New whip with the Expedition roof rack, need to source a roof box that is compatible with the rack rather than the roof bars which it seems most new boxes are now designed for with the recessed bottoms.... Anyone got a work around and/or solution please?

 

I have a Thule XT and I am working on a work around.

I'm going to use longer M6 bolts with spacers to anchor two of the cross members to the expedition rack. I've checked and can raise the bars by about 3/8" this way. If I grind the edges of the bars a little where their lip is curved they can sit even higher while still being in the safety of the rack. I've not done it yet but this will likely give me about a 1/2". If you loosen the bars you'll see the little curved lip that I'm describing. A tiny trim is all that's needed. Nothing that will ever be visible.

In addition to raising the bars a little, I might place e a rubber spacer of about 1/4" or so under the box mounting points and camp it down in the regular way. The spacer will prevent deformation of the box floor.

I've not done this yet but have tried the Thule in for size. The clamps do grip the crossbars as is but only just. Raising the bars by 1/2" or so will mean the box will be safe and secure.

As soon as ski season ends in a few weeks I'll be taking off the ski rack and ordering the parts I need in the interim.

I am confident it will work.

Just an idea from McMaster Carr

 

Yakima worked perfectly. Has a flat bottom. Did 2500 miles down Baja. Very little if any noise.

 

not available in the UK unfortunately.....

 

Talk to Powerful UK. I had spoken to them and sent them the Thule setup and they were talking about making an attachment that would help accommodate the Thule boxes.

 

I know this is an older post, but which Yakima box is that?

 

it is the Yakima skybox 16.