One of the drawbacks is that the Skybox Carbonite takes some effort to install but there is not rooftop cargo box that is simple to install. Mainly, we looked at the overall profile and how each cargo box looked on different cars. It retails for about $700, almost the same price as the Skybox Carbonite 21. Its hinges and locks feel on par with the rest of the boxes in this review. While this box has a lot of space, it might not be the best if you routinely transport extra-long pieces of gear, given its shorter interior length. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. If the second one does better I'll revise the review but so far a total dud. The RocketBox Pro 14 is a bit smaller and we feel has an overall appearance that is slightly less sleek and stylish than some of the premium options. It still looks fine overall; we feel it's a bit plain. Lid Supports - How to select the proper one for your SkyBox, ShowCase or RocketBox. Snapping down a too-tight lever also left the box extremely difficult to remove from the car. We think this box is an exceptional value for its price. You can open the box from either side which is very convenient, and theres even a quick-release mounting system that fits with other Yakima crossbars. Lid Support. While appearance can be a highly subjective metric, we did score each rooftop cargo carrier on some common factors. Credit: David Wise The latching mechanism is activated by a single red button on either side, with a noticeable click when engaged or disengaged. Next, I installed a keyed-lockset in each of the RailGrab towers. Upon contacting Yakima directly, a Yakima technician will provide the original purchaser with appropriate instructions for returning the product to Yakima. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The SkyBox, made of ABS plastic, is constructed of up to 80% recycled material. An exceptional value because of its top-notch user friendly design and sleek good looks, Frustrating installation with finicky cam clamps. The trailhead is on the western side of the Tetons. Security (30%) 7.0. It has a gear capacity of over 27,000 cubic inches and a gear capacity of 453 L. You can leave the Skybox out all night and set your mind at ease. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. We experienced pretty strong winds during part of the trip, which we were happy about since we wanted to assess the Yakima Skybox when faced with a stiff headwind and cross wind. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY MADE IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN. The cargo box was completely full. It appeared to have worked well. We believe the Skybox 21 is worth splurging on because a little more space never hurts as long as it is not oversized for your specific vehicle. The Yakima, while not silent, is hardly noticeable unless you have complete silence in the car. We found installing and removing the Skybox to be a bit of a chore, so it may suit you more if you decide to simply set it on top of your car and forget ituse it for additional storage. Archived. The integrated cargo net in some of the models is a lifesaver. We have traveled to Florida twice with it and it makes the 18 hour drive so much better. 6.0. . Marketed for its aerodynamic properties, we generally like the slightly less flashy but equally classy look of the matte, and the textured finish hides dead bugs and minor scratches easier. It can be hard to tell how tight the clamps on the RocketBox Pro 14 need to be. Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security. I would be bad if these keys are so weak and flimsy that this happened out on the road when filled with luggage. RACK 101 - Everything you need to know about our multi-sport Roof Rack Systems. Points were awarded based on how sturdy and rigid the lid for each box is, how well it handled our abuse, and if there were any component failures or other damage. The handle pops open the lid, which is both sturdy and easy to open due to the big lip that overlaps the bottom of the box. The titanium look held up well on the first camping trip. We know, we know: all the boxes in this review look pretty similar. The Yakima Roof Carrier is a perfect way to haul your gear on top of your vehicle. It is essential that you have a ladder for this job (preferably not one that leans against your vehicle). All my valuables are in the box and I can't get it out. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. One of the things we appreciate about the SkyBox is how easy it is to tell if the box is properly latched or not. Very hard to get evenly closed so the wind catches it and moves the unit around scratching the paint. 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. I can't wait to get it installed and start carrying gear in it. We like to carry our skis in a ski bag so they dont wear on each other, and when carrying a fly fishing rod or fly fishing waders, we have everything in its own case so they dont bounce around and damage each other. Step 12 of 13 only applies to the SkyBox Pro models. At highway speeds, you may not even be able to tell one box from the other. 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. If a product is believed to be defective, the original purchaser should contact the Yakima dealer from whom it purchased the product, who will give the original purchaser instructions on how to proceed. They have a similar sleek and modern design as Skyboxs but can offer a few more creature comforts, such as a knob for easier opening and straps to keep your skis or other gear in place. Installation is best a two-person job, and one that is done with a sturdy ladder and on a solid, safe surface. We ran about 72mph on the trip and there was no noise or pull on the Tahoe. