Thule force XXL here on stock LC crossbars. Huge beast, no interference with the tailgate.
What Roof Cargo Box Fits?
- Thread starter jrdobbs03
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reddog90
SILVER Star
Isn't that a motion model? Is it stable at highway speeds?
I'm leaning towards a thule motion over a yakima skybox. Just not sure which size to get.
TLC2013
SILVER Star
I am also using the Thule Force XXL. The extra space it provides over the XL model is immense. I recently exchanged the XL for the XXL (91"x 36") and with a family of 4 all my gear now easily fits. I am running the stock roof rack on my LC with 4 OEM cross bars. No issues with vibrations or road noise. The XXL has a stronger reinforced frame/rails then the smaller models.
I recently got a Packasport and it fits perfectly on a 2 crossbar setup. Plus its huge, carpeted, and had gas struts. I like that it opens front the rear too, because i can start on the tailgate and load it.
reddog90
SILVER Star
Did you add more feet to attach to your additional crossbars?
TLC2013
SILVER Star
I didn't. The box only has the ability to use the 4 supplied locking hardware. Initially, I thought i'd need more due to its bigger size but its re-inforced frame/rails underneath keep it secure and tight to the bars. The 4 cross bars are not necessary or needed but its just nice to have with its larger size. I load it up to the max.
I have had the 21 since before I bought my LC at the end of 2017, never an issue. Very stable, water tight at highway speeds. Two thumbs up.
Edit. No interference with rear gate using the factory roof rack. There are two adjustable feet on both ends of the box.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
This is a XL Thule. I ran it on a Gen3 4Runner and it hung over the windshield with no problem.
reddog90
SILVER Star
I got a Thule Force XT XXL today. I have it as far back as possible without touching the spoiler and it just covers the sunroof. I think it's the right size for this blob of a truck and the space will be much needed traveling with kids and dogs.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
Mine may be a XXL. Does the box look like an XXL? Been a while. They fit great on OEM LC cross bars.
reddog90
SILVER Star
Looks about the same size as mine but also looks like a different shape/model.
You are correct. That is a motion in the pic and I swapped down one step the force. I didn't like the shiny exterior and I knew I'd have it looking like poo with scratches immediately.
It's stable with light loads but I'm really going to max it out on Monday as we travel for thanksgiving.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
Safe travels
reddog90
SILVER Star
Thule Force XT XXL. 1 wife, 2 kids under 2 yo, 2 large dogs, 2 quartered deer. Couldn't have traveled without it last weekend. It's not an attractive addition but it is much more appropriate for my needs in this vehicle than a cool roof rack.
I’ve had the Jegs 18 cu. ft. Roof Carrier for a few years and it has worked well for a number of my vehicles. It’s a lot cheaper than others holds the taller items I carry.
www.jegs.com
JEGS 90098: 18 Cubic ft. Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy-Duty Weatherproof Lockable Hard Shell Storage w/110 lb. Carrying Capacity - JEGS
Buy a JEGS Performance Products 90098 rooftop cargo carrier online. The JEGS 90098 rooftop cargo carrier is 18 cubic feet and boasts a carrying capacity of 110 lbs. The 4-corner locking system keeps your valuables secure in the 555-90998. Buy your JEGS 90098 roof top cargo carrier from JEGS High...
www.jegs.com
2018 LC with stock rails and crossbars, old school Thule Atlantis 1600 roof box. Works fine, although it will shift from time to time at the front (I think my claws may be wearing out / worn out, as they each loosen slightly after 50+ highway miles).
On a related note, the box sits on the rails such that the tips of the claws (before you tighten them down) touch the paint. They're rubber coated, but still.... I have always loaded the box onto the roof from the side (on all of my SUVs), putting the first two claws over the rails and then sliding the box across on the rails towards the far side of the vehicle. On the M-Bs, I have a set of Yakima Whispbars that did the trick, including a tiny bit of elevation versus the height of the rails (no stock crossbars). Let's just say that mounting technique doesn't work on the LC with this box and stock rails - you really need to place it down onto the rails, rather than try to slide it across...ask me how I know....
Has anyone come up with a hard-ish rubber spacer of some sort, to move the box and claws upwards vertically on the rails, away from the paint? Hard to describe in words, but something that could be inserted (4x) between the top of the crossbar and the bottom of each plastic slider with the claws.
I was thinking of trying to cut up a leftover rubber horse blanket / pad (3/8" or 3/4" thick) into 2-3" x 2-3" pieces, and then inserting it before clamping down. But if there's a solution that someone else has already found, I'd love to follow on the trodden path....
On a related note, the box sits on the rails such that the tips of the claws (before you tighten them down) touch the paint. They're rubber coated, but still.... I have always loaded the box onto the roof from the side (on all of my SUVs), putting the first two claws over the rails and then sliding the box across on the rails towards the far side of the vehicle. On the M-Bs, I have a set of Yakima Whispbars that did the trick, including a tiny bit of elevation versus the height of the rails (no stock crossbars). Let's just say that mounting technique doesn't work on the LC with this box and stock rails - you really need to place it down onto the rails, rather than try to slide it across...ask me how I know....
Has anyone come up with a hard-ish rubber spacer of some sort, to move the box and claws upwards vertically on the rails, away from the paint? Hard to describe in words, but something that could be inserted (4x) between the top of the crossbar and the bottom of each plastic slider with the claws.
I was thinking of trying to cut up a leftover rubber horse blanket / pad (3/8" or 3/4" thick) into 2-3" x 2-3" pieces, and then inserting it before clamping down. But if there's a solution that someone else has already found, I'd love to follow on the trodden path....
I will just add that the roof top carrier adds a lot of weight very high up on the vehicle. Imo, it makes the car much more top heavy and is a bit squirrelly when the vehicle already has 6 people and a dog.
We switched to a hitch basket with an all weather bag for road trips. It’s easier to install, keeps the weight low, and fits a ton of crap.
$150 for the cabelas basket, and 60 bucks for a waterproof bag on Amazon.
We switched to a hitch basket with an all weather bag for road trips. It’s easier to install, keeps the weight low, and fits a ton of crap.
$150 for the cabelas basket, and 60 bucks for a waterproof bag on Amazon.
reddog90
SILVER Star
Anyone had these rivets on one of the latches pop off? These rivets are clearly a weak point in the design and seem like a designated failure point so the latch mechanism doesn't break. But Thule doesn't sell the rivets or a latch assembly that includes new rivets. Rack Outfitters doesn't either. And I got the box at Sun n Ski which has a 60 day return policy instead of REI because REI doesn't carry the XXL size. So now I either hassle with Thule for a warranty claim or try to fix it myself with my own rivet gun.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
Bolt with locking nut? Hardware storeAnyone had these rivets on one of the latches pop off? These rivets are clearly a weak point in the design and seem like a designated failure point so the latch mechanism doesn't break. But Thule doesn't sell the rivets or a latch assembly that includes new rivets. Rack Outfitters doesn't either. And I got the box at Sun n Ski which has a 60 day return policy instead of REI because REI doesn't carry the XXL size. So now I either hassle with Thule for a warranty claim or try to fix it myself with my own rivet gun.
reddog90
SILVER Star
Yes I could use little hardware store bolts or aluminum rivets. It's just frustrating that I can't buy they proper plastic rivet from Thule. I guess it's a liability measure for them.
