Car Cargo Box Help

[firerescuefin]

Going with the family to Destin next week and we need some more space inside our Pilot as we have 3 littles.

Looking at a Thule that has 18 cubic feet of space. The one with 22 cubic feet is sold out/can't be delivered in time.....poor planning on my part.

Anyhow, if I am strategic, will 18 cubic feet make much of a difference in freeing up some space?

[evo111@comcast.net]

PM sent

[carpediemracing]

Having done some research recently on sedan trunk capacities 18 cu ft is about the size of a decent size sedan's trunk. Bigger than the trunk of a Jetta sedan, for example (15-16 cu ft), even more than that of some sportier sedans (10-13 cu feet). Taking out 18 cu ft of luggage may mean being able to see out the windows, for example.

I'm reconditioning a pay-it-forward pod, a Thule, 11 cu ft, narrow/long, and I think the biggest challenge in fitting bags will be shape. We have rolling luggage things for airplanes but the bags have pretty rigid sides. That could be a problem as the inside of the pod isn't quite as tall/wide as a plane overhead, for example. If we put stuff in soft bags, or put the bulky stuff that would fit up there, I think we'll be okay. Regardless, the pod should free up considerable space inside our car.

[weisan]

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_25172.jpg
http://m.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-aluminum-cargo-carrier-92655.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

[Mr. Pink]

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_25172.jpg
http://m.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-aluminum-cargo-carrier-92655.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided


Screws up the handling big time, and stuff gets godawful filthy if it rains.

The cargo box will free up a ton of space, if packed in soft bags. Just don't put stuff up there that may melt. Seriously.

[cmbicycles]

We have 2 littles and 2 dogs. We've used a 16cu/ft box for several years. It has been awesome, but it takes thoughtful packing at times. We had an outback wagon (just got a highlander) & there was no room inside with the dogs, the thule box held everything except large boxes at Christmas. We drove through some heavy storms with it a few times and had no issues with things getting wet. That was not the case with a "weather resistant"roof bag.

[Kingfisher]

Wife and I also have a pilot and with 2 dogs we use the yakima 16 skybox often when traveling....it makes a tremendous difference! The 18 should be great for your needs and with careful packing can hold a ton.

good luck

[firerescuefin]

Thanks for the info....VERY HELPFUL

[pdmtong]

geoff, because of weight limits, the bigger boxes shouldn't be thought of as being able to hold more, rather think of them as being able to hold longer items.

while price and "value" may incline you towards the 18, the issue on smaller cars becomes hatch clearance and general ease of storing

ymmv, so even though I have a suburban, I went with the skybox 16s so I can also use it on the other smaller SUV

note to self: a smaller box forces packing efficiency.