| RobDDD |
I am looking to purchase a roof cargo box for this summers trek to the shore. Any recommendations on type as well as where to purchase. I checked hondacuraworld but did not see any listed.
Thanks |
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| hondacuraworld |
Historically it's proven too large to ship. This may change in the future as FedEx is going to be offering a special freight service for such things, however I'm not sure if the price I get will allow for discounts over suggested retail.
For now, unfortunately, you may have to get it from your local dealer. List price as I recall is 289.00. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Come on Tim, as soon as you do free shipping, I'm in also. |
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| jwalken |
How big of a box are you looking for? Cubic feet?
I have owned two seperate boxes and they have both been a lifesaver.
D |
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| KenF |
| The best place to go would be somewhere local. Shipping on these things is expensive, so you will save if you buy it locally. Bike stores sometimes stock them, Sears also has one that's made by Thule. If there is an REI store in your area that would be the best place to go. Thule and yakima both have web sites that let you search for local dealers. Go to REI.com and browse to see which box you like. Also note the shipping costs, it's not worth it unless it's your only option. |
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| ESCMDX |
I have one have from Acura that I like a lot - I believe Tim referred to the same one as well in one of the responses which runs about $289 from dealer and usually needs to be special ordered. I found one after checking the 4th dealer in my area.
My dealer drove mine into their cargo bay when it was in for its 15K service - minimal damage but they got me another one anyways. I fixed the one I have with some black paint and it looks like new.
I just put the new one up for sale on ebay yesterday http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...8&category=6755
The link has pictures so you can see it in action :-)
You do need to watch where you mount it as too far forward and you are over the moonroof and too far back it runs into the hatch. Also, the blow down from the unit being right infront of the moonroof makes the moonroof unusable at high speeds - but worth while when you are overloaded. Hope this helps. |
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| perk |
| Check out www.thule.com and don't buy the local salesman's crap about having to buy extra bars. You don't need those. Just buy a cargo carrier and clamps. Thule makes the best and has the best range of sizes. If you want preview, visit your local ski shop and take a look. |
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| TheyCallMeBruce |
While I admit that Thule makes an excellent product line, I'm a Yakima guy myself. If you have a choice of driver's side or curbside opening, get driver's side; its an extra 34 feet of walking roundtrip whenever you need to get something from up there. These boxes, especially the larger sizes, are fairly expensive. In May, REI sells all Yakima products for 20% off. The month before or after, I believe, they also blow out their Thule products at the same discount. When April arrives, and if there is a REI within a couple hour's drive, I suggest you call up a local store and ask the rack department when they expect to have their sales and on which product line. Otherwise, you'll just have to check local sporting stores and ask for 10% discount, just because there's a high markup on these things, they take up a lot of floor space, and the inventory doesn't turn over very quickly. Shipping on this stuff will usually kill any other advertised discount you might find.
Good luck. |
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| HarvM |
I have a Thule Summit cargo box and there is no way the Thule brackets that come with the box will fit the unbelievably wide MDX cross bars. They barely fit the approx. 2" wide cross bars on my wife's Honda CRV. Looks like I'll have to get a Yakima roof rack for the MDX like I did for the Grand Cherokee which suffered from the same wide OEM crossbar problem.
Has anybody here mounted a Yakima rack to the MDX? I prefer Yakima because I already have quite a bit invested in their ski holders, bike carriers, lock cores, etc. My concern is that the Yakima installation instructions for the MDX seem to indicate that the recommended "Q Towers" sit directly on the roof with clips to the door frame. I'm worried about scratching or denting the roof or door frame where the tower feet or clips contact the painted surfaces.
The Gr.Cherokee used Yakima's "RailRider Towers" which mounted to the OEM rails so there was no contact with painted surfaces or clips to the door frame.
Yakima's website indicates the following for the '04 MDX:
Q Towers $125.00 Part #8000105 and Q116 Clips $25.00 x 2 Part #8000716
The mounting instrux:
http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com...uctions-pdf.pdf |
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| KenF |
Harv,
My Thule box has narrow and wide settings for the brackets. The narrow fits the standard square Thule cross-bar, and the wide is just enough to fit the MDX OEM crossbars. Does yours have two settings also? |
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| jwalken |
I had a Yakima RocketBox that fit beautifully on the MDX's wide OEM crossbars. I could mount and unmount the box using only the standard brackets in under 5 minutes.
The downside to using the Yakima on the factory racks is when you open the rear door. Depending on how mount the box either the rear windshield washer nozzle will hit the box or the actual rear window itself will rub the box. Regardless the back door will only raise about 5 feet and you will have to crawl under to access the back of the X if you exceed the 5 foot mark. I used to keep a small old pillow in the back that I would throw on the window to keep the box from scratching the rack.
If you got Yamika after market bar system you could possibly avoid the height and rub issues all together. But you certainly dont have to.
