Roof rack question

[Joe Isuzu]

With mucho thanks to Rowhard and Navistar for looking out for me, I finally have that elusive roof rack. So, I send an e-mail to yakima asking what accessories (namely cargo carriers) may be used for their setup. I got a response today stating the setup they made for the VX was meant only for skis, snowboards and bikes. Is this correct? I'm sure I've seen many people with cargo cages on their roof carrying spare tires and the like. I'm so confused :(

[CrnCnn]

I know there are several options for baskets. Also, some have to be slightly or heavily modified to fit. Eric (Etlsport) found the Coleman basket at Costco for 130 iirc. Bart (nfpgasmask) bought the same one and I will be as soon as I get a rack. The thing with that one is you have to make your own way to put a full size spare in it and stay in it. I think that you can get the Thule up there for a little more money but it does come with more attachments, such as spare and what not.

[Joe Isuzu]

Thanks for responding, I'm actually more interested in cargo carriers and not the baskets. Does anyone here use a cargo shell/carrier for their VX? The main point of getting the roof rack was to increase cargo capacity, we do bike so that will come in handy later and I'm sure when we go camping a cage will work nicely, but for the time being a cargo carrier is more in line of what I was needing.

[MSHardeman]

Joe,

I have a cargo carrier/ ski box (Thule) for my VX and it fits just fine. It uses wide "u-bolts" to connect it to the rack and they are just wide enough to fit around our aero cross bars. The mounting points also slide back and forth in slots in the bottom of the box so I can position them where I need them, and there is still enough play left over to slide the box back and forth by a couple of inches once everything is in place.

To get bike racks on, though, I have had to get some universal adapters that a "normal" cross bar mounts to (above the VX's cross bars) and then mount the bike racks to that. Some others have found some standard roof rack mounts that fit into our mounting points and they've used standard cross bars with those, but it negates our aero cross bars.

See pictures below for various set ups.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3151/thumbs/Colorado_Colors_29.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3151/Colorado_Colors_29.jpg)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/PowderHound05.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/PowderHound05.jpg)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/KIF_1296.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/KIF_1296.JPG)

[Joe Isuzu]

Great, thanks for confirming what I was thinking MS Hardeman. If possible, could you let me know which thule cargo box you got, that seems to be exactly what I'm after. Thanks!!!

[MSHardeman]

Joe,

I have the box hanging from the ceiling in my garage right now so I'll check it when I get home tonight and let you know tomorrow.

I don't know where you park, but be aware of your clearance. The only reason mine is hanging from the ceiling and not on the VX (I would rather carry my boards in an enclosed box then in the ski racks) is that my garage door is about an inch and a half to low for the VX with the box on to fit under it.:(

Mark

[Joe Isuzu]

Thanks for the assist on this. Looking forward to your next post. I took mesurements tonight and printed out the dimensions of all the Thule cargo carriers, it seems there are only 2-3 that may work; one that definitely should and two that may if you are pushing it. Have zero experience with cargo carriers but height to me is not an issue. I assumed I would simply park the VX outside to unload it after a trip and then just take the cargo container off before entering the garage. I'm one of those people that can't really relax after a trip until the car is unloaded so this would be natural for me.

[MSHardeman]

Joe,

Sorry for the delay, but I had forgotten to take my camera home the other night, and I was out of the office snowboarding most of the day on Thursday (I know, I know..I lead such a hard life).

Anyway, took some pictures of the Thule cargo box last night (see below, and excuse the crummy VX in the background), and after a quick search of Thule's website it doesn't look like they make the Cascade XT anymore. It also looks like they have revised their mounting clamps. As you can see in the picture, my box has big metal u-bolts that feed up through holes in the bottom of the box into a clamping mechanism inside the box. The u-bolt and the clamping mechanism can slide back and forth in the slots that you can see in the pictures. I couldn't find any information on Thule's new mounting hardware, but I can only assume that it still slides back and forth some to accommodate different roof rack systems. You might be able to find an older version on Ebay.

Hope this helps.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Cargo_Box_02.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Cargo_Box_02.jpg)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Cargo_Box_01.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Cargo_Box_01.jpg)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Cargo_Box_03.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Cargo_Box_03.jpg)

[Joe Isuzu]

Thanks again for all the input MS Hardeman
I'll be shopping around locally to see what's out there now that I know at least one thing that will work

[MSHardeman]

Not a problem Joe. That's what the VX fam is for. Let me know if you need anything else.
Mark

[vt_maverick]

Joe,

When you talked to Yakima did you ask about using one of the bags instead? (see link)

http://www.yakima.com/racks/cargo/product/8007166/getout-pro.aspx

It appears that the mounting system is strap-based instead of hardware-based, so maybe this would be a universal solution? Not as cool looking as an aero box, but would be lighter, cheaper, and easier to store...

