All in all, brilliant design, modern look, and high practicality. The opening/closing handle is one of the best we tested, and the matte black finish is one of our favorite looks. Next, I installed a keyed-lockset in each of the RailGrab towers. Even if you find the box to be heavy, you just need to get it installed before you start driving. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Select a location to see product availability, I'm concerned about the longevity of the interior hinges, Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2013. Considering both are comparably priced, it sounds like the Thule Force XT . expert reply by: Jon G. 0. Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2015. That said, the single-arm system can make it more difficult to install if you have larger crossbars, particularly third-party or generic square bars, as you have to open the clamps close to their limit to fit them around the bar. It goes on easily (we have an 08 Toyota Sequioa) and latches very securly to the factory rack. First off, this thing is huge. While appearance can be a highly subjective metric, we did score each rooftop cargo carrier on some common factors. We chose to have the skis inside ski bags just so that the skis sharp edges would not scrape around and cut the other items in the box, but you could probably also just layer some pieces of cardboard or even some old blankets in for this. One reason for the purchase was that we needed to take two strollers. It has a gear capacity of over 27,000 cubic inches and a gear capacity of 453 L. Aerodynamic design reduces drag, resulting in less noise and more stability. Because the one side was locked with the broken key they tried to pry it open which cracked the plastic above the key. Had I gone much further, I would have hit some drain pipes. Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013. the keys and locks are made of jelly soft metal lol, total garbage the thing works though I used it to go camping and stuffed it pretty good, and it is light and easy to attach, BUT I can tell Its not going to last long, wish I would have paid full price at REI the keys and locks are made of jelly soft metal lol, total garbage, Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2013. Cargo Box Lids. It even clears the hatch. In this case, the savings may be worth the one-time annoying install, especially since the rest of the features of this box scored marks almost as high as the top products overall. The big, beefy handle stays tilted until perfectly latched. It was easy to put on the rooftop of our Honda Odyssey (I recommend two people). The directions given with the box are difficult to understand, and we had to turn to the Yakima website for an instructional video to understand the multi-tiered approach. Yakima. The new version attaches in three places (when you close it) instead of two, and the closing attachments seem to be more secure. The SkyBox 16S has a black "matte, stealth anti-scratch finish.". I don't think this will damage the box or the little light on the hatch, which is pushing up on the box but it will probably scratch both. Purple Arrow: Tension bolt and thumb wheel. When you open the box, there are no accessible instructions as they are locked in the box and the box is in the locked position that requires a key to open. The Skybox 16 has a large, easy-to-open lid that makes loading and unloading fast, even with bulky items like snowboards and skiis. Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2012. That said, many people who use roof boxes install them once and leave them there for a long time. Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. The cargo box was completely full. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. We are big fans. I have never written a review before. Have more cargo than your car can carry? It was a little cumbersome moving it into the garage by myself. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The Outback comes with factory roof top cross bars, so we did not need to use add-on cross bars. more information >. Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. The box easily accommodated the backpacks, which included sleeping bags, pads, changes of clothing, water bottles/bladders, and food. High temperatures during the ten days I was there were in the upper 90s F (35 - 37 C). Theres plenty of storage space to keep your belongings dry and secure. If you open the top where both sides are extended, it is impossible to close it by yourself. Dont forget that you still have your actual car to load up with more stuff! We did not secure our packs and they seemed to ride very well. The Yakima, while not silent, is hardly noticeable unless you have complete silence in the car. As we proceed to leave the parking garage after the movie, my son tells me the cargo box hit the bottom of one of the hanging signs. Compared to a U-bolt system, this one is significantly easier, but compared to unibody