They are best known for their sleek design and excellent functionality. The click will indicate that you had successfully installed the cargo box in its correct tension. These should tell a lot about how it can live up to your outdoor lifestyle. The clamps also have a wider range than most, allowing this box to secure to more sizes and shapes of crossbars. JavaScript is disabled. The area, where Yakima scores best is its versatility. Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More. This is what the Thule Force is missing. You may also consider its physical appearance. Despite its sleek design, it can accommodate a lot of gears. Just wondering if people have experience with either product and would recommend one over the other if cost isn't a huge issue. Shortyrock, Rav4TheWoods and rav4wira Save Reply Quote 1 - 7 of 7 Posts rav4wira Registered Both have their advantages over each other but feel fairly comparable in terms of overall ease of use. They are best known for their premium-quality products and excellent aftersales customer service. This is where your box will settle. The Yakima RocketBox 14 also shares a dimpled matte texture that is convenient for hiding minor blemishes, but found the overall appearance of this box less sleek and stylish than some of the other models, slightly bumping it down in this metric. Yakima also has a holder for the tool inside the cargo box, so it can live safely and conveniently inside. The installation of this cargo box is a breeze. The GoPlus cargo carrier is as secure as most cargo boxes and opens from both sides, a feature we appreciate. There are no complex configurations and nerve-wracking instructions that can stress you out when you are installing the cargo box. Got feedback? For instance, a glossy finishing will look great, but once it is smudged with dirt, it can be easily noticed by anyone compared to a less flashy option. It is made to resist the harsh elements of nature, but when it gets too windy, or the snow is too thick, the items inside the cargo box can be affected. Also, Thule cargo boxes feature pull chords. However, worry not because both brands have paid much attention to provide a cargo box with decent aesthetics. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Some models from Yakima and Thule features a strap attached inside the lid. Each box was left on for several weeks and driven for hundreds of miles. Planning an outdoor trip can be fun. To rank and score these products and see which cargo-carrying box is truly worthy of being crowned the best, we began by doing extensive research, looking at the best products currently on the market. Stylishly-designed, the Thule Motion XT XL is worth the investment. The included torque wrench with the Yakima GrandTour. If your bars are under 2" thick you can go for a clamp mounted box like The Yakima GrandTour # YA74FR or the Thule Force XT . Its glossy, sleek design will make you want to keep the cargo box attached even when not in use. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. We buy all the products ourselves. We liked the dimpled finish on the Goplus a bit more. In my area 2 different models showed up for sale: Yakima Skybox 16 for $375 and a Thule Motion XT XL for $450. Let us know! We awarded the most points to carriers that have simple and easy-to-operate security systems that seem durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough that we would entrust them with our beloved gear. However, the Evo Wingbar costs $440, and the AeroBlade Edge retails for nearly $500. It can accommodate a wide variety of wheel sizes and tire widths. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your new cargo box, they will get back to you as soon as possible to assist. Both brands also feature dual side opening mechanisms. It can hold up to 150 pounds, and it weighs only 29 pounds. Credit: David Wise Best Bang for the Buck Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Read the Review 65 OVERALL SCORE Ease of Use 6.0 Security 7.0 Quality 7.0 Appearance 6.0 Capacity: 14 cu ft | Box Opening: Dual-side REASONS TO BUY Convenient Feels secure Dual-side opening Product Specs Weight: 51.50 lbs. Tesla Motors Club LLC (TMC) is an independent enthusiast organization and is not affiliated with Tesla Motors, Inc. or its subsidiaries. And, while you cant buy it to experience it, feel it from other people who did. The GrandTour is a solid value. Finally, the size. Both brands also offer durability, security, style, and functionality in one box. If you are looking for a cargo box with an excellent aerodynamic design, specifically from the Yakima, then you should take a look at this product. It is a great premium product that received a top score, and we would highly recommend it to anyone who wants the best and will pay a premium price, but we think most people would be just as happy with some of the less expensive options. Scnic IV (16-) Grand Scnic IV (16-) . Both brands have managed to establish a good reputation in the market and have been globally acknowledged for their premium-quality products. The Thule Vector is one of the best boxes we have seen but it might blow your budget. Its solid internal mounting features are a nice touch to the already ideal cargo