Thoughts anybody?

Ashley

[PHO2GR4]

What about the Thule Expedition rack? Like this:http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/passengers.jpg

[Gussie2000]

With mucho thanks to Rowhard and Navistar for looking out for me, I finally have that elusive roof rack. So, I send an e-mail to yakima asking what accessories (namely cargo carriers) may be used for their setup. I got a response today stating the setup they made for the VX was meant only for skis, snowboards and bikes. Is this correct? I'm sure I've seen many people with cargo cages on their roof carrying spare tires and the like. I'm so confused :(

Well joe call your sell lucky man,i guess i should be the next finding an roof rack set for my VX soon,but still i've being searching on ebay & amazon.com for anyone that can fit with little mods.The Q towers looks to be my first chioce since they are likely the same :o

[VehiGAZ]

Hey Joe,

I use a Yakima Pro 16 cu ft on mine. Here's a couple of shots from my gallery to give you an idea of what it looks like...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/VX_in_VT_016.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6265) http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/UFO_take_off.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6163) http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Full_VX.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8762)

That last shot is from moving out of our ski house at the end of the season a couple of years back - there are 2 snowboards, 3 sets of ski poles, at least four pairs of skis, and a few boots in the cargo box. It's great for camping too - all the light, bulky items (tent, tarps, sleeping bags, chairs, etc) go in there.

My Yakima box attaches with built-in clamps on the bottom of the box that fit our cross-bars perfectly and make mounting & dismounting a snap - I can do it without any helpers in a couple of minutes with no tools.

I think Yakima discontinued that model line and replaced it with the Skybox Pro line (the Pro line comes in silver to match my Astral VX).

[Joe Isuzu]

What about the Thule Expedition rack? Like this:http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/passengers.jpg

Is that like a basket? It's so thin I'm assuming it has to be. If it is like a basket, then it's not really what I'm considering. This is more of a luggage, clothes carrier type of thing is what I'm after.

[Joe Isuzu]

Joe,

When you talked to Yakima did you ask about using one of the bags instead? (see link)

http://www.yakima.com/racks/cargo/product/8007166/getout-pro.aspx

It appears that the mounting system is strap-based instead of hardware-based, so maybe this would be a universal solution? Not as cool looking as an aero box, but would be lighter, cheaper, and easier to store...

Thoughts anybody?

Ashley

Hey Ashley, I'm assuming that a bag will work. Yakmia told me on the phone that it was only meant for bike and snowboards I think. Didn't mention bags, but I'm guessing that will work. I know rationally the bag makes more sense, cheaper, easier to store, etc I just prefer the cargo carrier as it looks cooler. Kinda like the VX, there are TONS of SUV's that make much more sense, but it looks so cool!

[Joe Isuzu]

Hey Joe,

I use a Yakima Pro 16 cu ft on mine. Here's a couple of shots from my gallery to give you an idea of what it looks like...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/VX_in_VT_016.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6265) http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/UFO_take_off.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6163) http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Full_VX.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8762)

That last shot is from moving out of our ski house at the end of the season a couple of years back - there are 2 snowboards, 3 sets of ski poles, at least four pairs of skis, and a few boots in the cargo box. It's great for camping too - all the light, bulky items (tent, tarps, sleeping bags, chairs, etc) go in there.

My Yakima box attaches with built-in clamps on the bottom of the box that fit our cross-bars perfectly and make mounting & dismounting a snap - I can do it without any helpers in a couple of minutes with no tools.

I think Yakima discontinued that model line and replaced it with the Skybox Pro line (the Pro line comes in silver to match my Astral VX).

Thanks for the info. I've been looking out for an Atlantic 1600 from Thule as I've had it on the VX and it works well. Just too stinking expensive at $450 or so. I've been on the lookout for one on ebay instead but most don't ship. I'll check out the yakima website to see how the dimensions match with the atlantis. Does it interfere with the antenna, I can't tell by your picture. Thanks!!

[VehiGAZ]

Hey Joe,

I got mine from this place (http://www.prolineracks.com/cargo-carriers.html) (www.prolineracks.com). They ship, but they are local for me, so I just went there and had them toss it on.

Like the Thule, the Yakima has adjustable clamps so you can adjust how far forward or back it sits. I have mine sitting about half an inch in front of the antenna.

