Introducing the GrandTour Premium Cargo . Although we tend to prioritize function over form for most categories, we do recognize that cargo boxes can be an eyesore and are something you'll have to see daily while on your vehicle. Thankfully, Thule Force and Yakima Skybox both have security systems to keep you confident during such scenarios. But worry not, because its glossy design and hard plastic will do an excellent job in keeping your items dry and protected from moisture. When it comes to opening or closing the box, we are going with Skyboxs Superlatch handle. That being said, some of the boxes we tested have useful indicators to let you know if the box is latched properly or not before trying to remove the key. Sleek and space-efficient. But the wide range of products can make choosing one difficult. Its manufacturers believe this product can last ages, thus offering a lifetime warranty in case it fails. First to consider is the material used. A sturdy handle opens the lid, with clear visual indicators showing if the box is unlocked or locked. You just need to locate the keys taped to the exterior of the box, open the lid, then use the included torque wrench to loosen each clamp. Its excellent aerodynamic design, paired with superior durability and sleek look, will make you want to install this cargo box in your car. Yakima Skybox isnt as thick as Thule Force, although the hinges and locks are on-par with each other. Does adding a heavy box to your vehicle affect its power, handling, and fuel efficiency? Thule and Yakima are the best manufacturers of cargo boxes; theres no doubt about it. I have a regular Yakima RocketBox, which even pushed as far forward as possible would obstruct the tailgate. That means, there wont be any chances you lock your keys inside the box or misplace it somewhere. These crossbars, too, are excellent noise reducers. Aerodynamics is a big concern in hauling anything on your roof. The only missing add-on, in our opinion, is a light inside the box, though this can easily be added aftermarket for a low price. Fun is, having your roof cargo box take care of it for you. After all, you wouldnt want an eyesore on top of your car. Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. You will discover that there are some features you can live without. We spent more time trying to locate where the manufacturer had taped the key than actually mounting it the first time. We feel confident that this model will fit more crossbars than most. Also, dont forget how these finishes will react to dirt and scrapes. It is suitable for customers on a tight budget, although there are several Thule cargo boxes that are sold at a reasonable price, as well. The GrandTour is an impressive cargo box with a mostly flat interior floor, with no bulky knobs or other attachments for your gear to get hooked on when loading or unloading. Yakima has an edge in roof bike racks because they're the company's main focus. How can we improve GearLab? You dont need to exert force when opening a box and putting your gears inside. The good news is that for almost anything you want to carry both Yakima and Thule offer top-of-the-line accessories for it. It merely means that you can save time in loading and unloading your items, regardless of which side of the car you are standing. With its durable construction, sleek design, and huge capacity, this cargo box is ideal for your upcoming long trips. . However, these do show dirt and scrapes a bit more readily. Anyone have the Yakima GrandTour 16 or Thule Vector M Roof Box on their Model S? Thule vs Yakima Cargo Boxes: The Ultimate Review, Choosing the Best Cargo Box Thule vs. Yakima, Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Cargo Box, Top 7 Best Truck Bed Rails | 2021 Reviews (Westin), Mounting and unmounting can be inconvenient, Latching mechanism ensures the safety of the gears, The security system comes with a lock and key. Despite its sleek design, it can accommodate a lot of gears. At $830 for the 18-cubic-foot version, the GrandTour features a high-gloss finish, sophisticated wide profile, and contoured base that keeps it sitting low on the crossbars. We have tested plenty of cargo boxes that are annoying to operate, but this one flat-out works nicely and comes in at a reasonable price. The hinges are attached to hold the lid in place. This knowledge will help you to save money and also helps you in selecting the right cargo box for you. So weve made it easier by narrowing the options to two popular travel storage makers: Thule and Yakima. Distinctive automotive badging Hauls gear for up to 3 campers; fits snowboards and skis up to 185cm Made in the USA Yakima cannot ship the GrandTour 16 to Alaska or Hawaii - please contact a local dealer. As you can notice in the featured items, some models come with push-button openings. Komplettfrpackade lasthllare / takrcke till Renault Clio. We love the convenience of the dual openings and the tool-free installation. to your vehicle's height clearance, the Yakima GrandTour Lo roof box is sleek, low-profile and adventure-ready with its dual-side access to 15 cu. The lid is also a little on the floppy side, and the Alpine is bordering on boring when it comes to visual appeal. No "sponsored" content. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details. Adding only about 10 in. It is designed in a way that will keep your gears safe and easy to access. The single-piece clamp of the Yakima GrandTour can fit a variety of different crossbars. We like the tool-free installation, but it can be a bit harder to judge if they have been tightened sufficiently. It also looks a bit stubbier and less sleek and stylish overall than some of its pricier counterparts. This factor is only applicable if you are planning to buy a roof cargo box. Thule, with all its fame and reputation in the hauling industry, is certainly one of the most expensive brands. Tonedog77. Yakima GrandTour Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 Cubic Ft - Gloss Black (20) $878.95. There are similarities and differences that you will see in their products, but all cargo boxes from Yakima and Thule are built to last. No, not really. However, we did find some of the glossier models, such as the Yakima GrandTour or the Thule Motion XT XL, to be slightly more prone to showing scuffs and scrapes than the matte or satin-finished models something to consider if you frequently store your cargo carrier off of your vehicle. However, both of these boxes aren't necessarily the most stylish options out there. For ease of use, were giving Yakima Skybox 7/10 while Thule Force 6/10. They should also be ergonomically and aerodynamically designed to avoid rattle and noise. Below, we pick which company we think makes the better product in each of three categories: crossbars, bike racks, and cargo baskets. This system consists of crossbars that bridge the width of your roof. If you're going for a more muted aesthetic, the Thule Force, Horizon Alpine, and Yakima Skybox Carbonite might be better options. Choosing between Thule and Yakima cargo boxes isnt easy. The lid isn't floppy, and operating the latches and locks is straightforward. 