Cargo Basket Fit for Nissan Xterra with Factory Crossbars

Question:

Looking at your answer to question about curt roof rack c18115 the crossbars on all of these era xterras are oval about 3.5 wide and 1.2 inches tall so your answer about the diameter is confusing to me. Cant you just refer to the part specs for nissan and definitely state if this will or wont fit? thanks.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

In my research, I could not find standard specifications for crossbars when I looked in the Xterra's owner's manual. We have a Xterra in our shop today, and when I measured the crossbars, I agree with you that they seem to be approximately 3-1/2 by just over 1-3/16. The shape of the bars makes them a bit difficult to measure.

With the crossbars on your 2010 Nissan Xterra at 3-1/2 inches wide, then the Curt Roof Cargo Carrier # C18115 will not be a fit for your crossbars. This cargo carrier is designed to fit bars no bigger than 3 inches wide.

A similar cargo carrier that will fit around your crossbars is the Rhino-Rack Roof Cargo Basket # RMCB. The hiccup that presents itself with this cargo basket is that it is wider than the distance between the vertical bars on the Xterra. Because of this, you would also want part # HD-FK1. These longer bolts will allow you to secure the rack around your crossbars while it rests on your vertical bars.

If you want a cargo basket that will fit within your crossbars, I recommend the Rhino-Rack Steel Mesh Cargo Basket # RLBH-S280. This cargo basket externally measures 24-13/16 inches wide and will fit within the approximately 32-1/8 inch distance between your vertical bars. We have an Xterra in our shop today, so I went out to measure the length of this cargo basket. It might be close when your gate is lifted, but it looks like the 56 inch length will fit without hanging off the back. This rack will fit crossbars up to 3-7/8 in wide by 3-7/8 inches tall.

expert reply by: Victoria B