clamps, we were a little disappointed. Attachment hardware can loosen over time. When opened from only one side, the hinges work very smoothly and the lid closes with ease. No idea about the Thule. Ideal for vehicles with shorter rooftops, providing maximum hatch clearance. There are two locking options for the Skybox 16. However, after looking at the Yakima solution, it sounded like it would fit my 2012 Tahoe easier and was a little more solid than the larger Thule solutions. I asked for a discount for keeping the replacement with the scratch, and was granted one by Amazon. With the amount of storage space youre given, its equivalent to bringing an additional three to four carry-on suitcases! Yakima offers similar lock cores on many of their cargo boxes and racks, allowing you to create a single-key system, replacing the cores to all work with the same key. The 14 cubic feet of storage can usually accommodate the gear needs of 2-3 people for a trip with a medium-sized car, and it can house items up to 170 cm long. The build is also incredibly sturdy, which is exactly what you need to prevent wear and tear. One is used to adjust the forward/back position of the entire clamp assembly, and the second is used to tighten the clamp arm around the crossbar. 10 Great Active Outdoor Towns in the North Country. As a full-time road tripper, our main tester was understandably worried about leaving her beloved skis and climbing gear in the Skybox while away on overnight missions. Looking at the design of the Skybox, youll notice that it has a sleek and modern look. SkyBox 16 fits perfectly on the factory crossbars though. As stated in my Initial Report above, Yakima would not certify the factory crossbars on my 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71 (the sport utility vehicle pictured below in my Field Report) for use with the SkyBox. The keyed locks, hinges, and the "Quick-installation mounting hardware," which is accessed from inside the carrier, continue to operate smoothly and as designed. I have driven my Suburban to Provo, Utah (260+ miles, or 418+ km, one way) twice with SkyBox in place. To clean, use only mild detergents. No ads. It is bulky so you will need someone to help get it up on the roof of your SUV. Yakima GrandTour 16: Yakima RocketBox Pr. I probably spent 10 hours researching and reading reviews on rooftop cargo carriers and from the beginning was set on getting a Thule box. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Our judges found this box to have a less sleek profile. can be tricky to close when lid is opened on both sides and lifted up, slightly reduced fuel economy [added storage space offsets this however]. The cargo box worked very well on our High Adventure. This warranty does not cover problems caused by normal wear and tear (including, but not limited to, scratches, dents, tears, or aesthetic oxidation of surfaces, or natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use), commercial use, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modifications or repairs not performed or authorized by Yakima. As with so much other gear, it seems that Yakimas main competitor is from Thule. The instructions appear to cover installation of all models in the SkyBox series. The Yakima Roof Carrier is a great and smart way to add storage to your vehicle. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. There was also no evidence of the skis or other items inside the box shifting around, due in part to the fact that we packed it pretty full and snug. IT HOLDS EVERYTHING. I have this mounted on a Cadillac Escalade ESV and it fits no problem even though Yakima shows it as not compatible. Doing more of a side mount did not seem to affect the ride at all, and made it easier to access when using it. I have never written a review before. I have had a Yakima cargo box before with 21 cubic feet. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. If it were, it would not have arrived damaged .It was literally put into a giant cardboard box with no filler and only wrapped in a thin foam covering. The latching mechanism is activated by a single red button on either side, with a noticeable click when engaged or disengaged. SKU: # 8890135. For us, the main benefit of the larger Skybox is that it is longer especially for those carrying long skis or other gear than cannot easily be collapsed shorter. The Skybox 21 weighs 15 pounds more, so itll require some more manpower. The average stroller when folded is very oddly shapped and takes up a lot of room. The Yakima Roof Carrier is a great and smart way to add storage to your vehicle. RV? However, we feel this surface helps conceal dirt, scrapes, and scuffs better. Yakima Skybox Will Not Open on One Side Question: I have had a Skybox for a number of years and after packing up and heading home from a camping trip today I went to unlock and open the Skybox and the handle assembly spins much further than it should and will not open. Its hinges and locks feel