- Joined
- Sep 6, 2001
- Messages
- 657
Do any of you guys ever use a roof-mounted cargo box? I'm interested in hearing your long-term experiences.
Those of you with families (and many without) are aware of the incredible "Shrinking SUV Phenomenon". It is a result of hauling tons of gear around (in my case: multiple children's car seats, cribs, toys, portable t.v., etc. which is required cargo for almost any trip overnight [or over 2 hours for that matter!]). It turns that spacious SUV you saw in the showroom into what seems like a 2-seater Miata.
Well, my recent solution and the solution of an increasing number of folks (here in the Bay Area and I'm sure across the country) is the purchase of a roof-mounted cargo box.
After scouring the market, and looking over the entire spectrum of cargo box makers, I decided upon the EVOLUTION 1600 by Thule. I purchased it from my local The Sports Rack outfitter. The primary reason in choosing the EVOLUTION 1600 was its length (76"x33"x15.75", 16 cu. ft. capacity)--which fit exactly over the top of my medium-sized SUV, with no overhang front or rear.
Coupled with the Thule crossbars, I now also have all matching locks (remember K.I.S.S.?). The box opens (spring-assisted) from either side, and is made from lightweight and strong fiberglass. Roof noise isn't too bad (much less than I expected), and crosswinds didn't affect me much either.
Now on road trips, we can actually use the car, instead of just barely fitting into it (use to be kind of like getting into an Apollo Mission capsule). We can actually go shopping, buy groceries, or take on passengers!
If you haven't tried it, I do suggest at least dropping your local outdoors outfitter to check'em out...
Those of you with families (and many without) are aware of the incredible "Shrinking SUV Phenomenon". It is a result of hauling tons of gear around (in my case: multiple children's car seats, cribs, toys, portable t.v., etc. which is required cargo for almost any trip overnight [or over 2 hours for that matter!]). It turns that spacious SUV you saw in the showroom into what seems like a 2-seater Miata.
Well, my recent solution and the solution of an increasing number of folks (here in the Bay Area and I'm sure across the country) is the purchase of a roof-mounted cargo box.
After scouring the market, and looking over the entire spectrum of cargo box makers, I decided upon the EVOLUTION 1600 by Thule. I purchased it from my local The Sports Rack outfitter. The primary reason in choosing the EVOLUTION 1600 was its length (76"x33"x15.75", 16 cu. ft. capacity)--which fit exactly over the top of my medium-sized SUV, with no overhang front or rear.
Coupled with the Thule crossbars, I now also have all matching locks (remember K.I.S.S.?). The box opens (spring-assisted) from either side, and is made from lightweight and strong fiberglass. Roof noise isn't too bad (much less than I expected), and crosswinds didn't affect me much either.
Now on road trips, we can actually use the car, instead of just barely fitting into it (use to be kind of like getting into an Apollo Mission capsule). We can actually go shopping, buy groceries, or take on passengers!
If you haven't tried it, I do suggest at least dropping your local outdoors outfitter to check'em out...
