$899.95. Yakima's large cargo boxes can store up to 6 pairs of skis that are up to 215cm in length. Planning an outdoor trip can be fun. But, whether you admit it or not, youd still love to have something stylish looking. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well, How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, If you are looking for a premium cargo box that's easy to use with plenty of room, this is our strong recommendation, This is the cargo carrier for you if you want all the bells and whistles and dont mind paying for it, An excellent, high-end cargo box that excels in just about every category, 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 cargo box without busting your budget, then we highly recommend this option, 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 are searching for a bare-bones cargo carrier without bells and whistles, then this is a good choice, If you want to transport skis and snowboards on top of your car without spending a ton, this is a great option, This is a great value buy with a simple design and functional features, 201cm x 88.9cm x 45.7cm | 79" x 35" x 18", 212cm x 87.6cm x 35.6cm | 83.5" x 34.5" x 14", 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", 188cm x 83.8cm x 40.6cm | 74" x 33" x 16", 160cm x 78.7cm x 38.1cm | 63" x 31" x 15", 193cm x 83.8cm x 41.9cm | 76" x 33" x 16.5", 225cm x 53.3cm x 40cm | 88.75" x 21" x 15.75", 160cm x 96.5cm x 48.3cm | 63" x 38" x 19", Sport (11 cu ft), L (16 cu ft), and XXL (22 cu ft). The hybrid mounting system on the Alpine can be a bit finicky until you get the hang of it. However, the only downgrade of this product is its laborious installation. For this criterion, we're giving it to Yakima Skybox with 7/10 while Thule Force with 6/10. It complements any color, plus your tire is black. Yakima began in 1979 as a small machine shop. That is why this cargo box is recommended for car owners who are looking for a cargo box that they can attach to their car permanently. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. The Thule Motion XT 22 cubic foot cargo box, part # TH629906 requires 55 inches of front clearance. We posed the same question and dedicated an entire metric to this. The Yakima GrandTour box has a very glossy finish. It was impressive, nonetheless. 493 Reviews. These all are pretty quick and easy to install, with dual-opening lids. Features 15 cu. This roof box is very quick and easy to install on most vehicles and convenient and easy to use. The click wasnt such a loss as a feature. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting, and we think this provides a better seal than the vinyl stickers but not as good as the top-tier models with quick clamps that have a sliding seal. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. Comparatively, Thule offers TopRide and FastRide. Thule and Yakima, wanting to retain their good reputation, is making sure that all of their cargo boxes are aerodynamic. We focus primarily on how floppy the lid feels, as well as looking at any wear and tear that these cargo boxes might have sustained throughout our testing process. 2. But worry not, because its glossy design and hard plastic will do an excellent job in keeping your items dry and protected from moisture. Generous load capacity. Square edges and a square wind fairing make it look like a steel box without a lid. Christina Brandon is a freelance writer and mother based in Southern California. Thule Force has one feature that Yakima Skybox didnt have. Read more: Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 review. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They have factory-installed locks but lack any extra indicators or ergonomic handles. msc777; Aug 17, 2021 . The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). A good game of Goldilocks will help you. I like it better than Yakima, though they are both pretty good. This roof box is one of the most expensive options we have tested and is likely outside the budget for many people. Even when one tester managed to bend two of the four mounting clips by backing a Thule box into a cement wall they didn't realize stuck out further than the car, there wasn't major damage to the cargo carrier. The Yakima HoldUp Evo is pretty similar to The Thule T2 regarding the size and bike capacity. Yakima has an edge in roof bike racks because they're the company's main focus. Yakima has an edge in roof bike racks because theyre the companys main focus. This factor is only applicable if you are planning to buy a roof cargo box. yakima grandtour 16 vs thule motion xt . We looked for fairly rigid lids that aligned the latching mechanisms without issue. Also, dont forget how these finishes will react to dirt and scrapes. The GrandTour is also convenient and hassle-free when it comes to loading your gear. Youll find some under $200, but they have no defining features or interesting designs. The lid only opens on one side with no way to reconfigure it and it lacks any integrated straps for securing your gear inside. The Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector have a red indicator, and the Yakima Skybox and Yakima GrandTour have nice large handles that make closing everything up securely easy and obvious. 