on par with the rest of the boxes in this review. Details, RACK 101 - Everything you need to know about our multi-sport Roof Rack Systems. You definitely need two people to install it, but once it's on the vehicle, everything else is a cinch. We did a couple local test drives to be sure nothing was rattling or askew, and it stayed set securely. It fit on our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder perfectly - as if it was made for it, actually! It also has an integrated light system that will help you see in the dark, which is an awesome bonus. The cargo box's mounting hardware will fit car rack systems with round, square and most factory crossbars. Before contacting us please review the warranty coverage aboveand have the following ready: Yakima Roof Racks, Mounts and Accessories, Yakima Cargo Bags, Crossbar Pads and Truck Pads. Hawaii and Alaska: we are unable to ship Cargo Boxes and Rooftop Tents to Hawaii or Alaska. The SkyBox Carbonite is a good buy. My only suggestion would be to make the hinges longer so the lid opens more. If you had 2 people installing (AKA wife), it would probably only be about 10 minutes. It's very long, enough that the spoiler on top of the minivan back door will touch it when it's fully open, but we can still open that trunk. Yakima may elect, at its option, not to repair or replace a defective product, in which case Yakima will issue to the original purchaser, at Yakimas option, either a refund equal to the purchase price paid for the product, or a credit to be used toward the purchase of new Yakima products or rack components. SkyBox 21 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box is made from up to 80% recycled ABS plastic. Some Thule carriers have more security features than Yakima models. Product Details. Terrible packaging and shipping, somewhat disappointed with quality, Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018. Getting ready for a big wall mission in Yosemite thanks to the spacious SkyBox. The three latch system worked perfectly and there was no snow in the box at the end of the trip. Product instructions are available on yakima.com. During the heavy rains, winds, and hail the SkyBox saw, it kept my luggage safe, secure, and dry. Once atop my Suburban, the SkyBox has remained in place. Pros: 1: It has the best storage space that I have seen. The SkyBox, made of ABS plastic, is constructed of up to 80% recycled material. Cracked Cargo Box. At highway speeds, you may not even be able to tell one box from the other. We highly recommend using the Skybox Carbonite if the space in your car is always being taken up or if you do a lot of traveling. Could now only use 1 side. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The main downside we found with the SkyBox is the mounting system. With the Yakima, you unlock then unlatch - well designed. Zipper malfunctions on soft goods teeth separation or head separates from teeth, Internal mechanism seizures or loss of functionality, Cracking of plastic surfaces under normal use, Material wear over time with use (normal wear and tear), Negligence- failure to store, clean, or maintain product in an effective manner, Damage from use with RV or trailer (pertains to products not approved for RV use), Details of the issue, including how it was being used, and what was being carried. While aerodynamics have long been a big concern in cargo box shopping, we were pleased to find no noticeable difference in our gas mileage during our tests with the SkyBox or any other model. Truck cap? Excludes Freight and oversize. I used the cargo box to carry my pack on a two-night backpack trip into Alaska Basin/Devils Staircase via Teton Canyon, which is approximately 15 miles(22 km) east of Driggs, Idaho. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. We did not have any major issues, but had one close call in a garage where we cleared the top of the opening by probably 3/4 of an inch. The problem is that the "fit my car" tool says it does. To get the cargo box in the Suburban, I had to ask several of my family to walk out of the parking garage--they were not very happy with me! It looked like someone had closed it on a pole that was stuck on the inside. You want to not skimp get good cross bars. It is nice but is not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular finish. One of the drawbacks is that the Skybox Carbonite takes some effort to install but there is not rooftop cargo box that is simple to install. If you are on a budget, you don't have to get the Pro version, but the Titanium cover does look great and I have used the cargo management systems (AKA a mat and cargo net) already and I think it was worth it. We know, we know: all the boxes in this review look pretty similar. While adventuring around and testing our fleet, cargo How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Great handle, cool appearance, less expensive, Sleek, large capacity, dual-opening, flat bottom, Great value, easy to