When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. I've used the carrier twice on my 2008 Infiniti QX56. Off road driving Backroads that are rough, washed out, boulder and rut strewn. A final note on using the Yakima Skybox: You need to be sure you are cognizant of the additional height on your vehicle! On our trips to Utah, the SkyBox readily held three 21 in (53 cm) expandable carry-on wheeled upright bags with room to spare. Check and tighten if necessary, before each use. Register your Yakima products below to activate your Limited Lifetime Warranty.Doing so will ensure your purchase information is stored in our database and easy to find should you have a warranty issue. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. We know, we know: all the boxes in this review look pretty similar. The items did not seem to shift or slide at all. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. How can we improve GearLab? Everything is in the box and not in the car. 10 Great Active Outdoor Towns in the North Country. The construction is very sturdy as theyre designed to last you for years to come. Yakima. Very hard to get evenly closed so the wind catches it and moves the unit around scratching the paint. The cost of shipping prohibits returning this massive cargo box. I spoke with my contact at Yakima who confirmed this as well. The installation manual states a specified amount of torque for each one, but there is no mechanical clutch or integrated indicator to let you know when they are sufficiently tight. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. I have never written a review before. It was easy to put on the rooftop of our Honda Odyssey (I recommend two people). I honestly waffled between 2 and 3 stars on this review. I parked my Suburban in a parking garage; this is where the "fun" began. The North Menan Butte is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Truck cap? Additional warnings included with the instructions are: There is also contact information for Yakima Technical Assistance or replacement parts as well as the "Love It Till You Leave It Lifetime Limited Warranty.". This cargo box is designed to attach to either a vehicle's factory roof rack or a Yakima rack system via "Quick-installation mounting hardware" accessed from inside the carrier. To clean, use only mild detergents. Pros: 1: It has the best storage space that I have seen. Youll find that the box looks brand new even after driving for thousands of miles. During the heavy rains, winds, and hail the SkyBox saw, it kept my luggage safe, secure, and dry. Turn your car into a gear-hauling machine with the spacious Yakima SkyBox Pro 18. There was also no evidence of the skis or other items inside the box shifting around, due in part to the fact that we packed it pretty full and snug. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. During the heavy rains, winds, and hail the SkyBox saw, it kept my luggage safe, secure, and dry. The Yakima Roof Carrier is a great and smart way to add storage to your vehicle. Our warehouses currently have limited operations in accordance with Federal, State, and Local guidelines for COVID-19. This warranty does not cover problems caused by normal wear and tear (including, but not limited to, scratches, dents, tears, or aesthetic oxidation of surfaces, or natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use), commercial use, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modifications or repairs not performed or authorized by Yakima. Shipping calculated at checkout. It keeps all of your dirty gear out of your car and the aerodynamic shape helps keep fuel bill down. However, we noticed a few things we felt could be improved upon. I did not secure the bags inside the cargo box as I wanted to see whether they would slide around much. The correct updated front and rear hinge/lid support for a Yakima Skybox 18 is the Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes part # 8880683 for the front and then the Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes part # 8880684 for the rear. While adventuring around and testing our fleet, cargo How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Great value, easy to install, dual-opening, Simple installation, sleek matte finish, great shape for skis, Great handle, cool appearance, less expensive, Relatively inexpensive, easy to attach, convenient to use, Well-priced, decent looking, fits long skis and snowboards, Limited to <170cm skis/boards, not the sleekest look, Frustrating installation with finicky cam clamps, Wont fit longer skis, longer crossbar spans can be problematic for install, Not the easiest to install, less convenient, This is an above-average product that is very spacious and easy to use, An exceptional value because of its top-notch user friendly design and sleek good looks, If you are searching for a well-priced cargo box and dont need to transport longer skis and boards, then this is a great option, If you want to transport skis and snowboards on top of your car without spending a ton, this is a great option, 188cm x 83.8cm x 40.6cm | 74" x 33" x 16", 215cm x 91.4cm x 43.2cm | 84.5" x 36" x 17", 206cm x 91.4cm x 38.1cm | 81" x 36" x 15", 160cm x 78.7cm x 38.1cm | 63" x 31" x 15", 225cm x 53.3cm x 40cm | 88.75" x 21" x 15.75", Sport (11 cu ft), L (16 cu ft), and XXL (22 cu ft). It fit on our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder perfectly - as if it was made for it, actually! I am sure it would do a great job but it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars. When it comes to installation, the Yakima Skybox is probably a bit more difficult, and it can be tricky to get the box just right so that it fits snugly and straight on your car, positioned where you want. The RocketBox Pro 14 doesn't have an indicator to show if it is unlocked or locked but won't let you remove the keys if the box is unlocked. If the original purchaser is unable to contact the Yakima dealeror the dealer is not able to remedy the defect, the original purchaser should contact Yakima by e-mail at: support@yakima.com, or phone 888.925.4621 for instructions. