Thule Cargo box installed

[bill42]

This is an FYI for anyone interested in cargo boxes for the CX-9.
I just bought one because I am going to Canada in a few days, and on the return trip my mother in-law will be joining us.

No, not in the Cargo box ;-)

But with 2 babies and 3 adults, a cargo box is needed once you have that 3rd row seat opened up.
Both Thule and Yakima will tell you that the CX-9 is not supported using the Mazda factory rack and crossbars. Please see attached pics that prove otherwise. After making a bunch of measurements I decided that the 16 cubic foot Thule Atlantis 1600 would have the best fit for the CX-9. It is 72 inches long and fits just right on top of the car. There was a cheaper box by Thule that is only 2 inches longer- the Ascent 1600. It comes only in flat black, but that would look at least as nice as the silver one I bought. At over $100 cheaper, I realize in hindsight that I should have saved my money and went with the cheaper one. I thought that I would be getting a better product by spending more, but after doing more research I found that all I was paying for was a smooth metallic finish. The slightly longer, more narrow shape would probably make no difference in aerodynamics, and the mounting hardware and quality of the materials is identical. The quick-twist clamps close perfectly around the wide factory crossbars of the mazda rack.

Well, there you have it. I just doubled the storage space of my CX-9 with the 3rd row seat up, and it doesn't look half that bad:

 

[SeCX-9]

This is an FYI for anyone interested in cargo boxes for the CX-9.
I just bought one because I am going to Canada in a few days, and on the return trip my mother in-law will be joining us.

No, not in the Cargo box ;-)

But with 2 babies and 3 adults, a cargo box is needed once you have that 3rd row seat opened up.
Both Thule and Yakima will tell you that the CX-9 is not supported using the Mazda factory rack and crossbars. Please see attached pics that prove otherwise. After making a bunch of measurements I decided that the 16 cubic foot Thule Atlantis 1600 would have the best fit for the CX-9. It is 72 inches long and fits just right on top of the car. There was a cheaper box by Thule that is only 2 inches longer- the Ascent 1600. It comes only in flat black, but that would look at least as nice as the silver one I bought. At over $100 cheaper, I realize in hindsight that I should have saved my money and went with the cheaper one. I thought that I would be getting a better product by spending more, but after doing more research I found that all I was paying for was a smooth metallic finish. The slightly longer, more narrow shape would probably make no difference in aerodynamics, and the mounting hardware and quality of the materials is identical. The quick-twist clamps close perfectly around the wide factory crossbars of the mazda rack.

Well, there you have it. I just doubled the storage space of my CX-9 with the 3rd row seat up, and it doesn't look half that bad:

Thanks for the photo.

Maybe it's the lighting and glare, but are your roof racks matching stormy blue?

 

[bill42]

They do look that way, but it must be because they are wet and therefore shiny and reflective. They are reflecting the blue sky.

 

[SeCX-9]

They do look that way, but it must be because they are wet and therefore shiny and reflective. They are reflecting the blue sky.

Thanks.

Yup, that was my initial thought, but it really did look like a match. I was starting to think I got jacked by my dealer.

Cheers

 

[wakblak]

What's the stability with the Mazda racks?
Is it rigid?

 

[bill42]

There are no stability issues whatsoever. The factory rack and bars are rock solid- as strong as any Thule or Yakima rails I have ever had.
The weak link is the Thule box itself. All of these boxes are very thin they all wobble like crazy when they are open. They get their strength from being closed whereby their geometry makes them rigid. When you have 200 pounds in the box and you drive 70-80, you can see the box moving up and down in the wind about an inch. This is due to the base of the box which although corrugated is still not totally rigid. That made me nervous when looking up and seeing it move so I closed the sunroof cover which solved that problem.

 

[Fishrule1]

When you have 200 pounds in the box...

Brave, considering the racks are "rated" at 100lbs. I know Mazda is being conservative to cover their rear end, but I'm not sure I'd double it!

 

[NWCX9]

Brave, considering the racks are "rated" at 100lbs. I know Mazda is being conservative to cover their rear end, but I'm not sure I'd double it!

I think that rack is rated at 100lbs w/load equally distrib; but would think that would be rated for the racks failing due to a static load. What I would be more concerned about is the shear load rating. If you had the thing loaded up to max around 200lbs and you were pushing along at 70+ you are adding more load due to drag. If the racks are not rated for much you "could" end up causing a shear condition of the racks common to the roof channels. Then you would see your cargo box zoom-zoom off behind you! (nailbyt)

Just be careful and don't overload it until you get some miles under your belt and see how she does in hwy speed mode.

Looks pretty good.

 

[bill42]

Well, just got back from a second trip to Canada. This makes over 1800 miles so far with this cargo box, and zero problems. I was able to get 18 mpg overall on this trip, even with the box and my snow tires, so I am quite satisfied.

