Roof Top Cargo Carrier: hard-shell carriers

Showing posts with label hard-shell carriers. Show all posts

Yakima Sky Box 18 Cargo Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yakima has done a great job with this skybox which apparently was upgraded in 2009.The casing is heavy duty enough so that the upper shell stays up when it is raised.The upper shell can be raised from either side. Cords are attached to the upper shell so that it is easy to lower.The locking handles on the sides are sturdy and work well.The attachment system is amazingly easy to use and sturdy--no need to use tools or thread bolts.Attaching it to cross bars is easy and quick.The unit stays on the cross bars securely and I did not notice any road noise (although my cross bars produce a hum). It mates with most cross bars.If you are comparing this with the Yakima Pro model, note that while the Pro costs a lot more, the only difference with the Pro is that you get two tone unit rather than an all black one and two accessories which you can order a la carte for a lot less (the cargo net, which I also bought and like) or can provide yourself (the bottom pad). The two units are functionally identical.

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Product Description:
There?s no such thing as overpacking when your ride is sporting the Yakima Sky Box 18 Cargo Box. This roomy rooftop carrier hefts all the gear that won?t fit in the trunk, and with a super-secure latch and a keylock core, it?s safe enough for even your most valuable toys.

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Thule Ascent 1600 Cargo Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just used this carrier on a 1600-mile round trip from northern Illinois to North Carolina (on a 2005 Astro Van).On the return trip (September 14), we went through extreme hurricane force winds (aftermath from Hurricane Ike) of 75 MPH from all directions in Louisville, KY.The wind downed trees on the interstate, but the carrier held firmly and no rain entered despite an incredible amount of buffeting due to the winds.I was concerned that the sideways and up-and-down effects of severe buffeting might loosen the grips on the crossbar, but the grips were as tight when I arrived home as they were when I left home.I saw two top carriers that had separated from their vehicles and had been run over on I-65...that's how bad the wind was.

When I first got it it fit up well, but one of the saddles that sits on the cross rail broke.I called Thule customer service and they were very nice.They immediately sent four new saddles and said that I must have received one of their earlier units that had substandard saddles.They apparently discovered this recently and were very accommodating.I appreciate their fine customer service, although I am glad I had time to get the saddles before my trip.Suggest that you make certain that you have the most recent saddles.

Shipping service and tracking through Amazon was great, and the price was the best I could find!Thule 604 Ascent 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box (Black)

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Product Description:
If little Johnny?s neck is showing signs of permanent kinking from cramming all the skis next to him inside of the car, do everyone a favor and check out the Thule Ascent 1600 Cargo Box. This mid-sided roof box will fit 6-8 skis or 3-4 snowboards comfortably so that you don?t have to pay ski-resort prices for a massage each time you hit the slopes.

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Thule 611 Boxter Rooftop Cargo Box Review

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(More customer reviews)Ordered this in the blind off Thule's recommendation for my 2010 Volkswagen TDi Sportswagon and 2005 Honda Odyssey.The box was shipped via ground and arrived in great condition.I ordered the areo bars and feet for my new Sportwagon but have the sqaure bars on my Odyssey.The box fits both with easy and rides nicely on both vehicles.The nice feature that Thule did not, nor any of the websites that I used to conduct my research, play up how easy it is to put on, much less swap between two different vehicles.

On the bottom of the cargo box, there are sliding anchors that allow you to place the box on either type of bars.This was covered in the all of the videos and write ups I could find, but the interesting thing is that they slide to accommodate at a minimum of around 21" and a maximum 36" distance between the front and rear bars.So there is no need to have both vehicles setup the same or worry about having to reposition the feet.Once you have the box positioned, then you secure it to the bars by twisting the knobs inside the box.

Truly a well engineered piece of equipment like all the other systems and components I have purchased through Thule.I believe this box is well worth the money and am glad I went with this box over the Atlantis model.I certainly do recommend this box to others!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Thule 611 Boxter Rooftop Cargo Box

Product Description:
Introducing the world's most exclusive roof box. Designed with the high-end consumer in mind, this uber-premium Thule box offers sleek, European-inspired lines, unique two-tone color, tremendous durability, and unsurpassed performance and functionality.

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Yakima RocketBox 16 Rooftop Cargo Box Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my second rocket box. I love the room provided especially for long items, skis, fishing poles. I really does hold a lot of stuff.

There's no wind noise and no measurable affect on fuel economy. I can easily find my vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

The new improved attachment clamps fit my factory rack without the need for buying rail mounts like in the old version saving me $100.

I did prefer the old style supports though the new ones are probably more reliable than the older "shock type" found on auto hatches and hoods.

