Thule vs. Yakima cargo box on 2008 Pilot?

[StoneyPA]

We have a 2008 Pilot with OEM crossbars that we bought last year in preparation for getting a cargo box for trips. That time has come, so now tying to decide what to get.

We don't ski/snowboard/kayak etc so mainly looking for extra cargo room for lighter luggage and kids stuff, so that our indoor cargo area isn't stacked to the roof.

After some research, looks like the Thule Excursion 667ES and the Yakima RocketBox 15 probably fit the bill. Anyone have prior experience (+ or -) with either of these boxes on a Pilot???

[fenderzig]

I just bought the Yakima SkyBox 16s and took it to Florida 3 days after I brought it home. I too have a 2008 Pilot but I have Yakima mounts and crossbars. I don't think that would make a big difference. I looked at the Thule stuff and the Yakima stuff and settled on the Yakima because I think they're a better built box and have a more rugged mounting system. I can tell you without a doubt that the box didn't shift ONE INCH during the trip and I packed that thing so full that we had hardly anything in the back of the Pilot. I would highly recommend a Yakima cargo box!

[macphanatic]

Any impact on gas mileage with the Skybox on top?

[StoneyPA]

Ok, eliminated the Thule Excursion and replaced with the Thule Ascent 1500 vs. the Yakima Rocketbox 15.

While the Excursion may be the right size we're looking for, the maximum space between crossbars are too narrow (31") and OEM crossbars are set at 33"-ish as per instructions. Also, the Excursion mounting system isn't good at all.

The Ascent and Rocketbox look to have fairly similar mounts. I've still got the Yakima SkyBox 16 in the back of the running, but really unsure of wanting the length on that one. That thing must be huge!

[fenderzig]

I will admit that it is a pretty big box, however, it's the only accessory that I mount to the rack. I center it up, lock it down, and run with it. It's nice because I have three kids all in carseats so we need to have all three rows of seats up. This makes the cargo capacity in the Pilot virtually null. With the box I can get mass amounts of luggage and still ride very comfortably.

It does affect gas mileage. On the highway I was only averaging between 18-20 MPG which is my normal "around town" averages. That kind of sucks but I was expecting it

[fenderzig]

Originally Posted by macphanatic

Any impact on gas mileage with the Skybox on top?

Yes, better expect only 18-20 on the highway. That's including three kids and three adults in the Pilot (mother-in-law went along too ) and all of our luggage in the box.