Recommended Roof Cargo Bag For 2006 Toyota Sienna And 2010 Subaru Outback
Published 07/30/2015
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Question:
Hi I am doing research into a cargo box or bag for the roof. Id like it to be able to fit both of our vehicles. A 2006 Toyota Sienna with factory roof rack with cross bars. and a 2010 Subaru Outback with the factory roof rack and convertible side rails/ crossbars. Id like to be able to open both hatches on the back. I was considering the rhino rack cargo bag large size. Or the Yakima skybox or rocket box. We do not have baskets on our vehicles so will that effect the use of a cargo bag? I do not want to damage either the finish or dent the roof. I like that the bag is soft and able to accommodate items that the box may not. I also like the stows illite of. A bag vs a box. But I ultimately want this to be something that we can use for a long time.
asked by: Chris B
Helpful Expert Reply:
To find a carrier for both the 2010 Outback and the 06 Sienna, you may have more luck with a cargo bag versus a cargo box.
The cargo bag I recommend is the Rightline Gear Roof Cargo Carrier, part # RL100S30. This is a large 18 cu ft bag that is waterproof which is really nice when carrying any cargo on the roof of your vehicles. This will work with crossbars, side rails, or naked roofs and measures 48 inches long x 40 inches wide, x 19 inches tall. We also carry a cable lock that works great with Rightline cargo bags. It is part # RL100640.
To protect the vehicle roof finish I recommend the Non-Skid Roof Protection Pad, part # RL100650. This soft pad measures 36 inches x 36 inches and is 3/16 inches thick. You will want to make sure the roof surface is clean before placing anything on it.
If you decide you want to go with a cargo box there is a quick measurement you can take to see which cargo box will work best for you. If your crossbars can be moved, you want to move the front crossbar as far forward as possible and measure from the center of the front crossbar to the seam that separates the roof and the rear hatch. This is called 'front clearance'. I have attached a couple charts that have the front clearance needed for the Thule and the Yakima cargo boxes.
If you want to let me know what the front clearance is on your vehicles I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you. You will want to make sure that you do not exceed the roof weight capacity for your vehicles.
To make it easier to reach the middle of the roof I recommend using a tire step like part # HE4040. This easily slips over the wheel and folds flat for easy storage when not in use. The step has a 400 lb weight capacity.
