Show Me Your Box - the Roof Mounted Cargo Box Thread

[tankdeer]

Message this guy and see if he'd be willing to sell the mat seperately

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yakima-21-Sk...#ht_500wt_1413

[elsst3]

Yes I use a yoga mat in my box works perfectly

[boostin20v]

I opted for a basket, Thule 690XT MOAB.

[95s52]

Any advice on where to go for a rack for a road bike? I have a B7 Avant.

Thanks in Advance!

[SoCalS4Avant]

Any advice on where to go for a rack for a road bike? I have a B7 Avant.

Thanks in Advance!

What are you looking to achieve? Just a bike setup? I'd probably do Thule or similar, as Thule provides all Audis OEM rack equipment. That's just my preference though. Of course, I use INNO bike racks, but that's because I want to get both my bikes and roof box on top. I use Thule crossbars, etc. though.

[95s52]

Thanks for the quick reply SoCal. I am looking to mount the road bikes by the front fork. Any place you suggest I look for a used set up, I'd hate to drop as much on the rack as I did on the bike..

Thanks


Edit: whats your take on http://www.ebay.com/itm/FREE-SHIP-48...ht_7979wt_1185

What are you looking to achieve? Just a bike setup? I'd probably do Thule or similar, as Thule provides all Audis OEM rack equipment. That's just my preference though. Of course, I use INNO bike racks, but that's because I want to get both my bikes and roof box on top. I use Thule crossbars, etc. though.

[SoCalS4Avant]

Thanks for the quick reply SoCal. I am looking to mount the road bikes by the front fork. Any place you suggest I look for a used set up, I'd hate to drop as much on the rack as I did on the bike..

Thanks

I'd have to say that RackAttack is the cheapest for new stuff. REI is expensive, but you get crazy-good customer service (I think REI actually has their used gear sale coming up...check out your local store). If used is your thing, just hit up craigslist - or searchtempest. It's the best best, I'd say.

My INNO's are front fork mount, but they won't go with OEM crossbars, hence why I went with the Thule square-bars instead of Aeros.

Pic for reference:

[95s52]

Thanks for the info ^ I take it I should stear clear from the cheap ebay stuff?

[boostin20v]

If you value the cargo, don't skimp on what keeps it attached to the car.

[dhcivic27]

Anybody here uses an alternate crossbars for Yakima racks? Where instead of a steel bar, replace with pvc pipe, aluminum bars, etc.anything from home depot that can make the rack a tad lighter? Issues with load, reliability? I like a rack on top of the car but I remove it for weight reasons.

[Franco90]

I need to get a WAGON

[dropshadow]

Anybody here uses an alternate crossbars for Yakima racks? Where instead of a steel bar, replace with pvc pipe, aluminum bars, etc.anything from home depot that can make the rack a tad lighter? Issues with load, reliability? I like a rack on top of the car but I remove it for weight reasons.

This does not sound like a good idea if you value the things you attach to the rack.

[a4audi4fun]

Anybody here uses an alternate crossbars for Yakima racks? Where instead of a steel bar, replace with pvc pipe, aluminum bars, etc.anything from home depot that can make the rack a tad lighter? Issues with load, reliability? I like a rack on top of the car but I remove it for weight reasons.

Bars plus feet likely add 15lbs to a 35-3700 lb vehicle - methinks you'd be better off removing the spare wheel from the back - really don't think you are going to notice any weight difference.

[Avantfever]

I just got my Thule Atlantis 1600 mounted. I'm using the OEM bars and bike carrier. There's only room for one bike with these bars, and it's really tight. You have to take the bike down to open the cargo box.

[dhcivic27]

I love the photos coming up on this thread. I have a Yakima cross bar set up, but no box, just bike tray and snow binds. Now I want an Inno case for my self, the thing is I don't really need 1. I'm keeping an eye open for a white box to match the car

[bahy]

[phatAvant]

Hi Guys,

Im a total n00b when it comes to boxes, and there are so many out there that I'm completely lost.

