Picked up a Yakima RocketBox Pro 11 from eTrailer w/ $75 Rebate

[dieseldriver]

Recently took delivery of the Yakima RocketBox Pro 11 from www.etrailer.com with free shipping and $75 Rebate from Yakima. Total cost for purchase is around $284. With the total length of 89" have no issues with carrying long items like skis and poles. Just took the family to Camelback in PA with total of 5 set of skis and poles. It's nice change from huge Thule Evolution cargo box that I already have. It has built it clamp for mounting onto the cross bars, and opening the box is a cinch.

 

[CTt3P5]

Thats nice and perfect for ski equipment.

 

[dieseldriver]

Thanks. I like this box also because it's much lighter than the Evolution cargo box. Also, I have some room on the other side for other types of attachments such as the bike carrier.

My only complaint is that the box won't open up as the Thule, it only opens about 45 degrees, not something like 60 degrees on the the Thule. But, still, it's manageable.

I am also taking delivery of a Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver and the cargo bag carrier for the 1.25" hitch receiver opening. Not sure if I absolutely needed or not at this point but also thinking of adding the wiring harness as well in case I do some light weight towing.

Thats nice and perfect for ski equipment.

 

[90210]

Is that an OEM roof rack? If not, what kind is it? I am looking for luggage carrying capacity (food + clothes) on roof, when car is full with 6 people. Info appreciated. I am looking to buy rack first, and then the box on top after.

 

[dieseldriver]

Yeah, that's OEM, from MedCenter Mazda Parts. I am also in the process of installing a Draw-Tite hitch receiver; already have the cargo carrier tray for the 1 1/4" hitch opening. Will be carrying ski boots in a military camo bag on it. Did not want to get the Rola 48" bag because I can't carry it around with the cargo in tact. The military bag converts into a backpack and it's about 3 feet long with width of about foot and quarter.

Is that an OEM roof rack? If not, what kind is it? I am looking for luggage carrying capacity (food + clothes) on roof, when car is full with 6 people. Info appreciated. I am looking to buy rack first, and then the box on top after.

 

[dieseldriver]

This is my latest addition -- Draw Tite hitch receiver with flat cargo carrier, ready for the Cannonball Run!

 

[90210]

Hi Diesel

Since you are more experienced in this than I am, I will ask a few questions. We often travel to our vacation home at Rocky Point, Mexico. It is about a 11 hour drive. When we take guests with us, we don't have cargo room. I am looking to take some kids toys, mostly clothes and foods.

Would you recommend

1) The rear hitch thing you installed + cargo box there

OR

2) OEM roof rack with cargo box on top

I appreciate your help.

 

[dieseldriver]

Instead of saying which is better, maybe I'll give you pros and cons so you can choose what fits for you.

Roof rack/Cargo box:

Pros:
Lockable storage (anti theft)
Most box can be accessed via both sides
Water proof
Aesthetics
Comes in many different variety in terms of cubic feet
Weight distributed somewhat evenly on the car

Cons:
Initial cost of buying roof rack and cargo box
Somewhat heavy to mount by single person, likewise, not so easy to remove when not needed
Have to make sure everyone knows that it's there so no one mistakenly drive it through the home garage (like mine did)
May not be able to access it unless you step onto something like step plates beneath on LEFT or RIGHT passenger's side


Hitch Receiver / Cargo Bag:
Pros:
Easy to access
Easy to place/remove cargo platform when not needed
Versatile cargo carrying ability such as carrying coolers or other types of luggage
Realatively inexpensive solution to carrying cargo compares to roof rack/cargo box

Cons:
Cargo is not anti theft
Cargo may not be completely waterproof unless you use special cargo bag like ones made by Rolla
Prolonged vehicle length
Adds substantial weight to rear of vehicle
If the cargo is higher than license plate level, it may need to be relocated onto the cargo platform
Adding the hitch receiver to Mazda5 is not that straightforward as the factory holes needs to enlarged somewhat


Hope that helps. But if you asked me personally, I prefer the roof rack/cargo box solution.

Hi Diesel

Since you are more experienced in this than I am, I will ask a few questions. We often travel to our vacation home at Rocky Point, Mexico. It is about a 11 hour drive. When we take guests with us, we don't have cargo room. I am looking to take some kids toys, mostly clothes and foods.

Would you recommend

1) The rear hitch thing you installed + cargo box there

OR

2) OEM roof rack with cargo box on top

I appreciate your help.