I know own a box from a company called Packline, sold under the Bauer label. It is is the EXACT same mold as the Packasport only Packline has a nice handle. REI now carries the Packline brand. They are spendier than the Thule's or Yamika's, but they are lower profile and they come in bigger sizes. And you dont have any issues with the rear door/window. |
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| HarvM |
| The Thule Summit box has multiple mounting holes so you can move the brackets to accommodate varying crossbar spreads but the widest crossbar width the brackets will fit is limited by the width of the black plastic latches that catch each bracket's carriage bolt. |
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| perk |
quote:
Originally posted by jwalken
I had a Yakima RocketBox that fit beautifully on the MDX's wide OEM crossbars. I could mount and unmount the box using only the standard brackets in under 5 minutes.
The downside to using the Yakima on the factory racks is when you open the rear door. Depending on how mount the box either the rear windshield washer nozzle will hit the box or the actual rear window itself will rub the box. Regardless the back door will only raise about 5 feet and you will have to crawl under to access the back of the X if you exceed the 5 foot mark. I used to keep a small old pillow in the back that I would throw on the window to keep the box from scratching the rack.
quote:
Originally posted by HarvM
I have a Thule Summit cargo box and there is no way the Thule brackets that come with the box will fit the unbelievably wide MDX cross bars. They barely fit the approx. 2" wide cross bars on my wife's Honda CRV. Looks like I'll have to get a Yakima roof rack for the MDX like I did for the Grand Cherokee which suffered from the same wide OEM crossbar problem.
Both Yakima and Thule make great products but customers frequently run into problems like those described above. The problem is often that the Yakima and Thule distributors don't know much about their products, and worse yet, the Thule and Yakima catalogs are filled with inaccurate info. For example, the Thule catalog says that MDX owners must buy extra bars, clamps, etc. That is incorrect. All you have to do when ordering is to request the extra wide clamps or the adjustable clamps, then you'll be just fine connecting the carrier directly to MDX factory roof rack. There is no need to buy the bars suggested by the catalog.
The problem described by jwalken is also easily correctable. If the cargo carrier hits the back window when you open the hatch, then the cargo carrier you selected is too long for that car. The simple solution is to get a shorter cargo carrier since they are offered in so many sizes.
Perhaps its best to buy from someone like REI as suggested by TheyCallMeBruce. I'm not sure who is the best to buy from, but I do know one thing for sure, it's best to find a ski shop or some other carrier that has these in stock. I recommend that you take actual carriers outside and try them out on top of your MDX. Open all the doors and hatch to see if everything still works when installed. In that way, you'll easily determine the correct length of carrier and the correct size clamps needed to fit your X. Good luck. |
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| KenF |
quote:
Originally posted by perk
The problem described by jwalken is also easily correctable. If the cargo carrier hits the back window when you open the hatch, then the cargo carrier you selected is too long for that car. The simple solution is to get a shorter cargo carrier since they are offered in so many sizes.
Another easy way to fix this is just mount it further forward. Most boxes designed to hold skis are long enough that they would hit the open hatch unless you move them forward. They have multiple mounting points so you can move them back and forth, as well as drilling instructions to make more holes in the box to increase the range. Since the cross bars are fixed on the MDX this ability is crucial. Getting a shorter box may not work if you want to carry skis. Most of the boxes I have seen come in only two lengths- and the short one won't hold skis. |
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| jwalken |
| When I bought my Yakima box, I notice the length issue right away. When I called Yakima they told me that I will void the lifetime warranty on my box if I drill any new holes. I didnt want to do that on a $400 box, so I lived with it not fitting ideally. |
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| RobDDD |
| I appreciate all the help. I am looking for a box that will carry as much of the kids things as possible (stroller, high chair, etc.). Should all of the box sizes fit the X or should i look for a midsize box? |
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| jwalken |
There are plenty of boxes that will meet your needs, and fit your X without additional hardware. Ultimately its about how much you are willing to spend.
The Yamika and Thule big boxes like the Yakima Platinum Pro 18 has 18 cu feet of storage and 18" of internal clearance. Great for high chairs and strollers, catch is you'll never be able to park under any roof because your now almost 8' high.
J |
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| perk |
| Well said. The problem is definately not availability. The real problem is cost, because these things are expensive. The other thing is simply figuring out which box you want. Once you do, and once you pay for it, then you need only worry about the height of vehicle overall and the lower fuel mileage coming from extra drag. In any event, I'm convinced it's best to stick with a Thule or Yakima because, even if expensive, their products are much more aerodynamic and substantially more functional than the standard little carriers of old. You might pay more up front, but it will be quieter, more useful, and use less fuel. |
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| TheyCallMeBruce |
quote:
Originally posted by HarvM
Has anybody here mounted a Yakima rack to the MDX? I prefer Yakima because I already have quite a bit invested in their ski holders, bike carriers, lock cores, etc. My concern is that the Yakima installation instructions for the MDX seem to indicate that the recommended "Q Towers" sit directly on the roof with clips to the door frame. I'm worried about scratching or denting the roof or door frame where the tower feet or clips contact the painted surfaces.