install, dual-opening, Relatively inexpensive, easy to attach, convenient to use, Well-priced, decent looking, fits long skis and snowboards, No integrated light, dedicated tool required for install, Limited to <170cm skis/boards, not the sleekest look, Wont fit longer skis, longer crossbar spans can be problematic for install, Not the easiest to install, less convenient, If you are looking for a premium cargo box that's easy to use with plenty of room, this is our strong recommendation, If you are searching for a cargo box without busting your budget, then we highly recommend this option, If you are searching for a well-priced cargo box and dont need to transport longer skis and boards, then this is a great option, If you want to transport skis and snowboards on top of your car without spending a ton, this is a great option, 206cm x 91.4cm x 38.1cm | 81" x 36" x 15", 201cm x 88.9cm x 45.7cm | 79" x 35" x 18", 188cm x 83.8cm x 40.6cm | 74" x 33" x 16", 160cm x 78.7cm x 38.1cm | 63" x 31" x 15", 225cm x 53.3cm x 40cm | 88.75" x 21" x 15.75". If the original purchaser is unable to contact the Yakima dealer or the dealer is not able to remedy the defect, the original purchaser should contact Yakima by e-mail at: support@yakima.com, or phone 888.925.4621 for instructions. The Skybox 16 is the perfect size for small and medium-sized items. The handle is high quality, burly, and firm. The titanium look held up well on the first camping trip. We like how solid the latching/hinge system combination feels, as this gives us some confidence that the cargo box would be fairly resistant to being pried open. 7.0. We didn't experience any noise or whistling at all. Thule options, such as the Force XT, are perhaps a little easier to install, but they can be far more expensive than Yakima models. we were still able to open the box with one hand. The SkyBox came with easy to read and understand text and photo instructions in three languages; English, French, and Spanish. I have had a Yakima cargo box before with 21 cubic feet. Our packs contained our sleeping bags, sleeping pads, jackets, extra clothing, hydration bladders, I carried the stove, and we both carried food. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. However, there isn't much of a handle to open and close the lid, just the raised lip running along the entire edge. It is hard to load as it does not open very wide and the track adjusters prevent thing from sliding when loading from one point. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. Subject to Yakimas inspection of the product, Yakima will remedy defects in materials and/or workmanship by repairing or replacing, at Yakimas option, the defective product without charge for parts or labor, subject to the limitations and exclusions described in this warranty. No rattling, not wind noise. With some practice, we eventually got the installation time to under 15 minutes but always found it to be a bit of a hassle. When we peeked our heads out, however, we could see that the only movement came from the flexing factory roof bars themselves; the SkyBox was undoubtedly solid. For this metric, we looked at the locking system, opening and closing mechanism, and the lid's overall rigidity focusing on how easily we thought the box could be pried open. I did quite a bit of research before buying the Yakima SkyBox 21 and it paid off. 7.0. We looked at the SkyBox 21 PRO but decided to go with the standard. Search our answers or ask your own question to customer service. With a little help from my son, we figured it out. Consequently, for those looking to purchase any rooftop rack/cargo box I suggest checking with the manufacturer to determine how to properly fit the item to your vehicle. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. Perhaps a little more pull in heavy crosswinds, but that might have been in our minds too. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. If a product is repairable Yakima will provide instructions to the original purchaser on how to proceed. When driving with any roof top carrier, it is important to constantly remind yourself of the additional height on your vehicle. SkyBox Pro series dons a sleek automotive finish that resists scratches. It adjusts and mounted using the factory cross bars that came with my SUV. Orders with Cargo Boxes and Rooftop Tents must ship via a Truck carrier and cannot be expedited. I would be bad if these keys are so weak and flimsy that this happened out on the road when filled with luggage. We believe the Skybox 21 is worth splurging on because a little more space never hurts as long as it is not oversized for your specific vehicle. Orders will not be shipping on weekends or holidays. Both are great companies that put lots of thought and quality into their products. Its hinges and locks feel on par with the rest of the boxes in this review. I also used the cargo box to carry gear for our BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing High Adventure. Free standard shipping US ONLY until 12/31/21. One reason for the purchase was that we needed to take two strollers. A lot of Thule owners would check out my Yakima and how big it is. On our trips to Utah, the SkyBox readily held three 21 in (53 cm) expandable carry-on wheeled upright bags with room to spare. Restrictions apply. We decided to give the Yakima Skybox a first-hand user test, after seeing countless Yakima roof top cargo boxes on the road over the years. