Many users cite durability concerns with the flimsy build, and the nose design doesnt resist weather as well as higher-end models. And with a longer profile than most, it also fits skis up to 215 centimeters in length, which is great news for winter enthusiasts. It's the individual dimensions that can make a difference, and in the case of the CBX 16 I tested, those dimensions differ considerably from others in the industry, including those made by. But at 47 pounds, the SkyBox leaves plenty of leeway for hauling fairly heavy items (for reference, my Thule rack can handle 165 pounds and my vehicles roof is rated for the same). On the other end of the price spectrum isThules $600 Pulse L. Compared to the SkyBox, you get the same amount of capacity at 16 cubic feet, a taller peak height at 16.5 inches, and a lower weight (by over 10 lbs.) In the end, each type of rooftop storage has its strengths and weaknesses, and taking a close look at your cargo and travel plans will help you decide on the best solution.Back to Our Top Rooftop Cargo Box Picks Back to Our Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table. Removal just requires reversing the process and is equally simplebut again, youll want a second person to help take it off. And looking on the bright side, the tradeoff is an impressively lightweight design (25 lbs.) There are a wide range of cargo box designs and shapes on the market, but weve found the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite hits the sweet spot in gear capacity for all-season use. Not only do they offer lower clearance, but these designs are also more aerodynamic overall, resulting in slight reductions in drag and wind noise. The dimensions of a roof box are a key considerationyou need to make sure it won't interfere with your vehicle'srear hatchand this is one of the largest appeals of the SkyBox 16. Rooftop cargo boxes consist of a stable base that connects to the vehicles rooftop and a clamshell lid that open via hinges on both ends, giving you complete access to the contents inside. However, before getting too excited about the CBX Solar 16, its important to do some math. A common fear in strapping a large box to the roof of your vehicle is the impact on road noise, as well as a big hit to gas mileage. Yakimas SkyBox 16 offers an impressive balance of capacity, ease of installation, and on-road performance. Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. But not every user needs the best, especially when very good can get the job done for significantly less. 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. Hint: to maximize your length, you can move the front crossbar as far forward as possible. The Vista XL used to be our top budget pick, but with a recent price jump (up from $400), its now tougher to justify over cheaper designs like the Sidekick and Jegs above. Dimensions: 79 x 35 x 18 in.Capacities: 15 (Lo), 16, 18 cu. Share | Add to Watchlist. Whether youre looking to expand your carrying capacity for skis or suitcases, dirty bike equipment, or your childs portable crib, the GrandTour is a capable and good-looking tool for the job. Second, the Motion XT is easy to open, close, and secure, with large handles on each side, smooth-operating locks, and a stiff lid that fits perfectly when closed (sometimes you have to jimmy floppier lids into place). The GrandTour is also convenient and hassle-free when it comes to loading your gear. While the Sidekick can be installed by one person, the CBX 18 will require at least two sets of hands, unless youre very strategic (accessories like the Thule MultiLift can help). No idea about the Thule. Yakima released a solar-panel-clad version of their high-end CBX rooftop box a couple seasons ago to a good bit of fanfare. GrandTour 16 Just asking, but I see the price differential between the skybox 16 and grand tour 16 as $100, the grand tour seems to be . And whether you opt for a standard-height or low-profile box, its a good idea to confirm the final dimensions of your vehicle to mitigate any potential disasters in confined areas. ft. less than most other designs), a one-sided opening with no integrated handle, and basic U-bolt mounts that use pre-drilled holesfingers crossed they fit your crossbar spreadand require a number of moving parts (pro tip: dont lose anything). 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). In particular, weve found that the turn handle requires a little more force than the Thules and isnt as easy to operate with just one hand (it also has a tendency to get stuck when frozen). Lets get one thing out of the way first: the Sidekick is barely on the same playing field as most cargo boxes here. At just 20 pounds, it wont heavily detract from your rooftops dynamic load limit either (although the box will likely be the limiting factor with a weight capacity of just 75 lbs.). Both have identical handles and integrated locks, which allow you to easily load or grab small items youve stowed in the interiors nooks and crannies. Second, as we cover below, a rooftop can only handle so much weightthe more pounds you eat up with your box, the less you have left over for gear. . Stacked up against the SkyBox 16, the Wedge 665 is slightly taller at 15.7 inches but weighs more at 51 pounds 12.9 ounces and is shorter lengthwise at 6 feet 8 inches. Importantly, you dont want the box to be much longer than the roof of your cara box that extends over your windshield (front or rear) will compromise your ability to see the road and have a negative impact on aerodynamics (see below). Additionally, unlike the slightly cheaper Thule Sidekick above, the Vista XL comes fully assembled and installs quickly and easily without the need for any extra tools. What we don't: Stiff latch can be a challenge to open; can't accommodate tall items. 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). Given the large amount of plastic required to make a roof box, it's nice to see and a feature you won't currently find on their primary competitor (Thule). For one, youll want to be cautious about opting for one of the larger models, as 22 cubic feet of capacity might not be very useful if your weight limit maxes out when its only half full. Credit: David Wise Best Bang for the Buck Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Read the Review 65 OVERALL SCORE Ease of Use 6.0 Security 7.0 Quality 7.0 Appearance 6.0 Capacity: 14 cu ft | Box Opening: Dual-side REASONS TO BUY Convenient Feels secure Dual-side opening Some designs include vinyl stickers to cover unused holes, while more premium models have their mounting hardware loaded on a track that mitigates water entry. