Yakima SkyBox 12 - Anyone?

[JohnJerk]

Has ayone installed a Yakima SkyBox 12 on thier 4R? I'd like to get this box, but want to be sure the lift gate will open all the way (the tail end seems like a good shape to allow the spoiler to pass by). Seems I'll have to go with Thule or Yakima bars so it won't scratch the roof (per other posts). I have a Yakima RocketBox, but it's old and cracked and someone had to modify the attachment system to get it to work with the lift gate - I'd like to avoid that. Thanks.

 

[heygenius]

Yakima Skybox

I have this one and the quick answer is no, it won't fit. I have a Limited and the first problem was the stock crossbars were too close to the roof to allow the clamps to slide under. I have Yakima crossbars from a gen4 that fit, but the next problem is the roof rack doesn't come over the cab enough, so the box hangs over the lift gate not allowing it to open the entire way. For me, I also have another Yakima tower and bar from a gen3 (I do like my 4runners) which attached over the front doors allowing me to push the box forward enough to allow the lift gate to open. Hope this helps.

 

[JohnJerk]

I have this one and the quick answer is no, it won't fit. I have a Limited and the first problem was the stock crossbars were too close to the roof to allow the clamps to slide under. I have Yakima crossbars from a gen4 that fit, but the next problem is the roof rack doesn't come over the cab enough, so the box hangs over the lift gate not allowing it to open the entire way. For me, I also have another Yakima tower and bar from a gen3 (I do like my 4runners) which attached over the front doors allowing me to push the box forward enough to allow the lift gate to open. Hope this helps.

Ugh! That sucks. I miss my GX470's barn door.

 

[JohnJerk]

I have this one and the quick answer is no, it won't fit. I have a Limited and the first problem was the stock crossbars were too close to the roof to allow the clamps to slide under. I have Yakima crossbars from a gen4 that fit, but the next problem is the roof rack doesn't come over the cab enough, so the box hangs over the lift gate not allowing it to open the entire way. For me, I also have another Yakima tower and bar from a gen3 (I do like my 4runners) which attached over the front doors allowing me to push the box forward enough to allow the lift gate to open. Hope this helps.

How far could you open the gate with the Yak towers and bars?

How is the wind noise with the Yak bars?

 

[heygenius]

Yakima Skybox

How far could you open the gate with the Yak towers and bars?

How is the wind noise with the Yak bars?

With the bar across the sunroof I could completely open the back. Just using the bars on the stock roof rack rails and the box pulled as far forward as it goes, I could get the back open about 1/2 way - ended up putting the window down to load and unload. As for wind noise it was weird - When I first put it on it howled like crazy. A friend told me to move it a little. I moved the bars maybe an inch to an inch and a half and it cut the noise in half. Still pretty noisy though. the air deflector they sell would probably help, but I'm too cheap to buy it.

 

[JohnJerk]

With the bar across the sunroof I could completely open the back. Just using the bars on the stock roof rack rails and the box pulled as far forward as it goes, I could get the back open about 1/2 way - ended up putting the window down to load and unload. As for wind noise it was weird - When I first put it on it howled like crazy. A friend told me to move it a little. I moved the bars maybe an inch to an inch and a half and it cut the noise in half. Still pretty noisy though. the air deflector they sell would probably help, but I'm too cheap to buy it.

Thanks for the info.

Check out this link for cheap wind noise reduction:

Yakima Rack Noise Solution - Honda Element Owners Club Forum