ViperZ

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anybody is using a Yakima RocketBox or Skybox with their RDX?

I have an original Yakima RocketBox that I have used on my Accord, 325i and XTrail since 1994. I was hoping I could use it on my new 2014 RDX....

I just tried it today. It sort of fits, but not really. I can't get the box far enough forward, to clear the tailgate roof shade, so basically you can't open the tailgate. And it does sit too far back on the roof visually.

So, time for a new box it seems. I'm considering a Yakima SkyBox 12 or 18. I need the length to carry down hill skis.

Any information, photos or suggestions, greatly appreciated!

CharlieZ

Do you see any place underneath the front bumperto tie down the front of a canoe...I have my trailer hitch in the back which will work and of course the cross rails

yobbo

I am running a Thule Boxter on mine with factory roof rails and thule cross bars.

Fits like a thumb in a bum - plenty of back and forth adjustment with the Thule clamp system. I get 2 sets od adults and 2 sets of kids DH skis in it now problems.

Also no issues with lifting rear hatch with box in place.

Only downside is the $$$, especially in Canada but I did a little cross border shopping and saved big $.

ViperZ

I can have a look, but you think it would have some towing ears on either side that could be used.

That looks like a sweet box, a bit more than I wanted to spend, however it sur eis nice.

Have any pictures with it on?

ViperZ

Well, I think I'm going to go for a Yakima Skybox 12. It has the under cut back for the tail gate, and has nice adjustable mounts for placement. I'm planning on traveling to Edmonton a "Racks for Cars" to have a look see, and hope to come home with one.

cast

Yobbo,

Would you mind posting a picture to show how the Thule crossbars look?

Thanks.

yobbo

Box is not on the car at the moment and no plans until ski season. There is a picture of the box on a Lexus RX which looks similar in profile here:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-t...o-carrier.html

ViperZ

LOL I like the post in that forum where the person does not like the roof box...

We all have our reasons

ViperZ

I think I found the one... Skybox 12 in Onyx gloss black!

ViperZ

Okay, I stopped in at Racks for Cars in Edmonton. The Skybox 12 will not fit properly with out interfering with the tail gate.. So I went with the Skybox16 Pro Onyx instead. It has more cubic foot storage space, but is shorter and will hold a max length 185cm ski. This is good enough for me.

Here it is after install at a quintesential Canadian stop for lunch.



I picked up a Yakima rack system for my friend's 2012 Civic as well. The Yakima dealer laughed and said he's never seen a rack in the box that is typically held by a rack to begin with

ViperZ

Here are some more pictures from the road trip to Edmonton to get the box.

The box just purchased and installed at Racks for cars in Edmonton


The clearance is tight


The Gloss Onyx finish is sweet!


A stop at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) for some other supplies


The Trip Home, getting Fuel


All Clean and shiny again

radicalwillie

Nice setup, are you noticing much difference in your gas mileage?

ViperZ

Thanks! I didn't track it coming back home from Edmonton. I did notice it was getting about 9 to 10L/100km which seems negligible. Impact. I'm sure it impacts mileage somewhat, but nothing that concerns me.

musty hustla

Stupid question: How do you load it or take it off? Do you use a ladder, stand in the door sill, stand on the tires? Silly question, but I always wondered.

terdonal

Nice set up.

CharlieZ

You may have mentioned it in one of your post, but does it interfere with the satelite reception?

ViperZ

Not silly at all.... The box is light enough I just place it on one side of the rack with the bottom against the rail and push it into place. You do have to stop and lift it slightly when passing the clamps over the rail, but it goes on easily. Think of pushing a box on a closet shelf that is just slightly higher than your head, same way of execution.

In my other vehicles I stood in the door sills to clamp it down, however with the RDX I just step on the rear running board.


Thanks!

Not in the least...

CharlieZ

It looks so good, I would put one on top of my car just even though I don't need one...lol. I noticed your front rails are about 6 inches forward of where mine are located. You said earlier that you can move them with a hex screw driver....is that difficult...is the nut easy to get to...I would like to know more about that or does the dealer need to do that?

ViperZ

Thanks! Yes I must agree, I like the looks of it on the RDX. It gives it that sporty utilitarian look, although I have taken it off for the moment until it is needed to go skiing or other.

Adjusting the bars is a simple thing. What you need is a T30 Torx to adjust on the main rail and I found I needed a T25 Torx to adjust the crossbar width, as the rails span distance needs to be adjusted to allow free movement forward. It seems the width of the rails is not consistent along the span of the roof.


I used a T30 in a socket to loosen and tighten the cross bars to adjust position along the rails


A T25 is required to adjust the cross bar width to allow full range of movement along the rails. I used this low cost ratchet set I got at Canadian Tire as it is lower profile and gets into the bolts where my socket set would not.


There are 2 Torx bolts per side on each rail


Basically loosen all 2 x T30's on each side of the bar, then loosen the 4 x T25's, slide the crossbars where you want them on the rails, and tighten everything up.

Hope that helps.

CharlieZ

ViperZ I can't thank you enough for going out of your way to clarify all of that for me....it will be such a great help when I put my canoe on the roof. I always say a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case definetly...thank you again for taking time to do this...C

ViperZ

No Probs, You're Welcome Charlie!

Dachvi Wang

Hi, viperZ. Seems you come from saskatoon too! I am going to negotiate with Acura centre of Saskatoon next week. It seems there is price differences between mid provinces and BC or GTA (according to saskatoon salemen). There really does not have criterion available on this forums. Could you tell me your our the door deal price as a criterion? If you could do that, I could not be more appreciate for that.

ViperZ

I sent you a PM Dachvi...

RDXLai

Hi Viperz, did you look into other boxes? I want the Yakima Lopro but no get my RDX till next week and my roof rails till the week after

weather

*smile* Awww Tim Horton....the love of my life!!

yobbo

Took a while to get the box on but for others future reference:
- Thule Boxster
- Thule Cross bars
- Andross Spec d 18" wheels (winter set)

IndyRDXfan

Are those dealer cross beams?

IndyRDXfan

Does anyone have any complaints about noise running either a rocketbox pro 14 or a skybox pro 16? are they both made pretty well or is one better? Pretty big difference in price so i wonder...

mrgold35

I don't have a +13 RDX; but, I've used my Rocketbox Pro 14 on my 08 RDX and 11 MDX. I went with the Rocketbox because:
- Cheaper price, $200 for 2 extra cubic feet didn't seem like a bargain
- shorter length, didn't want the box to over hang the front windshield catching the wind and interfering with the tailgate when open
- 10lbs lighter, easier for me to put on by myself and a extra 10lbs I can put on the roof
- Fits both vehicles perfectly

I've had no issues with items getting dusty, dirty, or wet in over two years in traveling in all types of weather. No issues driving with the cruise control set to 80 mph and driving up to 90 mph to pass. Everything still works with no issues (locks, buttons, hinges). Very small dip in mpgs; but, the RDX and MDX already get crappy mpgs (especially at +80 mph).

I only feel the roof box passing 18-wheelers and/or stiff cross winds. I don't hear or notice the roof box when on the vehicle. I do call ahead to check height restrictions if I need to park in a hotel garage. Skybox Pro 16 would come in handy if you need the extra length.

skywalker168

Sorry to revive an old thread but this is the best post about OEM racks and cargo box :-)

I installed the rack and am trying to put on the cross bar. No matter how I adjust the torx screws, I can't get the front bar as front as ViperZ is doing. It still sits behind the door gap, about 3-4 inches behind these pictures. Anything I might be doing wrong?

E.G.P.

skywalker168 , sorry for asking: did you manage to install?