Can Roof Mounted Cargo Boxes Overhang the Front of a Vehicle

Updated 06/21/2013 | Published 06/20/2013

Question:

Does it really matter if the box overhangs the front? I have 2 vehicles: 08 Highlander and 07 Ridgeline. I want the absolute largest box as we will eventually get larger vehicles and dont plan replacing the box. I dont mind the box hanging over the front of the Highlander and front and rear of the Ridgeline. Im just not sure why it was recommended that the FX35 owner downsize the box so it wouldnt overhang. Im looking at the Yakima SkyBox 21 Cargo Box. Thanks!!

asked by: Ahmet K

Expert Reply:

The overhang is more of an issue for the back on vehicles that have a rear hatch that opens up. Larger boxes will prevent the rear hatch from opening all the way so a smaller box is recommended if that is an issue for someone. If a box overhangs the front too far that means that there is a lot of weight far from the nearest crossbar and that could cause damage to the roof rack, vehicle, or box.

You can use any box that will fit the roof racks that you have but you will also want the widest bar spread that you can get if you plan on overhanging a larger than normal portion of the box in the front. Most boxes overhang some and that is fine. It is excessive overhang that can cause problems.

The largest boxes we have are 22 cubic foot models; the Motion 22 # TH629906.

expert reply by: Michael H