How to Carry Cargo on Crossbars With a 50 Inch Spread

Updated 10/30/2018 | Published 10/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Inno Wedge 660 Rooftop Cargo Box - 11 cu ft - Gloss Black

(150)

$803.06

Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag - Waterproof - 17.5 cu ft - 59" x 43" x 11-1/2"

(110)

$269.99

Thule Pulse Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box - 11 Cu Ft - Matte Black

(33)

$676.98

Yakima MegaWarrior Extra Large Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 74" Long x 48" Wide

(80)

$937.90

Question:

Hello, Im looking for a long and low-profile 12 inch from top of crossbar to top of box rooftop cargo box that can accommodate up to a 50 inch crossbar spread. Could either the Thule Pulse Alpine or Inno Wedge 660 boxes be modified to accommodate that crossbar spread? I have Yakima round bars. I am OK with drilling new holes in the box.

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

There is a way for you to carry cargo on crossbars that have a 50 inch spread but rooftop cargo boxes like the Thule Pulse Alpine # TH613 or Inno Wedge 660 # INBRM660BK cannot be modified to accommodate a spread of that size. The reason for that is they use sliding clamps to adjust to different crossbar spreads so you would not be able to drill holes to allow those clamps to work properly. There are cargo boxes that use U-bolts to attach but none that have the proper length and shape to allow you to safely drill holes to accommodate a 50 inch spread.

The option I recommend instead is using a rooftop cargo basket, the Yakima MegaWarrior # Y07080-82, along with a rooftop cargo bag, the waterproof Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag # RRLB600 which is 70-1/2 inches long and will give you 21 cubic feet of space to carry your gear.

The accompanying photo is one that a customer sent in and shows how the MegaWarrior looks when installed. I have also added links to video reviews of both the cargo basket and cargo bag for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S