Box Talk: Thule/Yakima cargo vs. all the other boxes people put on their rooves.

[FirenzeForza4x4]

Hi. I'm hoping to get some dialogue and input/feedback on the whole roof box scene. Yes, it is a scene. Roof rack gear has become a whole other industry it seems, and apparently LDPE is super expensive when it comes in the tactical colors. My basic question is: When did Thule-style boxes fall out of "style" or whatever, in favor of seemingly more cumbersome square/rectangle boxes, whether in LDPE or Al?
I'm legitimately interested in the pros and cons, and only have personal experience with a Thule. But everywhere you look, whether on the road, or on the forums, our crowd seems to favor the other kinds of boxes, so I figure there's something I'm missing.

Now for my intended use, I had been debating for months which cool overland box I was going to strap to my rack. I even had something in my cart to take in a BF sale. In my case, my plan is to put it up for the trip, and have access to it, but not necessarily be taking it up and down off the rack, because that is a PITA. And then it dawned on me that I had a Thule box sitting on my wife's GG. I had been so blinded by the "overlanding" image, that I totally forgot about that box, which prior to really getting more passionate about off-roading and camping, had served my family well.

Let's hear your thoughts and experiences with either kind of boxes, and your honest assessments.

Cheers!

 

[reaver]

The only issue I could see with the yakima/thule style boxes you're referring to would be the thickness of the plastic. Stuff bounces around, and thinner plastic won't take the abuse that comes with things beating into it all day.

I bolted a couple of the 68 qt plano boxes to my rack, and ran them for the last year. I cut a piece of plywood for some rigidity on the bottom on the box, and ran the bolt through that, into a super strut crossbar. I had no issues with things getting wet, and the plan box is still in great shape.

I don't see any issues running that box up top, as long as you're aware of what goes into it.

 

[pl626]

My guess would be form-factor and use case. The Wolfpack/box style is smaller and modular, whereas the Thule/Yakima are basically fixed to the rack, though more capacity and aerodynamic. Personally, I prefer the smaller boxes as they are more flexible.

 

[FirenzeForza4x4]

Ok thanks. Interesting points about ruggedness and durability off-road. I think in my particular situation, I've found that I load what I need into the rig, and the items that hopefully I'm less likely to need go up into the rack box. I'll have to poke around the Thule as I can't recall if there are any internal tie-down points which would help with cargo control when out on the trails. I do think they are great for the bulky stuff though. But I could see my big bottle jack, shackles etc causing havoc up there. There's probably a way to skin that cat.

 

[SWLands]

I have a rtt but I travel alone mostly and learning to pack so I can easily sleep inside my 4Runner. Truth is I get more room length wise inside the 4Runner than in my Roofnest Falcon where I sleep diagonally.
I also have a gazelle t4 and a long cot and that is super comfy and roomy.
So. I was mulling selling the rtt and putting the gazelle on the rack. Right now the gazelle rests inside the vehicle just fine, but it fills the space so I have to move stuff around to sleep in there. Put it on the roof I have it if I need it.
But. That tent is then on display open for theft etc and exposed to weather. So I have been thinking a long box to hold the tent would make sense. And then I could toss some other light stuff up there. Another goal is to lighten the load, especially weight up high. The Roofnest is one of the lighter tents, but still 160lbs. Gazelle t4 is 30.
Anyhoo, topic interests me, these are just thoughts floating around on my own set up and options.

 

[FirenzeForza4x4]

I have a rtt but I travel alone mostly and learning to pack so I can easily sleep inside my 4Runner. Truth is I get more room length wise inside the 4Runner than in my Roofnest Falcon where I sleep diagonally.
I also have a gazelle t4 and a long cot and that is super comfy and roomy.
So. I was mulling selling the rtt and putting the gazelle on the rack. Right now the gazelle rests inside the vehicle just fine, but it fills the space so I have to move stuff around to sleep in there. Put it on the roof I have it if I need it.
But. That tent is then on display open for theft etc and exposed to weather. So I have been thinking a long box to hold the tent would make sense. And then I could toss some other light stuff up there. Another goal is to lighten the load, especially weight up high. The Roofnest is one of the lighter tents, but still 160lbs. Gazelle t4 is 30.
Anyhoo, topic interests me, these are just thoughts floating around on my own set up and options.

Great point. I too have the T4 and have loved it so far. Only one drawback to me which is lack of an annex in rain. It does pack up long. Measurement on my Atlantis 1800 says it's 84" long and the T4 is listed at 67.5 "collapsed size". So it may just fit in there.

 

[rgallant]

I think you need to ask what I am putting in the box, as it has been noted the Thule/Yakima boxes are really for lighter weight general use items. But the reality is most boxes are not much better.

You might be able to add a piece of plywood to the floor of the thule box and create your own tie downs, it would also allow for a few heavier items in there.

I am in the same process right now, looking for a box to put a few lightweight not regularly used items up top. In my case non-metal recovery gear, then it is always easy to get to

 

[Anak]

I still run a Yakima box. It has held up just fine over the years (and that is on the order of 10 years or so). Plenty of offroad time in there.

What you put up there does matter. For me it is sleeping bags, tent, mess kit, stove, fishing poles and a bunch of small stuff. All what I regard as light stuff. Food and water don't go up there. Not much up there in terms of tools either. Keep all the heavy stuff down low. And I keep it packed such that things don't have much room to move around. I have a couple of tarps and other flexible items that help to cushion things that would want to move.

I have a hitch receiver step that comes and goes as needed (and as practical for angle of departure).