Yakima GrandTour Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 Cubic Ft - Gloss Black 20 Reviews Code: YA74FR In Stock Our Price: $878.95 Add To Cart 79" x 35" x 18". But the difference in rigidity is palpable (thats saying something, as the Motion is one of the stiffer designs here). Thules Force XT L is the SkyBoxs closest competitor: It matches it in carrying capacity at 16 cubic feet, sports key features including dual access and an aerodynamic shape, and is quick and easy to install and remove. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. And finally, youll want to be wary of ultra-lightweight boxes too, as this might indicate a flimsier design. If youre an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns. See the Thule Sidekick. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? Then, with a second person, you simply lift the box, approach the vehicle from the front (the open clamps will make this positioning obvious), and set the box immediately in front of the bars. All told, I have no concerns from a longevity standpoint, and the SkyBox does come with a lifetime warranty (wear and tear not included). From: $769.00. There are a number of factors to consider here, including volume and length. On the other hand, the Forces combined set-up puts more strain on the lockit should come as no surprise that there have been issues over the years with broken keys. Weve had the 16-cubic-foot model on the top of our vehicle for a few years now and have found it to be Thules rooftop cargo box collection is undeniably extensive, from luxurious designs with felt-lined interiors and built-in lighting to soft-sided models for cheap and compact storage. In what region Colorado is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Unites States. Generally speaking, the bulkier your cargo boxespecially in terms of width and heightthe more drag it will create. And the inside gets style points as well: the mounting system uses a removable knob to tighten each clamp and then stores it to the side, creating a sleek, flat base and more room for your gear. Simply put, its hard to justify a $2,000 price tag when you can get a fully functional, durable, and high-quality cargo box for half as much (or less). And finally, make sure to complete this process with your rear hatch open to ensure youre getting proper clearance (if applicable), and check your mounts often, as they might need to be tightened from time to time. You do miss out on the sleek look of a top-end build like the GrandTour ($779) or Thules Motion XT L ($800) that have premium-level paint jobs, but everything is clearly well made and built to last. Moving into the ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features. Rigidity increases with the premium models (by way of added stiffeners), while budget designs like the Thule Sidekick and Jegs Rooftop Carrier have noticeably floppy lids and bases that youll want to be sure to carefully close and secure (they might not easily line up). When not on your vehicle, we recommend storing your box in a cool and dry space (preferably inside), either base-down on the floor or hanging flat against a wall. Each box installs to just about any roof rack with a removable torque tool that ensures a secure fit and leaves flat space for more gear. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: A premium cargo box with an integrated solar panel for off-grid charging.What we dont: Expensive and underpowered. Some designs combine these two features, with basic lock mechanisms that also function to secure the lid to the base (i.e., when the box is unlocked, the lid is ajar). They design roof racks for luggage and equipment but not boxes or bags. The lips on the side of the box hang over the seam where it opens, so moisture rolls over the top. One thing to keep in mind with the SkyBox 16 is its aerodynamic shape does limit what you can haul to items that are fairly low-profile. The design is pretty neat: you get Yakimas most premium cargo box for adventuring (the CBX) with a 36-watt (5V) solar panel mounted on top. baratza sette 270 vs eureka mignon subaru rooftop cargo carrier. Before opting for a design with one-sided or rear access, make sure you consider the limitations, as these styles are less convenient for organizing and reaching your gear (and in the case of a rear opening, youll probably have to close your hatch to toggle the handle). Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. Make room for friends with the next evolution of the SkyBox series. The Yakima SkyBox Carbonite cargo box has a sleek design that makes it look like a high-end box, but it is designed for rugged trips in the great outdoors. But for many, the biggest draw is convenience: the CBX takes away the DIY work, hides the wires nicely, and is more than sufficient for keeping your phone charged on remote outings. The Motion XT above is clearly the best all-rounder, with a high-end fit and finish, exceptionally easy-to-use mounting hardware, and a SlideLock handle and lock system thats hard to beat. Initial set up of the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite is about as easy as it gets with no tools required. In the end, a strong case can be made for both models, but we think the SkyBox is the better overall value (plus, the GrandTour 16 is hard to track down at the time of publishing). thule force xl. Dimensions: 74.8 x 33 x 18 in.Capacities: 11 (Sport), 16, 18, 22 cu. And finally, as we touched on above, youll want to think about protecting items from the elements by wrapping them in dry bags or waterproof duffel bags (even garbage bags will do the trick) and keeping especially vulnerable items away from the base and edges. But regardless of the cargo box, its a good idea to assume that its not fully waterproof. They are premium roof racks that employ the use of aluminum material. The Best Overall Rooftop Cargo Box. The majority of designs only permit you to remove the key when locked: although some users find this feature inconvenient, it does keep you from leaving the box unlocked or accidentally losing your keys inside. All told, its an intriguing and user-friendly option for off-grid adventurers that want the convenience of a roof box with integrated charging capabilities to power phones, lanterns, headlamps, camera batteries, and other electronics in the field. Finally, while manufacturers tend to bring attention to the higher weight capacities of some boxes, vehicle load limits are the true equalizers, meaning that theres not much advantage to opting for a 165-pound limit over a 110-pound limit (like the budget SportRack Vista XL). Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite ($719) Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in. The SportRack Horizon Alpine ($450) is another suitable alternative, although its quality lags with a combined lock/latch mechanism, less intuitive attachments, and a flimsier design overall. Below youll find our breakdown of the market, from premium luxury models and compact carriers to popular all-rounders that get the job done for most. Another distinction comes in the amount of overlap between the lid and base, which is important for wind resistance (especially at the nose). In the end, some of the best boxes clock in around 40 to 50 pounds (for roughly 14-18 cu. The CBX line includes three different boxes: both 16- and 18-cubic-foot versions and a second 16-cubic-foot model featuring an integrated solar panel for charging battery-operated devices when off-grid. . And for closing, each side has a string hanging down in the middle that you can grab if the opened box is too high and difficult to reach. And for winter-time use, the box easily swallows snowboards and skis. It cuts through the wind with sleek aerodynamics, stealth like designs that produces better MPG. Conclusion As with most things, it is wise to dig into all the information you need before jumping on buying the gear you need. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: 4-6 up to 200cmWhat we like: Premium features and build.What we dont: Expensive and only comes in 13-cubic-foot capacities. That said, the GrandTour weighs more at 51 pounds 8 ounces and can only accommodate skis up to 180 centimeters with its 6-foot-7-inch length (vs. 185cm max or the SkyBox 16). Removal just requires reversing the process and is equally simplebut again, youll want a second person to help take it off. model. First off, an empty box is much more likely to be pushed around by the wind, which will result in a noisier ride. Like the GrandTour, the CBXs mounting system uses a removable knob to tighten and loosen the mounts, resulting in a flat floor and more usable space than similarly sized models. However, the Pulse is shorter than the SkyBox at 6 feet 4 inches and can only be opened from the passenger side, which is a notable compromise in convenience (we really like the dual access on the SkyBox). And buyer beware: the latch mechanism is particularly flimsy, and, to make matters worse, youll have to undo two locks each time you open or close the box. Whether you drive a small hatchback or a large SUV, adding a cargo box to your vehicles rooftop can go a long way toward improving organization, carrying capacity, and comfort. Whether youre traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, youll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. The INNO Wedge 660 is one of the top designs in this category, featuring a contoured shape that offers 11 inches of depth while rising only 9.6 inches above your racks crossbars. There are a few other options available at similar price pointsincluding the Jegs above and SportRack belowbut where the Sidekick stands out is in its compact design. But for all of its strong suits, the Yakima RocketBox does come with some concessions in terms of quality and performance. But not every user needs the best, especially when very good can get the job done for significantly less. Further, the SkyBox's 16-cubic-foot model is about $30 less than the size-large Force here. For instance, the Thule Vector($2,000) adds a removable felt-lined base to protect your gear, motion-sensing interior LED light, and white-colored lid to make it easier to see your gear. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. One way to circumvent this charge is by having REI ship the cargo box to your local store, where you can pick it up for free. I recommend going with the Motion XT L though because it allows you to install it on your 2016 Audi Q5, a 2019 Subaru Forester, or a 2019 Mazda CX-5 no . With your cargo in mind, youre ready to decide on the right size box for you. What we don't: Handle and mounting system could be more user-friendly. Once your gear is loaded, we recommend securing it with tie-down straps (if available), which is especially helpful if you have a half-full load. Its manageable size fits on most vehicles, and our model has accommodated bulky camping gear for a family of four, including a large tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and a stove (plus a kids Strider bike). Compact Footprint. Ft. Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007387. The exterior doesnt have the high-end sheen of a premium model like Yakimas own GrandTour 16, but the dimpled pattern and shape (with a lowered front end) make it a strong performer. Its always best to use the fit guide prior to buying, and we highly recommend going through the process of measuring if there will be any potential hatch interference. Yakima (Brand Rating: 4.4 /5) SkyBox 16 Carbonite Locking Water Resistant Rooftop Cargo Box (5) Questions & Answers (2) +7 Hover Image to Zoom share Share print Print $ 532 53 $89.00 /mo* suggested payments with 6 months* financing Apply Now Provides 16 cu. For $150 less than the Motion above, the Force retains a lot of premium features, including easy-to-install PowerClick mounts, dual-sided opening, six tie-down points, and built-in stiffeners for added load bearing (up to 165 lbs.). The length is also an important number if youre looking to tote bulky items like strollers (height comes into play here too), gardening tools, or climbing stick clips. 95 INNO BRM2020ST Roof Box (2) $649. On the other hand, budget boxes will often use simple U-bolt mounts, which require many moving parts (dont lose anything) and can take some effort to tweak into position and secure (sometimes this involves drilling new holes or moving your crossbars). Thanks and we appreciate your support! The CBX 16 is one of the roomiest and longest cargo boxes here, with dimensions similar to many 18-cubic-foot designs (despite its 16-cu.-ft. spec). Yakima Stories. 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