Roof Top Boxes

[deniska]

Hi all! We took the plunge and just bought a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara, Granite Crystal. And we love it. Truth be told, this is my wife's new toy, I think she decided to get one to compensate for my Tesla and bring balance to the universe . She might let me drive the Wrangler now and again if I behave.

I am looking for suggestions on cargo boxes. I bought the Mopar roof rails for the hard top, and am thinking about a box we can put on top. We have 3 kids, the back will carry a hitch-mounted bike rack, and the trunk isn't particularly cavernous... hence the idea of the box for road trips with the kids.

I'd like to find a box that is practical and matches the look of the Wrangler. Not the aero-dynamic bullets . I saw one Wrangler on the road with a fairly low profile but still boxy and rectangular looking box... but I can't find one on the interwebs. Would love to hear ideas, see pictures, etc.

I did consider the new Mopar basket which looks pretty good, but thinking a box may be a better idea for inclement weather when we do trips to North Tahoe.

Thanks!

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[Tunesoul]

Hi all! We took the plunge and just bought a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara, Granite Crystal. And we love it. Truth be told, this is my wife's new toy, I think she decided to get one to compensate for my Tesla and bring balance to the universe . She might let me drive the Wrangler now and again if I behave.

I am looking for suggestions on cargo boxes. I bought the Mopar roof rails for the hard top, and am thinking about a box we can put on top. We have 3 kids, the back will carry a hitch-mounted bike rack, and the trunk isn't particularly cavernous... hence the idea of the box for road trips with the kids.

I'd like to find a box that is practical and matches the look of the Wrangler. Not the aero-dynamic bullets . I saw one Wrangler on the road with a fairly low profile but still boxy and rectangular looking box... but I can't find one on the interwebs. Would love to hear ideas, see pictures, etc.

I did consider the new Mopar basket which looks pretty good, but thinking a box may be a better idea for inclement weather when we do trips to North Tahoe.

Thanks!

I'm wondering the same thing... Following.

 

[Arkewn]

My "plan" when I get my JL is to use the cargo box we bought for my wife's Forester last year. The 18 cuft SportRack has been great for camping and is reasonably lightweight - I can lift/move it around myself despite its size.

I am a bit nervous about the estimated 150lbs projected weight limit of the MOPAR rails once I load things up and try and drive down the highway. Should be under 150lbs loaded with gear but I guess we'll see the real strength once some wind gets put on it while only attached by the rain gutters? I wonder if I should wait until there are aftermarket options that are drilled into the hard top that might be stronger? I still need low clearance to fit the Jeep into my garage (without the cargo box

Anyone else plan on using something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL8C0

 

[RussJeep1]

My "plan" when I get my JL is to use the cargo box we bought for my wife's Forester last year. The 18 cuft SportRack has been great for camping and is reasonably lightweight - I can lift/move it around myself despite its size.

I am a bit nervous about the estimated 150lbs projected weight limit of the MOPAR rails once I load things up and try and drive down the highway. Should be under 150lbs loaded with gear but I guess we'll see the real strength once some wind gets put on it while only attached by the rain gutters? I wonder if I should wait until there are aftermarket options that are drilled into the hard top that might be stronger? I still need low clearance to fit the Jeep into my garage (without the cargo box

Anyone else plan on using something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL8C0

Yes Kevin, my box is similar. I'm able to keep its weight to within spec, that isn't one of the aerodynamic bullets Dennis cites that holds nothing, but on the other hand, isn't so boxy as to further add to the boxy drag of the Wrangler by much.

Some people find dual purpose with the rear hitch and dual accessories for bikes and storage. Some people put on a front hitch (like I will because I plow my driveways snow using this hitch) and put a cargo box in the front.

The stock Wrangler isn't particularly tall as SUVs go at around 6'. It's large height from the road is made up for in a relatively low lying inside roof. If you've got the funds, some steel cargo carriier systems can hold tons for stuff and are insanely strong beyond the rails and will, unloaded easily clear most garages.

 

[Arkewn]

Yes Kevin, my box is similar. I'm able to keep its weight to within spec, that isn't one of the aerodynamic bullets Dennis cites that holds nothing, but on the other hand, isn't so boxy as to further add to the boxy drag of the Wrangler by much.

Some people find dual purpose with the rear hitch and dual accessories for bikes and storage. Some people put on a front hitch (like I will because I plow my driveways snow using this hitch) and put a cargo box in the front.

The stock Wrangler isn't particularly tall as SUVs go at around 6'. It's large height from the road is made up for in a relatively low lying inside roof. If you've got the funds, some steel cargo carriier systems can hold tons for stuff and are insanely strong beyond the rails and will, unloaded easily clear most garages.

I can't argue the practicality of a full expedition style roof cage. Most of the ones I've seen do add more height compared to a rail kit I believe and if I do go with a 2" lift and 35"s tires (won't go bigger) my garage clearance starts to get close I think. The full racks are much more costly as well.

If I can get away with rails and my cargo box I think I like look better and that I can remove it when not in use easily. I also have a hitch platform for my LJ which I like other than it blocks opening the tailgate. At least there are some good options when I figure out all the heights!

 

[wahlsaint]

Hi all! We took the plunge and just bought a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara, Granite Crystal. And we love it. Truth be told, this is my wife's new toy, I think she decided to get one to compensate for my Tesla and bring balance to the universe . She might let me drive the Wrangler now and again if I behave.

I am looking for suggestions on cargo boxes. I bought the Mopar roof rails for the hard top, and am thinking about a box we can put on top. We have 3 kids, the back will carry a hitch-mounted bike rack, and the trunk isn't particularly cavernous... hence the idea of the box for road trips with the kids.

I'd like to find a box that is practical and matches the look of the Wrangler. Not the aero-dynamic bullets . I saw one Wrangler on the road with a fairly low profile but still boxy and rectangular looking box... but I can't find one on the interwebs. Would love to hear ideas, see pictures, etc.

I did consider the new Mopar basket which looks pretty good, but thinking a box may be a better idea for inclement weather when we do trips to North Tahoe.

Thanks!

We haven't decided yet on rack approach for our JLUR, but definitely plan to continue using our 10 year old Thule box. It has served us well for tent camping with 3 boys. Carried it on several vehicles, including a VW Golf that served as our camp car while waiting for the jeep after selling our 4Runner. The Thule attaches to all kinds of cross bars quickly and securely, and opens from either side via a clever hinge design. Not sure the model # - let me know if you'd like me to check - but it is a larger, but fairly aero box that was about $450 10 years ago.

 

[deniska]

Thanks, all. I definitely see the practicality of a full roof cage. But really hoping someone can point me to a a more angular looking box. I haven’t found one that quite looks like that from Thule, Yakima, or SportRack.

 

[PavementWarrior]

if you put the box in back a bit your gunner could sit on the box while keeping traffic clear

On the serious side you probably wanna look into what overlanders do, they use all kinds of boxes and stuff on their roofs.

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