit with OEM crossbars, though a bit tight, the bars are flexible and have a limit of 123 lbs or something like that.

At speeds above 65 mph or depending on wind conditions or even airflow due to traffic around you or even in the opposing direction, the front clamps would slap the top of the roof. If you search the topic, others have had this issue.

Picked up some used Yakima aero blades for less than OEMs go for new and have had no issue since.

Thank you, good point about if wind gusts (or bumps off road) might flex the stock bars down far enough to cause the bottom of the clamps to hit the roof.

 

[Humble Leader]

will it fit, yes, will it be tight, yes, will it probably bounce and hit your roof, yes. will you eventually end up buying aftermarket bars, yes. buy once cry once

 

[RobS10]

will it fit, yes, will it be tight, yes, will it probably bounce and hit your roof, yes. will you eventually end up buying aftermarket bars, yes. buy once cry once

Thank you, I'm coming to that conclusion. A guy at Rack Attack said I need 1 1/8" MINIMUM clearance for the Thule clamp fingers. I have around 1 1/4" maximum, so not going to take a chance that the first big bump off road I put dents my roof. Not to mention, the stock crossbars are only rated to 135lbs.

Next question: According to the specs, it looks like the Evo will support more weight than the Edge (220lbs vs 165lbs), true? Does the vehicle's OEM rail's carrying capacity of only 135 lbs. cancel that difference out? The Edge looks sleeker, but that's a decent difference

 

[Humble Leader]

Thank you, I'm coming to that conclusion. A guy at Rack Attack said I need 1 1/8" MINIMUM clearance for the Thule clamp fingers. I have around 1 1/4" maximum, so not going to take a chance that the first big bump off road I put dents my roof. Not to mention, the stock crossbars are only rated to 135lbs.

Next question: According to the specs, it looks like the Evo will support more weight than the Edge (220lbs vs 165lbs), true? Does the vehicle's OEM rail's carrying capacity of only 135 lbs. cancel that difference out? The Edge looks sleeker, but that's a decent difference

I've had the wingbar evo and wish I never sold them. they are top notch. I have not used the edge. you are correct the limiting factor is the rails on the 4runner as technically it is about 130lbs dynamic capacity. edge is sleeker but your usable bar space is less. I had 60" evos and they extended just a bit beyond the sides of the roof but not past the side mirrors. lots of space on them for bikes , gear .

 

[RobS10]

I've had the wingbar evo and wish I never sold them. they are top notch. I have not used the edge. you are correct the limiting factor is the rails on the 4runner as technically it is about 130lbs dynamic capacity. edge is sleeker but your usable bar space is less. I had 60" evos and they extended just a bit beyond the sides of the roof but not past the side mirrors. lots of space on them for bikes , gear .

Thank you...seems highly disingenuous for after market companies like Thule to advertise load capacities that exceed the factory rails they're going to be mounted to.

 

[Humble Leader]

Thank you...seems highly disingenuous for after market companies like Thule to advertise load capacities that exceed the factory rails they're going to be mounted to.

two reasons they do this: 1) because they are universal and can fit on RV's truck toppers etc, where load limits might be higher 2) they are nicely telling you that their crossbars are not the limiting factor in terms of carrying capacity- your vehicle is

 

[RobS10]

two reasons they do this: 1) because they are universal and can fit on RV's truck toppers etc, where load limits might be higher 2) they are nicely telling you that their crossbars are not the limiting factor in terms of carrying capacity- your vehicle is

Good points! I just wish the companies would make more of a point in the difference the vehicle's rails make on cargo load ratings on their websites, and to "consult your manufacturer's roof rail weight limits for the most accurate load capacity".

I called Toyota, and after much waiting on hold while the rep researched the question, I was told the 5th Gen 4Runner's roof rails have a maximum capacity of 165lbs, which is better that the 135lbs rating they give other places I've read, (probably the max if you're using the factory crossbars).

 

[RobS10]

Here is a video of how close a Thule rooftop box is to the 4Runner roof using stock crossbars, WAAAAY to close for my comfort, especially driving 17 miles of dirt Forest Service road!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=3iu_ta5m_9Qyz_md&v=O_wfUONju80&feature=youtu.be