options for additional cargo-roof mount, hitch

[sbmrinaldi]

I need more space in my CX9. Took our first short trip (3 hours) and need more cargo space. What, if anything, are you using? I know Yakima and Thule make a roof mount box but wondered how easy this is to access. I thought I have seen before a hitch mount storage box as well which would seem much easier to gain access. Show what you go or if you can post a reply that would be great.

 

[Lindyrect]

I use a Thule that I originally bought for my Jetta. It works great, but I have to stand on the door sill and/or seat sometimes to see in the bottom. I do believe putting a hitch mounted storage rack will effect your rear suspension travel. Unlike a boat where the weight is distributed, and even pulls up on the ball depending upon load distribution, the rack has constant load. Also the hitch rack can inhibit the hatch openning.

 

[jas]

I have a Thule box as well, mounted to Yakima cross bars. Be careful when purchasing a cargo box, if it is too long it will lay over the rear hatch and the hatch will hit it when at about full open.

 

[vikefan7]

I have one of those hitch mounted cargo platforms. It's just a big metal basket with 2 or 3 inch lips on the sides. It worked really well for us camping. I was able to put a 100 qt cooler and some other gear stacked up on it and secured everything with tie-downs. It definitely affected rear suspension travel. I think I had about 250 pounds back there, but I was able to open the rear hatch and everything. Don't know if this would work for winter usage though...

 

[fxpthl]

Also look into a side-opening box. Standing on the door sill to retreive items from it is so much easier than the older design. I learned that one from a stupid purchase descision on my old X5! Won't do that again. Luckily I was able to sell that old box on craigslist and am now looking for a new one for my 09 CX 9. We just got back from Las Vegas with five souls aboard and one pygmy hedgehog! Had ample space even though the hedgehog did complain a bit of being unable to see over all of the luggage stored around his cage!

 

[sjg]

My Yakima Skybox was easy to load on the old Legacy wagon. Much tougher on the CX-9 but doable. Definitely need to stand on a door sill to get things up there. Even better, standing on the top of a rear wheel gets you even higher for a better view of what's inside...but harder to reach things towards the front of the box.