Roof cargo box

[Thelt]

I am thinking about getting one of those roof cargo boxes for extra cargo space on trips. With me, my wife and our four kids the room left inside the Explorer is limited. Anyone ever used one of them or have any suggestions on them? I am considering the kind that mount on the roof rack and the kind that slide into the receiver hitch and ride out back. The type that mount on the hitch seem like they would be easier to access but might get crunched if you forget it is back there when you are in a parking lot.

 

[Gator Jeff]

I'm a cerified Yakima installer. The roof top boxes are great, but there are few things you need to keep in mind that most stores won't tell you.

First, the rated capacity for the entire rack system is only 165 lbs max. Now, bear in mind that's the number that the lawyers allow Yakima to state. (Thule is the same or should be). But depending on the system and how it's attached to your vehicle, it could hold a lot more. However, you're SOL on any warranty issue should a part fail if you exceed the limit.

With the 02 X, I'd go with whatever Ford rates the rack at (150lbs??) as your starting capacity since you'll likely attach the box to the factory crossbars. But here's where it gets interesting. First you have to subtract the weight of the box (30-50lbs) depending on the model. Then, because of wind loading, you lose another 25lbs or so. So basically, you'll only get about 70-80lbs of weight in there. This means that the only thing that you can put up there are things like light weight chairs, sleeping bags and other high volume, light weight stuff.

You will definitely have a lot more load bearing capabilities going with a hitch mounted tray. I know that Thule makes a box that mounts on the hitch, but I'm not sure of the capacity. But even with the weakest hitch, you should be able to carry about 3-4 x's the weight that you can carry on a roof rack.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thelt]

Thanks for the advice. The hitch mounted type seem to be the way to go since I want to carry luggage. The only thing that bothers me about them is that I would have an extra couple of feet of length back there that could cause me to back into something if I forget about it. I guess the sensors going off every time I go into reverse would prevent that though.

Any suggestions as to brands? I looked at some on Ebay today and there seems to be a lot of variation in price.

 

[Gator Jeff]

Yeah, first you'll have to decide if you just want a tray, or a weatherproof set-up. This one looks good and it's by Reese which seems to make pretty good hitches... http://www.ontheball.com/basket_carriers3.htm

I just checked the Thule box I was talking about and they only rate it for 165lbs as well. You can go a lot higher, especially with the tray option. Just remember to add in the weight of the box when calculating tounge weight.

Anyone else feel like chiming in?

 

[trucku]

you can get the soft type carrier on top. The weight sits along the roof on top the rail and not on the 2 crossbars. When your not using it fold and store.

I have been looking for a roof carrier too and most likely will go to a soft carrier. I have a hitch bike rack on my truck to carry my wifes, mine and daughters bike, so no carrier back there for luggage. It does stick out a bit and I have to keep reminding myself so I don't back into things.

I know sears sells a reasonable priced one. It sits on the roof along the rails between the cross bars or can be attached to the crossbars

http://www.roofbag.com/?CPID=1000&kw=roof+carrier
http://www.1800luggage.com/luggage/Trunks,_Carts,_Auto,_Etc./Car-Top_Carriers

These have some good ratings

 

[Thelt]

Yeah, first you'll have to decide if you just want a tray, or a weatherproof set-up. This one looks good and it's by Reese which seems to make pretty good hitches... http://www.ontheball.com/basket_carriers3.htm

I just checked the Thule box I was talking about and they only rate it for 165lbs as well. You can go a lot higher, especially with the tray option. Just remember to add in the weight of the box when calculating tounge weight.

Anyone else feel like chiming in?

That setup is pretty sweet. I do want it to be weatherproof. I saw this one on EBay, it is cheap but kind of small.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-AEROPACK-CARGO-BOX-w-TELESCOPING-HITCH-universal_W0QQitemZ190133624021QQihZ009QQcategoryZ33653QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[dtholmanmax]

one thing i like about the hitch carriers is that you can get different attachments to waterproof, etc. And they have an attachment for bicycles, too. I'm going to get one of these from basspro.com

 

[jrford]

We camp and I just did this with factory rails. Found the Roof Rack rails at a junk yard for 75 for both. Local auto store had a Thule Frontier 11cu for $200. I can fit 4 cloths bags at about 30lbs each, I have loaded it up to 120lbs. Clears the back out for the coolers and the dog, never a problem +80mph and always dry. I lost about 1mpg with it on. We only use it a couple of times a year and I would hate to spend to much. Next time i'd get the Mountaineer a little bigger and it fits the bags better.