Choose the Right Roof Cargo Box: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventure Storage

Maximizing Your Outdoor Adventures: Choosing the Right Roof Cargo Box


Have you ever heard of Tom Mix? He was a famous Hollywood stuntman in the 1920s and 30s. I discussed him for AJ a couple of problems back. He suffered a huge quantity of injuries in his work, however what actually stuck to me was how he passed away: He remained in a single vehicle mishap and a strongbox of cash and gems flew from the back and struck him in the head, eliminating him quickly. Since, I have actually not had the ability to drive with things in the back of my vehicle and feel safe. Now, strapping down your junk is overlanding 101, however how many individuals in fact do it? It’s a little a discomfort and after that it’s a little a discomfort accessing your things. What’s likewise a discomfort is getting your neck broken by a flying French press.

After a prolonged bike journey with my SUV packed to the gills, I chose I required a roof freight box, so I called my pal Justin, who’s owned a couple of, and asked him what he believed. He liked his boxes and his only recommendations was to get as huge as I could.

It was strong suggestions. I picked the Yakima CBX 18 ($1,099), the second-largest freight box Yakima makes. The “18” describes 18 cubic feet. On my very first journey with it, I saved 2 huge camp chairs, fire wood, 2 sleeping bags, a four-inch Exped sleeping mat, water, shovel, axe, my bike duffel, kitchen area set … I didn’t keep a complete accounting, however it was a lot The only things I kept inside were food and a cooler (which, yes, was strapped down).

An example of a roof cargo box in use

Why Choose the Yakima CBX 18?

There are great deals of excellent freight boxes on the marketplace, and I have actually owned both Thule and Yakima designs. I chose the Yakima for 4 factors: It’s simple to connect to the crossbars, you can open it from either side, it has a fairly streamlined profile for the size, and I enjoyed with my last box, which likewise was a Yakima.

  • The CBX has 4 curved clamps that extend from the bottom of package. They move on tracks and open and close with a dedicated tool– it resembles a four-sided Allen wrench. You place package on the crossbars, open the clamps large, move package and/or the clamps up until they’re under the bars, then tighten up. There’s an easy torque system that avoids you from over-tightening. It’s a dead-simple procedure.
Installing a roof cargo box on a vehicle

Installation and Access

Installing took me the very same quantity of time whether I had an assistant or did it solo, about 15 minutes. Package weighs 65 pounds empty, so I got it on the roofing system by putting a thick moving blanket over the tailgate end of the roofing system and sliding it atop at an angle.

  • Needing to go all the method around to the opposite of your car to access your box is the meaning of a very first world issue– however when a box is this large (38 inches) and shops this much things, bi-side-al gain access to is a substantial benefit. Particularly if you have something heavy on the far side, like fire wood. Yakima’s single-key system is a great touch– the very same essential works both sides (as it must).
  • When I stated fairly streamlined, possibly I implied reasonably streamlined. The CBX18 is 17 inches high. If you drive an SUV, you most likely aren’t pulling into a garage with it unless your garage is a pole barn. Compared to Yakima’s SkyBox NX 18, it has a lower-looking profile.
  • The one problem I have with the CBX is that securing the cover can be a picky procedure. This, I think, is the nature of the monster when the monster is made from plastic and is 91 inches long. That plastic can bend, so if you do not close the cover thoroughly, it may not click into the fore and aft locks. Or it will click into one and not the other. I had the very best luck– or fixed the problem– by closing it carefully in the center and after that pushing at the front and back, hand right over the locks, up until it clicked into location.
  • What about mileage? Yeah, about that. You’re going to take a hit no matter what box you place on your roofing system. My Lexus GX470 generally gets 20 mpg on the highway; package lowered that to 18.5.
A roof cargo box on a vehicle with additional storage

Choosing the Right Roof Cargo Box for Your Needs

Is there a roofing box in your future? If so, the Yakima deserves an appearance. So are boxes from any of the significant brand names, and I would disregard any evaluations that declare there’s one finest box. More vital is that you are clear about your requirements and usages. Will it remain on all the time? Do you just require it in the winter season for skis and boards? How high is your car? Do you require to enter into a garage with it? Unless you’re brand name faithful, matching your requirements to a particular box more than a particular brand name is the very best method to go.

A variety of roof cargo boxes available

Ultimately, choosing the right roof cargo box boils down to understanding your needs and preferences. Whether you choose the Yakima CBX 18, another model from Yakima, or a Thule, what’s most important is that it matches your adventure style and vehicle specifications. With proper installation, maintenance, and mindful packing, your new roof cargo box can transform how you travel, making it safer and more organized.

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