Roof Rack and Cargo Box Recommendation for 2016 Mercedes GL 450  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track. You will need a set of crossbars mounted to the raised side rails of your 2016 Mercedes Benz GL 450 to carry a cargo box. For that the Rhino Rack roof rack part numbers # RRVA126B-2 and # RRSX100 is what I recommend. This rack gives you crossbars that are aero shaped to minimize wind noise and is very easy to install so I recommend it highly. I attached an install video for the rack on a similar SUV for you to check out too.

With this rack installed you'd be able to mount a cargo box like the Thule Motion XT part # TH6299B which has 22 cubic feet of cargo space. This is one of the nicest boxes available. It can open on either side, is easy to install and has an aerodynamic shape. I also a link to a page that has all of the cargo boxes we carry too.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Kashif

2/18/2019

Thank you for the responses earlier. Three follow up questions to that: 1. You recommended the 22cu THULE box, is that not too long for the MB GL450 roof since that seems to be over 8ft long meaning it will be covering the sunroof and not sure might even be hindering the trunk from opening fully? 2. Youve recommended # RRVA126B-2 as a viable cross bar for the MB GL450 Raised Rails. Can you confirm if this will fit since it doesnt call out being specifically for Raised Rails? The other recommended cross bar # RRSX100 definitely specifically mentions compatible with Raised rails. 3. Youve recommended only THULE products. I see GoPlus boxes as pretty nice in pictures and reviews and half priced. Do you have any comments on those?

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Jameson C.

2/18/2019

The Rhino Rack roof rack I mentioned consists of two part numbers that when used together gives you a roof rack compatible with the raised rails of your 2016 Mercedes Benz GL450. So you need both the part # RRVA126B-2 and # RRSX100 and you'd be set. To determine if the Thule box I mentioned will allow your hatch to open will require you to take one measurement. You'll need to measure from the most forward point on your raised rails that you can fit your hand under (this is the furthest point forward a crossbar could fit) and then measure back to the rear hatch seam. If that measurement is greater than 55 inches the Thule Motion XT part # TH629906 will fit and allow the hatch to open. That said, most cargo boxes are going to cover up at least most of the sunroof. We don't carry the GoPlus cargo boxes but I've checked them out and they appear to be basically an older style of Thule cargo box based on the hinges and quickgrip style mounts. They are probably not terrible options especially at the price point but at best they are knock-off of Thule boxes. We have the smaller Motion XT as part # TH629706 which has 16 cubic feet of cargo space instead.

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