3. The good news is that for almost anything you want to carry both Yakima and Thule offer top-of-the-line accessories for it. It is a great premium product that received a top score, and we would highly recommend it to anyone who wants the best and will pay a premium price, but we think most people would be just as happy with some of the less expensive options. It also looks a bit stubbier and less sleek and stylish overall than some of its pricier counterparts. lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Home; Over ons; FAQ; Retouren & Ruilen . piloteers.org is not in any way affiliated with Honda Motor Company, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Lauren has lived out of her van for several years and taken these boxes all over the country, filling them with gear for many kinds of trips. And, you are confident it will last the same amount of time as Thule Force. Before deciding on getting a roof cargo box, make sure to have everything you need to get it set up on your roof. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Finally, we took into account any wear and tear or other damage that each cargo carrier might have experienced after our rough and tumble-testing process. JavaScript is disabled. See if these products meet such factors. Crossbars are the basis for any roof rack system because they act as a foundation for how racks are attached. The GrandTour took top marks in this metric, delivering on each point. It also contributes to its stability when attached to the car. Still, they are all easy to latch and unlatch and won't permit the key to be removed while the box is unlocked, preventing you from forgetting to close it or locking your keys in the box. It can accommodate a wide variety of wheel sizes and tire widths. It only requires a single person and a few minutes to install. The clamps have sliding seals to keep moisture or dust out, and we never had any problems with water intrusion during heavy rain or snowstorms. In addition to performing comprehensive real-world testing, David also contributes via his background in mechanical engineering when ranking and scoring each model's aerodynamics and structural design. Got feedback? The entire installation process usually only took us 5-10 minutes, making this a great option if you are someone who is planning on frequently installing and removing your cargo box. vs Yakima GrandTour (16 vs 18?). First, Yakima takes on a unique character that most cyclists can't resist. With simple hand-tightening, youd know how tight it should be. How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, If you are searching for a cargo box without busting your budget, then we highly recommend this option, 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, 201cm x 88.9cm x 45.7cm | 79" x 35" x 18", 188cm x 83.8cm x 40.6cm | 74" x 33" x 16", 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". The 18 cubic foot model can hold items up to 210 cm more than enough for the majority of alpine skis on the market. Sure, your vehicle will have enough room to carry your stuff. Its solid forefront design is an indication of years of service that this cargo box can offer. Some cargo boxes will ruin the aesthetics of a car. For this criterion, were giving it to Yakima Skybox with 7/10 while Thule Force with 6/10. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. For this metric, we looked at the assembly process, which included mounting, opening, and closing the box. The installation of the cargo box in your car will look more of an upgrade rather than an add-on. In my area 2 different models showed up for sale: Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. These cargo carriers all held up very well to our testing process and feel solid and sturdy, with a lid that opens with minimal flopping. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. The smoother interior surface (lacking awkward knobs or protrusions) makes loading and moving gear throughout the cargo box easier. First to consider is the material used. Choosing between Thule and Yakima cargo boxes isnt easy. The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). How these cargo boxes withstand all of what your travels may throw at it is what were going to measure in this benchmark. However, the possibility of losing it remains, though replacements can be purchased from Yakima, should that need arise. And if you are torn continuously in choosing Thule vs. Yakima cargo boxes, there are a few factors that you need to consider. But, which one should you get? Heres a brief comparison of the two products we just reviewed. Our experts test thousands of products each year. However, it can be a bit expensive. Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. To give you convenience, you can access your gears from both sidesthe passenger or the drivers side. So, if you have a tall vehicle or you have a short stature, make sure to check the pull chords first before purchasing the product. The reviews we ran hopefully gave you an insight into each items strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to its strong plastic material, it can protect the items from heavy weather and even moisture. It opens on both sides, is quite durable and secure, and looks good on most cars. The load compresses the rubber feet, loosening the nut and giving enough play for the rack to shift over - thus putting weight on the glass. Thule Forces construction means longevity. Both Thule and Yakima did an excellent job in the opening and closing mechanisms of their cargo boxes. Despite its sleek design, it can accommodate a lot of gears. By Thule Thule Motion XT L Black Cargo Box. The Goplus is a great option if you want to save some cash and don't need to carry extra-long items. The RocketBox Pro 14 (back) is a bit less stylish than the Skybox (front) or the Motion XT (middle). Finally, the size. It holds a ton of stuff, is long enough for skis or other long gear, and has a good closing/locking mechanism. That said, though it lacks the bells and whistles of the premium contenders, it's more than adequate to haul your gear around for a more palatable price point. It will make your cargo box look good as new all the time. We began testing by unpacking and assembling each model while paying close attention to how easy each one is to install and load with gear. