Which rooftop cargo carrier?

[ReaperHWK]

I am planning to do a family trip soon, it's 2 adults and 5 kids. So the inside of the Tahoe will be jammed packed and I need a place to store luggage.

The obvious choice is the rooftop cargo carriers. They make many versions and the ones from Thule look to be good. I also have to get the cross bars, I assume the genuine GM ones are the best? Any aftermarket ones any better?

Any recommendations for cargo carrier? I don't mind spending up to around $800 probably for a good one. Want something easy to use(I like the ones that have open from either side), looks good, easy to take on and off(I'd only have it on once or twice a year for a trip probably), and has a large cargo capacity. Probably throwing 3-4 suitcases in there + maybe some other stuff.

I checked Thule's website and they have so many models hard to see which one is the one for me. I'll have to put some mroe time in that search. Any other brands besides Thule, and of course GM has one too.

 

[Philpug]

Thule and Yakima are the two popular leaders. You cannot go wrong with either one. Yhe problem with the factory cross bars is that they are bowed and the box will not sit level. Both Yakima and Thule do offer crossbars, for these vehicles, I prefer the Thule option because it actually sits lower so you don't have to reach as high. For access to the box, those steps than hang on the frame are very useful.

You will spend 6-800 for a box, then another 400 for crossbars. Remember, you also need space to store the box when not using it. I actually installed an electric Harbor Freight hoist in my garage, it was $89 and less than the pully systems that the brands sell.

Keep an eye on FBMarket, C-List for used ones. Also, there are people who rent them and if you are only using it 1-2 times a year, that might be an option for you.

 

[ReaperHWK]

Thule and Yakima are the two popular leaders. You cannot go wrong with either one. Yhe problem with the factory cross bars is that they are bowed and the box will not sit level. Both Yakima and Thule do offer crossbars, for these vehicles, I prefer the Thule option because it actually sits lower so you don't have to reach as high. For access to the box, those steps than hang on the frame are very useful.

You will spend 6-800 for a box, then another 400 for crossbars. Remember, you also need space to store the box when not using it. I actually installed an electric Harbor Freight hoist in my garage, it was $89 and less than the pully systems that the brands sell.

Keep an eye on FBMarket, C-List for used ones. Also, there are people who rent them and if you are only using it 1-2 times a year, that might be an option for you.

Thanks that’s great info. I didn’t know about the crossbars from Thule. I’ll check that out I’d prefer a flat one over bowed I think.
Yeah I did think about storage. I’d have to build or do something in the garage like you did.

 

[Philpug]

 

[Philpug]

I love my Packasport but it is not what you are looking for. It is great for skis but only rear opening and a bear to get on and off the vehicle.

 

[ReaperHWK]

I love my Packasport but it is not what you are looking for. It is great for skis but only rear opening and a bear to get on and off the vehicle.

Well i decided on a Thule Force XT XL 18. There was a good video on youtube that showed it on a Tahoe and it fit perfectly. It's on the factory crossbars and it actually looks good, I think I'm going factory bars as well.

So I looked online to buy it, and even called a vendor and Thule is backordered for 2 months!

My trip is the first week of August, so I think I'm stuck renting one for now..... I'm not risking ordering one and it not showing up in time.....

 

[Philpug]

It's on the factory crossbars and it actually looks good, I think I'm going factory bars as well.

I will admit the factory bars are better than I expected but if I am buying, I'd still err to the Thule ones. You will want to play with the positioning of the box, centering makes it tough to reach from either side, I'd suggest one side or the other.

 

[TrueAt1stLight]

Tag. Looking at the exact same box for a 21 Yukon Denali. I ordered one through GMC Accessories website and it’s back ordered

 

[gooffeyguy]

Just remember to not overload the roof rack. Your owners manual will have the weight limit of it. I know on my 2012 it is 200 lbs

 

[Charlie207]

I have a Yakima Rocketbox, and it's worked perfectly with both Yakima round crossbars, and factory flat crossbars. The box has neat claw mounts, which are adjustable for whatever the distance between your front/rear crossbars are.

It can open from either side, and holds a bunch of stuff.

I don't have a photo of it on my Yukon, but here's one of it on my old BMW.

 

[ReaperHWK]

Tag. Looking at the exact same box for a 21 Yukon Denali. I ordered one through GMC Accessories website and it’s back ordered

Yes I know. Thule says September for delivery of orders if you do it direct through them.
If you don’t care about money I only found that 2 vendors have them in stock and sell on Amazon; however they jacked up the price by $250 and are selling them for $950 shipped. I’m not willing to overpay that much.

 

[TollKeeper]

Why not look for a trailer hitch mounted carrier? Safer, more fuel efficient, and higher cargo weight capacity overall.

The only downside is you have to remember its back there when you are backing up. But there are drive thrus that you cant get thru with a roof carrier on your truck either.

They come in a lot of sizes, and price points, so I cant really recommend anything over another.

Just for reference..

Thule 665C - Transporter Combi Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier | Truck&Gear

Get now Thule part# 665C for a $753.26 and make a payment plan with Affirm! Toll-free shipping and easy return on Hitch Cargo Carriers UPC:091021665996

truckandgear.com

 

[gooffeyguy]

Why not look for a trailer hitch mounted carrier? Safer, more fuel efficient, and higher cargo weight capacity overall.

The only downside is you have to remember its back there when you are backing up. But there are drive thrus that you cant get thru with a roof carrier on your truck either.

They come in a lot of sizes, and price points, so I cant really recommend anything over another.

Just for reference..

Thule 665C - Transporter Combi Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier | Truck&Gear

Get now Thule part# 665C for a $753.26 and make a payment plan with Affirm! Toll-free shipping and easy return on Hitch Cargo Carriers UPC:091021665996

truckandgear.com

That's what I used before we had the XL and took trips with the 2001. The hitch mount carriers are a lot cheaper also, but when stopping to eat or sightseeing while on a trip you need to park where you can keep an eye on it so your stuff doesn't get jacked. You could probably bolt a locking storage box, like a Contico or a trailer storage box to it to lock your luggage in and it'd still probably be cheaper.

 

[TollKeeper]

That is true. A few of them have locks, and as long as you use a locking hitch pin, I think you are golden.

 

[TollKeeper]

And I am going to make another recommendation.

With all the kids, and hungry bellies.. I would suggest getting a thermoelectric cooler. They plug into a cigarette lighter, and can keep things VERY cool. Put sandwich supplies, and drinks. Will save TONS of money over buying stuff from the gas stations.

I have used one of these for well over 2 million miles of traveling..

https://www.coleman.com/coolers/thermoelectric-coolers/40-quart-powerchill-thermoelectric-cooler/SAP_3000001497.html

(yes, I did say 2 million miles)

 

[Philpug]

Just remember to not overload the roof rack. Your owners manual will have the weight limit of it. I know on my 2012 it is 200 lbs

That is more a guideline. Our Packasport is 100lb alone, I have had 15 pairs of skis in it...well over the 200lb. No issues at all.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Same can be said for tow ratings too I guess.

Lol

 

[Philpug]

Side note, the new Subaru Outback Wilderness roof rating is something liek 700lb...crazy good.

 

[Tk59194]

I went with the Rhino Rack.

 

[Philpug]

I went with the Rhino Rack. View attachment 281601

These don't fit my need but just out of curiosity, do these create a lot of wind noise?