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. The cargo box came with two keys for the locking handles. It took me 15-20 minutes to do it the first time, but I was being thoroughit would take me 5-10 minutes to get it mounted next time. Let us know! Hawaii and Alaska: we are unable to ship Cargo Boxes and Rooftop Tents to Hawaii or Alaska. I use the box on a 2012 Toyota Highlander with the Toyota roof rack bars. 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. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. Unfortunately, this probably isn't the cargo box for you if you are planning on transporting longer downhill or XC skis. Both of my locks from Yakima Skybox 16 is not working. YAKIMA Cargo Box Lid Support #2-8880684 Visit the YAKIMA Store 9 ratings $1199 Yakima lid support, fits several Yakima cargo boxes Confirm compatibility before purchasing See more product details Buy it with + Total price: $23.94 Add both to Cart One of these items ships sooner than the other. The directions given with the box are difficult to understand, and we had to turn to the Yakima website for an instructional video to understand the multi-tiered approach. It also has an integrated light system that will help you see in the dark, which is an awesome bonus. Looking to buy in store or need help with installation? The replacement fared little better, as it had a large, deep scratch on the top as well. But, because I stressed about this product so much and whether I could install it, whether it would be safe and how confident I would be with it, I decided to write this to reassure others who are not handy or not good with car related accessories that I had a very good experience with this product. We did not secure our packs and they seemed to ride very well. It even clears the hatch. Because the one side was locked with the broken key they tried to pry it open which cracked the plastic above the key. Prior to receiving the SkyBox, I spoke with a local Yakima distributer as well as Yakima Customer Support and learned that to mount the SkyBox 16S to my 2004 Chevy Z71 Suburban, I need to purchase the Yakima RailGrab Towers and crossbars. I have never written a review before. Dimensions: L 81.00 in x W 36.00 in x H 15.00 in, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh, press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. It was a little cumbersome moving it into the garage by myself. If you have an Outack the skybox 16 might be a better option. I notice no reduction in gas mileage and it functions great. Unfortunately, due to the height of the vehicle and the cargo box, my wife at 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) neither was nor is able to comfortably access the bags inside the SkyBox; even standing on the nerf bars. After a while the old box would allow rain to come in (so we frequently traveled with luggage in big plastic garbage bags), and this one seems less likely to have this problem. In July, I took my family to Salt Lake City, Utah to see the musical "Wicked". So a Skybox 16 is 16 cubic feet, and so on. The RocketBox Pro 14 is fairly easy to install, with a tool-free system that uses four clamps. Even if you find the box to be heavy, you just need to get it installed before you start driving. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We have no doubts that this box can be with you for ages, but if you don't believe us, Yakima offers a lifetime warranty as long as it remains with the original owner. Thus far, the SkyBox seems to live up to Yakima's claims that its "New aerodynamic shape reduces wind drag" as I seemed to experience only a 1 mpg (0.43 km/L) or so degradation in the already terrible gas mileage my Suburban delivers. How can we improve GearLab? I havent actually used it yet but it mounted nicely on our 2003 Subaru outback wagon. You can expect exceptional value, especially compared to the more expensive boxes on the market. I have this mounted on a Cadillac Escalade ESV and it fits no problem even though Yakima shows it as not compatible. Truck cap? We loaded skis as the main item, but then filled the box up with soft items such as jackets and pillows. If you are searching for a cargo box without busting your budget, then we highly recommend this option, If you are searching for a new rooftop cargo box and hoping to save some cash, then we highly recommend the. The packing list stated the weight of the package (SkyBox and associated packaging) was 60 lbs (27.2 kg). Purple Arrow: Tension bolt and thumb wheel. I am impressed with the quality of the exterior, and the ease of installation. Lid is now 50% stiffer than other Yakima cargo boxes for reduced vibration; one-handed opening and closing is as easy as pie. We did our best to put these products through the wringer, driving in inclement weather and packing them to the brim with gear. Could now only use 1 side. Opening the SkyBox's sturdy lid with ease. I also used the cargo box to carry gear for our BSA Varsity Scout/Venturing High Adventure. Our test was a 2,000 mile cross-country roadtrip spanning 3 states (there and back), and it was done in winter conditions. In addition to instructions for installing and removing the cargo box, there are care and maintenance tips which include the following: "Yakima cargo boxes should be cared for and maintained, especially in extreme weather conditions.". But again, for the money paid, this should have worked properly without me spending my time. Its frame is made from steel and it has a locking lid to keep your gear secure. Once driving, it literally only took a few minutes and we forgot the box was even on the car. The three latch system worked perfectly and there was no snow in the box at the end of the trip. If youre a fan of the Skybox 16, you might also be interested in the Skybox 21. Learn about our custom install solutions. