Roof Mounted cargo Basket Recommendations for a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport

Question:

Hello. Is either the ROLA or Thule MOAB cargo basket compatible with the Jeep Cherokee Sport 1999 model with the roof rack with sidebars already on it? If so, a few questions: 1. What additional weight will either basket hold? 2. Can I attach a Yakima or Thule accessories to either one for carrying a canoe or kayaks? 3. Are any additional accessories needed to fit it on my Jeep?

asked by: Rob W

Expert Reply:

First, if you have the factory installed crossbars that run side to side on the roof, then the Thule MOAB, # TH690, is a direct fit. You could tie down a canoe or kayak directly to the basket without additional parts. This basket has a capacity of 165 pounds. However, if the roof rack or roof is rated lower then you will have to go by the lower rating.

To determine if the Rola basket, # 59504, will fit, there are some measurement you will need to take. First, measure the thickness of the bars. If they are less than 3-1/4 inches think then the mounting hardware will fit around them. Next measure the center to center distance between the 2 bars. If the distance is 26-1/4, 30, 33-3/4, or 37-1/2 inches, then the basket will fit. The basket has a 130 pound capacity and you could tie down a watercraft to the basket.

If your Cherokee just has the tracks that run front to back, you will need to add crossbars before you can mount a cargo basket using the following parts:

Crossbars, # Y00408
Two sets of Landing Pads, # Y00222
Control Towers, # Y00214

This will put the crossbar spread at 44 inches so the Rola basket and MOAB will not work. But, you can use the MegaWarrior, # Y07080. This basket has a 130 pound capacity. Kayaks and canoes can be tied off to this basket as well.

expert reply by: Michael H