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. 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. Yakima SkyBox 12 Rooftop Cargo Box (12 cubic feet) by YAKIMA Write a review How customer reviews and ratings work Top positive review All positive reviews Todd Swales Slight struggle with install, but overall very happy Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2013 I would say this is a good product. The Yakima Skybox 16 offers ample space within a compact footprint while still offering a sleek, aerodynamic shape to reduce drag and wind noise. I am still researching models but no stores open for me to look at them and I have never seen them. The Yakima Skybox 12 is a roof-mounted cargo box that is great for hauling gear on your next road trip. 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. The proportions and forms of each one are somewhat varied, yet they are all essentially the same. 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. . georgia senate polls. Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite ($719) Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in. 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. 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. Lost about 150 miles of range. But not every user needs the best, especially when very good can get the job done for significantly less. Lets get one thing out of the way first: the Sidekick is barely on the same playing field as most cargo boxes here. Rooftop cargo boxes come in a range of volumes, generally measured in terms of cubic feet (length x width x height). Price aside, the most glaring weakness is the Vistas rear openingwe strongly prefer a box that opens at the side for more complete access to all of our gear. 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. Get your friends in the car and your gear into a SkyBox. You wont find a better option for small cars and, like the Yakima SkyBox 12 above, the Thule also fits the bill if youre sharing your roof rack with bikes, surfboards, a kayak, or skis. For more details, check out our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. 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. Yakima. And with a longer profile than most, it also fits skis up to 215 centimeters in length, which is great news for winter enthusiasts. In other words, it's. 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. However, its a wrong perception. Fort Erie, ON. And the list goes on: perhaps youre toting golf clubs, a stroller or baby carrier, or even construction and gardening tools. Second, we already know that rooftop boxes have a negative effect on gas mileage, so it behooves your wallet to remove yours when not in use. . Reply With Quote 03-17-2012, 08:58 AM #8: TX - Longhorns . with the CBX 18), and you get a highly functional hauler that can handle tricker items like skis (up to 185cm) and more. 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. When it came to choosing our favorite rooftop cargo box, we must admit that we waffled a bit. So why, you might be wondering, do we have this top-of-the-line model at the bottom of our list? Youll find two keys of two SKS or Single Key System lock cores. It uses the latest technology to install it easily, and the best thing is you can mount it any design of crossbars. We love its sleek, easy-to-use handle, matte black finish, and sturdy construction. 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. The long-lasting yet light in weight plastic construction blocks twisting, bending, or breaking. I was impressed by it, so I thought I'd throw together . Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. $879.00 (14) 14 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. 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. 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). 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. Its a pleasant textured black polish, also got a pleasant smooth aerodynamic form. 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). 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). Whats more, they usually have indicators that show when theyre ajar (the SlideLock on Thules Motion XT displays red), which provides an extra level of confidence that your lid is secure. Dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 in.Capacities: 11 (Alpine), 14, 16 cu. 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). 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. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: N/AWhat we like: A noticeably lightweight box with reasonable price and quality. SKS locks included for added security. 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'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. ft.) model. 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. This number specifies how much weight you can safely carry on your rooftop while driving (a parked vehicle can handle much more) and generally maxes out around 165 pounds for a wagon, sedan, or crossover SUV, and up to 330 pounds for a large van. Above the 12, 16, and 18 is the slimmer, pricer SkyBox Lo and range-topping SkyBox 21. 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. In my area 2 different models showed up for sale: Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. 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. 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. 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. by Yakima | Aug 28, 2020. . You have to completely extend the mounting hooks and they just barely reach. If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. So there's the issue explained. Yakima Skybox isn't as thick as Thule Force, although the hinges and locks are on-par with each other. 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. ft.) rises 11.3 inches off the crossbars (over 1.5 in. Not only do they offer lower clearance, but these designs are also more aerodynamic overall, resulting in slight reductions in drag and wind noise. Generally speaking, the bulkier your cargo boxespecially in terms of width and heightthe more drag it will create. Dimensions: 91 x 35 x 12.5 in.Capacity: 13 (M/Alpine) cu. That said, the Horizons svelte 21-inch width could make it the more attractive option for some. And in terms of interior features, the Vector has no equal. In fact, much of this noise is generated by air moving in between the rack and the roof of your vehicle. But details matter, and here the Yakima lags a bit behind. All told, matching your cargo box to a roof rack shouldnt cause much headache, but its never a bad idea to double check compatibility before hitting purchase. 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). The new Endoskel technology makes it thrice stiffer than the other old skyboxes. But if you want to have your cake and eat it too, Yakimas SkyBox 12 Carbonite is your best bet. But the good news is that there are a variety of options for those who need to keep a low profile. 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. SkyBox 16 Carbonite Locking Water Resistant Rooftop Cargo Box (5) Questions & Answers . A basket mounts on a roof rack and provides a stable area for you to secure gear with bungee cords, rope, or a net. The Yakima Skybox 21 Carbonite Cargo Box encompasses 90 inches long and may hinder 21 cubic feet. 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. If you park in a garage or frequent enclosed parking lots, youll want to think twice before purchasing a rooftop box. SkyBox vs Yakima's other roof boxes. Add SkyBox NX 16 Roof Box to Compare Top Rated. I have s . No matter which design you choose, remember to consider your vehicles dynamic load limit before filling your rooftop with too much gearmost max out around 165 pounds.See the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite. For one, the heavier the box, the more challenging it will be to install and remove from your vehicle. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. 4.7 (13) 4.7 out of 5 stars. 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. 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. And in addition to the Medium here, the Pulse is also available in a Large variation (16 cu. With such a large number of different brands, shapes, and sizes, choosing the right cargo box will be difficult. But not every vehicle comes with a hitch or hitch capabilities, and rear storage can be inconvenient if you need a lot of access to your trunk. 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. If youre searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. 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. Based on your use case, you can choose your perfect size. The majority of rooftop cargo boxes are fairly barebones on the inside, with many featuring just a simple cavernous compartment for your gear and usually a pull strap to close an out-of-reach lid. If you value function over form but want to stick with the Thule brand name, the Pulse is a great place to start. 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