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details. Yakima Yakima GrandTour 16 Roof Box 4.9 15 Reviews Item #171034 Top Rated Black $879.00 Color: Black Quantity Ship to address $160 oversize shipping Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store Members get an estimated $87.90 back on this item. From left to right: Yakima SkyBox, Yakima ShowCase, Thule Motion XT, Thule Force, SportRack Vista, Thule Sidekick. Yakima Skybox has a big, burly handle that stays slanted until completely latched. You are using an out of date browser. We are debating between the Thule Motion XT (XL?) Weigh up appearance, durability, security, and user-friendliness. Whether you're packing up all your camping gear before heading out on a backpacking or climbing trip, or traveling to a new beautiful location to ski or snowboard, a cargo box can help you stay organized and maximize space inside your vehicle. The more dialed-in your car set-up is, the more you can focus on enjoying the open road and the adventures awaiting you at a new destination. I got the 18 and it's huge, big enough for an entire family's camping gear. If you are looking for the peak of luxury when searching for a new cargo box, then we highly recommend the Thule Vector. In this featured list, the Thule Motion XT XL made it to our top pick. Distinctive automotive badging Hauls gear for up to 2 travelers; fits snowboards and skis up to 215cm Made in the USA Yakima cannot ship the GrandTour Lo to Alaska or Hawaii - please contact a local dealer. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. It's also very easy to install and remove and is exceptionally convenient to load or unload gear with its dual-side opening. Comparatively, Thule offers TopRide and FastRide. The low profile of this Thule Hyper XL cargo box makes it very stylish for storage space. Car owners with taller vehicles would prefer a lid that is easy to close. The shorter length means it is easier for one person to install on a car, but crossbars with larger spans may not be compatible. For this review, we looked at the 10 best models and tested them head-to-head to find out which rooftop cargo-carrying solution came out on top. Not much difference in fuel consumption despite having them on top of the vehicle. We find the futuristic look of the Thule Vector and the gloss black appearance of the Yakima GrandTour appealing. The Vector feels very sturdy and secure and has a look that complements almost any vehicle. In this criterion, we looked at the factors that add to the cargo boxs convenience to use. On the other hand, Yakima started in Washington State. Additionally, the quick clamps don't have an indicator to show that they are sufficiently tight - other models have an audible click that lets you know when they are clamped securely. Each box was left on for several weeks and driven for hundreds of miles. When browsing for a potential cargo box to buy, it is best to choose a model that will suit your needs in the long run. There are no complex configurations and nerve-wracking instructions that can stress you out when you are installing the cargo box. With its solid construction, stylish design, and huge capacity, it is just the right box that you are looking for. Rooftop baskets are where Thule really shines. That means, there wont be any chances you lock your keys inside the box or misplace it somewhere. Running into your garage will, unfortunately, void the box's warranty. The Skybox has a slightly more prominent handle than the Force but is not as easy to switch between vehicles. Thule Forces mounting had the same system as its predecessor Motion XT. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for years now and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review. We are debating between the Thule Motion XT (XL?) Most of their models have a rugged functionality, and they pay little attention to aesthetics. In practice, how much less can you store with the 16 vs 18? That way, you dont accidentally drive with an open cargo box. 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Question and dedicated an entire metric to this to switch between vehicles mounting, opening, has... Can & # x27 ; re the company & # x27 ; re giving it to Yakima Skybox 7/10. Chances you lock your keys inside the box retain their good reputation is. Option if you are torn continuously in choosing Thule vs. Yakima cargo boxes and bike capacity loss! Solid forefront design is an indication of years of service that this cargo box GrandTour took top marks in featured. Lid only opens on one side with no way to reconfigure it and it lacks integrated.