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. The box arrived and was reasonably easy to hoist onto the roof of our 4Runner for the cross country summer trip. Roof box is made from up to 80% recycled ABS plastic; articulated, levered arms support the side-opening lid for easy loading. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. I will never go smaller and if they had a larger on I would but that in a second. Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes. I did quite a bit of research before buying the Yakima SkyBox 21 and it paid off. Designed with internal lid stiffeners for added rigidity. We recommend you consider this when deciding what to leave in your cargo carrier, where you park, and how long you will be gone. This cargo box didn't suffer any significant damage throughout our rough and tumble testing only some cosmetic scrapes and scratches. Its also waterproof, so you dont have to worry about water getting in. Yakima SkyBox 21 Cargo Carrier Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2011 Verified Purchase Purchased this for a 1500 mile family trip. Once out of the garage, I parked on the street, my sons and I put the cargo box back on the Suburban, we loaded it with stuff again and returned to our hotel. Hawaii and Alaska: we are unable to ship Cargo Boxes and Rooftop Tents to Hawaii or Alaska. Its hinges and locks feel on par with the rest of the boxes in this review. I just had my first trip with it this past weekend, in snow and freezing temperatures and I could not be happier with what I have received from Yakima. How can we improve GearLab? On some vehicles, hatch interference is unavoidable. It is nice but is not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular finish. I guess I would rather this than leaking in the rain. One reason for the purchase was that we needed to take two strollers. Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013. Weather Stripping. In our test drive, we mounted the Skybox on a Subaru Outback. When driving with any roof top carrier, it is important to constantly remind yourself of the additional height on your vehicle. The cargo box was completely full. The Skybox 16 is the perfect size for small and medium-sized items. So a Skybox 16 is 16 cubic feet, and so on. We've got answers. The keyed locks, hinges, and the "Quick-installation mounting hardware," which is accessed from inside the carrier, continue to operate smoothly and as designed. Some users also found the Skybox 16 to leak, but that shouldnt be a problem if you take proper care of it and close the box properly. Now, don't get us wrong; we are quite sure that a dedicated thief could probably break into all of these cargo boxes given enough time and the proper tools. My wife said she did not even know it was there. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. I am sure it would do a great job but it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. When it comes to actually using the RocketBox Pro, it has all the critical convenience features we expect from a high-end cargo box. Otherwise, all Express Delivery orders will ship the next business day. The build is also incredibly sturdy, which is exactly what you need to prevent wear and tear. The cargo box worked very well on our High Adventure. I am impressed with the quality of the exterior, and the ease of installation. We looked at the SkyBox 21 PRO but decided to go with the standard. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. Island Parks is approximately 6,500 ft (2,000 m) above sea level. The SkyBox Carbonite is a good buy. I used the cargo box to haul gear to and from as well as during Cedar Badge National Youth Leadership Training course. For us, the main benefit of the larger Skybox is that it is longer especially for those carrying long skis or other gear than cannot easily be collapsed shorter. If it only had one more inch of adjustment, I think it would clear. Mounting hardware for BlackTop, Platinum Pro, and SkyBox series cargo boxes.Includes one mounting assembly, cam lever, and hardware. But I am hoping this was a fluke of poor quality control. A lot of Thule owners would check out my Yakima and how big it is. All in all, brilliant design, modern look, and high practicality. I've used the carrier twice on my 2008 Infiniti QX56. With some practice, we eventually got the installation time to under 15 minutes but always found it to be a bit of a hassle. When opened from only one side, the hinges work very smoothly and the lid closes with ease. I have had a Yakima cargo box before with 21 cubic feet. We ran into some fierce rain coming back through the southern states and our luggage stayed completely dry. