![]() It's not a super sturdy construction, and has its flaws with the lock-unlock button being difficult to push in sometimes, as well as the clamping mechanism at each end seems a bit flimsy. I've owned the Rocketbox pro 11 since fall of 2016, and it's served me well, doing exactly what I was looking for it to - get skis and boards out of my car (subaru impreza) in the winter while still being protected, and extra storage for road trips in the summer. However, I will take a very serious look before assuming the functional Yakima engineering of yesterday continues tomorrow. I will work with Yakima to make this box function because I like Yakima and their support and products have been great in the past. etc., but for the price of this box (albeit reasonable in this market) I don't think the end user should have to deal with modifications or problems like this. It is true, there are support articles on how to remedy the locking mechanism problems by opening up the mechanism with a torx wrench, etc. We extricated the ski gear but this was a silly, time consuming situation. When one side totally failed to open on our last day ski tour, we struggled over the roof from the other side of the 4Runner to get the remaining side to work. The mechanism on both sides feel like they're filled with cold molasses even on warm days. I have now bent two keys attempting to get skis out of the box. The single key mechanism to lock/unlock three latches at a time problematic. I struggle to get a couple of ski bags inside (~190-205cm skis) with some ski boots/clothing. The hinges, designed to open in either direction, end up bulky, somewhat flimsy (although they haven't broken) and seemingly get in the way of what used to be very usable space. This convenience and security all in one package comes at a cost. I appreciate the concept of being able to open the box from either side, and the three latches to secure the lid (each side). I'm looking out my window at two older Rocket boxes on cars we own, and they've been going strong for dozens of years. My family has used Yakima products since the 1980's. In hindsight, I can't believe how many days it has lasted in all weather conditions, baking in the sun, getting yanked open, frozen shut, fully loaded, and re-drilled to fit new racks.Sometimes making devices more flexible in their use to broaden appeal only adds to their complexity and reduces the original intent I'm afraid the RocketBox Pro 11 now fits into this category. I've had the same Thule (don't remember the model number) since 96-97, and it is still going strong. My girlfriend has a nice Thule whatever that was probably around $500-600 and we always use mine.įind an old one. I've ran into car ports with it on accident.Īll the new stuff is super overpriced and flimsy. I've drilled a bunch of holes in it to work on different racks. It's sturdy enough that I've slept in it and way overloaded the weight limit. I bought an early 90s adventurer for $60 in 99 and it's still going strong. Plus, if you use a combo lock, you never have to work about the lock freezing or losing your key. It looks ghetto but the box will be stronger and more secure. Rivet a clasp on the outside and use a padlock. Search craigslist for an older Thule Adventurer. Are there any inexpensive options for a roof box that is not a complete piece of shit? ![]() Why do they even have locks when you could probably just punch right through the cheap shells? Haven't specifically checked out the Skybox 12, sounds like it might be best option in this price range.Įven though I'm looking at the "cheapest" boxes, $389 is a lot of money to me and a lot of money to spend on a hunk of crap. Same cheap ass construction, flimsy plastic, worthless locks. Went to REI, looked at the Yakima Rocketbox 11. When it does close, it rarely alligns to actually close, so you've gotta spend 10 minutes f-ing with the damn thing to get all the locks and rails into place while standing on a wheel and heel hooking the roof rails wearing ski boots in a blizzard. The lid is so flimsy, you cannot open it with one hand, let alone one person. My girlfriend recently got the Thule Ascent 1100, so I've had some recent first-hand experience with this POS. Yes, these are the least expensive options, all less than $400 msrp. Narrowed my choice down to three picks: the Thule Ascent 1100, the Yakima Rocketbox 11 or the Yakima SkyBox 12. Used last year's dividend+20 to outfit a Yakima roof rack, which has done well with bike racks, rafts and other people's boxes, but time to buy my own. Don't need a ton of space, but definitely a box long enough for skis. Was thinking about using the REI dividend + 20% off coupon on a roof box, to alleviate my car's interior from wet skis, sharp edges, stinky boots, sandy climbing gear and an entire summer's worth of camping gear.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |