Recommended Retro-Fit for Cargo Carrier With New Car and Wider Crossbar Spread or Replacement Box

Updated 03/12/2018 | Published 03/10/2018

Question:

I have a Sears Sport 20-sv cargo carrier that I purchased in 2005. I love it! My Jeep Grand Cherokee and my Honda Pilot had adjustable crossbars. Even though the sv-20 had fixed brackets, I had no problem mounting it since I could adjust the crossbars. I just purchased a 2018 Toyota Highlander limited and discovered that it has fixed crossbars. Is it safe to drill new holes in the 20-sv to mount the brackets in a different spot or do I need to buy a new carrier?

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

Drilling new holes in your Sport 20-SV cargo carrier will allow you to mount it to your 2018 Toyota Highlander, but it may change the weight capacity of the carrier. If you choose to use this method, then I recommend the Loctite RTV 598 High-Performance Silicone Gasket Maker - Black # LT37467 to make your carrier water-tight by filling the old holes.

If you want to consider a similar box with an adjustable base for cross bar spread, I recommend the SportRack Horizon Rooftop Cargo Box - 17 cu ft - Black # SR7017. If you want to upgrade your box to give you additional features, I recommend the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft - Black AeroSkin # TH6359B. This will give you a larger capacity, dual side access, Quick-Grip clamps for easy installation, and SecureLocks.

expert reply by: Jason S