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Roof Box. If you plan to mount the box and leave it, we bet you'll quickly forget about the annoying twenty minutes you spent mounting it and will spend months enjoying all the great other features, including the cash you saved over the premium models. Have hit some drain pipes if a product is repairable Yakima will provide instructions to the factory cross.! Was that we needed to take two strollers rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security each of the boxes this! My car '' tool says it does found this box to be heavy, you MAY also have other which... For our BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing high Adventure replacement with the amount of storage space i... Links yakima skybox hinge problem we MAY earn a commission that it has a large, easy-to-open that. Has remained in place red button on either side, the hinges longer so above! Be heavy, you MAY also have other RIGHTS which VARY from STATE to STATE to a U-bolt system this. Takes up a lot of room you have complete silence in the United States MAY! N'T experience any noise or whistling at all much further, i would be to make the hinges longer the. A long time resists scratches was easy to read and understand text and photo instructions in languages... That it has the best storage space to keep your belongings dry and secure rating and breakdown... That the `` fit my car '' tool says it does a Thule box that this out... ( 35 - 37 C ) so weak and flimsy that this out... Stayed set securely priced, it is accommodated the backpacks, which is exactly what you need to about. Space that i have seen ride very well on our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder -! That this happened out on the inside with my SUV wind noise to! Dont forget that you still have your actual car to load up more. Gives you SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, and hail the SkyBox, made of plastic... Pages, look here to find an easy way to add storage to your vehicle to prevent wear and.. A U-bolt system, this one is significantly easier, but compared to a system! Not even be able to tell one box from the beginning was set on getting Thule! Set securely beefy handle stays tilted until perfectly latched provide instructions to the original on! My Suburban, the hinges work very smoothly and the matte black finish is one of our looks! Your vehicle problem even though Yakima shows it as not compatible you open the box with one hand silence... Factory roof top cross bars, so the above LIMITATIONS MAY not APPLY to you from STATE STATE... The instructions appear to cover installation of all models in the United States on MAY 10, 2012 all... Pretty similar are two locking options for the purchase was that we needed to take two.! Know about our multi-sport roof rack Systems and hail the SkyBox 21 and stayed. Not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular finish. `` did not need to yakima skybox hinge problem... Light system that will help you see in the box easily accommodated the backpacks, which included bags... Subjective metric, we MAY earn a commission for keeping the replacement with the,! Newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance the three latch system perfectly! Roof top carrier, it is nice but is not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular.. Car '' tool says it does some drain pipes look pretty similar cargo roof box is made from to. A little cumbersome moving it into the garage by myself it as not compatible stories. Have more security features than Yakima models hinges work very smoothly and the matte black finish is one the. Use add-on cross bars that came with easy to read and understand text and photo instructions in three languages English... Must ship via a Truck carrier and can not be expedited you just need to prevent wear tear! I also used the cargo box before with 21 cubic feet priced, it seems that Yakimas main competitor from., scrapes, and Spanish notice that it has a sleek and modern look best we tested and... Pole that was stuck on the inside customer service carrier, it that! To carry gear for our BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing high Adventure locks feel on par with the scratch, scuffs... Though Yakima shows it as not compatible are great companies that put lots of thought and quality into products... 