14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So far, so good., May 27, 2008
This review is from: Yakima SkyBox 16s Rooftop Cargo Box (Sports)
I bought the SkyBox to avoid using our SUV on road trips. In order to accomplish this feat my wife and I needed a place to pack luggage, baby gear and whatever else we needed on top of the vehicle.
The Yakima box is perfect for the task. We recently went on an extended road trip where I drove 1452 miles over 6 days and never had any issue(s) with the box.
The cargo box arrived in one piece (no assembly) and I was able to install it on my factory roof rack with a few adjustments of the rack. It helps to assistance lifting it onto the roof. I haven't noticed much difference while driving other than the car catching more crosswinds. Even with the added height, it's not bad at all. Noise has been minimal.
When I started our trip I was worried the box would spring open and let our belongings become road kill for others to avoid. Thankfully, that was never the case and after a few hundred miles I resumed my normal habit of driving a bit over the limit (ok, 80mph) with no worries of losing the contents.
After four or five trips, the box should pay for itself in fuel savings. Our first non-SUV trip saved us approximately $200 at the pump. As gas prices continue to rise, I continue to feel better about my purchase. Truth be known, if gas was cheap, I would have come up with some other logic to justify my spending.
As far as negatives go:
-I can not fully open the hatch without the wing hitting the box, even with the box adjusted fully forward, and,
-The Yakima net I purchased to hold the contents down to the floor of the box is way too small for luggage. I ended up not using it. Bummer. Maybe it will be helpful if I carry a shopping bag in there someday.
Overall, the box performed admirably on it's maiden voyage and I'm looking forward to using it for future trips.
7/25/2009 - Update.
The box has held up very well. We've used it regularly for weekend trips to the beach and driving across the state to visit her family.
My one complaint, and it's not a big deal... One of the Yakima logos came off one side. It was coming loose and I'm assuming someone who was walking by the car yanked it off. It doesn't affect functionality one bit, but I thought it looked nicer with the marketing material intact. I guess if it really bothers me, I can buy a new sticker.
Other than that, the box has been perfect.
5/25/2011 - Update.
We still are using the box on a regular basis and have not experienced any problems. This has been an awesome product.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better Product than Thule Brand, August 13, 2008
This review is from: Yakima SkyBox 16s Rooftop Cargo Box (Sports)
The Yakima SkyBox 16s is well made, installs easily, and is a perfect size for stuff that doesn't easily fit inside the vehicle (like Skis), or for overflow. It is much more rigid than a comparable Thule product, which I originally intended to purchase. This is especially helpful when lifting the lid. You can do it with one hand; you can't do that with the Thule. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a midsize rooftop carrier. And, the price at Amazon was much lower than at the local store that sells these.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent storage, January 20, 2008
This review is from: Yakima SkyBox 16s Rooftop Cargo Box (Sports)
This storage box mounted easily to my factory original racks on my 92 SUV. It is a bit heavy for one person to lift and get on top, but a second person makes it extremely easy. The locks provide ideal security. The fact that the lid can be opened from either side allows it to be packed/unpacked from both sides. I used the box in transit from CA to ID (750 mi) and had no issue. Last weekend it was used for extra storage for winter camping/skiing/snowshoeing. Exceptional product
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No