We love rooftop boxes for their ease of use (just throw in your gear and close the lid), weather resistance, and security, but there are a number of other solutions, including rooftop baskets and bags and hitch-mounted options. 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. . We tested the 16-cubic-foot version of the Yakima SkyBox Carbonite, and it also comes in 12, 18, and 21 options depending on how much storage space you want. The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). In about three years of use, my Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite has seen everything from 100+ degree heat to driving rain and snowstorms and has yet to leak or fail. 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. When it came to choosing our favorite rooftop cargo box, we must admit that we waffled a bit. But theres no denying the budget price, which makes the Sidekick an intriguing option for occasional outings and point-to-point trips (the less you need to access your gear, the better). Lets get one thing out of the way first: the Sidekick is barely on the same playing field as most cargo boxes here. In terms of weight, the SkyBox 16 clocks in at 47 pounds. But the good news is that there are a variety of options for those who need to keep a low profile. de . peak height), but that design makes compromises in both vehicle hatch compatibility and gear storage (more in "The Competition" below). ft.Access: One sideSkis: N/AWhat we like: Compact carrier for small cars.What we dont: Requires after-purchase assembly; very basic latch/lock mechanism. lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 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.) 4.7 (12) $999.99. If biking, surfing, or boating is your thing, chances are theres a lot of competition for your rooftop real estate. shorter than the Yakima). 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). 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). By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. From: $819.00. Any thoughts on which may be the better deal (assuming they are in good condition)? 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). Premium roof box mounts to your crossbars with quick-release clamps. And the latch hasnt been a source of weakness either. The first step in selecting a rooftop box is to identify the maximum length of carrier your vehicle (or vehicles) can accommodate. But again, this largely comes down to personal preference (as well as garage height) and the types of items youll be stowing. But for all of its strong suits, the Yakima RocketBox does come with some concessions in terms of quality and 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. 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. Get it in store: Out of stock. 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. Weve had a chance to test both the four- and six-person versions (note: The photos A key piece of any gear closet is a go-to daypack. On the flip side, the interior understandably can get quite warm in direct heat. restaurar anncio. Thule . 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. Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. This box requires no assembly. You can wrap your front bar with a towel (and duct tape) or a bungee cord, swap in aerodynamic crossbars (Yakimas JetStream is a popular option), or add a fairing (like the Thule AirScreen XT). GrandTour 18 90.5" x 37" x 16" 60 lbs 230 x 239 x 109cm 27 kg GrandTour 16 79" x 35" x 17" 56 lbs 201 x 238 x 91cm 21 kg GrandTour Lo 91" x 37" x 10" 62.5 lbs 231 x 94 x 26cm 28.3 kg SkyBox 21 92" x 36" x 18" 62 lbs 234 x 61 x 41cm 19 kg SkyBox 18 92" x 36" x 16" 52 lbs 234 x 91 x 41cm 24 kg SkyBox Lo 92" x 36" x 11.5" 52 lbs 234 x 91 x 30cm . 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. Its also worth noting that wind noise is not simply a result of the bulk of the box. If youre in the market for a rooftop cargo box, theres no shortage of high-quality options to choose from in 2023. Generally speaking, weve come to expect Thule products to be slightly better-quality than Yakimas, but the Pulse is a clear exception. The devil is often in the details, and a boxs open and closing mechanism and lock designs are some of the main features that distinguish bargain models from more user-friendly, premium haulers. baratza sette 270 vs eureka mignon subaru rooftop cargo carrier. Looking at your cargo box head-on, the smaller the profile, the better. Dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 in.Capacities: 11 (Alpine), 14, 16 cu. The Skybox 16 is the perfect size for small and medium-sized items. ft.Access: One sideSkis: 3-5 up to 155cmWhat we like: Thules most affordable full-sized cargo box.What we dont: Only opens on one side and does not contour around an antenna. 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. Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security. Best Seller in Vehicle Hard-Shell Carriers. Combined with the bulky dimensions, its best to move the box with a partner (more on this in Installation and Removal below). Overall, it's long enough at 6 feet 9 inches to accommodate most skis and a fair amount of gear, but with ability to slide the clamps fore/aft, it works with a wide variety of vehicles. 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. This can be a somewhat polarizing featureif you keep your keys on a larger ring, the full set will be connected to the box and out in the open until you close itbut it does provide a good dose of security and ensures youve properly closed the box before heading out. more than the Wedge 660) and only opens on the passenger side, but its a bit cheaper at $650. 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). 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. The Yakima Roof Carrier is a great and smart way to add storage to your vehicle. And while INNOs Wedge lineup offers a number of other sizes to choose from, its important to note that the 660 is the only low-profile model.See the INNO Wedge 660. Further, compared to the 16-cubic-foot Thule Motion XT, the CBX 16 will still cost you $99 more, which may or may not be worth it for the chiseled facade. If youve got a luxury vehicle with an empty roof rack, the Yakima is a worthy fit, with a high-gloss finish, sophisticated short and wide profile, and contoured base that keeps it sitting low on the crossbars. 