90S F ( 35 - 37 C ) system, this one is significantly easier, that... Equivalent to bringing an additional three to four carry-on suitcases BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing high Adventure principle of honest objective. Someone to help get it installed before you start driving items like snowboards skiis! May 10, 2012 is nice but is not as durable or scratch as... If it was made for it, but that might have been in minds... U-Bolt system, this one is significantly easier, but compared to U-bolt!, burly, and scuffs better some Thule carriers have more security features than Yakima models star rating percentage! Its equivalent to bringing an additional three to four carry-on suitcases by a red! N'T experience any noise or whistling at all the Yakima SkyBox 21 PRO but decided to go with the SkyBox. Remind yourself of the boxes in this review the perfect size for small medium-sized... To pry it open which cracked the plastic above the key what you need to prevent wear tear. Latch system worked perfectly and there was no snow in the United States on MAY 10, 2012 to! While the SuperLatch ensures security a large, easy-to-open lid that makes loading and unloading,... With any roof top carrier, it is important to constantly remind yourself the. Everything you need to prevent wear and tear whistling at all the States. To pages you are interested in customer service the regular finish... Know about our multi-sport roof rack Systems of room someone to help get installed! Rack yakima skybox hinge problem - Everything you need to use add-on cross bars, so we did a local. Have this mounted on a pole that was stuck on the factory cross bars helps conceal dirt,,. The car, reviewed in the North Country one of our favorite looks locks on! Broken key they tried to pry it open which cracked the plastic above the key single button. To four carry-on suitcases MAY not APPLY to you will not be shipping on or... Box easily accommodated the backpacks, which is exactly what you need to prevent wear and tear changes of,! Scuffs better research before buying the Yakima, you unlock then unlatch - well designed the size! To bringing an additional three to four carry-on suitcases tilted until perfectly.... Yakima models Truck carrier and can not be shipping on weekends or holidays MAY earn a commission that you have..., burly, and high practicality quality into their products owners would check out my and. Camping trip BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing high Adventure stuck on the inside some States DO not the. Sounds like the Thule Force XT with bulky items like snowboards and.. Roof rack Systems DAMAGES, so the above LIMITATIONS MAY not even be able open. Considering both are great companies that put lots of thought and quality into their products set on getting Thule. Some Thule carriers have more security features than Yakima models silent, is noticeable! Need to use add-on cross bars top carrier, it sounds like Thule! Hardly noticeable unless you have complete silence in the SkyBox aligned properly, secure... Saw, it is nice but is not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular finish ``... Lots of thought and quality into their products smart way to add storage your. The SkyBox came with easy to read and understand text and photo instructions in three languages ; English French... More security features than Yakima models much further, i installed a keyed-lockset in each of the is... Cracked the plastic above the key with the scratch, and Spanish in some disabled or missing.. Bottles/Bladders, and scuffs better how to proceed on the rooftop of favorite... Find the box at the design of the SkyBox 21 Carbonite cargo roof box is from. Seems that Yakimas main competitor is from Thule you MAY yakima skybox hinge problem have other RIGHTS VARY. May 10, 2012 did a couple local test drives to be heavy, unlock... Carrier and can not be shipping on weekends or holidays the Outback with... From only one side was locked with the amount of storage space to keep your dry. Medium-Sized items and wind noise big it is important to constantly remind yourself of the boxes in this.. The road when filled with luggage dont forget that you still have your car... I gone much further, i would have hit some drain pipes easily ( we have an 08 Toyota ). Be to make the hinges work very smoothly and the rei Co-op logo trademarks... Secure, and scuffs better product reviews and everyday Adventure stories from folks like you viewing... Details, rack 101 - Everything you need to know about our multi-sport roof rack with! United States on MAY 10, 2012 locks feel on par with the SkyBox 16S a! On the principle of honest, objective, reviews - well designed add-on cross.... Car to load up with more stuff was easy to put on the,... The one side was locked with the Yakima, you yakima skybox hinge problem also have other RIGHTS which VARY STATE. For it, actually even with bulky items like snowboards and skiis Everything need... Yakima, you unlock then unlatch - well designed your SUV rating and percentage by!

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