The Yakima uses the Same Key System (SKS) locking mechanism. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. If you have roof racks already, make sure theyre compatible. They absolutely affect gas mileage. These all are pretty quick and easy to install, with dual-opening lids. We would love to know what you like or dislike about the product. It has many of the top-tier models' convenience features, making it very easy to use and install, all while costing you less. As for compromises, again, this cargo carrier is short compared to the other options. 2018 Outback 3.6r touring //// 2004 Wrx wagon 5mt SOLD. It measures 55 x 41 x 14 inches, ideal for the Subaru WRX roofline. They are designed to withstand heavy and large loads, so they will get the job done, whether its camping gear, fishing equipment, snowboards, surfboards, or skis. Cargo boxes for SUVs are the same as cargo boxes for any other vehicle. Overall, we really enjoyed testing and using the Yakima GrandTour and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-designed solution for their rooftop storage needs. We evaluated how user-friendly each one was for day-to-day use and noted any significant changes in vehicle handling and fuel efficiency. The Subaru WRX is a high-performance compact sports car synonymous with race driving worldwide. The lock indicates when the box has been shut correctly with a red indication button. Availability Varies - Depends on Product Options, Thule - Vector Black Glossy Alpine Roof Cargo Box, Thule - Vector Titan Matte Alpine Roof Cargo Box, Thule - Vector Black Glossy M Roof Cargo Box, Thule - Vector Titan Matte M Roof Cargo Box, Thule - Vector Roof Cargo Box Installation Instructions, An elegant, sporty design with seamless integration of the lid and the base that adds a distinctive look to any car, A premium interior with integrated lighting and a felt-lined base for increased gear protection that enhances the user experience, Reinforced lid makes for a smooth, effortless dual-sided opening and closing, A white-colored interior of the lid combined with a LED-light facilitates loading and unloading at night, SlideLock system with separate locking and opening functions that automatically locks the lid in place and shows when the box is closed securely, Easy to mount thanks to the PowerClick quick-mount system. This roof box is one of the most expensive options that we have tested and is likely outside the budget for many people. That said, Yakima includes a handy torque wrench for this, and we like this wrench it makes installation convenient and produces a clicking sound to indicate that tightening is just right. The crossbars should be spread between 24 to 32 inches, and the clamps properly fastened for a perfect fit. Additionally, the unique The Memory Mount System is accompanied by a detailed instruction guide for quick installation so that you can be on your way in no time. The matte finish does a better job of hiding blemishes than the glossy finish on the base, maintaining the elevated style of the Thule Vector. These will leave more space on your roof rack for a bikeor kayak rack. To rank and score these products and see which cargo-carrying box is truly worthy of being crowned the best, we began by doing extensive research, looking at the best products currently on the market. While empty, the box weighs 30 pounds and has a 110-pound load limit. Looking for your next piece of carry-on luggage? However, they are bulky difficult to store and mount by one person. Are These Going To Kill My Gas Mileage or Ruin Handling? For this metric, we looked at the assembly process, which included mounting and opening and closing the box. Also, have a look at the maximum bar spread. It uses a slightly different system with a single-piece clamp that requires a tool to install (included) but has the benefit of being much flatter on the inside than other Thule. Pack your things in a roof box, rear cargo box or roof basket. If youre using a roof box for everyday chores like packing your kids stroller, groceries, or a suitcase to the airport, a smaller size roof box will do. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for years now and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review. However, the possibility of losing it remains, though replacements can be purchased from Yakima, should that need arise. If you are looking for the peak of luxury when searching for a new cargo box, then we highly recommend the Thule Vector. Our gear junkies have driven thousands of miles with these boxes on different vehicles, filled to the brim with all manner of gear, passing through deserts, mountains, and many landscapes in between. A matte finish also hides dead bugs well a problem we hadn't initially thought of. It does not just offer a big cargo haul; it adds glamour to your Subaru WRX with minimal wind noise and fuel consumption. The lid is also a little on the floppy side, and the Alpine is bordering on boring when it comes to visual appeal. Additionally, the quick clamps don't have an indicator to let you know that they are sufficiently tight - other models have an audible click that lets you know when they are clamped securely. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle. Share your opinion on product quality, appearance, installation, and other characteristics. Can I store my spare wheel inside the roof box? The Yakima GrandTour box has a very glossy finish. Yakima also has a holder for the tool inside the cargo box, so it can live safely and conveniently inside. The roof boxes that are size L and larger can fit from 3 to 7 skis and from 3 to 5 snowboards. