TL;DR
We decided to get a rooftop cargo carrier for the 4Runner, and, after doing a lot of research, ended up deciding on the Yakima CBX in the larger 18 cu. ft. size.
The CBX is one of their newer models, and has “ruggedized“ styling that goes well with the 4Runner. It opens from either side, and was designed with tailgate clearance in mind. We also prefer the non-gloss finish over something like the Thule Motion XT.
We’d originally considered Yakima’s Skybox model, but the design doesn’t allow the 18 cu ft and 21 cu ft models to be mounted as far forward as the CBX, which prevents full opening of the tailgate on the 5th Gen 4Runner.
Also, unlike some other boxes that have 4 knobs on the “floor” of the box, one to tighten each mounting clamp, which takes up some cargo space, this one has one knob with a square drive that fits into a socket in each clamp. You secure one clamp, then remove the knob and use to secure the next clamp, etc. Then, after all clamps are secure, the knob mounts into a socket on the “wall” of the box, where it’s mostly out of the way of the cargo, providing a nearly flat load floor.
These are in pretty high demand right now, so it took REI a while to get one in. We bought it from REI because they have a great return policy, and we wanted to be sure we could mount the carrier far enough forward that it wouldn’t interfere with opening of the rear hatch, and, wanting the largest box we could get to fit, there was some question in my mind as to whether it would work.
It does fit, thanks to the easily adjustable Yakima Timberline mount towers and JetStream crossbars, and the fact that the CBX’s mounting clamps themselves are adjustable fore & aft.
Proportionally, I think it looks good.
We‘re happy that this option exists to be able to expand the usefulness of the 4Runner, especially when (we hope) we have more children. We do have the 3rd row seat option in the 4Runner, but, of course, when the 3rd row is deployed, there’s not much room for cargo. So, this will solve that problem for road trips. And then there’s also the possibility of a hitch-mount carrier (we already have a Thule T2 Classic hitch-mount bike carrier).
Only problem is that, once i mounted it behind the Brentwood REI store, and was about to get into the truck and drive home, I looked up and noticed a large crack in the lid of the box!
Disappointing, but not a huge deal. Of course, REI was great, and arranged for a replacement, and I’ll go back and pick up the replacement in about a week. And, this time, I’ll have them open it up and inspect it before I drive the 25 miles to REI!
We decided to get a rooftop cargo carrier for the 4Runner, and, after doing a lot of research, ended up deciding on the Yakima CBX in the larger 18 cu. ft. size.
The CBX is one of their newer models, and has “ruggedized“ styling that goes well with the 4Runner. It opens from either side, and was designed with tailgate clearance in mind. We also prefer the non-gloss finish over something like the Thule Motion XT.
We’d originally considered Yakima’s Skybox model, but the design doesn’t allow the 18 cu ft and 21 cu ft models to be mounted as far forward as the CBX, which prevents full opening of the tailgate on the 5th Gen 4Runner.
Also, unlike some other boxes that have 4 knobs on the “floor” of the box, one to tighten each mounting clamp, which takes up some cargo space, this one has one knob with a square drive that fits into a socket in each clamp. You secure one clamp, then remove the knob and use to secure the next clamp, etc. Then, after all clamps are secure, the knob mounts into a socket on the “wall” of the box, where it’s mostly out of the way of the cargo, providing a nearly flat load floor.
These are in pretty high demand right now, so it took REI a while to get one in. We bought it from REI because they have a great return policy, and we wanted to be sure we could mount the carrier far enough forward that it wouldn’t interfere with opening of the rear hatch, and, wanting the largest box we could get to fit, there was some question in my mind as to whether it would work.
It does fit, thanks to the easily adjustable Yakima Timberline mount towers and JetStream crossbars, and the fact that the CBX’s mounting clamps themselves are adjustable fore & aft.
Proportionally, I think it looks good.
We‘re happy that this option exists to be able to expand the usefulness of the 4Runner, especially when (we hope) we have more children. We do have the 3rd row seat option in the 4Runner, but, of course, when the 3rd row is deployed, there’s not much room for cargo. So, this will solve that problem for road trips. And then there’s also the possibility of a hitch-mount carrier (we already have a Thule T2 Classic hitch-mount bike carrier).
Only problem is that, once i mounted it behind the Brentwood REI store, and was about to get into the truck and drive home, I looked up and noticed a large crack in the lid of the box!
Disappointing, but not a huge deal. Of course, REI was great, and arranged for a replacement, and I’ll go back and pick up the replacement in about a week. And, this time, I’ll have them open it up and inspect it before I drive the 25 miles to REI!