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Imported.
Item 784510
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
I've used the Skybox 16 on two long trips, totaling over 1250 miles. Construction is very good- stronger material and the front sway bar make for no shimmy, vibration or problems with loads. This skybox is a bit more expensive than other cargo systems- but if you can swing it, you definately notice the difference in build quality. No comparison to lesser priced cargo boxes. Its a rock. This does add some extra weight, so its impossible to install on an SUV or truck without assistance.
The locks are great, and the construction of the entire handle set are very good. This is the area in which the Skybox really sets itself apart from other systems. When its closed and locked, you know it. I had rain at times to deal with on both trips, and one time it was a really long and heavy downpour. Absolutely NO rain got inside the box, which was a surprise to me. Keeps things nice and dry.
The Skybox was fitted on a 4Runner- and there was slight wind noise, but not as bad as I expected, and certainly better than non aero cargo boxes. Handles cross winds and driving near 18 wheelers fairly well. Need to keep both hands on the wheel in these instances, but not a real concern. Lost about 1 MPG at most on average with the Skybox. One other thing worth noting- items in the box stayed much cooler than in your traditional black top box. Still a little warm, but I've opened black tops in the summer that were blast furnances.
Only two issues worth mentioning- for starters the cargo net that comes with it...there should be two of them. One is not enough to tie down all your gear, I ended up needing to rope an area as well. Second, the lid opens up on either end, but not as wide as I would like, and only one side at a time. So when you are installing, or loading gear- you have to come over to one side, open it and do your thing...then close, lock, pull out the key and go over to the other side and repeat the steps. Install is easy, but far more time consuming to get it aligned and clamped down due to all the back and forth opening and locking that needs to take place. Even if you are a pro at this, if you want to install it correctly its going to take longer than the manual implies. Would be nicer is you could have both sides unlocked and cracked to do a setup or load- and then lock them back down when finished.
Overall, I rate the cargo box itself as excellent. The only thing holding it back is the price- if it were about $60-$80 cheaper it would be a no brainer. Because of this it dips to simply a very good purchase.
Pros
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Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
I broke the latch/lock system with little effort. REI replaced entire box with no problems, but I feel that it is a weak point in the design. The sales person indicated to me that it wasn't the only box returned because of this problem, and he commented that Yakima was still "getting the bugs out" of this new box. I hope that Yakima will make good on their warranty.
Service and delivery comments:
REI replaced the broken box with no hassles. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee is awesome. Two thumbs up for REI!
Pros
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Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
This box top secures nicely from the inside and offers ample space for extra gear. I had one problem with the lock, but REI was fantastic and replaced the unit for me. Also, I didn't notice a huge difference in gas mileage when this thing was packed.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
I spent a lot of time comparing models and brands, and went with the Yak because it has (i) the burliest construction, (ii) a smooth one handed opening action, (iii) internal tie down points for cargo netting (included with the box) or bungees, and (iv) a raked back which allows for maximum rearward positioning without interfering with hatchback. I've driven it through 40mph+ cross winds, 3 feet of snow, temps down to about 15 deg and torrential downpour, and through it all the Yak performed beautifully. Locks never froze, the "Pro" smooth surface shed the snow without any brushing required, wind noise was minimal up to 85mph (except when the cross winds kicked in) and it held a ton of gear.
As for comments about it being heavy and requiring 2 people to install/uninstall, I guess it depends on the person doing the lifting and the vehicle it's being put on. I have no problem installing and uninstalling it by myself, but I'm relatively tall (6ft) and my car isn't. If I were shorter or my car were much taller, I could see it being a problem.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
I bought this Skybox in Dec. '09 and I've used it for several ski trips so far on my 4Runner. The box is incredibly easy and quick to install and protects skis from the elements. The box does weigh 47 pounds, but I'm able to install it by myself in about 5 minutes.
The box comes with a cargo net and pad. I haven't used the cargo net yet, but the pad is great as it keeps skis from sliding around. I expected the box to be a drag on gas mileage, however I've only noticed about a 1 - 2 MPG drop in gas mileage on ski day trips. Previously, I used the Thule ski rack system, which I left on all ski season, and I experienced a 1 MPG decrease. The box is very stable and I do not hear any vibration or drag noise while driving. I'm looking forward to using it for camping this summer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
The locking system failed on this box after a couple dozen uses. This made it impossible to get into without physically destroying the box. The lock handle becomes difficult to turn over time and binds. I am careful with my equipment and take great care - but the Yakima cargo boxes have an inherent design flaw. Returned and replaced with a much better designed Thule.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
As I haven't had the Skybox Pro 16s long I didn't think it proper to report on that yet, but so far I love everything about this thing. I actually installed it in a snow storm. Eager to use it the next day I had to have it on. So as it dumped I rushed. Now all would have been fine, just a bit wet, but I ended up opening both side. As instructed against in the manual, do not do this! Pain in butt to get it realigned by myself in the snow. If you learn anything from me here read the instructions and take your time.
That said I have since readjusted everything and it is perfect. I drive a '99 Subaru Outback Sport and it is nice to have cargo space for long items. I primary bought it for my snowboards. I ride different styles (powder, race, freeride) depending on conditions and it works great for hauling 3-4 snowboards with ease and all while keeping them concealed and clean. I have a small car and the Skybox does seem slightly oversized. This, however, does not bother me. I think it would be great for cars like the full sided Outback or a crossover. I'm not sure I would recommend these for full SUV's as the height my make it harder to load and unload. Another thing I like is that it is quiet. I had Yakima's Button Down 4 and the wind noise was considerable. All things considered, I love this thing.
Pros
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Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
I just upgraded from the 16s to the 16s pro after mine got destroyed by the guys at STS tire. I couldn't be happier with it. WIth 2 kids it holds all of our extra gear that doesn't fit in the car.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
Bought on shortnotice because of family holiday trip (2400 miles round trip) in a station wagon with less room than Santa's sleigh but as much stuff to carry, this box proved the tonic for overload anxiety. Pretty easy to load, easy to seal and lock, and solid feeling, the box amazed by its stability and the amazingly quiet performance at 60-70 mph. In fact, there was less wind noise with it on than with my streamlined Thule bars alone. Very Very Happy with it.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s Roof Box:
Great box super solid. Unfortunately on my 2005 Lexus RX it wouldn't allow the hatch to open. I had to exchange for the Rocketbox 12
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