Forget what the Yakima people told you - once you have the connectors between the crossbars and the rack, any of their products will mount interchangeably. What they were probably getting at was that they only sold the ski and bike rack attachments through Isuzu, but that doesn't mean much because the bike & ski racks were their regular off-the-shelf components.

Unfortunately, the Yakima isn't any cheaper than the Thule. I had a hard time spending so much money, but we use it all year every year, so I guess it was worth it - especially since we didn't have an alternative!

Good luck!

[vt_maverick]

Hey Ashley, I'm assuming that a bag will work. Yakmia told me on the phone that it was only meant for bike and snowboards I think. Didn't mention bags, but I'm guessing that will work. I know rationally the bag makes more sense, cheaper, easier to store, etc I just prefer the cargo carrier as it looks cooler. Kinda like the VX, there are TONS of SUV's that make much more sense, but it looks so cool!

Agreed - the bag was a last ditch option because I need something soon (going to do some OBX beach driving in a few weeks). Glad to see that the much cooler looking Yakima box is available - thanks vehiGAZ!

[Joe Isuzu]

Ashley, I'm so jealous, I used to live in Raleigh and went each summer to the outer banks. It's lovely out there and the thing I liked best was it was mostly deserted. Unfortunately, the trend out there last I heard was for richy-rich neighbourhoods were taking over and crowding out the public beaches.
Now that we're in the western part of SC, it's really a hike out there. Not to mention the new additions to the family make a beach trip out of the question this year. My wife and I really miss the outer banks. She really loved the lighthouses. Surprisingly, SC is kinda weak with lighthouses. I think there's only 3-4 and one of them is already in the ocean.

[vt_maverick]

Update: I decided to order the Skybox 16 after reading vehiGAZ's post, and it fits like a glove. Looks good, perfect (albeit tight) fit, can't wait to use it next weekend!

[VehiGAZ]

Glad I could help!

I just used ours this weekend to clear out our ski house rental in VT. I had it loaded with 3 snowboards (& bindings), 2 pairs skis, 2 pairs ski poles, 2 sets of snowshoes, my "everyday" Yakima ski racks, and a little room to spare (and as usual, the back of the VX was completely packed side-to-side and floor-to-ceiling). We couldn't manage without it...

[vt_maverick]

Pic from this weekend's outing to the Outer Banks... Yakima Skybox 16 worked great! :cool:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P1011563.JPG

[Joe Isuzu]

the foxfire looks really good, that would definitely be my choice if the dragon didn't exist, thanks for sharing! I think the thule atlantis 1600 rides a little lower, but it's very subtle
then again, it may just be my memory...
I will likely go with the thule as the supplier is in town so I won't have to worry about shipping, we have a thule hitch bike rack as well and are very pleased with the quality

[VehiGAZ]

Glad it worked out for you, vt! Looks sharp!

[Gussie2000]

Oh yes guys !

I finally got a set of those in-extintion roof racks by one of our now ex-member from minnesota $ 250 with shipping included :)

[mdwyer]

Well, if there's an unofficial list going around, you might pencil my name in at the bottom... I could use a little something on the roof of my Proton.

Also, for those looking for roof rack parts, apparently Biju is trying to be sneaky and sell some of his parts on ebay. Alydog (http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/alydog_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ) is one of the accounts he uses. Right now there's a door panel, a tower, and a cover for sale.

[Gussie2000]

Oh yes i saw that auction,i had the tower plastic cover in my watching list,but i didn't make it on time to bid today evening.:(

I have an idea,if any of you guys are about to sale your VX to some one who isn't seems interested in the board you should offer for sale those racks to any of the members who has being waiting around to purchase a set. What you guys think about that

[taylorRichie]

I was watching that same cover... I just didn't see paying $40 for it... :eek:

Figure I could use something else to cover up.

[Gussie2000]

I was watching that same cover... I just didn't see paying $40 for it... :eek:

Figure I could use something else to cover up.

Oh yeah !

I also had the same thoughts $ 40.00 + shipping is just ridiculous.

I even went further & sent him an message about the price,he never answered back,i guess he didn't had any intentions to go lower than that,however some one did bite the bait :rolleyes:

[Joe Isuzu]

Oh yes i saw that auction,i had the tower plastic cover in my watching list,but i didn't make it on time to bid today evening.:(

I have an idea,if any of you guys are about to sale your VX to some one who isn't seems interested in the board you should offer for sale those racks to any of the members who has being waiting around to purchase a set. What you guys think about that

I think it's a good idea, but honestly I would prefer to sell my VX w/rack to someone here anyway. I would hope that someone in the club would appreciate it better than someone in the general public.