Don't trust the Yakima Fit Guide - 2011 Honda Pilot, Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2013. Gas Lid Supports. A terrible shipping experience for sure. One aspect of this installation system that we didn't like is that it can be a little hard to determine how tight each plastic knob should be. Its hinges and locks feel on par with the rest of the boxes in this review. I had never used one of these before and wasn't sure what to expect. Keep in mind that the Skybox 21 weighs 15 more pounds than the Skybox 16, so it is rather heavy and will require additional help to install it. can be tricky to close when lid is opened on both sides and lifted up, slightly reduced fuel economy [added storage space offsets this however]. [see summary sequence in photos below]. That said, many people who use roof boxes install them once and leave them there for a long time. We should note that since the manufacturer doesn't claim full waterproofness for this box, it would be smart to take extra precautions for your electronics, just in case. 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. Yakima SkyBox 21 Cargo Carrier Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2011 Verified Purchase Purchased this for a 1500 mile family trip. I also purchased a set of two 66 in (168 cm) crossbars. When we peeked our heads out, however, we could see that the only movement came from the flexing factory roof bars themselves; the SkyBox was undoubtedly solid. Mainly, we looked at the overall profile and how each cargo box looked on different cars. 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. Failure to perform safety checks before driving away can result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Let us know! No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. When at the destination I left it unlocked and empty so no one would attempt to break in. Like most of the boxes we tested, the key cannot be removed until the box is latched and locked, but we especially like the clear "click" the SkyBox makes to let you know you've closed it right. We then opened the latch on both sides, raised the lid, and easily secured the cargo box to the crossbars using the integrated "Quick-installation mounting hardware." I am impressed with the quality of the exterior, and the ease of installation. It even clears the hatch. Looking to buy in store or need help with installation? No big deal. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It was a little cumbersome moving it into the garage by myself. It felt as if the key was going to break in the lock and I was almost afraid to turn it too far. 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. Take More Friends. Purchased this for a 1500 mile family trip. I am impressed with the quality of the exterior, and the ease of installation. Great product and worth every penny. Perfect for hauling gear for up to 3 campers. Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes. The cost of shipping prohibits returning this massive cargo box. The Skybox 16 has a large, easy-to-open lid that makes loading and unloading fast, even with bulky items like snowboards and skiis. Both of my locks from Yakima Skybox 16 is not working. For fun, I tried to fit my cross-country skis in the SkyBox. Join once, enjoy forever. We didn't experience any noise or whistling at all. The SkyBox Carbonite is a great cargo box. Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2012. Alas, the 210cm skis will not fit. I spoke with my contact at Yakima who confirmed this as well. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. One thing about the Yakima Skybox it only opens and closes with the key. We did a couple local test drives to be sure nothing was rattling or askew, and it stayed set securely. Purchased this for a 1500 mile family trip. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. The best thing to do is carefully measure the longest thing you expect to regularly carry in the cargo box, and have that number handy as you are buying. Periodically check the levers inside the box and tighten if necessary. Check and tighten if necessary, before each use. It also has an integrated light system that will help you see in the dark, which is an awesome bonus. Quick-release mounting hardware fits most crossbars. Orders will not be shipping on weekends or holidays. Yakima GrandTour 16: Yakima RocketBox Pr. 4.0. Key slid in easily but only half turned to the unlocked position easily. The correct updated front and rear hinge/lid support for a Yakima Skybox 18 is the Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes part # 8880683 for the front and then the Replacement Lid Support for Yakima Cargo Boxes part # 8880684 for the rear. One evening we went to see a movie at a theater in a nearby outdoor mall. Truck cap? We love its latch handle, which is easy to turn and click. It has never leaked a drop of water into the box. Register your Yakima products below to activate your Limited Lifetime Warranty.Doing so will ensure your purchase information is stored in our database and easy to find should you have a warranty issue. It adjusts and mounted using the factory cross bars that came with my SUV. The replacement fared little better, as it had a large, deep scratch on the top as well. As we have done in the past, we used the cargo box to hold suitcases and other items when traveling. The SkyBox, made of ABS plastic, is constructed of up to 80% recycled material. We took the Yakima SkyBox 21 on our two week road trip from our home in Fort Worth, Texas to Little Rock to Memphis to Nashville to DC to Philly to New York City to Virginia Beach and down through the southern states back home. We did our best to put these products through the wringer, driving in inclement weather and packing them to the brim with gear. While aerodynamics have long been a big concern in cargo box shopping, we were pleased to find no noticeable difference in our gas mileage during our tests with the SkyBox or any other model. We looked at the SkyBox 21 PRO but decided to go with the standard. 