 

[90210]

Thank you for taking the time. The roof/cargo is what works for me. Security not an issue, we load at our house, unload at vacation house. Weather not an issue. Is there a box that I can find which will be OK for the roof rack max load, and be more even (i.e. yours looks like its on one side), or do I need two boxes to cover most of roof of the car?

Lastly..are the roof boxes changeable to other cars (I have a Pathfinder with roof rack..so would mazda 5 box work on that pathfinder roof rack or car specific?)

Also instead of side step, can you step on the floor of the vehicle and access roof box?

Also is roof box really noisy and effect MPG a lot (not abig deal?)

Lastly can I get a Copper Red matching roof rack?

 

[dieseldriver]

You're very welcome, it's not a problem at all answering these questions.

You can do some research here: www.etrailer.com

I've been buying from them for years, never had issues with them (luckily I never had to return anything).

I believe the MAX LOAD RATING is written on the OEM roof rack. Go check out this website: www.mazdaparts.org

I've not had any issue(s) with MazdaParts.org (Med Center Mazda of Alabama) neither.

I bought mine, a Yakima RocketBox Pro 11 from eTrailer because I needed a smaller box than the Thule Evolution cargo box that I already have; and also, I just needed something that I can carry skis and poles (we're a family of 5.. with Mazda5!).

I only put it to one side because I was planning to mount a snowboard attachment (in case I got into that too) later. But for now, not being used.

If you get a bigger box, you can put it in the middle of the roof rack. In fact, that's how mfg. will most likely recommend you do.

You can move the box from/to another car, most of them have universal bracket that will fit the factory roof rail, round, and square bars. I like my Yakima because it has no separate bracket that I need to attach to the box; it's all self contained. All I have to do is to twist the knobs inside of box to tighten the clamps onto the bars.

Best of all, Yakima is running a rebate right now until mid March on their cargo boxes; but only if you buy from authorized dealers such as eTrailer. I don't think all sellers on Amazon are authorized. I got $75 rebate on mine.

Yes, you can use the steps on the Mazda5 to access it; though it would be nice if I can add an aftermarket side step just for that purpose.

It will generate some wind noise without a doubt. Smoother the box, the less noise, and less taxing on fuel economy. I think Thule is most aerodynamic with smooth surface; but of course, that will cost you a bit more than Yakima.

I don't know if you can get a copper red one, I'm sure you can get it painted but not sure if that would be ideal. I think for your car, black should match fine.

Why not take advantage of Yakima box with rebate, I highly recommend it, and it's a breeze to install and operate.

Thank you for taking the time. The roof/cargo is what works for me. Security not an issue, we load at our house, unload at vacation house. Weather not an issue. Is there a box that I can find which will be OK for the roof rack max load, and be more even (i.e. yours looks like its on one side), or do I need two boxes to cover most of roof of the car?

Lastly..are the roof boxes changeable to other cars (I have a Pathfinder with roof rack..so would mazda 5 box work on that pathfinder roof rack or car specific?)

Also instead of side step, can you step on the floor of the vehicle and access roof box?

Also is roof box really noisy and effect MPG a lot (not abig deal?)

Lastly can I get a Copper Red matching roof rack?

 

[JingChuan]

Dieseldriver,

I'm interested in the rear hitchmount carrier, mainly for lower initial cost and ease of access, as well as presumed mpg advantage. What brand is yours, and what is the weight capacity? We take long weekend trips to a vacation house, but with a family of 4, we would likely only need the carrier for bulky items (cooler, deflated water toys, etc.) especially if we bring along the occasional guest. I don't see the cost of the roof rack and carrier being worth the limited usage for us. Thanks.

 

[dieseldriver]

This one I have is called the Pro Line, got it via eTrailer. But I think it also sells by the name of Valley as well on Amazon. But I am a bit apprehensive to use it due to weight. I am going to try an aluminum one instead to save on weight.

Dieseldriver,

I'm interested in the rear hitchmount carrier, mainly for lower initial cost and ease of access, as well as presumed mpg advantage. What brand is yours, and what is the weight capacity? We take long weekend trips to a vacation house, but with a family of 4, we would likely only need the carrier for bulky items (cooler, deflated water toys, etc.) especially if we bring along the occasional guest. I don't see the cost of the roof rack and carrier being worth the limited usage for us. Thanks.

 

[JingChuan]

This one I have is called the Pro Line, got it via eTrailer. But I think it also sells by the name of Valley as well on Amazon. But I am a bit apprehensive to use it due to weight. I am going to try an aluminum one instead to save on weight.

