Cargo Box vs. Roof Rack

[Nick]

What do you guys prefer? I've only ever had a standard clamp type ski rack on my car. I just had a roof rack installed yesterday on my wife's Ford Edge at Rack Attack in Framingham, MA. I have ski racks already, just debating if I should consider picking up a cargo box, like the Thule Evolution 1600. I didn't realize they are so expensive ($500 new!!). I think the cargo box would be particularly useful for things like camping in the summer but how much more can you really get in there on top of your skis and poles?

 

[Cannonball]

no brainer....box. We put TONS in it. Beyond skis, boards, poles there are dirty hiking boots, trash runs, luggage. Can't stand the road salt and dirt on my skis and bindings when using a rack.

 

[skifree]

Box! nothing like getting your boards tuned up just to get trashed on the road.

 

[Nick]

Does a box get you better mileage than a typical rack?

(hehe)

 

[Cannonball]

Does a box get you better mileage than a typical rack?

(hehe)

We lose about 2MPG with the box on vs no rack at all on a CRV. But the box comes on and off so easily that I keep it off when not in use.

 

[drjeff]

FYI, as your son gets older (and maybe someday has a sibling or two), the amount of extra stuff you'll find yourself lugging around on trips goes up EXPONENTIALLY!!

Get the biggest roof carrier they sel reguardless if it's a "ski box" or a "cargo box" in namel!! You'll appreciate it in the future!!

 

[drjeff]

We lose about 2MPG with the box on vs no rack at all on a CRV. But the box comes on and off so easily that I keep it off when not in use.

I'm about the same with my Thule ski box MPG wise. Takes me all of about 90 seconds to put it on/take it off when I need it, so it spends the majority of my driving miles in my garage

 

[o3jeff]

I was at the REI used gear sale(the stuff they take back) the other week and they had a bunch of slightly used boxes for $110 and a couple that looked brand new for around $200. Not sure when the next one is but I would check when the next one is if you aren't in a rush.

 

[Smellytele]

Box - Was lucky to find one at a yard sale for $25. I drove by, saw it and said to myself as I was turning around - if it is under $100 I'll buy it. The thing had no price tag on it so I looked around at other stuff until the yard sale proprietor was free and asked how much. She had no clue and said someone had dropped it off for her to sale. She then said how about $25. I couldn't get the money out of my wallet fast enough. I practically ran back to my vehicle with it looking around as if I stole something and didn't want anyone to see me.

 

[Nick]

Yeah I just saw a cargo box on Craigslist - Atlantis? 1600 - for $350, which I think is pretty good, and it looked like it was in good shape. It was silver though, probably looking for black.

 

[skiNEwhere]

I got a ski rack, a lot cheaper, a lot better gas mileage, and I can fit either my kayak rack or bike rack (not both at the same time) next to it

I went through a car wash I had went through a million times before with my ski rack (but no ski's), but there was a loose piece on it or something, and it scratched up my car and wedged into the ski rack and broke the clamp, I have to keep it closed with a bunjee cord now, I'm debating if I should buy another ski rack or get the box.

Will the box fit on standard rails?

 

[wa-loaf]

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?17426-Sweet-Rack-or-Nice-Box!&highlight=

I've got a box that I when traveling with a lot of people/stuff. My new car has the pass through so if it's just me heading up I stick em in the car.

 

[wa-loaf]

Will the box fit on standard rails?

If you have cross bars any box will fit them these days.

 

[Nick]

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?17426-Sweet-Rack-or-Nice-Box!&highlight=

I've got a box that I when traveling with a lot of people/stuff. My new car has the pass through so if it's just me heading up I stick em in the car.

Ah! Forgot about that thread. Thanks Wa-Loaf

 

[Cheese]

Will the box fit on standard rails?

It all depends on the crossbar spacing. The boxes have adjustable mount points but there is a minimum. On my Edge the crossbar spacing is 21" which is too short for several Thule versions. Unfortunately I found this out the hard way so the Ascent 1100 is going back tonight even though Thule's website shows that it's supposed to fit.

 

[crank]

A friend gave me a thule box when he got a fatter one. I put tons of stuff in it and have not used my ski rack since. The holes did not line up with my rack an easy fix with a drill and bit took all of a minute to poke a couple of holes through the plastic. I use it more for camping and summer beach vacations than skiing though. mostly just skiing with one or 2 in the car so skis ride inside.

 

[ScottySkis]

I just put the stuff in my car, but I usually travel by my self.

 

[Smellytele]

I just put the stuff in my car, but I usually travel by my self.

Very sad

 

[St. Bear]

Box! nothing like getting your boards tuned up just to get trashed on the road.

Sadly, this is true. When my son starts skiing next year (hopefully), we're going to have to upgrade and a box is a no brainer.

 

[Anklebiter]

I have a roof rack, but will eventually switch over to cargo box. What about hitch mount vertical ski rack. Does anyone have one?

Check on craigslist for a used cargo box. I've seen the 1600 for as little as $200.