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.