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 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. What we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price. model. The Jegs flimsy build feels cheap, lacks the structure of more premium boxes, and wont hold up as well over time. 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. If I had a wider box, I couldn't keep the ski racks, and would have to put skis in the car (They wouldn't fit in a 58" box). Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box. 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). $399.99 + shipping. 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). The GrandTour is also convenient and hassle-free when it comes to loading your gear. Finally, its 36-inch width works well with a narrow vehicle like my Alltrack, and youll have the option to add accessories like a bike rack on larger vehicles with wider cross bars. 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. For one, the heavier the box, the more challenging it will be to install and remove from your vehicle. 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. Yakima has been a leader in the cargo roof box game for some time, and their core and arguably most versatile product is the SkyBox Carbonite. But not every user needs the best, especially when very good can get the job done for significantly less. But its hard to beat the value and range of sizes, and the SkyBox nevertheless is a reliable hauler that will get your gear from point A to point BRead in-depth reviewSee the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite. One of the features that stands out in this product is its dual-side opening. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. If youre an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns. From: $829.00. On the other hand, more high-end boxes have a mechanism that opens and closes their latcha push button, twist handle, or sliderand a separate lock that secures the closed lid. Moving into the ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features. The Goplus used to be one of our favorite budget models, but with a recent jump to $540, its lost some of its appeal and fallen lower in our rankings as a result. yakima rooftop box. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. The Thule is also a bit pricier at $700, and its smooth plastic finish isnt as sleek as the SkyBox (although thats mostly a matter of personal preference). 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 . Were generally big fans of purchasing outdoor gear from REI and Backcountry (thanks to great customer service and generous return policies), but in this case, both retailers charge oversized shipping fees (you can see them displayed at checkout after adding a box to your cart). 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). ft.) and a long and lean Alpine model, both of which make great haulers for budget-oriented skiers. There are a number of factors to consider here, including volume and length. You have to completely extend the mounting hooks and they just barely reach. These boxes come in a range of sizes to accommodate your gear (including skis) and vary in terms of durability, ease of use, aesthetics, security, and more. Yakimas SkyBox 16 offers an impressive balance of capacity, ease of installation, and on-road performance. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Knowing that a rooftop box can only carry about 100 pounds worth of gear tells us a few things. If you value function over form but want to stick with the Thule brand name, the Pulse is a great place to start. 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. So why, you might be wondering, do we have this top-of-the-line model at the bottom of our list? 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. Whats more, whistling is less of an issue, and gas mileage wont be nearly as impacted with the rear placement. Its what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether its a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. Further, the 14-cubic-foot capacity is on the small side for larger families or gear-heavy endeavors, and the max length of 170 centimeters will be limiting for many skiers. Depending on your vehicle and garage height, this could be the difference between storing your car inside or out. The lips on the side of the box hang over the seam where it opens, so moisture rolls over the top. Lacks the sleek look of a top-end roof box like Yakimas own GrandTour or Thules Motion XT (although for the price, the SkyBox is very well built). Rooftop boxes are no small item, which can create some hurdles if you like to shop online. 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. 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). At $679, the SkyBox 16 falls at the upper end of mid-range offerings, and its overall build quality is reflective of that. But in most casesand this is important to rememberthe true limiting factor will be your vehicles dynamic load limit. I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. 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). The GrandTour is slightly taller, but has "cutaways" which allow it to sit lower, making them effectively the same height on a car. Product review. Comparing it to the RocketBox Pro 14 above (Yakimas budget design), the Pulse comes up short in a few significant areas. The options on our list start around 8 cubic feet (the Thule Sidekick) and max out around 22 cubic feet for some of Thules XXL designs (the Motion XT and Force XT). Yakima SkyBox 16. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best rooftop cargo boxes. 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. Skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns clear.. The structure of more premium boxes, as both seem pretty solid boxes are no item! 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