Cargo Carrier/Roof Box on Roof Crossbars

[KuroNekko]

I'm looking to get one in the next few months. I already have the Suzuki crossbars so I'm looking for a suitable roof box. The ones I have my eye on is the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 or the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite, but I'm concerned about the width because I also want to mount my bike module. The dimensions show that the RocketBox Pro 14 is 33 inches wide and the SkyBox 16 is 36 inches wide. I measured the mounting area on the Suzuki crossbars which is 33 inches. However, if I offset the roof box to a particular side instead of the center, I may be able to fix the bike module. I'm just not sure about the clearance available to know if this is possible. While I think the RocketBox Pro 14 should fit, I prefer the SkyBox 16 given the superior build quality and reviews.

So basically, does anyone have a roof box they've ever mounted on the Kizashi? If so, what size and how much extra mounting space was left if offset from center?

I could go with a narrower one like the RocketBox Pro 11, but these have less total cargo volume and are longer in length. While they don't present a compatibility problem with sedans, their extra length can cause tailgate issues with SUVs, CUVs, and wagons. Given I want to use the roof box on a future vehicle, this is something I need to consider.

I haven't examined Thule offerings yet, but was looking at Yakima first. I'm likely going to choose either a Thule or Yakima given those are offered at REI which is where I'll likely get my roof box.

I also found this site which offers a good visual of what the roof box will look like on a particular vehicle.
http://mr-box.com/us/car/suzuki/kizashi

[jadeng97]

Unfortunately I can't answer your question because I have never mounted a box on mine. Although I do have Suzuki Crossbars, what bike module do you have for them? I enjoy mountain biking and i need to get one for the crossbars instead of trying to put one on the trunk (which i hate to do)

[KuroNekko]

Unfortunately I can't answer your question because I have never mounted a box on mine. Although I do have Suzuki Crossbars, what bike module do you have for them? I enjoy mountain biking and i need to get one for the crossbars instead of trying to put one on the trunk (which i hate to do)

I have the Suzuki accessory bike module which is a Mont Blanc Barracuda. I like it because it doesn't require you to remove any wheels to mount the bike onto it and is compatible with both mountain and road bikes. I have noticed that VW sells the exact same bike module as an accessory.

[jadeng97]

is this mounted in the t-slot mount or does it strap on to crossbar?

[KuroNekko]

is this mounted in the t-slot mount or does it strap on to crossbar?

It actually came with the hardware for both. However, I use the T-slot. The good thing about this bike module is that it isn't specific to the Kizashi's accessory crossbars. They mount perfectly, but you can also put this bike module on another vehicle and if needed, with the included mounting clamps instead of the t-slot hardware.

[Speed_Racer]

Unfortunately I can't answer your question because I have never mounted a box on mine. Although I do have Suzuki Crossbars, what bike module do you have for them? I enjoy mountain biking and i need to get one for the crossbars instead of trying to put one on the trunk (which i hate to do)

I have a Rhino Rack fork mount on mine - works w/ my road bike and my mountain bike (w/ a Lefty adapter). Mounts in the T-slot.

[n8dogg]

I have no experience with roof racks on the Kizashi, but on other vehicles. One thing to consider in addition to the width of the roof box is that when the lid of the box swings open, it increases the width dimension. If you're bike is mounted near the box, it'll likely need to be removed in order to have the clearance to open and close the box. Just something to consider.

[KuroNekko]

I have no experience with roof racks on the Kizashi, but on other vehicles. One thing to consider in addition to the width of the roof box is that when the lid of the box swings open, it increases the width dimension. If you're bike is mounted near the box, it'll likely need to be removed in order to have the clearance to open and close the box. Just something to consider.

I thought about this too, but my application is for carrying rather than mounted use, at least for this purpose. I'm moving later this year and plan to drive the Kizashi cross-country. I want to pack my car with as much as possible, including my mountain bike. However, there are both size and weight limitations. I just checked the owner's manual and the Kizashi is spec'ed to have a roof load limit of 110 lbs (50 Kg), including the roof racks. This means I'll likely have to get a smaller box to not only fit the bike, but to keep the weight down. The SkyBox 16 Carbonite is 47 lbs itself, consuming nearly half the weight limit empty!

[KuroNekko]

I looked at some comparable Thule products and see that they are actually better for my purpose. Instead of compromising between a few Yakima roof boxes, it looks like Thule makes some products that are closer to ideal. They also tend to have higher review ratings too.
I'll have to see when REI will put Thule products on sale.

[jadeng97]

Unfortunately I can't answer your question because I have never mounted a box on mine. Although I do have Suzuki Crossbars, what bike module do you have for them? I enjoy mountain biking and i need to get one for the crossbars instead of trying to put one on the trunk (which i hate to do)

I have the Suzuki accessory bike module which is a Mont Blanc Barracuda. I like it because it doesn't require you to remove any wheels to mount the bike onto it and is compatible with both mountain and road bikes. I have noticed that VW sells the exact same bike module as an accessory.

Where did you get your bike carrier. Found it on Amazon for $135 but don't see it for sale anywhere else really. Just wanted to see if that was a good price.