box for your family. Were we able to notice the difference, especially comparative differences between each box? . And it comes with a lifetime warranty. The mounting system on the Thule Motion XT makes installation a breeze and is usually accomplished in under five minutes. You shouldnt decide just by looking at it. We also looked at the construction and design of the clamps and locking systems, as well as the amount of potential water intrusion. We are debating between the Thule Motion XT (XL?) The smoother interior surface (lacking awkward knobs or protrusions) makes loading and moving gear throughout the cargo box easier. Just go for the whatever size you need and if you want something super low profile or not. But, it doesnt mean you can just pick one from the two without careful considerations. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. This system provides convenience in the long run. Left: Yakima SkyBox, right: Thule Force. It also contributes to its stability when attached to the car. From left to right: Yakima SkyBox, Yakima ShowCase, Thule Motion XT, Thule Force, SportRack Vista, Thule Sidekick. Adapter may be required. 493 Reviews. Both Thule and Yakima did an excellent job in the opening and closing mechanisms of their cargo boxes. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It is efficient, durable, and powerful. The Horizon Alpine is a bare-bones product that can't compare to the top-tier products in terms of convenience features but retails at a fraction of the cost of the top models. The more we used this cargo box, the more we appreciated this design feature. Bike racks are common car accessories. 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. Lauren has lived out of her van for several years and taken these boxes all over the country, filling them with gear for many kinds of trips. The Force features the same PowerClick mounting system as the more expensive Thule models but lacks the more convenient locking systems featured on those models. The security of each cargo box was our next concern. I am looking at these low profile boxes specifically for garage clearance issues and aerodynamics to keep on most of the time. Check out our other related articles on Thule vs Yakima Kayak Racks, Ski Racks, and Hitch Bike Racks! in this thread in this sub-forum in the entire site. The Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector have a red indicator, and the Yakima Skybox and Yakima GrandTour have nice large handles that make closing everything up securely easy and obvious. The classy Yakima GrandTour has an almost mirror-like finish. So, its just a perfect balance. But for those who value the aesthetics of the cargo box, then the cargo boxes from Thule is an excellent choice. It also protects the items from strong weather and moisture. Our assessments can help you find the right cargo box for your needs. TopRide retails for about $240. We buy all the products ourselves. Since it is made of solid plastic construction and has lid stiffeners, rest assured that it can keep the water out. This cargo carrier has ample room for all sorts of gear. Testing for this metric was fairly subjective and based upon a group consensus. No distinguishing form to tell. In practice, how much less can you store with the 16 vs 18? Both the Yakima Skybox and Thule Force passed this part. In all honesty, all the products in our lineup are relatively equal, and we were never worried about security. We feel confident that this model will fit more crossbars than most. The Skybox has a slightly more prominent handle than the Force but is not as easy to switch between vehicles. However, a few concessions were made to keep the price lower as is typically the case. Over torque the nut, bending the L-bracket (loosens the mount), forcing the foot into the glass. It ensures that the product is durable without compromising the style and appearance. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. TESLA, TESLA MOTORS, TESLA ROADSTER, MODEL S, MODEL X, and the TESLA, T and TESLA and T in Crest designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All user preferences and both are excellent boxes. There wasnt any annoying noise reported, too. Yakima began in 1979 as a small machine shop. Yakima kills the competition with the Flushbar. Two excellent products are HighRoad and HighSpeed. On the other hand, Yakima started in Washington State. Products in this gear category are expensive. Read more: SportRack Horizon Alpine review. The rock-solid cargo box is also made of durable materials to ensure that it can last for years to come. The Thule, on the other hand, uses five-layered ABS plastic. We spent more time trying to locate where the manufacturer had taped the key than actually mounting it the first time. First to consider is the material used. Anyone who owned a Yakima product before knows that this company is known for combining functionality and style into one perfect cargo box. Black Glossy. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite 16, Goplus Rooftop Carrier, and the Thule Force XT XL are next regarding ease of use. Which would you guys choose, the Thule Motion XT L or the Yakima CBX 16? 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