Cargo Box options for non OEM roof rack (integrated mounting points)

[jonyi]

Hello,

I installed Thule 460 roof rack in attempt to install the cargo boxes from either thule or yakima or rola or inno.
However these cargo boxes only support load bar span of 30-36 inches.
If integrated mounting point on CX9 are used, the span is about 43 inches.

Anyone have experience installing cargo boxes for 43 inch load bar span?
Would it be easy to modify the mounting HW to accept 43 inches span?

Thanks

 

[jonyi]

I ended up getting an used Yakima Rocketbox ( i think 18 Cu Ft version). This box has slots from 30 inches to 42 inches.
I extended the slots using drill and dremel tool.
The box fits good and stable. No issues with rear hatch openning.
Overall happy with the setup.
Less than $250 investment for roof rack and cargo box.
Was very useful on last week;s camping trip.

Thanks

 

[TacomaCX-9]

I'm having the same problem. I have a 2012 Mazda CX-9 with no roof rack. I bought the Yakima base (control towers mounted on landing pad #11) and installed them. They looked good, and can put my kayaks up there. But when I was going camping I couldn't fit my Yakima Skybox 16 as the span of the bars is too wide.

I was contemplating getting a rain gutter mount for the front to try to make it work. Anybody tried this?

Any boxes that mount woot modding? I might still be able to return the Skybox.

I was trying to avoid modding the box, but that sounds like a pretty good solution.

Thanks

 

[jonyi]

Box modification was really simple. Drill few holes inline with the slots. Use dremel tool to make the holes into a slot.
It took 10 mins total. The box can now fit 30 inches to 44 inches loadbar span.
My box was only $75 used, so no hesitation from me.

If you are keeping the CX9 for few years, it maybe worth to modding the box. If not it will have to be the factory roof rack.

Good luck