Cargo boxes vs. baskets

[IZ]

D*mn..now this is a nice rack! 

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12299

[ducatiz]

The xterra comes with a rack but that's obviously much nicer.

i miss my 03 xterra.  i got rid of it after gas prices went nuts -- it was the supercharged model and required premium gas -- the manual had a big warning "DO NOT USE REGULAR GAS"

but it was a great ride

[Triple J]

I have an '04 Xterra. The stock roof rack is essentially useless, as they made the bars too thick to tie anything to...and there's only a small plastic basket in the front (with no hooks for tying ofcourse). It really is a POS, and it's only good use is a mounting point for a real rack system. The rest of the truck is great though...well, except for it getting 13.5 mpg in town.  

Adam...I'd say your rack choice comes down to if you want something that will keep things out of the weather. That's a big deal up here...maybe not where you are. Any roof mount option will hurt gas mileage.

Personally, I'd get a hitch put on the new SUV, then get a hitch mount cargo box. It won't hurt your gas mileage, is easier to remove than roof mount, and would be much easier to load. Plus, a hitch is just a good thing to have and is very versatile. You can carry pretty much whatever you want on a hitch. I just switched to a Yakima hitch mount bike carrier, and it's kicks ass on my old Yakima roof mount one.



Here's a much simpler and cheaper option for $70

[zooom]

Personally, I'd get a hitch put on the new SUV, then get a hitch mount cargo box. It won't hurt your gas mileage MUCH, is easier to remove than roof mount, and would be much easier to load. Plus, a hitch is just a good thing to have and is very versatile. 

for the most part I agree with this with the caveat that you check to see how said box swings out of the way for tailgate opening/access, which is an often time realized after the fact "Oooops" moment and look at/for the potential blockage of any and/or all of your rearward lighting....

[Punx Clever]

Looks like that box has built in lights like a trailer.  Rear lighting shouldn't be a problem.

[fastwin]

I got a Thule aero cargo box a couple of years ago from REI for family road trips in our older Suburban. It's a 21 cubic foot box... I think. Mounts up on the factory cargo rack super easy. I can put it on and take it off by myself. Bulky but managable.

It's been a life saver on those trips. We tend to over pack and the added space has been great! Junior usually takes a friend and we also have to take our goofy dog (can't be boarded ) so the extra space up top is greatly needed. Been through some really serious rain storms and it has never allowed anything to get wet. I still pack it with the mindset of stuff possibly getting wet but it has never failed me.

You really have to be aware that it is up there regarding overhangs, tree branches, etc. Just like a roof top bike rack. Haven't run it under something yet but I almost have! The Suburban is such a battleship at highway speeds in bad cross winds already so I haven't really noticed any terrible additional handling effects with the box mounted. I don't dare check the gas mileage... to depressing to begin with. But the extra space sure makes up for all the trouble!

[IZ]

J..this is one reason I should've spent more and bought the V6 4WD with the hitch!   

No hitch on this one but I'm sure it could be added. 

Zooom.. the back end opens like a door on the RAV.  Does Thule make a hitch for that?

[zooom]

Does Thule make a hitch for that?

Thule doesn't make hitches...but check http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/default.aspx

this is where I got the Draw-Tite I mounted on my Subaru

[mitt]

I am a cargo box addict.  Once you have a nice one, you can never go back.

I had an older Yakima 21 rocket box, but it was too long for our new highlander and the lift gate would hit it.

I just bought a new Thule ascent 16 that is shorter and wider, and the lift gate clears it by an inch.  I do not like the new yakima lock and handle systems.

The thule is made in USA, the yakima is made in Mexico.

You are a month or 2 late though, REI has a 20% blow out during September - that is when I picked my new one up.  I would keep an eye on CL for used ones, they pop up all the time.

mitt

[fastwin]

I also hit the big Labor Day weekend REI sale when I got my Thule and used up a $70+ member dividend. It was too good to pass up. They didn't have the one I wanted in stock at the time but they told me to order it on line and it would be dropped shipped to the store and I wouldn't be charged shipping. If I had it sent to my house I would have to pay shipping. Nice tip from the sales associate. Got a call a few days later telling me to come pick it up!

[Speedbag]

How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway??  

[zooom]

How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway??   

when we are hauling the whole family to the beach for the week...the girls have a crapload of stuff...

[Triple J]

J..this is one reason I should've spent more and bought the V6 4WD with the hitch!   

No hitch on this one but I'm sure it could be added. 

Hitches are relatively inexpensive, and I'm sure the truck has a plug-in wired for lights back near the bumper somewhere (mine did). I can't remember exactly, but I think I paid $300 to have the hitch installed on my Xterra.

You may have to remove it to open the rear door, depending on if it has a feature to rotate downwards to allow room for the door to open. Either way, it's quick.

[IZ]

A lot of good advice..thanks guys.

The idea of the cargo box sounds good.  Maybe eventually get one.  I'm hoping to buy a kayak soon so this is the main reason I was looking at a basket to toss gear in and then add the kayak mounts to the top of that. 

I guess I could always get just the kayak mounts up top and then put the gear a cargo box. 

Will have to research more.

[fastwin]

How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway??  

Look up "shit ton" in the dictionary and there is a picture of my Suburban.