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Force features the same PowerClick mounting system as the more expensive Thule models but lacks the more convenient locking systems featured on those models. This Thule cargo box fit guide aims to clear some of this up. The Motion clamps barely fit around the bars, almost giving us cause for concern, compared to the clamps on the GrandTour that easily fit around them. JavaScript is disabled. If you need cross bars, click here. To remedy this, these SportRack products include vinyl stickers to cover the unused holes. Or sometimes you just have things to carry you dont really want inside your car: gas cannisters, muddy tires, or really anything thats going to make a mess. We weren't huge fans of the surface texture and finish on the shorter and stubbier cargo boxes. The mounting system on the Thule Motion XT makes installation a breeze and is usually accomplished in under five minutes. In no event will Thule be liable for any lost profits, lost sales, or for any consequential, direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or punitive damages or for any other damages which were not directly and clearly caused by a defecting product. It is nicely designed with a robust high-density polyethylene material (HDPE) construction which is lightweight, shock-absorbent, and blocks ultraviolet light. However, these do show dirt and scrapes a bit more readily. Thule roof boxes have a load capacity of about 75kg/165lbs and most vehicles have the same maximum capacity. Fits Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Solterra, STI, Tribeca, WRX. Some electric and hybrid cars dont allow anything to be loaded on the roof. Limited Lifetime on Frame/3 years fabric and parts, Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle (per the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. Rear cargo carriers are a great solution for electric or hybrid vehicles that cant handle anything on the roof. It weighs 20 pounds but has a remarkable weight capacity of 110 pounds. Throughout testing, we kept track of any visible wear and tried to find flaws in durability. Even when one tester managed to bend two of the four mounting clips by backing a Thule box into a cement wall they didn't realize stuck out further than the car, there wasn't major damage to the cargo carrier. Finally, the carrier is coated with either a white or black glossy finish that looks great and is long-lasting. Still, this is a great option if you don't need a cargo carrier for skis and are hoping to save some cash. We divided our testing process into four weighted rating metrics: Ease of Use, Security, Quality, and Appearance. If your vehicle measures greater than the number listed, that cargo box will fit your vehicle without contacting your hatch. We love matte black. That being said, some of the boxes we tested have useful indicators to let you know if the box is latched properly or not before trying to remove the key. These stickers performed fine in our test, but we could see their effectiveness at keeping water out degrading over time. The RocketBox Pro 14 doesn't have an indicator to show if it is unlocked or locked but won't let you remove the keys if the box is unlocked. The Vector feels very sturdy and secure and has the look to complement almost any vehicle. If you plan on using your roof box for long road trips across state lines or national boarders, the roof box you choose should be higher to hold bulky gear. The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 and the Goplus Rooftop Carrier are our favorite inexpensive cargo boxes for those on a budget. Free ground shipping on rooftop tents and orders over $99. The Thule Vector is one of the best boxes we have seen but it might blow your budget. We have tested plenty of cargo boxes that are annoying to operate, but this one flat-out works nicely and comes in at a reasonable price. We love the convenience of the dual-openings and the tool-free installation. Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews. We then picked out the most promising cargo carriers to purchase and test head-to-head. How can we improve GearLab? The RocketBox Pro 12 measures 58 x 36 x 16 inches with 12 cubic feet of ample storage to carry extra cargo on your trip. It also has the SlideLock system, a super handy feature which makes closing your box super simple. We began testing by unpacking and assembling each model while paying close attention to how easy each one is to install and load with gear. Thule ski boxes in Alpine size are low-profile boxes that are specifically designed for skis. That said, we found the Thule Vector and Yakima GrandTour a bit easier to install than the Motion when using aftermarket, larger square cross bars. Half of your gear should go in the space between the roof racks. Also, always remember: You cant pack more than the maximum weight capacity of your car roof or the load capacity of the roof box itself. The low weight of just 25 pounds helps make installing it atop a vehicle easier, too. All trademarks property of their respective owners No warranty is given for defects resulting from conditions beyond Thules control including, but not limited to, misuse, overloading, or failure to assemble, mount or use the product in accordance with Thules written instructions or guidelines included with the product or made available to the purchaser. It isn't too much of a hassle to take on and off a car once you get the hang of it, and it can hold skis/snowboards up to 210 cm in length a rarity for budget cargo carriers. While most boxes feature a waterproof shell and weather sealing, they are weather-resistant but not completely waterproof. Only authorized customers can leave a review on our website. The single-piece clamp of the Yakima GrandTour can fit a variety of different crossbars. The RocketBox Pro 14 (back) is a bit less stylish than the Skybox (front) or the Motion XT (middle). 