1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I have a Yakima Space Booster (10 cu ft) which I carry on Yakima cross bars on my Aero Wagon, with the small Yakima fairing that fits between the side rails, and two bike trays. I went over 4000 miles through the Western states last summer (without the bikes), travelling at speeds up to 90 mph, with _many_ hours at 75 to 80 mph. The pod was fine and showed no sign of distress. (I did watch it closely through the sunroof.)
However, some cautions:
Don't travel at high speeds (over 65 mph) without a full load of evenly distributed stuff in the pod. If you visualize the airflow travelling over the front of the car, you will understand that a very large force is affecting the underside of the front of the pod, trying to lever it upwards off the front bar. There is very little frontal area, but strong side gusts can possibly stress the mounts - keeping the pod loaded reduces the buffeting. Center the heavier stuff in the middle, with sleeping bags or light duffle bags at the ends.
Make SURE that the mounts are totally secure every day. If any should start to loosen things may deteriorate rapidly. If you are a worrier, consider installing an extra set of mounts at the front for additional strength.
Take it off when not in use - it does affect your mileage, though I only saw a 2 mpg decrease.
Don't use the type of pod that sits dirctly on the paint if you appreciate your car's appearance - invest in a set of crossbars and fairing. (My sister bought a fat Sears ExCargo pod which sits on the roof of her Legacy, and it has a requirement that you never travel at highway speeds with less than 50 pounds of gear in the pod!)
My setup does not interfere with the sunroof operation. But I have the bars located back farther than normal - the front bar and fairing cross the roof just aft of the sunroof. I had to redrill the mounting holes in the Space Booster to get the pod forward enough to clear the rear hatch when it is open.
The Space Booster is pretty minimal in volume - it will carry four bags of inline skates and helmets, some miscellaneous duffles, cleaning bucket and kites and stuff, and that is about it. If you carry a lot of gear or have a big family a larger model like the Rocket Box would be advisable. But an alternative to consider is the Saab retractable cargo net, which will allow you to safely carry stuff that goes clear up to the ceiling. It is strongly engineered and works very well with the rear seat backs up, as well as with them down.
posted by 64.38.1...
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