Thule\yakima Gear Box

[djstorm]

Hey guys, I'm thinking of buying a gear box for the top of my MKIV Golf. Just looking for recommendations etc. It will be for general camping stuff and trips. Probably about 16 cu ft in size, but I'm really not sure. Do I go with Thule? Yakima? Do I buy a whole system or start with factory racks and go from there? I've been looking at the various websites and figured I'd check and see who has used what, maybe someone has a line on some used stuff...

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Silverstoned]

Re: Thule\yakima Gear Box

Buy your favourite bar system (Thule or Yakima, I like Thule myself) then put any old box up top. The will work with both Thule and Yakima. My friend put one on his WRX... it was one of the generic types but works very well for him. I think it was Saris or Sportworks or something. Unless you want the new fiberglass ones that you can colour match to your vehicle, any of the plastic ones will be close in terms of quality and durability. Keep in mind some of them will open on both sides, which may come in handy if you're putting bikes on the outside, and the box in the middle.

Jeff

obligatory pick of car with stuff on top:

[cabrio_driver]

Re: Thule\yakima Gear Box

I wanted a box for my car but didn't want to pay for a Thule/Yakima so I went to Canadian Tire. They have a brand Expedition or something like that. Its made by Thule and even had a Thule part number slip in the box. The quality seems good. Oh but they also have the really cheap non thule expedition ones too. This is a pic of the one I have.

[Silverstoned]

Re: Thule\yakima Gear Box

That's a nice one. Is it the fiberglass variety that will take paint?

[cabrio_driver]

Re: Thule\yakima Gear Box

No, its a plastic one, but I think the silver looks nice.

[1.8T_WOT]

Re: Thule\yakima Gear Box

Go with quality carrier bars (not factory!). As mentioned, you can go a bit cheaper on the box. I prefer Thule myself. I have their carrier bars, bike racks, and cargo holder. I've been very happy with all of them.