Rooftop Cargo | Luggage Box

[conFUcius]

Just installed a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform and I picked up one of their luggage bags. After thinking on it some more, I’m considering getting a rooftop cargo (luggage) box instead since they’re more durable and lockable. Currently considering one of the Thule, Yakima, or even Rhino Rack’s own box.

I have two GSDs (1 x ~ 65 lbs and 1 x ~ 55 lbs) that I’d like to bring camping at some point but want the versatility/option of bringing my brother and his full size mutt as well (~55 lbs). Figured the rooftop box could also make securing stuff overnight at hotels vs. the collapsible bag. This would be the first box I am purchasing; any input is much appreciated.

Obligatory pics of the Pioneer Platform on the Jeep (shoutout to @chevymitchell for installing the backbone):

More importantly, the two rascals who would be accompanying me on adventures!

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[PMyers21]

I just installed the same rack, but the Maximus 3 version, and I'm in the same boat. We have a family vacation coming up and was looking for some guidance.

 

[rubiko]

Box… lockable, less drag as well.

 

[WrongWayB]

I use the Wolf Pack boxes from FrontRunner. I just strap them down. Very light and when full, still easy to pull off the roof when at the campsite.

 

[psucanary]

I have a roof top box that we use for skiing (on the Subaru) and I also throw it on the Rubicon for family trips. Researched them all, but we were limited by garage height as we leave it on the Subaru all winter. Ended up going with Inno (https://www.innoracks.com/int/products/roofbox/index.html) simply bcs of their low profile/height. Couldn't be happier with it. Super simple clamps, opens both sides, can't remove the key unless it's 100% latched (nice safety feature). All in all, wanted one of the bigger brands, but in the end, super happy with the Inno.

BUT, I do have issues attaching it to my platform. I have to take the platform off and put crossbars on to attach. So this is something to consider with any roof box. You can take a slat out of the RR platform, and make it work that way, but wonky. RR makes accessory bars that run side to side, but the profile of the Inno low profile ski box is not flat on the bottom, it kind of arcs (aerodynamics). So, in summary, if planning to attach to RR Platform with accessory bars, you need to ensure the bottom of the desired box is FLAT so you can clamp it to the RR accessory bars. If the box had contour on the bottom, you cannot get the claps to reach the accessory bars and the weight of contents will be only on the box points that are resting on the platform. Do LOVE the extra room, you'd be so surprised how much you can fit in one.

Best of luck.

 

[jim00]

I am not sure this will help but this is how I mounted my roof top tent without removing the rack. Basically, I bought some superstrut from Home Depot and mounted it to the tent first (for you it would be the box/carrier) and then you can mount to the rack after. Only adds a little bit of height and if the box you are mounting won't me that heavy, a smaller gauge superstrut would work and be lower profile. Here is the write up (ignore the part about how to get the tent on the rack).

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/installing-rooftop-tents.68522/page-4#post-1963445

 

[conFUcius]

I have a roof top box that we use for skiing (on the Subaru) and I also throw it on the Rubicon for family trips. Researched them all, but we were limited by garage height as we leave it on the Subaru all winter. Ended up going with Inno (https://www.innoracks.com/int/products/roofbox/index.html) simply bcs of their low profile/height. Couldn't be happier with it. Super simple clamps, opens both sides, can't remove the key unless it's 100% latched (nice safety feature). All in all, wanted one of the bigger brands, but in the end, super happy with the Inno.

BUT, I do have issues attaching it to my platform. I have to take the platform off and put crossbars on to attach. So this is something to consider with any roof box. You can take a slat out of the RR platform, and make it work that way, but wonky. RR makes accessory bars that run side to side, but the profile of the Inno low profile ski box is not flat on the bottom, it kind of arcs (aerodynamics). So, in summary, if planning to attach to RR Platform with accessory bars, you need to ensure the bottom of the desired box is FLAT so you can clamp it to the RR accessory bars. If the box had contour on the bottom, you cannot get the claps to reach the accessory bars and the weight of contents will be only on the box points that are resting on the platform. Do LOVE the extra room, you'd be so surprised how much you can fit in one.

Best of luck.

Did you end up using RR’s crossbars or another brand’s? I’m considering getting RR’s that go on top of the platform so I don’t have to worry about taking the platform off (not to mention, I’d like to offset the cargo box and have a batwing awning on one side).

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/pro...-accessory-bar-c-channel-1360mm-4-4ft-_43138b

Just debating on what size.

 

[psucanary]

Did you end up using RR’s crossbars or another brand’s? I’m considering getting RR’s that go on top of the platform so I don’t have to worry about taking the platform off (not to mention, I’d like to offset the cargo box and have a batwing awning on one side).

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/pro...-accessory-bar-c-channel-1360mm-4-4ft-_43138b

Just debating on what size.

I take the platform off and use the RR Vortex bars when I throw the box on. I have not attempted the ‘accessory bars’ from RR that go ON the platform as I do not think they’ll work with the roof box I have as it is NOT flat on bottom. Box needs to be flat for the most part ti use platform accessory cross bars .
Best of luck!

 

[conFUcius]

I take the platform off and use the RR Vortex bars when I throw the box on. I have not attempted the ‘accessory bars’ from RR that go ON the platform as I do not think they’ll work with the roof box I have as it is NOT flat on bottom. Box needs to be flat for the most part ti use platform accessory cross bars .
Best of luck!

Perfect - thanks! I’ll definitely note to only consider the flat roof boxes since I’d like the ability to offset the box and have a batwing awning on the driver side.

 

[Chile1]

Just installed a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform and I picked up one of their luggage bags. After thinking on it some more, I’m considering getting a rooftop cargo (luggage) box instead since they’re more durable and lockable. Currently considering one of the Thule, Yakima, or even Rhino Rack’s own box.

I have two GSDs (1 x ~ 65 lbs and 1 x ~ 55 lbs) that I’d like to bring camping at some point but want the versatility/option of bringing my brother and his full size mutt as well (~55 lbs). Figured the rooftop box could also make securing stuff overnight at hotels vs. the collapsible bag. This would be the first box I am purchasing; any input is much appreciated.

Obligatory pics of the Pioneer Platform on the Jeep (shoutout to @chevymitchell for installing the backbone):

More importantly, the two rascals who would be accompanying me on adventures!

how do you like your Rhino roof rack and do you think it’s strong enough for an iKamper Mini 3.0? I’m also wondering how easy it is to remove if you want to go topless in the summer?

 

[conFUcius]

how do you like your Rhino roof rack and do you think it’s strong enough for an iKamper Mini 3.0? I’m also wondering how easy it is to remove if you want to go topless in the summer?

Sorry, I missed this question. I don’t know enough about the iKamper Mini 3.0, so you’d have to look at the weight specs. This is from the RR website:

I’d imagine you can remove the hardtop easily by unbolting stuff but I don’t know for certain.

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