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I use what skiers call a "rocket box" on my 530 xi-T and love it. The cross bars are a source of wind noise though and having the roof open is too loud for me. I would say Yakima is definitely a good choice, especially the Whispbars you have chosen. I have a Thule set up and it has square rails, I suspect your chosen set up would be much quieter. I take the box off in the summer and put bike carriers on it for extended weekends away so my wife and I can ride or use the cross bars to hold kayaks, possibilities are endless. Look around on craigslist for a rocket box first--there's always someone who bought one thinking it was a great idea and is anxious to ditch it. I got a $700 box 3rd hand, no detectable wear for $250. Make sure to plaster it with your favorite stickers!
From: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
I use a cage. Will pick up a box soon though. Need something so I can easily get the kids and their stuff to the skate park or do a mini vacation in the 911
Originally was looking at the skybox for our mdx. But went a different route and bought a truck
I use what skiers call a "rocket box" on my 530 xi-T and love it. The cross bars are a source of wind noise though and having the roof open is too loud for me. I would say Yakima is definitely a good choice, especially the Whispbars you have chosen. I have a Thule set up and it has square rails, I suspect your chosen set up would be much quieter. I take the box off in the summer and put bike carriers on it for extended weekends away so my wife and I can ride or use the cross bars to hold kayaks, possibilities are endless. Look around on craigslist for a rocket box first--there's always someone who bought one thinking it was a great idea and is anxious to ditch it. I got a $700 box 3rd hand, no detectable wear for $250. Make sure to plaster it with your favorite stickers!
Never even thought about buying it used. I don't mind that at all! The hunt begins.
From my research, Rocket box was a good one. better priced than Yakima and Thule. Whispbars are supposed to be much quieter than conventional ones, so hopefully it's fairly quiet.
Originally Posted by CLpower
I use a cage. Will pick up a box soon though. Need something so I can easily get the kids and their stuff to the skate park or do a mini vacation in the 911
Originally was looking at the skybox for our mdx. But went a different route and bought a truck
I have Yakima skybox 16. Bought it used on Craigslist. Great for beach trips. Able to carry odd shape, light weight that I rather now put in my trunk. Beach chairs, umbrella, kid's stroller. Very useful. I think you would notice slight reduction in MPG but I think it's worth it.
I forget what model I have but I got it from a buddy not long after I got the wagon. No info on roof bars as mine are a factory option and the only choice I had. I have used my box about 8 times in the last year and a half and it is amazing how much stuff you can fit in it. The only negative issue I have with it for me is that with how long of a box I have and the way the tailgate is designed on my wagon I can't open the tailgate very far at all with the box on. I can still get into the back but it isn't very easy. I would imagine as much as Audi has been designing wagons though this won't be an issue for you. Another thing is you can get textured plastic boxes and also I believe fiberglass boxes. If they are not fiberglass they are at least something more rigid[ and smooth and the cheaper texted black plastic ones like I have. The stronger ones obviously have a higher speed rating. My textured plastic one started making some funny noises that scared me at over 100mph. According to some posts on forums I have read with the stronger boxes you can do 140mph. Another thing I have noticed is about a 2-3mpg change in fuel economy while it is on.
Last edited by CCColtsicehockey; Jun 5, 2017 at 10:34 AM.
Reason: fixing picture
Never used a box, but fabbed up a set of Thule rails on my old CB7 Accord for a roof bike rack. Agreed with that the square bars did provide a lot of noise, especially with the roof open.
^^^ can't you slide the box forward with internal adjustments? I can on my Thule so my tailgate opens fully.
You can and I have it already slid up as far as it will go almost. Any further and I feel like the front will be hanging to far over the front bar to be stable. It is more a poor design of the rear tailgate. almost a full foot of the flat roof before the actual hinge.
that the square bars did provide a lot of noise, especially with the roof open.
