Best Way to Transport Cargo on Trip with 2015 Toyota Venza

Updated 03/13/2021 | Published 03/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Nano-Texture

(51)

$860.36

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3358)

$139.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Sportz Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8970)

$249.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2759)

$203.56

Question:

We are thinking of taking a road trip camping out to Montana this spring. I am wondering whether a rooftop car carrier or a hitch mounted carrier would be better. We do not have a hitch and we do not have roof racks. So either way we would have to install some of the basics before we could actually get a carrier on. We have a 2015 Toyota Venza four-cylinder so there may be some limitations on cargo capacity that I would also need to consider.

asked by: Peter H

Expert Reply:

The best setup here does depend a bit on what you're actually planning on hauling outside the vehicle. If the primary goal is simply to store excess cargo inside a box though, then the best option for your Venza is going to be with a roof rack and cargo box, simply because you'll be able to get a larger box on top of the roof than you would via a hitch-mounted solution.

If you decide to go that route, and assuming your 2015 Toyota Venza has a completely naked roof (no factory side rails that run front to back), I highly recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack System that consists of part # RRVA126B-2 for the two 49" Vortex Crossbars that give you a sleek appearance and quiet ride, part # RRRLKVA for the 2500 Series Legs that attach to the bars, and part # DK114 for the Custom DK Fit Kit, which is what actually attaches to the Venza's roof.

This setup will provide you with a 165 pound weight capacity and will work perfectly with a cargo box like the excellent Yakima SkyBox NX 16 # Y95AV. This aerodynamic, dual-side-opening box will give you 16 cubic feet of storage space and includes locks to help protect your gear. I also verified that on your Venza the box will still be short enough to allow the rear hatch to fully open up without any interference.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these products along with a link that will take you to our full selection of roof cargo boxes that you can look through if needed. Have fun in Montana!