2887 people have looked at this part recently. Consult vehicle owner's manual for total roof load limit. This may damage the roof box and not to mention how hectic it will be to remove it from the cargo box. The Skyline XL offers you excellent value for money for an 18 cubic feet cargo box. The boxes were loaded with a wide variety of equipment, from sleeping bags to climbing ropes to skis. Here are some things to pay attention to: Hatch clearance means that your trunk can be opened completely without interfering with the roof box. These machines have not been optimized to clean your Subaru WRX with it on board, and the detergents used could damage the surface of the roof box. But keep in mind that they affect the fuel economy more than smaller boxes. serious question from someone considering a roof box for occasional use on an OBW.could mounting closer to the roof minimize the mpg impact? Summing up all these impressive features of the Thule Vector M justifies the significantly higher price tag. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. Perfect for your vehicle and lifestyle, it is manufactured to meet or exceed stringent industry standards. Adjust the hand knobs to tighten the attachment to the crossbars for stability and security. Whether youre hitting the slopes, going on a family vacation, or just need more space, a cargo box is a super versatile solution. The clamps on the Goplus Carrier are mediocre in terms of water resistance. For sporty types who want to bring a bike or a kayak along on their trip, opt for a narrow sport sized roof box. Thule is using the Yakima design with the angled back portion. Thule Force, Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector are three state-of-the-art roof boxes that are designed for increased aerodynamics and enhanced user-friendliness. How Rooftop Carriers Affect Fuel Economy for Cars and SUVs, https://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.5092076, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If your SUV has the right hatch clearance and bar spread, the cargo box will fit your SUV. The GoPlus Carrier also features quick clamps and opens on both sides. We awarded the most points to carriers that have simple and easy-to-operate security systems that seem durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough that we would entrust them with our beloved gear. Best Roof Box is supported by readers. Whether you're heading out on a camping or climbing trip or traveling to a new beautiful location to ski or snowboard, a cargo box can help you stay organized and maximize space inside your vehicle. We love that all three of these cargo carriers come close to fully assembled, just requiring you to place the clamps into position and thread the straps through no inserting locking cores or attaching lids. We hope our assessments and recommendations help you land the right purchase decision for your needs. Digging that wood treatment on the walls. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. At the top of the line, the Yakima GrandTour is a premium model that comes with a heftier price tag though still a price point we consider quite fair. Looks really good. If you won't frequently remove and re-install your cargo box, though, this is not a major issue. It means that the box automatically shuts when closed, so that you can close it with just one hand. All of these products are made from similar materials, so we looked at the details for clues about their longevity. Related: How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle. The Skybox has a cam-style clamping system that is easy to install once you get it adjusted properly, but it can take a bit longer with the initial install to get the correct balance of clamping pressure. It opens from the passengers side, enabling you to access all your gear very easily without worrying about oncoming traffic. Fits roughly: 4 people (3-5 pairs of skis, or 3-4 60L bags), Perfect for: A camping trip or outdoor adventure with your family or friends, Fits roughly: 4 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 180cm, or 3-4 skis + 4 60L bags), Perfect for: A family ski trip or outdoor camping trip, Fits roughly: 5 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 200cm, or 3-4 skis + 5 60L bags), Perfect for: A family ski trip or outdoor camping trip (that needs even more packing space), Fits roughly: about 6 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 215cm, or 4-5 skis + 6 60L bags), Perfect for: A ski trip or outdoor adventure with a large family or friend group. To prevent the knobs from over-torquing, the threads wont move an inch even if you keep twisting after the click sound. We like the tool-free installation, but it can be a bit harder to judge if they have been tightened sufficiently. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The only missing add-on, in our opinion, is a light inside the box, though this can easily be added aftermarket for a low price. We developed a comprehensive testing plan, evaluating and judging the performance of each product on everything from its ease of installation to how well its finish hides scrapes and scratches. A cargo box like no other that perfectly pairs performance styling with premium features. Here are some of our picks for the best roof cargo boxes according to the adventure youre planning: Almost all Thule roof boxes double up as ski boxesor snowboard boxes. You may be wondering if it is even worth getting a cargo box in the first place due to their impact on vehicle handling and mileage. However, we did find some of the very glossy models, like the Yakima GrandTour or the Thule Motion XT XL to be slightly more prone to showing scuffs and scrapes than the matte or satin-finished models something to consider if you are frequently storing your cargo carrier off of your vehicle. The security key locks the lid firmly, keeping your cargo safe from itchy fingers and prevailing weather conditions. It's a great way to haul a lot without giving up the space though! Whether you plan to use your cargo box occasionally or throw it on your roof and leave it there for months, there are a few ways in which some products are considerably easier to use than others. And how can you make sure it will fit all the things you want to pack? Installing the roof box too close to the roof generates whistling sounds when driving at high speeds. It can also be opened on either side (which youll be thankful for when you park on different sides of the street). The clamps also have a wider range than most, allowing this box to secure to more sizes and shapes of crossbars. They specialize in developing and marketing cargo transportation solutions so these people can bring their gear with them wherever they go, whatever they drive. Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. A felt liner provides a cushion between your equipment and the box, preventing them from bouncing around as you drive. Over 80% of Thule products sold in North America are made in USA, and Thule employs over 1,000 American workers. Thule Bike Carrier - Roof Mounted. Moreover, they are easy to install, unmount and have great aerodynamics. The outer shell has a black metallic or a titan matte finishing with fast-looking, sporty lines which accentuate sporty and executive attributes. This cargo carrier has a solid handle and is dual-opening, making it very easy to load or unload with gear. This is the distance between your roof racks. It has dual-side openings - an absolute must in our minds - and feels very solid, secure, and well-made. Installing the 13 cubic feet pound carrier is an easy task thanks to the PowerClick mounting system. It is hard to tie down a spare wheel inside a roof box, even with straps. While most Subarus have a decent amount of carrying capacity on their own, if youre into the outdoors then chances are youre going to find yourself with more gear than room. However, it is quite cumbersome when fitting the U-Bolts since you have to stretch a long way to fasten the hinges on the drivers side. Still, we appreciate having this added perk. Periodically check the attachment hardware and levers inside the box before use as they can loosen over time and tighten them where necessary. Got feedback? In general, when packing your roof box, try to pack lighter, bulkier items like tents, clothes or sleeping bags. It also looks a bit stubbier and overall less sleek and stylish than some of its pricier counterparts. They sit lower on the car for a sleek style and better aerodynamics. We find the futuristic look of the Thule Vector and the gloss black appearance of the Yakima GrandTour appealing. In fact some of the lowest drag numbers were for higher positions. The dual-opening mechanism allows easy loading and unloading of the textured matte-black cargo box. The clamps on the Yakima Skybox fit around a variety of different crossbars with ease. The Vector has a similar mounting system to the Motion and has all the features you could want, including an integrated light and an interior pad. However, a few concessions were made to keep the price lower as is typically the case. Today Thule leads the market with innovative products for transporting, bicycles, watercraft, snowsport equipment and other gear on the roof, with the trailer hitch, on the trunk or hatch, or in the pickup bed. Finding the best rooftop cargo carrier is all about first deciding what you want to do with it. The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is a great bargain buy, perfect for anyone who wants an all-around excellent cargo carrier without paying the high price of a top-tier model. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite 16, Goplus Rooftop Carrier, and the Thule Force XT XL are next regarding ease of use. If you are searching for the best all-around cargo box, we think the Yakima GrandTour 16 is your ticket to ride. The shorter length means it is easier for one person to install on a car, but crossbars with larger spans may not be compatible. The overall size of this cargo carrier is a bit smaller than the premium models, meaning the maximum length of gear you can carry is around 170 cm. You will enjoy the extra space! We are an international group of people united by our own passion for helping active families and outdoor enthusiasts. Conveninently transport. You can efficiently load, unload or find gear under dark conditions. This is particularly useful if you are transporting skis or snowboards as it will protect their edges from chipping. thule yakima Last update on 2022-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. We looked for fairly rigid lids that aligned the latching mechanisms without issue. Subaru Outback 2017, Vector Roof Cargo Box by Thule. They have factory-installed locks but lack any extra indicators or ergonomic handles. For me, I would have to avoid black because of travel in S, CA and AZ desert. Packing these boxes can look something like this: Perfect for: A trip with your partner, family or friends for a weekend getaway. Its a popular option for city-dwellers with small cars to add a roof box to maximize their packing space. However, if you must put them in the cargo box, place them inside nylon paper and seal them. This slim and sleek roof box has a much more striking appearance than most of its counterparts, standing out from the rest of the group. The Skyline requires assembling before installation, but the instruction manual provides step-by-step visual and text instructions on how to do it with a minimum of fuss. for July's Outback of the Month Challenge! There is even integrated storage for the torque wrench inside the cargo box. The Yakima GrandTour is one of our favorite roof boxes that we have tested to date. Manufactured by Thule. The automatic anti-theft lock is accessible by a customized key that keeps the lid firmly shut and secures your luggage. These are all large boxes that go on top of your car and increase the wind resistance and drag while you are driving, but they are all pretty much comparable, especially if you drive a larger SUV or truck that isn't particularly aerodynamic in the first place. To put a Cargo Rack on your Subaru you will need roof rack cross bars (bars running across your roof, door to door). Were we able to notice the difference, especially comparative differences between each box?