 

[socalcx9]

Thanks for the updates and pictures. I'm searching for a cargo box now. Your post has definitely been a good help. I'll definitely look at the cheaper Thule thanks to your comments.

I will not use the factory crossbars, however. I would be too nervous.

 

[bill42]

I can tell you that the 4 inch wide Mazda cross bars are at least as sturdy as Thule cross bars. The sliding mount may not be as strong but the crossbars still seem stronger than the cx9 roof rails. The factory bars are also much lower.

 

[socalcx9]

I can tell you that the 4 inch wide Mazda cross bars are at least as sturdy as Thule cross bars. The sliding mount may not be as strong but the crossbars still seem stronger than the cx9 roof rails. The factory bars are also much lower.

The 'lowness' is definitely one of the main reason for getting factory crossbars. Of course the crossbars will be lost money when you sell the cx-9. I only leased mine, not knowing if I'd want it forever (I'll most likely just move into another CX-9 in a year and half, or consider buying out the lease).

The non-factory bars like monte blanc aero grippers can be taken off and moved to the next vehicle.

Decisions, decisions.

Does the thule store away easily? Where do you keep it?

I've thought about getting the Thule Ranger (hybrid bag/box) for storage reasons alone.

Also, how do you reach inside the cargo box way up there? I'm 6' and I don't think I could reach the center of the roof.

 

[bill42]

In theory you can move your roof bars to a new vehicle, but for some reason I have a complete Yakima rack and a complete Thule rack from previous cars because each car requires different sizes. If your lease is only a year and a half from ending, then buy the after market bars as they might move to your next car. I use my cross bars for loading all kinds of things on my roof, so they stay on all year. I really like the built in crossbars as they don't show much at all when nothing is on the roof.

About storing the box- I am going to take it off soon and have to find a place. I am thinking about installing a pulley system to hang it from the ceiling in my garage.

Reaching into the box is easy enough, standing on the door sill with the door open.

This box has already paid for itself. I am very happy with it, and I will be putting it on my next car if it survives that long.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I'll post this here too...

I LOVE our Mont Blanc Aero bars. They were cheaper then Thule and Yak standard bars, yet are a lot more attractive, sturdy, and versatile. The take almost any mount, including T channel, and the rubber insert in the channel offers grip on items like lumber and pipe or anything else you may put on the rack. They also have no overhang beyond the feet, so they really look cleaner than other bars.

 

[wakblak]

Box Storage

I just put 4 eyelets in the ceiling in the garage and hang it up there with some rope.
Just reach up when I need to get it and push it off the rope hangers.
$20 bucks max in parts.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

The simplest ideas are the best

My Mont Blanc bars will fit on virtually any rail. The design is owner friendly rather than manufacturer extra profit friendly.

 

[nhokt]

The simplest ideas are the best

My Mont Blanc bars will fit on virtually any rail. The design is owner friendly rather than manufacturer extra profit friendly.

I have always been a Thule guy but your Mont Blanc bars look nice. Did you need any special adapter to get the bike racks on? Trying to decide how we want to rack our '9, Thule has a crossbar system and also the direct mount rack. How easily does the Mont Blanc system come on and off, not sure I want to leave the crossbars on full time? Oh, any chance the Mont Blanc uses teh Thule lock cores?

Thanks!

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

"Did you need any special adapter to get the bike racks on?"

The Thule Peloton Bike Trays use the Thule XADAPT 9 kit for the T channel Aero bars. (Thule or Mont Blanc) I chose not to use the rear mounts and instead used another T bolt and lock nut through a hole drilled in my trays. It was cleaner and more secure. The XADAPT mounts will work fine, though.

"How easily does the Mont Blanc system come on and off, not sure I want to leave the crossbars on full time?"

Very easy.You unlock the mount, flip the U shaped crank out, and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the foot. Once all 4 are loose, the whole thing lifts off as a unit. I mounted mine so the edge of the foot is right at the joint between the rail and the plastic covers for maximum span.

"Oh, any chance the Mont Blanc uses the Thule lock cores?"

The Mont Blancs use a proprietary lock core, with a unique key. You can see the lock in the photos. They come already installed, with 2 keys coded to the locks. They are different, but just as secure as the Thule and Yak locks.

Price difference from Proline Racks:

Mont Blanc complete set: $183.95
Equivalent Thule set: $313.85
Thule Set Retail: $350 (Before tax)

Also, the Thule Aero bars only fit a narrow range of rail spans, so they come in different lengths to fit different vehicles. Transferring them to another vehicle with narrower rails may not work. The Mont Blancs have a much longer adjustment range to fit more vehicles. I have about 3/4" left on the outside and 6" inside on each rail. So I can mount them on rails that are 1 1/2" wider, or 12" narrower.

 

[nhokt]

Looks like the Mont Blanc system worked out pretty well. Hoping to find some in my area to check out. Thanks so much for the info!

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Haven't found a lower price than Proline. The racks work great. especially with my front and rear tie downs for our boat.