Anyone use a Thule or Yakima Cargo Box on thier XJ?

[Emerscape]

Baby is on the way and I need more room in my XJ. I can't afford to buy a new/used SUV to accomodate my growing family (first baby, but I've got a 130lb Newfoundland dog). I need more cargo space so I'd like to put a Thule Cargo Box on my roof rack. Problem is that I have a 6'3" clearance max since I have a parking space in a garage due to limited street parking (downtown boston). Anyone currently running a box on their rig? If so, what kind of box are you running, can you fit a lot in it, do you think it is worth the investment and what is your clearance height?

The alternative is to get a thule cargo rack and move the spare tire up there but not sure that would really free up that much space.

THoughts?

 

[XJLI]

thule > yakima. i dont run one but thule's stuff is much better quality than yak's.

 

[Emerscape]

I've never run anything but Thule. As a matter of fact, I've got the same Thule rack that I bought in 1996 for my explorer. The only problem I've had is that one of the bars has rusted because I drilled holes in it to mount lights.

 

[Peregrine]

I swap our Yakima Skybox 16 between our 4runner and XJ on occasion. They are definately worth the investment, but try to find one used. Many people buy them and rarely use them, then decide they are taking up too much space. I have 2 young kids and a Lab...no room for gear for camping in either vehicle. I have never had a problem with the Yakima but my buddy has had this one and the Thule Atlantis 1600...he likes the Thule better. Better locking mechanism and better attachment points. Good luck with clearance...if you are lifted and have this on top, you won't clear 6'3" most likely. (or with a tire up there) With a 5" lift and the box, I was at 7' or so if I remember correctly. You can fit alot more in these than you might think though...it has saved us from having to drive 2 vehicles.

 

[joe_peters]

Off-road trailer?

I have one of those 2" receiver mount racks with a fold up "box" for the Wife's mini-van when we have the grandkids (5) and a couple dogs riding with us.

Mine is something like this: http://www.discountramps.com/hitch-cargo-bag.htm

However, mine is hard sided but folds down.

 

[Emerscape]

thanks for the feedback guys. Unfortunately storage space is a premium where I live, and I have only a small storage space in the basement of my apartment/condo building. I'm currently running a 2" OME lift with 245s BFG All Terrains. Been meaning to get the tape measure out and measure my current rack but haven't had time to do so. I know Thule makes a box that is a little more streamlined then the Atlantas which measures about 14" high vs. 18" high..

One thing I'm going to look into is using a gutter mounted rack vs. the current track mounted rack I'm using. Looks like I might loose a couple inches by going with the gutter mount.

 

[Emerscape]

Just looked up the spec height up on edmunds and it says the jeep is 64" tall, with a 14" box I'm at 6"6".. I guess my other option is to go with a cargo rack and then get one of those Thule bags to put lugage and stuff in and tie it to the roof.

 

[Glacialbass]

Just looked up the spec height up on edmunds and it says the jeep is 64" tall, with a 14" box I'm at 6"6".. I guess my other option is to go with a cargo rack and then get one of those Thule bags to put lugage and stuff in and tie it to the roof.

This is what I ended up going with and it works out very well for me. Be warned... the Thule cargo bags, as with almost any cargo bag, are not water proof, they're water resistant. If you need to store anything in it that you don't want wet, use some garbage bags. I use them for pillows and sleeping bags when we take the XJ camping.

 

[Emerscape]

any concerns about going through the car wash if I've got a cargo basket and spare tire up there. I guess a box would be an issue too right?


I'm thinking that for now, my best bet is to get the spare tire out of the cargo area and up on the roof, and when I need the additional cargo capacity throw the Thule cargo bag on top of the space tire and cargo rack..

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

Do you need the box on at all times? Why not keep it off/behind the Jeep when you don't need it.

 

[Emerscape]

No where to store it. I live downtown in the city, park in a parking garage (no specific spot) and have about 200 cu. ft. of storage space in my basement that is currently full.

 

[Mesh]

You can get something made for skis like the Yakima Skybox Lowpro its 11.5" tall. I have a Yakima gutter mount rack. The problem with the rack is it sits 4" or 5" above the roof. If somehow you can get the box mounted as close to the roof as possible.

 

[Emerscape]

thanks for bringing that box to my attention. It looks like it may have potential to meet my needs. I really need to get a hold of a measuring tape and figure out what height my jeep is currently at.

Any other thoughts about putting the tire on the roof?