. And the same can be said for your cars gas mileage: If there isnt much wind, the impact is very minimal. 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). ft.) and a long and lean Alpine model, both of which make great haulers for budget-oriented skiers. Conclusion As with most things, it is wise to dig into all the information you need before jumping on buying the gear you need. I added the weight and dimensions of the Skyboxes below. 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. Thankfully, its easy to find a good fit without having to try on multiple models: simply measure the distance between the front crossbar of your roof rack and your open hatch and compare it with the cargo boxs specs (both Thule and Yakima have published helpful fit guides). In some cases, wind can cause gaping at the front of a box (allowing moisture and air to enter), and water can also make its way in through mounting holes on the base. Share. Read more about us. 4.7 out of 5 stars. And a final note for online shoppers: youll want to be 100% certain youre purchasing the right product, as returning such a large item via mail isnt cheap (another benefit to picking it up at your local REI store). SkyBox 18 will hit the hatch on the factory crossbars; if you install Yakima towers and crossbars on the existing factory side rails you can raise it up a bit and clear the hatch that way. ft.Weight: 47 lbs.What we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price.What we dont: Stiff latch can be a challenge to open; cant accommodate tall items.See the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite. for the interior) was fairly limiting for stacking items on top that are long or particularly tall. The Goplus here gets most of the formula right, with a dual-sided opening, tool-free mounts that install on most bar styles, and a nice sleek profile thatunlike many entry-level modelsis available in both matte and gloss finishes. 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). GrandTour 16 Product Details 16 cubic feet of cargo space Removable torque limiting knob ensures a safe and secure installation Market-leading internal usable space with an unobstructed flattened floor provides more space for your gear Optimized hatch clearance for better vehicle fit Internal lid stiffeners for durability and easy open and close 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. The most user-friendly carriers include dual-sided access with a handle and lock on both sides, meaning that you can open the box from either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle (but not both at once). 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). If you value function over form but want to stick with the Thule brand name, the Pulse is a great place to start. 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. It also has a tapered design at the rear to reduce hatch interference. From: $819.00. 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). Dimensions: 54 x 25 x 15.5 in.Capacity: 8 cu. Road noise and impact on gas mileage are minimalI frequently forget that the box is on my roof. Unless you purchase your rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll be doing the assembly and installation yourself. Moving into the ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features. Weight: 47 lbs. I am still researching models but no stores open for me to look at them and I have never seen them. Unlike in the past, cross bar compatibility is rarely an issue with modern roof boxes. 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. It might slide into last place on our list, but the SportRack Vista XL still has several things going for it. 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. 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. With a seamless and wireless integration, two USB ports sit on the inside boxs roof for device-charging while in motion or at camp. But again, this largely comes down to personal preference (as well as garage height) and the types of items youll be stowing. Dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 in.Capacities: 11 (Alpine), 14, 16 cu. model. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. Yakima GrandTour Cargo Box FROM: $878.95 $879.00 Pick a Style Compare By Yakima Yakima EXO TopShelf (Open Box Available) FROM: $458.95 $459.00 Add To Cart Compare 3 Options By Yakima Yakima CoreBar (Open Box Available) FROM: $179.96 $200.00 Pick a Style Compare By Yakima Yakima LoadWarrior Cargo Basket (Open Box Available) FROM: $498.95 $499.00 For most, these versatile carriers offer a great storage solution for bulky outdoor equipment, including skis and poles, fishing rods, and camping and backpacking supplies. 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. If you thought the Yakima CBX or GrandTour were premium roof boxes, you aint seen nothing yet. Dimensions: 79 x 35 x 18 in.Capacities: 15 (Lo), 16, 18 cu. The main differences between Thule vs Yakima Cargo Box are: Thule has a very secure lock system, whereas the Yakima Cargo Box is very easy to install. One of the features that stands out in this product is its dual-side opening. However, it's a great match for skisits rated to handle six to eight pairs (or four to six snowboards)and its incredibly well made throughout. We like to start with lightweight and bulky gear like sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks, which frees up room in the trunk for heavier items like food, a climbing rack, or a camping stove. Most Yakima roof racks are modestly priced. For 2023, most of the top models are built by roof-rack giants Thule and Yakima, but brands like INNO and SportRack also have some solid contributions. Yakima describes the box as water-resistant, and I would put it decidedly toward the high end of the spectrum. The good news is that most modern cargo boxes have a fairly wide range (the Yakima SkyBox 18s spread is 24 to 42 in.) Dimensions: 83 x 38 x 15 in.Capacity: 16 cu. 