Hatch on Acura MDX Hits Yakima SkyBox 21

Updated 06/30/2024 | Published 01/23/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(34)

$765.87

Question:

I got lucky to own Yakima 21, which I mounted on my 2014 MDX with standard roof racks, 28 inches apart. To my surprise I’m not able to open my trunk, which hits the box. Yes Yes I already slide the box all the way forward. What am I missing??? I even flipped cross bar clamps, it gave me solid 2-3 inches but trunk still leans on the box while open.

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

The Yakima SkyBox 21 Rooftop Cargo Box part # Y07337 requires 57" of hatch clearance which is measured from the center of the front crossbar to the point where the hatch and roof meet. Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do to increase this measurement. Therefore, if you want both a cargo box and hatch clearance I recommend the Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Roof Cargo Box part # Y95AV which only requires 47" of clearance and should be a better fit for you. The larger the box, the more hatch clearance required.

Truthfully, the SkyBox 21 is a bit large for the MDX so it's not unlikely that you have fit issues. I understand you likely got a good deal but this is something you're going to have to live with using an incorrectly sized cargo box unless you want to purchase another.

expert reply by: Conner L

Hatch on Acura MDX Hits Yakima SkyBox 21
(click to enlarge)

Mikemo

6/30/2024

I have the same problem. The MDX first cross bar is near the middle of the roof, forcing the skybox to move rearward. Had Acura moved the bar forward, there would be no issue. I’d say it’s a poor design of the fixed cross bar location by Acura/Honda.