If you need storage space you can't go wrong with the big Rocket Box.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yakima RocketBox 16 Rooftop Cargo Box

Product Description:
It's Yakima's most popular rooftop cargo box ever, and for good reason. That's because the RocketBox 16 offers plenty of cargo space for skis, paddles, and even jousting poles. The RocketBox 16 measures 92 by 26 by 15 inches (L x W x H), with a total storage area of 16 cubic feet. That's enough for a weekend's worth of gear for three or more people, or enough skis and boards for a carload of ski bums and snow bunnies. In fact, the long and lean design means there isn't much you can't carry. More significantly, the RocketBox 16 fits on round, square, and most factory crossbars, and includes quick-installation hardware and SKS locks. Outfitted with an old-school matte black finish, the RocketBox 16 carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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SportRack Aero XL Roof Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Was very easy to mount on the Sequoia, and feels pretty sturdy (and watertight).Absolutely no wind noise or rattling could be heard inside the vehicle at 75 MPH.I bought it because the width and height makes it better for carrying family stuff than comparable size Thule or Yakima boxes, though it's not long enough for skis.Low price is a huge bonus.I also like that it opens from the back instead of the side, since on my tall vehicle the easiest way to reach the box is standing on the rear bumper.I looked at the big name boxes, and I can't see how they are worth 2.5x as much.

**UPDATE**Have now taken on a few long trips.It did not seem to affect gas mileage at all, and stayed dry inside through 300 miles of downpour.I have to take it off to fit in the garage, which would be true of any box, but I can get it on or off in less than 10 minutes.I fit 2 carry-on suitcases, 4 sleeping bags, a stroller, a full-frame baby backpack, and a small baby bouncer seat inside.

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Product Description:
Tired of taking up space in your car with camping gear, sports equipment, and other items when driving to your destination? Turn to this SportRack A90275 rooftop cargo carrier, which offers 18 cubic feet of space--plenty of room for luggage, tents, golf bags, boots, and other gear. The rear-opening cargo carrier mounts to any rooftop crossbar, and includes a U-bolt mounting bracket for easy attachment. The ABS single-shell construction, meanwhile, is durable and long lasting, helping it hold up to bumps in the road, swipes from branches, and general tough handling. The A90275 carrier--which includes a single lock mechanism in the rear--measures 38 by 19 by 63 inches (W x H x D) and offers a maximum load of 110 pounds.

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SportRack Explorer Roof Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have only a few complaints about this product.

First the material it is made of is thin and flimsy. It is certainly not as strong as some of the boxes made from ABS plastic. If you park in the sun for any time the plastic softens to the point where you may have trouble getting the hinges to engage to hold the top up. Another result of the softened plastic is the sagging of the hinge side of the lower portion of the box. This causes the top to sag down slightly reducing the clearance for loading items.

Another issue is the assembly. It was painfully cumbersome, and I am very mechanically inclined. It's definitely a two man job, one to hold the top while the other attaches and tightens the nuts and bolts.

Attaching to my vehicle (04 Dodge Durango) was a pain as well. The height of the vehicle made it challenging enough but attaching the "U" bolts on the hinge side was a real pain. If you have a smaller vehicle like a sedan or a Subaru Outback or something like that it may be easier

But, this thing is huge and holds a lot. We had 2 larger rollaway suitcases, two large duffle bags, 2 sleeping bags and 2 pillows and had room for coats and toiletry bags. It really hold quite a bit. But one of the biggest advantages is has is the price. For the cost of a competing unit from yakithule you can by 5 of these things.

I highly recommend this unit if your budget is tight, especially if you can get someone else to assemble and install it...

Click Here to see more reviews about: SportRack Explorer Roof Box

Product Description:
Tough and spacious, the SportRack Explorer rooftop cargo box is an ideal accessory for people who need more storage space than their car can provide. The Explorer is made of high-density polyethylene, a sturdy, long-lasting material that stands up to bumps, rocks, and any other obstacle a road can provide. The box's 18 cubic feet of storage space, meanwhile, gives you plenty of room for extra luggage and sports gear. And despite the generous capacity, the Explorer isn't unwieldy enough to obstruct your vision while you drive. The Explorer, which offers a capacity of 100 pounds, measures 54 by 19.5 by 39 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 32 pounds without gear. The box comes with a U-bolt mounting bracket.

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Thule 684 Terrapin Hitch Mount Luggage Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I must have shopped 3 months for the best price on this storage box. I really wanted to support the loacal shop here in Denver, Rack Attack, but after repeated attempts to get them to match the before tax price of the Amazon product, I decided to just buy it from Amazon. It was also annoying that if I was willing to pay the extra money for their box that they wanted to charge me an additional amount to have them assemble and install it. In all, I saved about $80 by buying it from Amazon.

I could not have been more happy with the purchase experience. It was delivered as agreed and in perfect condition.