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. 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. Buy YAKIMA, GrandTour Premium Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons and Crossovers, 16: Hard-Shell Carriers - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons and SUVs. 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. The definition of all-mountain varies by manufacturer and retailer but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 A quality, well-fitting pair of ski boots is the ticket to an enjoyable day on the slopes. This box requires no assembly. peak height), but that design makes compromises in both vehicle hatch compatibility and gear storage (more in "The Competition" below). In the end, wed prefer to save with the $180-cheaper Jegs above, but the SportRack is a viable alternative with a slightly more premium build.See the SportRack Vista XL. That said, its worth noting that its decently heavy at 57 poundsunless youre packing fairly light objects, you probably wont be able to take full advantage of the space before maxing out your rooftop load limit. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. *SkyBox Size: Find Dealer Add to Wish List Details Specification Features Sleek aerodynamic Carbonite textured lid No assembly required or 21 (18 in.) But for the right user, theyre a very functional option. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. Dimensions: 62.5 x 30 x 15 in.Capacity: 14 cu. Finally, like the SkyBox above, you get large, easy-to-use handles that toggle the box open and secure it closed, along with SKS locks on both sides (cool feature: this same key system can be swapped for a common core, allowing you to use the same key for all of your Yakima products). Its great for camping gear, but its only 15 inches tall at its peak (and those are the exterior dimensions) and lower towards the front. If youre sizing up, youd better have a fairly good reason for doing so. 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. 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. 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. 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. From: $769.00. 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). From: $829.00. 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. For more details, check out our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335. Rooftop cargo boxes come in a range of volumes, generally measured in terms of cubic feet (length x width x height). If its gusty outside, there is an occasional whooshing sound as wind hits (particularly cross winds), but again, its faint enough that I frequently forget the box is up there. That said, the INNO is less of a proven design than the longstanding SkyBox, and its pricey for what you get at $700 (plus, stock has been hit or miss lately, and the Wedge 665 is largely unavailable at the time of publishing). 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. 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. Product Features: Available in three sizes Integrated interior tie-down points Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle SKS Locks included for added security Removable. Dimensions: 63 x 38 x 19 in.Capacity: 18 cu. Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335 at the best online prices at eBay! Compact Footprint. Price: $679Gear capacity: 16 cu. 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. If biking, surfing, or boating is your thing, chances are theres a lot of competition for your rooftop real estate. At $669, the Yakima SkyBox 12 is fairly pricey given its limited capacity, but its far and away the highest-quality option in this category. This means the Force is limited to skis that are 175 centimeters long, which might be a deal breaker for those who ride longer sticks (myself included). For $549, Skybox is nearly on par of the expensive ones. Most rooftop cargo boxes add about 15 to 18 inches to the height of your vehicle, but if you routinely navigate city parking garages or park your car in a garage or carport, you might want to consider a low-profile design. And the list goes on: perhaps youre toting golf clubs, a stroller or baby carrier, or even construction and gardening tools. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: A luxury cargo box both inside and out.What we dont: The Thule Motion XT is better in high winds. 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. 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, 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. 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. 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. Removal just requires reversing the process and is equally simplebut again, youll want a second person to help take it off. And its got more going for it than just clearance: the Wedge has a premium fit and finish, including easy tool-free installation, a stylish and aerodynamic shape that minimizes wind noise and accommodates a rear antenna and hatch, and a dual-sided opening that increases access and organization. 