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best rooftop cargo boxes. thule ski box. You can save some money and opt for one of the more affordable options below, but its good to be aware of what youre giving up. From: $829.00. Rating: (4.7/5) See the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Finally, its hard to beat the Motions nose design, which is specially engineered to resist gaping in strong winds. Can be accessed by both the driver and passenger sides. Low-Profile and Narrow (Half-Width) Designs On particularly windy trips, it will be 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower, while in milder conditions its close enough to not see a difference. And a final note: if youre considering the length spec, keep in mind that it measures the box at its longest point, and its a good idea to take a look at the shape of the box too, as tapered ends and contoured bases can result in a lot of lost space. The Skybox has a carrying capacity of 12 cubic feet and is also available in 16, 18, 21 and Lo sizes. All told, I have no concerns from a longevity standpoint, and the SkyBox does come with a lifetime warranty (wear and tear not included). In fact, on windless days on the highway, theres little to no difference. It also has SKS lock cores included. Manufacturers like Thule even help with the decision by listing the racks that complement each of their cargo boxes. Many models here add almost two feet to the roof of your car (factoring in the height of the box and the rack), which is a no-go particularly for SUVs and vans. Unless you purchase your rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll be doing the assembly and installation yourself. 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. In some ways this is reassuringthe box is clearly well made, and the levers have held up great thus farbut wed prefer it took less effort. Finally, the locks arent the most confidence-inspiring for deterring break-ins, and youll have to undo two each time you want to access your gear. Some models incorporate tie-down points (straps included in most cases), which can be a nice feature to secure a loose load. Both boxes feature dual-sided openings for easy access on the vehicle or driver side, SKS locks for added security, and easy, tool-free installation and removal. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. There are two factors to be aware of when selecting a roof rack to pair with your cargo box (or vice versa): crossbar spread (the space between the front and rear bars) and shape. 95-$768.95 $ 768. 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. ft.Access: RearSkis: N/AWhat we like: Inexpensive and spacious.What we dont: Opens only at the rear. What we don't: Handle and mounting system could be more user-friendly. At just 24 inches wide, the SkyBox 12 is one of the narrowest cargo boxes on the market, leaving half (or more) of your roof rack available for a bike, surfboards, skis, kayak, or any other equipment your multi-sporting self might desire. Thule . The SkyBox 16 barely fits the Y. 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. 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". Rooftop cargo boxes range from 20 pounds for the Thule Sidekick to around 65 pounds for the Thule Vector Alpineand Yakima CBX 18. or less in height). Read more about us. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. Yakima Skybox (12, 16, 18, 21) Carbonite Cargo Boxes Available in (5) sizes: lo, 12, 16, 18. and 21 cubic. yakima rooftop box. Yakima GrandTour 16 450L RoofBox SKU 8007394 Category Roof Boxes Tags Roof Box, Yakima Out of stock For those who like to travel in style, GrandTour elevates cargo box design with a premium, sleek look that doesn't sacrifice superior functionality or exceptional capacity. Allow us to introduce you to the Vector, Thules top-end offering that breaks all the rules defined by utilitarian rooftop boxes. But the difference in rigidity is palpable (thats saying something, as the Motion is one of the stiffer designs here). Not everyone will be picky about the length of their cargo box, but this is an important consideration primarily for skiers and snowboarders. Dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 in.Capacities: 11 (Alpine), 14, 16 cu. The combination of no openings to release air and the black exterior means a lot of hot air comes out when you open it after driving on a sunny day. Combining luxury with function, the Vector features a removable felt pad on the base to protect your gear, a white-lined lid for better visibility, and motion-activated LED lights to illuminate the interior. Thule is highly resistant to any kind of weather, whereas Yakima Cargo Box are not as water-resistant. Because rooftop cargo boxes are so popular for toting snow gear, most manufacturers specify the length of ski (and sometimes number of pairs) that each model is able to fit. Compared with a standard box, 24-inch-wide models like the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite and Thule Force XT Sport shave off a foot or more in width, leaving a good portion of your rack available (an average crossbar measures about 50 in. The main downside in selecting a narrow model is less overall storagethe aforementioned Force has a small 11-cubic-foot capacityand theyre often fairly long, which can lead to compatibility issues with a rear hatch. Finally, the nose design is top-notch, including an extra-solid base and generous overlap that resists gaping and provides better wind resistance than most. Next up is mounting the box, which again is a relatively user-friendly process for most modern designs and can be done in just a few minutes. Another distinction comes in the amount of overlap between the lid and base, which is important for wind resistance (especially at the nose). Read reviews for average rating value is 4.7 of 5. In addition, the four raised levers that secure the box to your vehicles crossbars do take up a little space along the interior and keep the floor from being completely flat. And finally, keeping your cargo box out of the elements will go a long way toward extending its lifespan, especially if you live in a particularly unforgiving climate. Comparing it to the RocketBox Pro 14 above (Yakimas budget design), the Pulse comes up short in a few significant areas. With its superior durability, easiness of use, and excellent functionality, this would be a perfect cargo box for your next outdoor adventure. In my area 2 different models showed up for sale: Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. The Thule Sidekick, for example, takes most users over an hour to put together, including attaching foam weather stripping and installing the lock assembly (wrench required). NEW ITEM. $589. Next, youll want to identify the type and general size of gear you plan to haul around. I havent had any fit issues on my Volkswagen Alltrack, but to ensure it will fit, youll want to measure from your front cross bar to the closest contact point of the open hatch(Yakima has a useful guide for nailing this down). Yakima GrandTour 16 car top box $485 (Playa Del Rey) Pic ocultar anncio rest. Thanks and we appreciate your support! Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Price: $679 Gear capacity: 16 cu. 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. Its nice to have an alternative to the name brands above, but the Goplus unfortunately doesnt stand out much anymore unless you can find it on sale.See the Goplus Rooftop Carrier. 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