Did they give you a little kickback for using a picture of your 5 on their site?

BTW, I didn't see a hitch mount cargo carrier made of aluminum for 1.25" hitch receiver on that site. I have seen 1.25" to 2" converters, but that lengthens the hitch shaft, which would increase the stress on the hitch carrier and therefore lower the weight capacity. Not sure of the physics / equation there, but I assume that since the Class I hitches for the 5 are rated at a tongue weight of 200 lbs, the capacity would then be something less. Not sure - maybe 10%? So about 20-25 lbs? That amount seems to be the difference between steel and aluminum racks, so I don't know if there would be any capacity "gained" by using aluminum, at least not with a 1.25" receiver hitch and converter/extension. It would be easier to handle and impervious to rust though.

 

[dieseldriver]

Unfortunately,I didn't get anything in return for sending them my photos but that's how usually is. I would say that the aluminum version is lighter at least by 1/2 and that would lessen the stress on the receiver. Also, if you can, try to get one with the hitch extension that curves upward to raise the platform, otherwise, I'd say that your cargo may be at the level of the muffler. Check on Amazon for the cargo carrier, they seemed to have a lot more selection and some costing less than what eTrailer charges.

Did they give you a little kickback for using a picture of your 5 on their site?

BTW, I didn't see a hitch mount cargo carrier made of aluminum for 1.25" hitch receiver on that site. I have seen 1.25" to 2" converters, but that lengthens the hitch shaft, which would increase the stress on the hitch carrier and therefore lower the weight capacity. Not sure of the physics / equation there, but I assume that since the Class I hitches for the 5 are rated at a tongue weight of 200 lbs, the capacity would then be something less. Not sure - maybe 10%? So about 20-25 lbs? That amount seems to be the difference between steel and aluminum racks, so I don't know if there would be any capacity "gained" by using aluminum, at least not with a 1.25" receiver hitch and converter/extension. It would be easier to handle and impervious to rust though.

 

[chandlerGTi]

Dieseldriver,

I'm interested in the rear hitchmount carrier, mainly for lower initial cost and ease of access, as well as presumed mpg advantage. What brand is yours, and what is the weight capacity? We take long weekend trips to a vacation house, but with a family of 4, we would likely only need the carrier for bulky items (cooler, deflated water toys, etc.) especially if we bring along the occasional guest. I don't see the cost of the roof rack and carrier being worth the limited usage for us. Thanks.

Since you are in Chicago land when I was there last week meijer in merrilville in had a rocketbox for $99. I noticed it because the meijer here in Toledo also had one for the same price; damn cheap.

 

[dieseldriver]

That's a really good price for a RocketBox -- wondering which one that is.

Since you are in Chicago land when I was there last week meijer in merrilville in had a rocketbox for $99. I noticed it because the meijer here in Toledo also had one for the same price; damn cheap.

 

[JingChuan]

I browsed through Amazon selection for quite a while, and was unable to find any aluminum hitch carrier that fits a 1.25" Class I hitch. I inquired with etrailer and got this response:

" I checked with our suppliers and none offer an aluminum cargo carrier for the 1-1/4" hitch size at this time."

Again there is the option of using a 1.25" to 2" adapter, but folks seem to have mixed results, if you check the reviews for the adapter at Amazon, anyway. It seems that my options for carrying bulky items (cooler, large suitcase) and 5 or 6 passengers are quite limited.

Incidentally, I check the meijer website for any rocketbox products, to no avail. I don't have a Meijer too close to my house, so I have been unable to check in person, but the weekly mailer doesn't show it either.

 

[dieseldriver]

Then I recommend this one; weighs less than half of the one I bought, and cheaper too. Only issue is that the hitch receiver extension is not curved up so it might sit a bit low.
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Curt/C18145.html

I browsed through Amazon selection for quite a while, and was unable to find any aluminum hitch carrier that fits a 1.25" Class I hitch. I inquired with etrailer and got this response:

" I checked with our suppliers and none offer an aluminum cargo carrier for the 1-1/4" hitch size at this time."

Again there is the option of using a 1.25" to 2" adapter, but folks seem to have mixed results, if you check the reviews for the adapter at Amazon, anyway. It seems that my options for carrying bulky items (cooler, large suitcase) and 5 or 6 passengers are quite limited.

Incidentally, I check the meijer website for any rocketbox products, to no avail. I don't have a Meijer too close to my house, so I have been unable to check in person, but the weekly mailer doesn't show it either.