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. 6.0. Before contacting us please review the warranty coverage aboveand have the following ready: Yakima Roof Racks, Mounts and Accessories, Yakima Cargo Bags, Crossbar Pads and Truck Pads. We made sure we had the key on a big, easy-to-spot chain. When it comes to actually using the RocketBox Pro, it has all the critical convenience features we expect from a high-end cargo box. Thank you for your patience. The SkyBox Carbonite is a good buy. However, there isn't much of a handle to open and close the lid, just the raised lip running along the entire edge. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. These include round, square, factory, and aerodynamic Yakima crossbars. Comes in 12, 16, 18 and 21 cubic feet. It is nice but is not as durable or scratch resistant as the regular finish. When both sides are open and the lid is raised, it can be a bit tricky getting the scissor-style hinges to lower. With the Yakima, you unlock then unlatch - well designed. I have driven my Suburban to Provo, Utah (260+ miles, or 418+ km, one way) twice with SkyBox in place. Ideal for vehicles with shorter rooftops, providing maximum hatch clearance. The main downside we found with the SkyBox is the mounting system. So far. Yakima offers similar lock cores on many of their cargo boxes and racks, allowing you to create a single-key system, replacing the cores to all work with the same key. It is great to have the 21 cubic feet, although it would have held slightly more, and bigger objects if it did not have the slight fins on top, but had stayed elevated across the top, instead of having the fin-created dip. Search our answers or ask your own question to customer service. This is one of the sturdiest of any in our test, and we thought it above-average in simplicity and elegance (if a cargo box can be elegant). Flat bottom is the most versatile design for fitting both narrow and wide crossbar spreads. Even if you find the box to be heavy, you just need to get it installed before you start driving. You want to not skimp get good cross bars. This warranty terminates when the original purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the product to any other person. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The North Menan Butte is designated as a National Natural Landmark. That said, the single-arm system can make it more difficult to install if you have larger crossbars, particularly third-party or generic square bars, as you have to open the clamps close to their limit to fit them around the bar. One reason for the purchase was that we needed to take two strollers. The first time it arrived, the box was not damaged but when I opened it up, there was a giant dent on the top. Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013. Turn your car into a gear-hauling machine with the spacious Yakima SkyBox Pro 18. Once we got the box on our tester's car, the SkyBox started to shine. The handle is high quality, burly, and firm. 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. No Yakima SkyBox 21 taken on cross country trip, Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2012. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Great for snowboards and skis up to 180cm. The Skybox 16 is made of durable ABS plastic and has a textured finish to keep your gear from sliding around. Sure enough, the lid had closed a bit askew, so I opened it, got some of the jackets moved away from the latches, and on the second try got a much more assuring click and the box had definitely closed straight and sealed well. My only suggestion would be to make the hinges longer so the lid opens more. It was all good. On some vehicles, hatch interference is unavoidable. Aside from being too long the cargo box seems to work well, and is quick and easy to remove and install. However, the end result is worth it as Yakima carriers are known to be incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. I notice no reduction in gas mileage and it functions great. Fortunately, the RocketBox Pro 14 instilled more confidence in us regarding its security than most, earning it a solid score. No idea about the Thule. I jumped out and quickly realized that with the cargo box on top, my vehicle was too tall for the garage. 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.". Much like with a roof top tent, you want to be sure you have bars that can handle the weight, especially if you plan to load it up. 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. The Yakimas generally have more space about 2-3 more cubic feet at each comparable size than the Thule products. 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've got answers. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. I carried my cot, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, and numerous items that I used for the low C.O.P.E. I am sure it would do a great job but it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2010. Next, I installed a keyed-lockset in each of the RailGrab towers. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Snapping down a too-tight lever also left the box extremely difficult to remove from the car. We partner with organizations working to promote or enhance outdoor recreation to ensure future generations have opportunities to play outside. Theyre just as easy to load and are compatible with a wider range of vehicles. I spoke with the local retailer today, and have made arrangements to get the RailGrab Towers and crossbars later this week. expert reply by: Jon G. 0. 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. 7.0. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The calculator says it should fit our car but if you use the measurements from the font roof bar in its most forward position to the hatch seam it shouldnt fit but it does. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Installation is best a two-person job, and one that is done with a sturdy ladder and on a solid, safe surface. Perhaps a little more pull in heavy crosswinds, but that might have been in our minds too. Spare Parts. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. This limited warranty applies to all products sold at retail on or after January 2018. The opening/closing handle is one of the best we tested, and the matte black finish is one of our favorite looks. With a little help from my son, we figured it out. The packing list stated the weight of the package (SkyBox and associated packaging) was 60 lbs (27.2 kg). This new one has many improvements over the old version. I have had a Yakima cargo box before with 21 cubic feet. It doesnt stand out like a sore thumb on your car and will match most vehicle designs. 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. If you had a deadbeat uncle that passed, this thing could be a cheap coffin if you're in a bind! Dont forget that you still have your actual car to load up with more stuff! I think this 21 SkyBox is great. Compared to a U-bolt system, this one is significantly easier, but compared to unibody clamps, we were a little disappointed. IT HOLDS EVERYTHING. All trademarks property of their respective owners Restrictions apply. Roof Box. I was able to install the box by myself in under 15 minutes and it has never moved at all. Add Your Vehicle SkyBox 16 SKU: # 8007178 Get your friends in the car and your gear into a SkyBox. Express Shipping orders will be shipped same-day if received before 11:00 am PT Monday - Friday. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. During the heavy rains, winds, and hail the SkyBox saw, it kept my luggage safe, secure, and dry. SkyBox 16 - Yakima Find the right products for your vehicle. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. I would be bad if these keys are so weak and flimsy that this happened out on the road when filled with luggage. Note that with all rooftop cargo boxes, handling them and putting them on your vehicle is really a two person job at least at first. The SkyBox provides excellent user-friendliness, cool style, and long-lasting confidence. When we got to our destination and opened things up (again with a ladder for ease), the load was secure, had not shifted at all, and everything was exactly where we had loaded it. I did quite a bit of research before buying the Yakima SkyBox 21 and it paid off. Theres also the cable lock that latches the Skybox to your car for extra security. We have traveled to Florida twice with it and it makes the 18 hour drive so much better. I am sure it would do a great job but it does not fit a 2010 Toyota Highlander on factory-installed cross bars. The load was also completely dry which was important since we had been driving through some rain showers as well as snow melting on the road. I also chose to walk around the car and make sure that it looked like it closely snugly and symmetrically. 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. 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. In the case that a product does have a manufacturing defect, Yakima may choose to repair, instead of replacing the item. Rapid-fire assembly of the Yakima RocketBox Pro 11 roof box is simpleno tools required. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. The build is also incredibly sturdy, which is exactly what you need to prevent wear and tear. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Accessories and Parts. I will never go smaller and if they had a larger on I would but that in a second. Had two other people try the lock on the side it was attached near, all of us being gentle as we didn't want to damage anything. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. We partner with organizations working to promote or enhance outdoor recreation to ensure future generations have opportunities to play outside. 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. Island Parks is approximately 6,500 ft (2,000 m) above sea level. As we proceed to leave the parking garage after the movie, my son tells me the cargo box hit the bottom of one of the hanging signs. Attachment hardware can loosen over time. It still looks fine overall; we feel it's a bit plain. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. 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