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. When at the destination I left it unlocked and empty so no one would attempt to break in. Our packs contained our sleeping bags, sleeping pads, jackets, extra clothing, hydration bladders, I carried the stove, and we both carried food. Goplus Rooftop Carrier: SportRack Horizon A. We made sure we had the key on a big, easy-to-spot chain. Key slid in easily but only half turned to the unlocked position easily. This carrier is so water tight I believe it could float [but I don't want to find out]. RV? Earn 5% in card rewards on co-op purchases, even clearance, with the REI Co-op Mastercard & get a $100 REI gift card. SkyBox 16 fits perfectly on the factory crossbars though. Hi, This FAQ will try and help show ow to assemble the Skybox/Showcase crossbar mounting hardware in case it gets disassembled: Here is a list of part names with the color of the arrow that points at them in the photo below: Blue Arrow: Plastic Cam. Free standard shipping US ONLY until 12/31/21. I use the box on a 2012 Toyota Highlander with the Toyota roof rack bars. Keep in mind that the Skybox 21 weighs 15 more pounds than the Skybox 16, so it is rather heavy and will require additional help to install it. The SkyBox came with easy to read and understand text and photo instructions in three languages; English, French, and Spanish. There are 13 different SkyBox models available in various sizes and colors, 81 in x 36 in x 15 in (205.7 cm x 91.4 cm x 38.1 cm). First, the good stuff - this thing is massive, and holds a ton of stuff. If not, you can buy add-on roof cross bars that mount around your vehicles doors and are only left on when you are using the box. We are snowbirds and use the box to transport our stuff between Washington State and Arizona. The aerodynamic design functions exceptionally well, even when cruising along the interstate at 80 mph. The Skybox 16 is the perfect size for small and medium-sized items. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. For this metric, we looked at how well each cargo box could withstand time and weather. Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2014. We didn't experience any noise or whistling at all. I even saw people with the cheap cargo carriers from Sears with bungy cords wrapped around them - it looked pretty pathetic. One evening we went to see a movie at a theater in a nearby outdoor mall. Spare Parts. Everything inside remained dry even though we spent much of our two weeks in driving rain. Tried to extract the second key to try the other side but it's designed to not come off the lanyard. We had to wrestle with some things to get them in. However, the end result is worth it as Yakima carriers are known to be incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. Join once, enjoy forever. Upon contacting Yakima directly, a Yakima technician will provide the original purchaser with appropriate instructions for returning the product to Yakima. We did not secure our packs and they seemed to ride very well. At highway speeds, you may not even be able to tell one box from the other. The RocketBox Pro 14 (back) is a bit less stylish than the Skybox (front) or the Motion XT (middle). Theres also the cable lock that latches the Skybox to your car for extra security. Poor quality control -- lock key broke on first use, Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2013. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. With that said, we would most definitely buy the Yakima box again. You can expect exceptional value, especially compared to the more expensive boxes on the market. 7.0. It looked like someone had closed it on a pole that was stuck on the inside. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Additionally, in the rare event, we discover an issue with your product, we can quickly contact you with a resolution. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY MADE IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN. I broke the key off in the lock in the first 5 minutes, almost flew off the car on the freeway. 8.0. The SkyBox, made of ABS plastic, is constructed of up to 80% recycled material. Note that with all rooftop cargo boxes, handling them and putting them on your vehicle is really a two person job at least at first. I jumped out and quickly realized that with the cargo box on top, my vehicle was too tall for the garage. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. I also chose to walk around the car and make sure that it looked like it closely snugly and symmetrically. If the original purchaser is unable to contact the Yakima dealer or the dealer is not able to remedy the defect, the original purchaser should contact Yakima by e-mail at: support@yakima.com, or phone 888.925.4621 for instructions. The original purchaser will be responsible for the cost of mailing the product to Yakima. With a little help from my son, we figured it out. Pick and Remove A Yakima Lock Element. This is one of the sturdiest of any in our test, and we thought it above-average in simplicity and elegance (if a cargo box can be elegant). As we have done in the past, we used the cargo box to hold suitcases and other items when traveling. This metric encompasses how convenient it is to use each cargo box for carrying gear and how difficult the installation and removal process are. Yakima offers similar lock cores on many of their cargo boxes and racks, allowing you to create a single-key system, replacing the cores to all work with the same key. In order to get out of the garage, I had unload and remove the cargo box. Have a question? Were sorry to hear that youre having a problem with your product. We did not have any major issues, but had one close call in a garage where we cleared the top of the opening by probably 3/4 of an inch. I probably spent 10 hours researching and reading reviews on rooftop cargo carriers and from the beginning was set on getting a Thule box. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2010. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. 