highmtndisco - Could you fit 2 skybox 18's? If I go the box route I am trying to decide between getting a couple of smaller boxes or 1 big box (like the Skybox 21).

thanks

 

mattrickman- If you use 66" crossbars or larger, then you could fit two Yakima Skyboxes side-by-side with 3" of overhang on both sides (with the 66" bars).
The only difference between the Skybox 18 vs 21 is that the 21 model is 2" taller (18 vs 16"), otherwise, they are both 36" wide x 92" long.
You could easily get 2 Rocketboxes on the 58" bars. But, the reason I prefer the Skyboxes is that have more height and are wider.
I use the 58" Yakima cross bars with a single Skybox 18 with a Yakima Basketcase (a smaller open basket) for most trips. I add an open hitch mounted carrier if we need to take even more gear.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve... I think that is the setup I am going to go with as well (the 21 plus maybe a basketcase)....

 

Steve - do you use Yakima bars or the factory LR ones?

 

Matt- I use the Yakima 58" crossbars...I think they are more stable than the LR factory bars.

Steve

 

Steve - Thanks!

 

If you go with a full rack, you might look at some of the NEW racks being produced by Baja Racks. They have a new DI rack that blows the Safety Devices rack out of the water and that was once the gold standard. Plus, the new Baja Racks will allow you to put a Thule or Yakima box on board if you need to.

I have one of the prototype Baja Racks and it rules. I also use a Thule box on Thule bars and that works great as well. It really is hard to beat the convenience of a cargo box. When you shop for a box, keep the depth in mind. I use a Thule Ascent 1100 because it's very sleek. Not huge, but for us, big enough.

 

azoverlander - what do you mean by keep the depth in mind?

 

By that, I mean the depth or hieght of the box. Your rig is already tall. Putting some of these giant boxes on there won't be a great idea. Also, if you have dual sunroofs, you'll want something that clears those (or disable them). I'm a Yakima and a Thule dealer. I went with a Thule rack using the Super Hi Foot Gutter rack towers on 65" load bars that you can cut down a bit if you need to. That will position the rack above your sunroofs.

The box options are many. If you get something that is super tall, and wide, you'll be punching a pretty big hole through the air and you better believe your mileage will take a huge hit. This is why I use a Thule Ascent 1100 as it is only 12.5" tall. That means you can't just plunk a suitcase in there, but it's extremely sleek and low. A bigger option might be the Thule Spirit 1600. That will only add a couple inches but will really increase the space.

Regarding a box AND a basket - The baskets are fine but even those from Thule and Yakima are almost too tall and protecting your stuff isn't easy.

Google Baja Racks to see what they offer. And as a Thule and Yakima dealer, I personally think Thule is superior for THIS PARTICULAR vehicle and for your particular needs. I like Yakima equally well for other rigs and applications.

 

I have a yakima rack with the rail grabbers. These attach to the factory roof rails. I can have two boxes (Thule 1800) with my Tandem up there, or other bikes. I have Yakima's biggest bars (76 I think) and my sunroofs never hit the bikes, or boxes. I love that it takes about 3 minutes to put the rack on and 2 for the boxes. My friends don't call it a rack they call them antlers, but on the disco those long bars don't over hang the roof too much. I love the flexibility as I haul a canoe, or bikes and boxes and whatever all else. (Bonus--my stock rover and roof rack fit in the garage, standard size!).