Does Yakima Extension for MegaWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket # Y07082 Add Weight Capacity  

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Expert Reply:

Adding the Extension for Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Baskets # Y07082 to the MegaWarrior basket # Y07080 will give you additional space for cargo but does not increase the weight capacity. This is because the limiting factor for cargo weight is not the basket but rather your vehicle's roof rack or its actual roof. The Yakima basket is made of strong tubular steel and it can hold far more weight than your roof. The 130-lb capacity of the standard MegaWarrior remains the limit for the basket with the extension, but again, this is because very few vehicles' roofs can handle more than that 130-lbs.

Certain vehicles such as a cargo van MAY have a higher roof weight capacity but it might be necessary to install a 3rd roof rack crossbar under the basket to support it well enough to use that higher capacity.

Its always a good idea to check your vehicle owner's manual for any guidance regarding its roof weight-bearing capacity. If not noted in your manual you can speak to your local dealership using the car's VIN number.

Also, please keep in mind that the weight of the cargo basket itself (50-lbs in the case of the MegaWarrior plus the extension) counts against that vehicle roof weight capacity. So if your manual states the roof can handle 120-lbs total load, then after you deduct the 50-lb weight of the basket you have left a remaining cargo capacity of 70-lbs.

Often users of rooftop cargo solutions choose a tire step like # HE4040 to make it easier to load and unload the cargo. This step comes fully-assembled and simply slips over a rear tire for better roof access. It folds up flat for storage when not in use.

You may prefer to consider a hitch and hitch-mount cargo carrier. These are easier to load since they do not require you to access the vehicle roof and they tend to have less effect on your mileage than roof-mount cargo carriers. Please feel free to let me know your vehicle year/make/model/version and I'll be glad to offer a recommendation for a bolt-on hitch and compatible cargo carrier to fit it.

You may also care to have a look at the linked articles on roof top and hitch carriers.

expert reply by: Adam R

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