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@johnsonmc2000 - Not sure what VWBaldwin did, but PowerfulUK just started selling some sort of backets for the expedition rack. Maybe one of those will work. They created 2 or 3 to help mount roof-top tents. Might want to check to see if that may work out.
Thanks. It does look like it creates a slightly raised platform that I can attach. I've emaied Powerful to confirm. The box arrrives this weekedn so I will have to figure something out. I really liked the idea of the Thule clamps rather than a more permanent attachment but may just have to do what I can.
@johnsonmc2000 - Have you looked at the Owner's Manual of the XT yet? Appears that it has it's own pretty cool mounting system. I wouldn't do anything until I put it up there and found out it wouldn't work. I think you're probably good to go.
Yes I have. I agree, pretty neat system. The problem is that the clamps are indented on the bottom of the box - it is not a flat bottom. Thule tells me it doesn't work but there has to be a way and so ordered and will figure it out when it arrives.
Yes I have. I agree, pretty neat system. The problem is that the clamps are indented on the bottom of the box - it is not a flat bottom. Thule tells me it doesn't work but there has to be a way and so ordered and will figure it out when it arrives.
You definitely need a flat bottom box with expedition rack.
Either LR’s (which is small length wise) or the yakima cargo box. I’m planning to get the 18 next week for a trip to Canada.
Last edited by Count Laszlo; 10-25-2021 at 07:04 PM.
Yes I have. I agree, pretty neat system. The problem is that the clamps are indented on the bottom of the box - it is not a flat bottom. Thule tells me it doesn't work but there has to be a way and so ordered and will figure it out when it arrives.
I'm also working on the same problem. I've got some parts ordered from e-trailer and I will update the thread if it works.
Ok, burn me for heresy: if you already have the rack and you already have the XT, just take out the rails you don’t want/need. Or those that get in the way.
Or: get rid of the rack & get rails. Or: get rid of that version of box. Both seem like expensive PITAs.
Or just take them off, put in box and reverse when not needed. The cheap PITA.
(If too long for cheap PITA, back to PowerfulUK - those seem to lift box above rails)
Yep. That was another thought. I decided I had to have the box to actually work with rather than looking at online. Didn't quite think of taking them off and putting them in the box itself. Maybe I should just order the XXL instead of the XL> LOL
Ok, burn me for heresy: if you already have the rack and you already have the XT, just take out the rails you don’t want/need. Or those that get in the way.
Or: get rid of the rack & get rails. Or: get rid of that version of box. Both seem like expensive PITAs.
Or just take them off, put in box and reverse when not needed. The cheap PITA.
(If too long for cheap PITA, back to PowerfulUK - those seem to lift box above rails)
Watch this space Grouse. I am hopeful my idea will work. Soon as I get the bits and pieces and my Defender back from the shop after a recent complete electrical failure on the side of the highway (1300 miles and 3 weeks old) I hope to have a solution that will be safe, stable, and secure.
I'm not interested in taking off rails. The cargo box would still not fit over the ends of the rack in any event so it wouldn't work. All that is needed are longer bolts and some sort of ~1" spacer. Got the bolts and the Thule adapter and I reckon a spacer will be easy enough to figure out. We shall see.
Worst case, I get a flat-floored box and sell the old one. (Or likely I'll potter about trying other ideas before doing that. I'm not a fan of giving up and spending $$$)
10-25-2021, 08:13 AM