The Gr.Cherokee used Yakima's "RailRider Towers" which mounted to the OEM rails so there was no contact with painted surfaces or clips to the door frame.
Yakima's website indicates the following for the '04 MDX:
Q Towers $125.00 Part #8000105 and Q116 Clips $25.00 x 2 Part #8000716
The mounting instrux:
http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com...uctions-pdf.pdf
If you want maximum versatility from your Yakima accessories and attachments, you might consider that a number of members have installed Yakima track rails, or Yakima compatible OEM rails intended for another car brand. You will then have the same functionality as you had with your Cherokee.
Search this site for "yakima rail." If you are uncomfortable installing these tracks yourself, you can have them installed by any moonroof installation shop, or if unavailable, a local auto bodyshop.
Good Luck. |
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| MDX-rated |
I needed a roof cargo box that was long enough to carry my skis but wasn't keen on bending the antenna. Not having found any definitive answers searching through this forum, I decided to just go and try different ones by Thule and Yakima.
In summary, I found the best fit for the factory touring crossbars with the Yakima BlackTop Pro 16s which is in the pictures following, and the Platinum Pro 16s will be the same.
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| MDX-rated |
"Rapid-Fire" mount requires no additional accessories to attach and seems to work fine although doesn't quite completely encircle the very wide cross-bars.
Thule Evolution series needs additional accessories pack $28 to fit due to the wide bars. Thule Cascade series will fit without additional items but single-side opening ruled it out for me.
FRONT:
REAR:
Finally, here's what made me happiest:D It just touches the antenna so is not bending it to any extent that worries me:
The Rapid-Fire mounts can slide to position the box, but is positioned in these pictures as far forward as possible. This is actually limited by the front mounts, as the rear ones still have an inch more to go. If only the front ones had just 1/4" more, and we could have a gap to the antenna.
:2:
The Thule Evolution 1600 will bend the antenna quite a bit more but the Thule Cascade 1500 will actually clear it with a gap.
Hope this helps whoever out there is having this dilemma as I had, but am quite happy with this solution now:D |
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| perk |
| Excellent post. Thanks for the info. |
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| SUNRG |
| has anyone opted to sans the factory rack and go with the Yakima roof rack? it seems like this would allow you to custom position the case, and the Yakima rack opens up lots of case options - even using the Platinum 21. |
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| kflint |
I skipped the factory rack and installed a Thule rack system. Works very well.
Some old photos are here |
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| norcalchuck |
quote:
Originally posted by jwalken
How big of a box are you looking for? Cubic feet?
I have owned two seperate boxes and they have both been a lifesaver.
D
I bought a Thule box at REI--really nice, but forgot to check vertical clearance to the garage door opening. Had to return it, as I was not about to remove after every ski trip just to get into the garage. A shame--would like to have kept it. |
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| SUNRG |
kflint - your Thule rack and Evolution 16 look awesome :D
Can the position of the rack/crossbars be adjusted? I'd love to get the Evolution 21 if it could be positioned so it would not interfere with the antenna. |
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| kflint |
SUNRG - Yes, this is a full Thule track and cross-bar installation. The cross-bars can be moved along the entire length of the tracks.
The tracks begin (measuring from the front) about two-thirds of the way along the sunroof, and stretch to about the antenna in the back.
I have been able to mount various combinations of the Thule box, bike racks and ski/snowboard racks with no problem.
Norcalchuck - sorry about your garage. I forgot to check in advance, as well. I had my wife and kids spotting the clearance the first time I tried pulling into the garage with the box on the roof. Fortunately, I clear (with about a single inch to spare :rolleyes: ). |
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| norcalchuck |
quote:
Originally posted by kflint
SUNRG - Norcalchuck - sorry about your garage. I forgot to check in advance, as well. I had my wife and kids spotting the clearance the first time I tried pulling into the garage with the box on the roof. Fortunately, I clear (with about a single inch to spare :rolleyes: ).
The box I had purchased was the big Thule that opened from both sides. Petty nice. But too tall. I could go with a flatter box as it was about 3 inches too tall. As for the antenna, prior threads have addressed that issue. One could simply solder a proper length wire to a bolt and screw that into the antenna mount, or buy a replacement mast and bend it. The reception would be somewhat degraded, but not that much. |
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| kflint |
| Sounds like the Thule box I have - goes on easily with quick connect clamps, opens from both sides, holds a lot of stuff. It fits against (and slightly bends) my antenna about the same as in MDX-rated's photos above. I built and hung a rack from the roof of my garage (above the garage door) on which I put the box when its not on my MDX. |
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