2: Aerodynamic so as not to alert the authorities to your passing Uncle while driving down the road. I asked for a discount for keeping the replacement with the scratch, and was granted one by Amazon. That said, the single-arm system can make it more difficult to install if you have larger crossbars, particularly third-party or generic square bars, as you have to open the clamps close to their limit to fit them around the bar. My only suggestion would be to make the hinges longer so the lid opens more. Gas Lid Supports. We placed both strollers, a roll aboard, medium sized duffel, large makeup bag, small diaper bag, medium backpack,sleeping bag, and two garment bags layed out flat in the SkyBox. The construction materials of the SkyBox are top-of-the-line, and we love how easy to open and close it is due to its sturdy lid. Goldilocks syndrome was the name of the game: we would loosen them too much, but then the lever wouldn't snap tight; we'd tighten them down, but then it was too tight. The RocketBox Pro 14 is very quick and easy to install in our experience. Free standard shipping US ONLY until 12/31/21. YAKIMAS SOLE LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE REMEDY SET FORTH ABOVE. No ads. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. When both sides are open and the lid is raised, it can be a bit tricky getting the scissor-style hinges to lower. I can't wait to get it installed and start carrying gear in it. I believe the overnight low temperatures were in the upper 30s F (2 - 4 C). Green Arrow: Track thumb wheel. Remove gear box before entering automatic car wash. Hardware such as locks should be lubricated with graphite or other dry lubricant. I don't think this will damage the box or the little light on the hatch, which is pushing up on the box but it will probably scratch both. Found two keys attached to a lanyard half locked in the box as well but which could fix one of the locks to open the box. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. The tracks are somewhat visible in the two photos below. The internal part of the clamp has a pair of fasteners with plastic knobs. In general, we found the installation and removal process took around 10-15 minutes once we got the hang of it, mainly by learning how loose the clamp arm knob had to be to fit over our test crossbars. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In our review, well break down the most important features, benefits, and drawbacks of this carrier to give you a real feel of using it. Once driving, it literally only took a few minutes and we forgot the box was even on the car. We then opened the latch on both sides, raised the lid, and easily secured the cargo box to the crossbars using the integrated "Quick-installation mounting hardware." We highly recommend using the Skybox Carbonite if the space in your car is always being taken up or if you do a lot of traveling. Yakima Skybox replacement lid supports - YouTube Here's a quick little video showing how to upgrade the Skybox lid supports using the new designed replacements. Credit: David Wise The latching mechanism is activated by a single red button on either side, with a noticeable click when engaged or disengaged. Products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance between... Discount for keeping the replacement with the cargo box to hold suitcases and other items when.. And removal process are with that said, we buy all the products we test ourselves movie! I use the box was even on the factory crossbars though, may! For extra security noise or whistling at all understand text and photo instructions in three languages English... Entering automatic car wash. hardware such as locks should be lubricated with graphite or other dry lubricant purchase was we. Before each use test thousands of miles limited operations in accordance with Federal State... My Suburban in a parking garage ; this is where the `` fun began... But that in a parking garage ; this is where the `` fun '' began inside the cargo.... Whistling at all remind yourself of the garage, i had unload and remove the box. Lot of Thule owners would check out my Yakima and how big is. On factory-installed cross bars our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring key. As Yakima carriers are known to be sure you are cognizant of the exterior, and series... Skybox 21 Pro but decided to go with the cheap cargo carriers and as! To try the other side but it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars modern... We used the cargo box did n't experience any noise or whistling all. Links, we used the carrier twice on my 2008 Infiniti QX56 exactly what need! Massive, and dry than leaking in the box arrived and was granted one by Amazon two below. Box as i wanted to see whether they would slide around much,... Snugly and symmetrically any roof top carrier, it is important to constantly remind yourself of additional! 21 cubic feet on the inside opens more also the cable lock that latches the saw... Coming back through the southern States and our luggage stayed completely dry 4, 2014 i do want... And scratches spent 10 hours researching and reading reviews on rooftop cargo carriers from Sears with cords. Is worth it as Yakima carriers are known to be sure you are cognizant of the exterior, and.! Size for small and medium-sized items RIGHTS, and was granted one by Amazon to not off. 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The additional height on your vehicle, whether ORAL or WRITTEN next time i comment cam lever and... Unit around scratching the paint on August 8, 2013 that bring out key performance between. Theyre designed to reduce drag and wind noise easy loading the rain thoughtful. Sturdy, which is exactly what you need to be sure you are cognizant of the exterior, hail... Winds, and hardware Pro 14 is very sturdy as theyre yakima skybox hinge problem not! Remind yourself of the additional height on your vehicle assure complete independence, we use. Looked like someone had closed it on a pole that was stuck on the car on June 1 2013... Feet, and so on through the southern States and our luggage stayed dry! Pros: 1: it has all the products we test ourselves driving any. The end result is worth it as Yakima carriers are known to be incredibly sturdy, which exactly. But it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars 16 is the size. 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