Rooftop cargo box that doesn't interfere with Freedom Panels?

[PeterInCO]

Is this really an issue? I have the Rhino Rack gutter mounted vortex bars and a thule rooftop box. I don't recall if I have mounted the rooftop box on the Jeep before (the box has been sitting in storage for a while), but I have had two stand up paddle boards on there and the freedom panels come out no problem. The forward most rack is still aft of the freedom panels.

Hmm. Does your cargo box extend over the freedom panels?

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[LukeDagny]

Awesome. Thx. Yeah, the crossbars are separate. Thule stuff is frikn pricey, too. Looking for some used stuff, on sale, etc...

Both Thule and Yakima stuff is pricey.

 

[Plumbean]

Hmm. Does your cargo box extend over the freedom panels?

Yes, but I would be surprised if it prevented the freedom panels from coming out. I can't say for sure as I don't recall the last time I had it mounted.

The stand up paddle boards don't get in the way, but they are sitting up higher than the rooftop box would. See pic:

 

[LukeDagny]

I wanted to add a few things I've learned about using a roof top cargo carrier;

1) Make sure you don't forget its there and drive into your garage of anywhere with low clearance.

2) On my Jeep, I usually keep the cross bars far apart (front to rear) for carrying kayaks, but when I use my cargo carrier, I move them back. So far back that I can easily access the rear end of the cargo carrier, while standing on the bumper, with the rear window down. Not so far back that I can't raise the rear window fully, without the window hitting the cargo carrier.

3) I lay an old towel/blanket in the bottom of the cargo carrier, and throw in a broom or broom handle. If what I need is at the front of the carrier, I can pull the towel toward the rear to bring the object I need closer to me. The broom handle is sometimes used to push items to the front.

 

[LukeDagny]

FYI, I made another score today, at a yard sale. KYX brand aero cross bars, Jeep rain gutter brackets, and a folding cradle to carry two kayaks for $80. I set out looking for a kids bike for my grandson, and found this rack. I did find a bike for $1.

 

[Edward415]

Depending on what you decide the good thing about the Thule is that the adjustment knobs allow the box to slide back when removing the heavy ass panels - freedom not so much. I get that they're pricey, but they're gaurenteed for as long as you own the box and they hold their value if you don't use it, and just want them for aesthetic purposes. I use the box all the time and I have to say it's come in really handy when the jeep is loaded up with passengers or I'm hauling crap. One thing I will say is that the Yakima and Thule bars are archaic, the design with the knobs looks like the 1970's and are too high, so I went with the Jeep branded bars because they're cheaper and hold the same amount of weight. I'*ve owned all three and there's an easy fix to add locks to Jeep branded rack - it's made by Yakima btw.

 

[PeterInCO]

Depending on what you decide the good thing about the Thule is that the adjustment knobs allow the box to slide back when removing the heavy ass panels - freedom not so much. I get that they're pricey, but they're gaurenteed for as long as you own the box and they hold their value if you don't use it, and just want them for aesthetic purposes. I use the box all the time and I have to say it's come in really handy when the jeep is loaded up with passengers or I'm hauling crap. One thing I will say is that the Yakima and Thule bars are archaic, the design with the knobs looks like the 1970's and are too high, so I went with the Jeep branded bars because they're cheaper and hold the same amount of weight. I'*ve owned all three and there's an easy fix to add locks to Jeep branded rack - it's made by Yakima btw.

That's a sweet rig, but can you actually get the freedom panels off? Wondering if a shorter box might be helpful. I do hear you in the quality and lifetime warranty. I may go this route down the line. Going to see how a hitch system (1/4 the price) goes for now.

 

[PeterInCO]

Depending on what you decide the good thing about the Thule is that the adjustment knobs allow the box to slide back when removing the heavy ass panels - freedom not so much. I get that they're pricey, but they're gaurenteed for as long as you own the box and they hold their value if you don't use it, and just want them for aesthetic purposes. I use the box all the time and I have to say it's come in really handy when the jeep is loaded up with passengers or I'm hauling crap. One thing I will say is that the Yakima and Thule bars are archaic, the design with the knobs looks like the 1970's and are too high, so I went with the Jeep branded bars because they're cheaper and hold the same amount of weight. I'*ve owned all three and there's an easy fix to add locks to Jeep branded rack - it's made by Yakima btw.

Forgot to ask - how is the road noise with that setup? I am often driving 80 mph out on Utah highways.

 

[Edward415]

yeah the box slides back and you can remove the panels - if you’re looking for a set up that doesn’t impede the removal that’s gonna be tough ie you can’t have it both ways. my box is an xl and it slides back just enough to remove them. and no wind noise isn’t an issue. 80 mph is a lot in a jeep you’ll probably get more tire noise than wind noise.

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