Compared to the top-ranked Motion XT, performance drops slightly with a less robust nose design, but the Yakima costs around $70 less ($829 vs. $900 for the 16-cu.-ft. versions) and has a more polished aesthetic. ft. cargo capacity Tool-free installation and removal from vehicle Low-profile cargo boxes are generally 13 inches or less in height (Thules Alpine sizes fit into this category), with particularly streamlined models like the INNO Wedge 660 adding just 9.6 inches of bulk above your vehicles crossbars. Yakima SkyBox 21 Carbonite Cargo Box. It's worth noting for those with larger vehicles and a need to haul even more gear, Yakima offers the SkyBox in larger 18- and 21-cubic-foot capacities (Switchbacks founder picked up a SkyBox 21 for a big family move). Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but were we to hand out an award for the best-looking cargo box, itd probably go to the GrandTour. Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these? Designed and produced in the USA with up to 80% recycled material, the SkyBox 16 Carbonite currently sells for $849.99 on Yakima's website, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.. Dimensions: 63 x 38 x 19 in.Capacity: 18 cu. While my tests havent been exactly scientific, Ive repeated similar two- to four-hour routes along two-lane and major highways throughout Washington stateincluding over mountain passesand Ive seen only minor dips in average mileage. But the difference in rigidity is palpable (thats saying something, as the Motion is one of the stiffer designs here). And secondand particularly applicable if you drive an SUV, wagon, hatchback, or vanyoull want to make sure that the backend of your box doesnt get in the way of your rear hatch opening or antenna. 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. 95-$768.95 $ 768. You wont see many frills built into this base model, but there are still a lot of benefits to sticking with a well-known manufacturer, including helpful customer service and compatibility with other Thule products. There are a number of factors to consider here, including volume and length. Our favorite models feature clamps that slide on tracks to accommodate various crossbar spreads, tighten via a thumbwheel, and secure with an audible click or by way of an integrated lever. 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. Yakima. Manufacturers like Thule even help with the decision by listing the racks that complement each of their cargo boxes. 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. 4.7 (12) $999.99. 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. Some models incorporate tie-down points (straps included in most cases), which can be a nice feature to secure a loose load. Free shipping for many products! And with your choice of sizes from 12 to 21 cubic feetincluding the narrow 12 (detailed below) that leaves enough room on your rack for a bike or boattheres a SkyBox for everyone. 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. 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. Shuttle gear across snow-covered passes with the quiet and durable INNO Wedge 624 roof box atop your ride. And the same can be said for your cars gas mileage: If there isnt much wind, the impact is very minimal. For those, we advise stepping up to the 18 (peak height: 16 in.) Scan this QR code to download the app now. And if you see the cars in the background of these photos, they have the shorter and wider cargo boxes (a bunch of crazy ice climbers on a very cold day). Make room for friends with the next evolution of the SkyBox series. 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. Free shipping. 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. Of course, if youre planning to mount your cargo box on a larger vehicle with a higher load capacity, this becomes more of a distinguishing factor. Yakima SkyBox 16. The lid is textured Carbonite which is fitted with lid stiffeners . 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. Most of the time, that equation will leave you with about 100 pounds left over for gear. 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. Removal just requires reversing the process and is equally simplebut again, youll want a second person to help take it off. Yakima released a solar-panel-clad version of their high-end CBX rooftop box a couple seasons ago to a good bit of fanfare. First off, an empty box is much more likely to be pushed around by the wind, which will result in a noisier ride. For $549, Skybox is nearly on par of the expensive ones. 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. See the Thule Sidekick. However, there are a few points of vulnerability inherent in the design. The GrandTour is also convenient and hassle-free when it comes to loading your gear. Well cut straight to the chase: Cargo roof boxes are expensive items. One of the features that stands out in this product is its dual-side opening. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price.What we dont: Handle and mounting system could be more user-friendly. Ft. Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007387. There are also a few ways to hush this whistling without spending up for a techy box design, including both DIY solutions and after-market purchases. Compact Footprint. If the Pulse is Thules base model, the Sidekick comes straight from their bargain basement, where its not even fully assembled before shipping (youll have to add the weather stripping and locks yourself). This is also where its worth considering if you need a low-profile design (for low-clearance areas) or half-width box (to make room for a bike or kayak, for example). And with a longer profile than most, it also fits skis up to 215 centimeters in length, which is great news for winter enthusiasts. Generally speaking, the bulkier your cargo boxespecially in terms of width and heightthe more drag it will create. Specifically, the box uses up to 80-percent-recycled ABS plastic in its build (as do all other models in the SkyBox collection). restaurar anncio. 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. Enter the CBX, another premium offering from Yakima, but this time with an angular and full-bodied aesthetic that pairs nicely with high-end utility vehicles. 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. But for the right user, theyre a very functional option. In terms of specs, you get 3.5 fewer inches of height but almost another foot lengthwise at 7 feet 8 inches. I added the weight and dimensions of the Skyboxes below. I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. Rooftop cargo boxes come in a range of volumes, generally measured in terms of cubic feet (length x width x height). Both models represent the ideal middle ground for many users, but we give the Yakima the slight edge for a few small reasons. 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). Add to List. 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. And the latch hasnt been a source of weakness either. 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. This also impacts what you can fit inside, but its far from a deal breaker, and overall weve been very pleased with how much gear the SkyBox can hold. Remember that bigger isnt always better: larger rooftop boxes are more expensive, heavier (more difficult to install/remove), and create more drag, which has a negative impact on gas mileage and road noise. Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335 at the best online prices at eBay! We found the 16 to be nearly perfect for our gear needs, but the 15-inch peak height (about 14 in. Finally, its hard to beat the Motions nose design, which is specially engineered to resist gaping in strong winds. And because most modern hitch boxes are designed to be easily removed, they double as a handy storage container once you establish camp (the Yakima EXO GearLocker excels in this department). ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 170cmWhat we like: Premium feature set at a good value.What we dont: Too short for most skis and pricier than true budget options. With no added stiffeners, the lid isnt as robust or confidence-inspiring as more premium offerings here, but flop is less of an issue due to its compact shape. You can spend up to $1,000 on a roof box, but the budget Jegs Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a popular option that will get the job done for less than a quarter of the price. The Yakima Carbonite 16 Cargo Box is not an exception. Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. yakima rooftop box. 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. ft.) and a long and lean Alpine model, both of which make great haulers for budget-oriented skiers. All told, for a simple box that you dont plan to leave on your car year-round, its an affordable and decently road-worthy option. Dry bags orwaterproof duffel bags are helpful for protecting vulnerable items (make sure to place them away from the base and edges), but if theres any question, we recommend storing your gear inside the vehicle. Thus, when determining how much gear you can put into your cargo box, youll want to start with your vehicles dynamic load limit and subtract the weight of your box and rack (and any other items on your rooftop). 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. Weight: 47 lbs. In a surprising move, REI has replaced their popular Kingdom series with the Wonderland line for 2022. First off, Thules installation is best in class, and with PowerClick mounts that sound an audible click when in place, you can get a secure fitting on most roof racks in just minutesthis is a particularly nice feature if you routinely remove your box or swap it between cars. Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security. A lot of vehicles come with factory-installed racks, and after-market designs can also be easily matched to your make and model. 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). With 18 cubic feet of capacity, you get significantly more storage than boxes like the 14-cubic-foot Thule Pulse M above, and the 19-inch height is great for accommodating bulky items such as golf clubs or strollers (many sleeker boxes are 15 in. While we cant overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, the good news is that the downhill Back to Our Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table. In terms of weight, the SkyBox 16 clocks in at 47 pounds. Some modern box designs (like the Thule Vector) tackle this issue with noses that dip below the front rail, thus eliminating the gap between the roof and the rack. This versatility is helpful whether youre parked on a busy street or need to find something tucked away in the far corner of a cavernous box. If youre cutting it close on clearance, you really cant go wrong with any of these options, but its worth doing the math before buying. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? TESTED. Although limited on power, its a well-designed unit and hopefully a sign of where the rooftop cargo box market is headed.See the Yakima CBX Solar 16. However, before getting too excited about the CBX Solar 16, its important to do some math. Brian My Journal My Fuelly Save S On the other hand, many cargo bagslike the Rightline Gear Sport 2retail for less than $150 and install directly to the roof of your vehicle, which eliminates the cost of a roof rack. Another distinction comes in the amount of overlap between the lid and base, which is important for wind resistance (especially at the nose). 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. If youre in the market for a rooftop cargo box, theres no shortage of high-quality options to choose from in 2023. Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. 95 INNO BRM2020ST Roof Box (2) $649. 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. Generally, what most people look for. Best Seller in Vehicle Hard-Shell Carriers. For installing, youll want to raise the lid and ensure that all four of the internal levers are open (youll see the clamps along the bottom expand to fit over the cross bars). Dimensions: 62.5 x 30 x 15 in.Capacity: 14 cu. At this point I'm dead-set on either one of these (the locking system seems a bit more reliable than on the Thule boxes, it seems), so I'm not really considering other brands/models. ft. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: Rugged aesthetic and great interior space.What we dont: Expensive and heavy. If youre concerned about aerodynamics or fitting into a garage, you could opt for an even lower-profile design like Yakimas SkyBox Lo (11.5 in. 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. No idea about the Thule. And once you put it together, the box is about as simple as it gets, featuring 8 cubic feet of volume (at least 3 cu. ft. Conclusion As with most things, it is wise to dig into all the information you need before jumping on buying the gear you need. Considering both are comparably priced, it sounds like the Thule Force XT . Yakima Skybox 16 Rectangle-Shaped Carbonite Roof Top Cargo Box w/ SKS Lock, Black #140-0202-6. 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. At just $300, this box costs $150 less than the next-cheapest model here (Thules Sidekick below) while offering options for dual-side or rear access (the Sidekick only opens from the passenger side) and more than twice the storage capacity. I picked mine up from an REI store, removed it from the box, and had it on my vehicle within a couple minutes. And if you have other Yakima or Thule products mounted on your vehicle(s), you might especially like Yakimas SKS (same key system) and Thules One-Key system, which allow you to swap out the cores with an identical set so that you can open all of your accessories (including ski/snowboard racks and bike racks) with the same key. *SkyBox Size: Find Dealer Add to Wish List Details Specification Features Sleek aerodynamic Carbonite textured lid No assembly required If you thought the Yakima CBX or GrandTour were premium roof boxes, you aint seen nothing yet. The majority of rooftop boxes are highly water-resistant, with waterproof plastic shells, weather sealing around the edges, and large lips that close the gap between the base and lid. Roof boxes are expensive items do all other models in the market a. Box atop your ride the box uses up to the chase: cargo boxes.: 12, 16, 18, 18, 18, 18, (! Bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid saying something, as the Motion is of. 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