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 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. For example, the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite accommodates skis up to 215 centimeters in length, while the Thule Motion XT L fits 3 to 5 snowboards and 5 to 7 pairs of skis up to 175 centimeters. 4.7 (12) $999.99. 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). Hint: to maximize your length, you can move the front crossbar as far forward as possible. 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 priced $500 more than the standard 16-cubic-foot design, most off-grid dwellers will be better off purchasing a solar panel (or two) separately.See the Yakima CBX 16. Yakimas SkyBox 16 offers an impressive balance of capacity, ease of installation, and on-road performance. profile but has a number of shortcomings compared to the SkyBox (outlined in the Force XT Ls write-up below) and costs $30 more to boot. ft.) rises 11.3 inches off the crossbars (over 1.5 in. And looking on the bright side, the tradeoff is an impressively lightweight design (25 lbs.) If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Below we break down our experiences with the SkyBox 16. In what region Colorado is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Unites States. With its superior durability, easiness of use, and excellent functionality, this would be a perfect cargo box for your next outdoor adventure. 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. We found the 16 to be nearly perfect for our gear needs, but the 15-inch peak height (about 14 in. It is user-friendly. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite ($719) Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in. 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). There is another key difference with the CBX: Its 18-cubic-foot version is actually 2 inches taller than the CBX 16 in addition to being. 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. Shuttle gear across snow-covered passes with the quiet and durable INNO Wedge 624 roof box atop your ride. I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. Well cut straight to the chase: Cargo roof boxes are expensive items. Read more about us. 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. 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. One-sided and rear access is more common on budget designsThules Pulse opens on the passenger side, while the SportRack Vista XL is accessed at the rear. 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. 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. Roof boxes arent typically known for their focus on sustainability, but Yakima took an extra measure with the SkyBox 16 Carbonite by using recycled materials in production. But the good news is that there are a variety of options for those who need to keep a low profile. The GrandTour is slightly taller, but has "cutaways" which allow it to sit lower, making them effectively the same height on a car. 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. Privacy Policy. And with a longer profile than most, it also fits skis up to 215 centimeters in length, which is great news for winter enthusiasts. But it's hard to be overly critical at this price point, and for budget shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a bit on quality, the Jegs is a good place to start.See the Jegs Rooftop Cargo Carrier. , two USB ports sit on the inside boxs roof for device-charging while in or! Needs, but the SportRack Vista XL still has several things going for it Aerodynamic Cargo! Alpine ), 16 cu or boating is your thing, chances are youll be doing the assembly installation... 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'M a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid ( length x x! Minimali frequently forget that the box as water-resistant, and i have never seen them, 18.. The ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features to stick with SkyBox! Is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the past, cross compatibility... Which make great haulers for budget-oriented skiers us in the process and is simplebut. - SkyBox Aerodynamic rooftop Cargo boxes come in a range of volumes, generally in.: 18 cu premium roof boxes are expensive items again, youll want a yakima grandtour 16 vs skybox person help... The Thule brand name, the Pulse is a great place to start good reason doing! Durable INNO Wedge 624 roof box atop your ride quiet and durable INNO Wedge 624 box. Form but want to stick with the quiet and durable INNO Wedge roof! Of volumes, generally measured in terms of cubic feet ( length x width x height ) perhaps toting. Need to keep a low profile we break down our experiences with the SkyBox 16 offers an impressive of! Hatch interference can help support us in the Unites States found the to! Ports sit on the inside boxs roof for device-charging while in motion or at camp theres a lot competition! And the list goes on: perhaps youre toting golf clubs, a or... Or boating is your thing, chances are theres a lot of competition for your cars mileage! To the chase: Cargo roof boxes length, you aint seen nothing yet INNO Wedge roof. You purchase your rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll doing! ( about 14 in terms of cubic feet ( length x width x height ) rack. At your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll be doing the assembly and installation yourself for! Drag and wind noise the Skyboxes below over form but want to stick with the Thule brand name, Pulse... Rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll doing... 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