The box itself took about 2 hours to assemble and install. Not very difficult, but certainly time consuming. Also, unless you are okay with semi-heavy lifting, you should probably do this with another person. The box fit perfectly into my 2007 4-Runner hitch. The only problem was that I needed an adapter from 7 pin to 4 pin to get the brake lights to work. I had to buy this from Wal-Mart for $18.

Lastly, after installation, only one of the brake lights was working. After about 20 minutes of inspection, I realized that when I was assebling the box I had accidentally disconnected one of the brake light wire assemblies. It's easy to do if you're not careful...somewhat of a design flaw. Once reconnected, the box worked like a charm.

I am very happy with the purchase and recommend it to anyone looking for a little extra cargo space for road trips.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Thule 684 Terrapin Hitch Mount Luggage Box

Product Description:
The Thule 684 Terrapin Hitch Mount Luggage Box swings clear of your vehicle's rear for easy trunk or tailgate access. Designed for long-haul vacations, beach supplies, tailgate parties, or for whenever you need to carry lots of gear, this handsome two-toned carrier sports a whopping 13-cubic-foot load capacity and comes with internal dividers to keep your gear organized. It can carry up to 165 pounds, guaranteed to keep all you gear dry, and comes with a drain plug in the floor of the box for easy cleaning. Also included is a Thule SecureLock system that ensures all your gear stays secure.
Offering all the features of a roof-mounted cargo box but at a level that makes all your cargo easily accessible, this luggage box is fully compatible with 2-inch receiver hitches. Other features include rugged, UV resistant ABS construction and pre-wired tail lights. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this luggage box includes a license plate adapter and all the necessary components for easy assembly and installation.

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Yakima RocketBox 11 Rooftop Cargo Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a subie like the pix and liked the look.I thought it would fit, but it's too long.I can only open the back 2/3 of the way.But no worries, it's not like I keep it on there all the time.It was nice to put all the beach stuff up there, and easy to wash out at home.While driving, no noise, no wobble.Didn't notice any impact to MPG. Box was easy to set up, worked well.Totally happy with buy, Yakima is worth it!

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Product Description:
Need a little extra storage space when driving up to the slopes? Turn to the RocketBox 11 rooftop cargo box, which keeps your skis, snowboards, and gear as cozy as you'll be inside your car. The RocketBox 11 measures 22 by 14 by 89 inches (W x H x D), with a total storage area of 11 cubic feet. That's enough for a weekend's worth of gear for you and a couple of friends. At the same time, the RocketBox 11 isn't big enough to hog your crossbars, in contrast to some of the other cargo boxes on the market. And drivers won't need to install a whole new roof mount system to use the RocketBox, as it works with most round, square, and factory crossbars. Other features include quick-installation hardware, SKS locks, and a sweet old-school matte black finish. The RocketBox 11 rooftop cargo box carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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Thule 667ES Excursion ES Rooftop Cargo Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Thule seems to be well constructed and will last many years.The lift assist is handy.Mounting was more difficult than expected.Feeding the U bolts through the bottom was tricky, especially when you're balancing on the side of the vehicle.

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Product Description:
A great choice for a multipurpose cargo box, the rooftop-mounted Thule 667ES Excursion ES can carry just about anything. It has a 17 cubic foot capacity, and it includes a Thule One Key System box lock that eliminates the hassle of multiple keys. The EasySnap hardware mounts directly to most aftermarket and factory-installed roof racks in seconds, and a rear opening.
Specifications:

Manufacturer's Warranty
It's backed by Thule's limited lifetime warranty. The warranty is terminated if the purchaser transfers the product to another person. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, cosmetic rust, scratches, or accidents.
About Thule
To say that Thule's beginnings in the U.S. were humble would be an understatement. Founding member Ake Skeppner sold products at windsurf competitions on the New England shoreline, exhibited the product line at a number of different trade shows, and even canvassed local retailers in the greater New York area, all from his "office"--a now-famous station wagon. Initial success was found in the small but growing sport of windsurfing where a strong, reliable roof rack was an indispensable piece of equipment. This was quickly followed by success in the ski business where Thule's Swedish heritage certainly helped the product gain rapid acceptance.
By the mid-1980s, the company sold products directly to ski and windsurfing shops but sold through distributors to address the large and growing bike business. A risky decision was made to terminate these distributor relationships and sell direct to retailers through a network of independent sales representatives. Much of the company's market success today can be traced to that decision. Shortly after, Ake hired an engineer and set up a small assembly plant in Elmsford, New York in order to design and manufacture bike carriers that would offer the features demanded by the U.S. consumer and compete effectively with other racks on the market.
The company has since grown rapidly through product innovation, a commitment to quality, and the continuance of a strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as continuing to evolve their products to meet the needs of users.

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