Thule or Yakima Box?

[haubenx4]

I am looking for a rooftop cargo box for my 08 Pilot. I want good construction and a size that is appropriate for the Pilot. The two mfg web sites say I can use any size, but it is hard to imagine that a 91.5 inch box is the right way to go. It looks like it would hang over the front window and may also interfere with the hatch.

Help.

[Toshweir27]

Originally Posted by haubenx4

I am looking for a rooftop cargo box for my 08 Pilot. I want good construction and a size that is appropriate for the Pilot. The two mfg web sites say I can use any size, but it is hard to imagine that a 91.5 inch box is the right way to go. It looks like it would hang over the front window and may also interfere with the hatch.

Help.

Go with the Yakima Skybox 16. The Skybox 18 has a minimal amount of added cargo space over the Skybox16. The 16 fits perfectly @ 81" long and allows you to open the rear tailgate fully and does not in any way overhang the front windshield.

[whozleft]

Sears carries several types of rooftop boxes around here in Ohio. They are usually found in a Sears Auto repair center if you have any of those close to you.

It may be worth taking a look so you can see the boxes close up. You can check out www.sears.com and type in cargo in the search box to see what they carry. Of course not everything is at all the stores but I think one time I was able to check online to see if they had something I wanted locally.

They DO carry the Thule brand as well as others.

I don't work for Sears or endorse their products. Just trying to help a fellow Pilot owner out.

[northerncrown]

Roof Top Cargo Boxes

My Thule weekender fits on both of our Pilots (2004 and 2011).

[HokieBill]

I can agree with Toshweir27. I have had a Yakima Skybox 16 for several years. It is the perfect size for the Pilot; it doesn't hang over the front nor does it interfere with the hatch and it holds a bunch of stuff. I have had 2 pairs of skis and poles, 4 snowboards and all 6 pairs of boots with space to spare.

A couple of notes on the Skybox.

1) being able to open from both sides is a really good thing, since it is waayy up high on a Pilot and reaching all the way across is not possible. I don't know if the other boxes open from both sides, but that would be a requirement for me.

2) it will cut your mileage on the Pilot by at least a couple of mpg's.

3) it is not completely waterproof when you are driving. The air pressure will force some water inside. It will drain out but things on the bottom can get wet. If it is going to rain, I put a tarp down first, load up the box, wrap the tarp over the top of the gear and then close the box.

[Mahoganyman]

I am buying a Thule Boxter today for the top of our 11 Touring.
I have had 3 Thules over the years and none of them ever leaked.
I have never owned a Yakima, but I am very happy with the Thules I have owned.
Thules are lockable and have an easy mounting system.
EMS has a big sale on Thules this weekend.

[Mahoganyman]

Here is a photo of our 20011 Touring with a Thule Boxter Cargo Box.
Went and bought it at the local EMS store yesterday, drove home at 75 mph
and did not notice any road noise.
John

[tilley]

Originally Posted by Mahoganyman

Here is a photo of our 20011 Touring with a Thule Boxter Cargo Box.
Went and bought it at the local EMS store yesterday, drove home at 75 mph
and did not notice any road noise.
John

Now that looks good. I have the Honda crossbars. Will this Thule work fit on them?

[Mahoganyman]

That is how that box is mounted, on the OEM crossbars, fits like a glove.

[chuckallen]

My Thule Ascent 1600

[pfjohns]

I just bought the subject car topper, since it was on sale in early October 2011 at Sears for $252. It's an "unbranded" box made by Thule, but it the Sears logo on the stern. It's identical to the Thule Evolution 1600, but $178 less than the $430 Thule. Oh yeah, it's all black instead of silver on the top like the Thule. I fitted it to the OEM Honda crossbars on our 11 Pilot Touring roof last weekend; seems to fit OK. I would like a bit more spread between the feet, and a bit less box overhang in the front, but the Honda roof rack isn't very long...I guess to accommodate seeing through the moonroof when it's open. I just hope there's enough space between the fore and aft sets of feet, so the box doesn't vibrate at speed on the highway. Does anyone on this list have one of these Sears top boxes and an opinion on this product?

[95se]

We've had a Thule Atlantis 1600 for 6 years on our '05 Pilot. Great box. Lightweight, holds tight, never wet inside, perfect size, etc.

[RaidersBoy]

Originally Posted by haubenx4

I am looking for a rooftop cargo box for my 08 Pilot. I want good construction and a size that is appropriate for the Pilot. The two mfg web sites say I can use any size, but it is hard to imagine that a 91.5 inch box is the right aftermarket parts to go. It looks like it would hang over the front window and may also interfere with the hatch.

Help.

Does price range matter to you? I have a great cargo box but it was a bit pricey. I usually use it for camping trips and what not.

[mountainguy]

2012 Pilot EX
Factory rails and crossbars

I tried to install a Yakima Skybox 12, mainly to carry skis, but it interfered with the rear hatch. It might work with Yakima crossbars that are above the rails but then the box gets up pretty high. From the Yakima and Thule websites, it looks like the only box that gives adequate rear clearance is the Thule 1600. I'm not sure if that's long enough to carry the skis.

[Sharpeiday]

Hey guys I have the Yakima 21 litre skybox, and don't notice much of a loss in gas milage. Not much of a of a over hang passed the front window. We are a family of 7 and need the space. I will try to get some pics up soon.