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The locks are easy to use and it opens from either side which is very convenient. The SkyBox has been through wind, rain, hail and cool temperatures during this phase of the test. The cost of shipping prohibits returning this massive cargo box. On my two overnight backpack trips, one of my sons accompanied me. However, if you plan on taking off the Skybox frequently, you may find the installation process to be time-consuming, especially when it comes to the lever. If you have some pressure on the lid you can't get the key to turn. 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). Everything is in the box and not in the car. 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. We are snowbirds and use the box to transport our stuff between Washington State and Arizona. Cargo Box Lids. 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 installation process took a while, but we allowed enough time and were able to pay attention to the details. Each situation is different and it is up to the discretion of Yakima to determine if a product has a manufacturing defect or if it is suffering wear and tear. The cargo box's mounting hardware will fit car rack systems with round, square and most factory crossbars. The items did not seem to shift or slide at all. However, after looking at the Yakima solution, it sounded like it would fit my 2012 Tahoe easier and was a little more solid than the larger Thule solutions. The new version attaches in three places (when you close it) instead of two, and the closing attachments seem to be more secure. First turn of the key the key broke. Box Replacement Parts. In the winter we use it for skiing and again it holds everything with ease. Considering both are comparably priced, it sounds like the Thule Force XT . Although the road we drove, a four-lane limited access interstate highway, is not bumpy, the bags did not seem to slide much at all, which was nice. My initial testing was limited to visual inspection, measurements, and unlocking the handles with both of the supplied keys. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. SkyBox 16 fits perfectly on the factory crossbars though. It doesnt stand out like a sore thumb on your car and will match most vehicle designs. It felt as if the key was going to break in the lock and I was almost afraid to turn it too far. Perfect for hauling gear for up to 3 campers. So even though your Yakima SkyBox 18 #Y07336 or SkyBox21 # Y07337 has the diamond shaped hinges currently, those are an older model hinge that is no longer used by Yakima; you also won't be able to use the Replacement Front Lid Support 8870090 since they are not the correct size for your larger box. Fortunately, the RocketBox Pro 14 instilled more confidence in us regarding its security than most, earning it a solid score. The lid is quite rigid and never presented much of an issue with the latching mechanisms failing to align. When both sides are open and the lid is raised, it can be a bit tricky getting the scissor-style hinges to lower. I carried my cot, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, and numerous items that I used for the low C.O.P.E. (45 reviews) Code: 8880683. This is a Boy Scouts of Ameria (BSA) program which is held at Treasure Mountain Scout Camp, located at the base of the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. In fact, the supplied information states the SkyBox "Can hold up to 180cm skis.". 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. We've got answers. Search our answers or ask your own question to customer service. Yakima may elect, at its option, not to repair or replace a defective product, in which case Yakima will issue to the original purchaser, at Yakimas option, either a refund equal to the purchase price paid for the product, or a credit to be used toward the purchase of new Yakima products or rack components. FedEx Ground & FedEx SmartPost w/ USPS may take up to 5-10 business days to ship and may take up to 2 weeks to be delivered depending on your distance from our warehouse. One is used to adjust the forward/back position of the entire clamp assembly, and the second is used to tighten the clamp arm around the crossbar. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. Thank you for your patience. Bought this due to the good review on Amazon. Initial Testing: Zipper malfunctions on soft goods teeth separation or head separates from teeth, Internal mechanism seizures or loss of functionality, Cracking of plastic surfaces under normal use, Material wear over time with use (normal wear and tear), Negligence- failure to store, clean, or maintain product in an effective manner, Damage from use with RV or trailer (pertains to products not approved for RV use), Details of the issue, including how it was being used, and what was being carried. The internal portion of the clamps also maintains a relatively low profile, though the pair of knobs can catch straps or handles when loading gear. Despite that when I tried again the key literally snapped off in half with half still inside the lock. Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2011. The opening/closing handle is one of the best we tested, and the matte black finish is one of our favorite looks. 7.0. We weren't instinctively sure which of these three things to do in what order, and it took some playing around to find the right level of tightness for the thumbwheels. So far. The handle is high quality, burly, and firm. Compared to a U-bolt system, this one is significantly easier, but compared to unibody clamps, we were a little disappointed. We like that the installation process is tool-free, and the clamps are a single piece, making it much easier than other models' U-bolt and plastic knob systems. Designed with internal lid stiffeners for added rigidity, SuperLatch security ensures your lid is secure to its base, and your gear is safe, Quick-release mounting hardware fits round, square, factory and most aerodynamic bars, Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle, Rear of cargo box tapered for improved hatch clearance. This could not be easier to use and really adds space when we are taking trips. Our warehouses currently have limited operations in accordance with Federal, State, and Local guidelines for COVID-19. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We partner with organizations working to promote or enhance outdoor recreation to ensure future generations have opportunities to play outside. Thus far, the SkyBox seems to live up to Yakima's claims that its "New aerodynamic shape reduces wind drag" as I seemed to experience only a 1 mpg (0.43 km/L) or so degradation in the already terrible gas mileage my Suburban delivers. 6.0. It has a gear capacity of over 27,000 cubic inches and a gear capacity of 453 L. The Skybox weighs 47 lbs, so youll likely need a hand to lift it on top of your car and with the installation. The container itself doesn't seem that sturdy. However, we feel this surface helps conceal dirt, scrapes, and scuffs better. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. 8.0. If you had 2 people installing (AKA wife), it would probably only be about 10 minutes. I have never written a review before. Everything inside remained dry even though we spent much of our two weeks in driving rain. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Thank you for your patience. The standard Skybox does not come with compartments or columns inside, so you will want to protect anything that could move around while driving. The levers that allow you to adjust First, the good stuff - this thing is massive, and holds a ton of stuff. The RocketBox Pro 14 is very quick and easy to install in our experience. This limited warranty covers Yakima-brand products and rack components manufactured by Yakima Products, Inc. (Yakima) for the benefit of the original retail purchaser (original purchaser) for the time periods specified below. This new one has many improvements over the old version. First off, this thing is huge. At least since this was brand new I am able to have Amazon exchange it, though that means waiting another weak and hanging round for another 4 hour delivery window. Whereas the Skybox 16 measures 69 in length, 36 inches wide, and 15 inches tall. 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. The 16 comes with an integrated cargo net to keep your gear from flying around while you drive. The big, beefy handle stays tilted until perfectly latched. 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. Twelve of the thirteen steps apply to the SkyBox 16S. This new one has many improvements over the old version. Our judges found this box to have a less sleek profile. The RocketBox Pro 14 did decently well in this metric but was far from the top performer. The North Menan Butte is designated as a National Natural Landmark. If you do not see your box listed please contact customer support here, or by phone at 888-925-4621 M-F from 7 to 4 PT. After checking out the Yakima website I selected this cargo box, apparently suitable for the Subaru Outback, but no, it's too long, the hatch scrapes on the box, damaging the car's paintwork, even though the cargo box is mounted as far forward as possible. Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013. That said, many people who use roof boxes install them once and leave them there for a long time. 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 handle, cool appearance, less expensive, Sleek, large capacity, dual-opening, flat bottom, Great value, easy to install, dual-opening, Relatively inexpensive, easy to attach, convenient to use, Well-priced, decent looking, fits long skis and snowboards, No integrated light, dedicated tool required for install, Limited to <170cm skis/boards, not the sleekest look, Wont fit longer skis, longer crossbar spans can be problematic for install, Not the easiest to install, less convenient, If you are looking for a premium cargo box that's easy to use with plenty of room, this is our strong recommendation, 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, 206cm x 91.4cm x 38.1cm | 81" x 36" x 15", 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".