Thule / Yakima Roof Racks

15424 Views 29 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Bwana Bob, Aug 23, 2020

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · Nov 17, 2019

I'm thinking it's past time to replace my 30+ year old Sears Roof Box. Compared to what's available nowadays it's big, boxy, old, ugly and flimsy .
I haven't physically looked at either product, I just know these (Thule/ Yakima) are now the most popular (aerodynamic) offerings.

Which brand would y'all recommend? Yes money would be a concern but over another 20+ years it really won't matter; chances are I won't be here that long, let alone still driving.

Another question: what is the roof length of our PPs? I don't want a box so long it'll interfere/ overhang.

I believe a small/ medium would easily meet our current needs (we no longer have kids at home). I guess I should clarify, dogs and grandkids don't count.

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BlazinPassport

· #2 · Nov 17, 2019

Don’t tell me it’s a sears X-cargo! My parents had (still have?) one fr the mid 80s. That thing was built to last!

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 18, 2019

By memory I believe I purchased this around 1987 and originally used it on an 84 Sentra Stationwagon, choc brown 5 speed, w/ manual windows & seats.
As I was coming from a 4 speed I kept forgetting the extra gear.

I traded it once my dealer got in a fancy 89 Accord w/ a 5 speed stick. I kept the Sears box.

PAULinMA

· #4 · Nov 19, 2019

About 2 years ago I bought a new Thule mid-size roof box for about $600. While away on a ski vacation in Maine at -24 degrees the plastic sliding locking mechanism shattered into pieces and the lid would not lock. Thankfully I had Thule straps with me and was able to strap it shut for the 5 hour ride home. I replaced it with a $900 Thule Hyper 612 and this is the best roof box ever! Super sturdy, easy to install/remove and just the right size for 188 cm skis. However, I just checked Thule's website and it appears to be discontinued. When I googled it I see that Amazon still sells it. I would grab one before they are extinct.

Amazon.com: Thule Hyper XL Rooftop Cargo Box, Black, Hyper Xl: Sports & Outdoors

Buy Thule Hyper XL Rooftop Cargo Box, Black, Hyper Xl: Cargo Racks - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

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Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 19, 2019

Thank you! That is the type of response(s) I was hoping for.

I still have questions about it's fit on the PP; will it clear an open tailgate AND simultaneously not extend into the forward looking sensors field of vision?
Do you have a pic of it mounted on the PP? If so PLEASE post it.

PAULinMA

· #6 · Nov 19, 2019

With ski season coming, I have been meaning to test fit the Thule Hyper roof box on the Passport. Just tried it and all is well. With the cross bars centered on the vehicle about 36" apart, it easily clears the open tailgate and the SAT antenna too. With Thule cross bars the box sits too high to interfere with the forward camera. I bet it would be fine if you use the Honda cross bars as well,

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PAULinMA

· #7 · Nov 19, 2019

Just saw that the Thule Hyper has been replaced by the new Thule Vector. Looks great but a little expensive.

Thule | United States

www.thule.com

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 19, 2019

That looks fine and will work, thanks immensely for the picture.
I've now placed one in my amazon purchase cart but will wait for Either additional suggestions OR a better Amazon Black Friday Special price for it.

Amazon also recommends purchasing the Thule bags ($47 each?). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...42e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=V6AH2QQ8WKE0ENH2PR5V Have you any input on them?

PAULinMA

· #9 · Nov 19, 2019

I buy my duffle bag luggage from LL Bean and it has held up very well. Never tried Thule luggage.

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 19, 2019

With my old box we used garbage bags - so just about anything would be a step up.

safety6

· #11 · Nov 19, 2019

Wrascal said:
Thank you! That is the type of response(s) I was hoping for.

I still have questions about it's fit on the PP; will it clear an open tailgate AND simultaneously not extend into the forward looking sensors field of vision?
Do you have a pic of it mounted on the PP? If so PLEASE post it.

I carry a 18'6" kayak and they don't interfere front or rear so a roof box should be no issue

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 19, 2019

safety6 said:
I carry a 18'6" kayak and they don't interfere front or rear so a roof box should be no issue

The rule is ... we need pictures.

safety6

· #13 · Nov 20, 2019

2

Seeing is believing. I was a tad nervous opening the hatch since my last SUV hatch always hit on the kayak.. but not on the passport

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Reactions: 1

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 20, 2019

I'll bet that requires two to load (one front, one rear). Maybe a third to tie it down.

safety6

· #15 · Nov 20, 2019

LOL!

Nope, just one old guy. I use Thule Hull-A-Vator... I load the kayak from the side... another pic. It's pretty easy loading unloading the kayak with this system. The kayak weighs 59 lbs.

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gwar9999

· #16 · Nov 21, 2019

I have the Yakima Showcase 15 which I bought for my last vehicle (Ford Escape). I haven't mounted it on my PP yet but I do have the crossbars installed. I'm certain it will fit since it's adjustable. It's a great cargo box which opens on both sides w/ locks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0171APZ5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 23, 2019

Need pics of it (Yakima Showcase 15) on the PP.

Wrascal

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 23, 2019

I expected there to be many "strong" opinions on roof boxes; so to the two pertinent input providers I thank you.

Next question is ... how do I run this by my Chief Financial Officer? Purses, shoes, are acceptable purchases, but not car accessories. Remember I have a Sears box that still works.

scooter1

· #19 · Nov 23, 2019

Manufacturer of this box is owned by Thule. Significantly cheaper than the Thule. Works fine for our needs.

Amazon.com: SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (Black, 18 Cubic Feet): Automotive

Buy SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (Black, 18 Cubic Feet): Cargo Carriers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

gwar9999

· #20 · Nov 25, 2019

Wrascal said:
Need pics of it (Yakima Showcase 15) on the PP.

Probably won't get around to mounting it until my next snowboard trip (not scheduled yet) since it's pretty heavy and really needs 2 people to mount (I used to brute-force it onto the Escape but the PP is definitely higher so not sure I can do it by myself)

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