4. One of the main indicators of quality for a cargo box is the overall rigidity of the frame, particularly with the lid. Both brands have established a good reputation in the industry. The Vector feels very sturdy and secure and has a look that complements almost any vehicle. Some cargo boxes will ruin the aesthetics of a car. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Finally, the size. Instead of the usual glossy sheen that most models feature, this Yakima cargo box has a matte black finish. The low profile of this Thule Hyper XL cargo box makes it very stylish for storage space. If you are searching for the best all-around cargo box, we think the Yakima GrandTour 16 is your ticket to ride. It was a straightforward process. It was impressive, nonetheless. Our experts test thousands of products each year. The reviews we ran hopefully gave you an insight into each items strengths and weaknesses. At the top of the line, the Yakima GrandTour is a premium model that comes with a heftier price tag though still a price point we consider quite fair. This budget box looks alright and feels very sturdy and durable. yakima grandtour 16 vs thule motion xteuropean skincare brands yakima grandtour 16 vs thule motion xt. On the other hand, the Thule Motion XT is around $120 cheaper and weighs roughly 15 lbs lighter. This cargo box can accommodate the gears of up to three people, making it an ideal choice for families. piloteers.org is not in any way affiliated with Honda Motor Company, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The quick clamps don't permanently mount into the box, but they are very user-friendly, making the installation process quick and easy. The security of each cargo box was our next concern. However, it is only available in a high gloss black finish and is also a large box, so it can look a bit out of place on some smaller cars. A cargo box with smart design features, sleek appearance, and quick installation is precisely what you need. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well, so you most likely can negate any loss in fuel economy by driving just a bit slower and you don't really want to be speeding all that much with a fully loaded cargo box on top of your car anyway. $899.95. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Do you value your experience at TMC? There's a length difference of ~8" between the two but not sure how that translate to size once mounted on the roof. These cargo carriers all held up very well to our testing process and feel solid and sturdy, with a lid that opens with minimal flopping. There are features to look for, such as locking mechanism, lid, materials, and the material body. Both Yakima Skybox and Thule Force will leave you confident in trusting your things inside it. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite 16, Goplus Rooftop Carrier, and the Thule Force XT XL are next regarding ease of use. Whether you plan to use your cargo box occasionally or throw it on your roof and leave it there for months, there are a few ways in which some products are considerably easier to use than others. Overall, we really enjoyed testing and using the Yakima GrandTour and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-designed solution for their rooftop storage needs. I like it better than Yakima, though they are both pretty good. The only difference is that the previous was easy to hand-tighten while the latter has that click that lets you know youve tightened the box enough. The roof is curved quite a bit. This relatively flat bottom makes packing the box more efficient and reduces items getting caught on knobs and snagged. That way, you dont accidentally drive with an open cargo box. Throughout testing, we kept track of any visible wear and tried to find flaws in durability. Installing it for the first time can be time-consuming, and if you do not have the prior mechanic knowledge, it can be challenging. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Not much difference in fuel consumption despite having them on top of the vehicle. It also contributes to its stability when attached to the car. Whether you're packing up all your camping gear before heading out on a backpacking or climbing trip, or traveling to a new beautiful location to ski or snowboard, a cargo box can help you stay organized and maximize space inside your vehicle. Below is a comprehensive buying guide that will enlighten the difference between Thule and Yakima cargo boxes. Everyone wants to be confident that a roof box will keep their gear as safe as possible, though a determined thief could probably get into any of these products with enough motivation and the right tools. ft. of cargo space. The relatively flat bottom makes it much easier to load or unload gear. Plus, theyre durable and easy to install. They are some of the most resistant to water intrusion in our experience as well, and the different clamps and latches all feel well-designed. Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. This material is lightweight, making it easy to attach and detach. Both have their advantages over each other but feel fairly comparable in terms of overall ease of use. Weve researched materials, structure, and price points to help you decide. Yakima has an edge in roof bike racks because theyre the companys main focus. The area, where Yakima scores best is its versatility. Some models from Yakima and Thule features a strap attached inside the lid. The lid only opens on one side with no way to reconfigure it and it lacks any integrated straps for securing your gear inside. Scratches and scuffs are notably more subtle on the matte finishes as well, a problem that glossy models struggled with after many miles. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. Other models still use traditional handles. The mounting system is excellent, but similar to that of the Thule Motion XT, which costs significantly less. You may also consider its physical appearance. Read more: SportRack Horizon Alpine review. Home; Over ons; FAQ; Retouren & Ruilen . For their larger sized boxes, of course you are going to want a large vehicle like an SUV. For this criterion, we're giving it to Yakima Skybox with 7/10 while Thule Force with 6/10. The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). However, take note that the angle when you can open a cargo box is limited. Value - This item. Thule is also a significant supplier of cargo boxes to many parts of the world. The 16 cubic foot model we tested can fit items up to 185 cm in length (fitting the most common ski lengths). They were completely ready to mount out of the box. 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