From what Ive seen in the show me your roof box thread, I like the setups that are close to the roof, the box doesnt need to be huge either, as it wont be used that much, just for a couple of trip to get some extra space.

What would you guys recommend to keep a B8 avant nice and streamlined (bare in mind Im in Europe so may not be able to get the same products you can over in the US).

Thanks in advance.

[Greedo]

Did you see this thread - http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...rgo-Box-Thread ?

I'm sure you can get some ideas in there. I don't run a box, so I'm useless for an answer.

[CZA420tAvant]

There are plenty of threads as well as options. Make sure you don't shirt yourself on size. that is my only advise. Get the one you need, don't base it on price they are all expensive.

good luck

[phatAvant]

There are plenty of threads as well as options. Make sure you don't shirt yourself on size. that is my only advise. Get the one you need, don't base it on price they are all expensive.

good luck

I just want it as flush as possible for mounts, and a nice well proportioned box, I dont want it to big.

[phatAvant]

Did you see this thread - http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...rgo-Box-Thread ?

I'm sure you can get some ideas in there. I don't run a box, so I'm useless for an answer.

Yup hence me saying I looked through it in my OP.

[CZA420tAvant]

[CZA420tAvant]

Go to Thule and Yakima site and try on boxes

[Theflave]

Not many Packasport on the 'box' thread. My girl just got a new car and the Packasport won't fit on hers so it's going on my Avant after I get it painted for ski season. here's one mans humble opinion...

-Packasports are not as light as other brands but are made of fiberglass, while others tend to be plastic. So there is a trade off for durability. They also tend to be a bit quieter.
-they are hinged in the front so you can load from either side or the rear. Others are hinged on the left or right only.
-can you say carpet interior?
- it really boils down to personal preference on this one. Shop around and find one that fits your need and most of all your car.

[lookaught]

I think that most Thule boxes actually use their weird pin design that lets it open from either side. I know the Atlantis series do.

As far as getting it close to the roof, that's more a function of the load bars you buy, not the box. Boxes just sit on the bars, so they will all sit at the same height, which is determined by the bars. And because the B8 uses the new low profile roof rails, your options for load bars will be limited (I have no idea what is available because my car has old style elevated bars).

In my opinion, the Thule Atlantis 1600 fits the roof well. It's also really wide which makes accessing it from either side pretty easy. The only downside it it's short, which keeps a few of my skis from fitting, but if you just need it for luggage, it's a nice box. I admit that I have often wondered if the extra width affects gas mileage more than skinny boxes though, because it take at least 3-4mpg of my car on the highway.

[flir67]

now where did you find that tailgater item at?

[dropshadow]

This site will give you an idea of how big different box capacities are: http://www.thuleracks.com/matchmaker/matchMaker.html

It's out of date as far as car models and boxes, but you might at least be able to figure out what size would work best on your car.

[TheHeiko]

I just discovered this thread. I love my Avants!

Here is my C6 A6 Avant with OEM Audi bars (we got for free) and a Thule Atlantis 1800. It sits a bit high due to the OEM Audi bars but I do like the bars, aside from the price, because they are easy to take on and off. I have gotten to my road trip destination and removed the box and bars to drive around town without the extra load.

The 1800 is perfect for the C6 Avant. I got it because it is wide enough to accommodate our stroller and long enough to fit our Easy-Up. I recently acquired a B8 A4 Avant and some OEM Audi bars for it. I have not tried the 1800 on it yet and while I think it is not going to be the ideal size, the 1800 will work based on seeing the Thule Boxster on a B8 A4 Avant. The 1800 is 3" shorter than the Boxster 611.

Here is the C6 A6 Avant.





Here is my B8 A4 Avant. I'll have to get get some photos of the 1800 on it.

[CZA420tAvant]

Nice stable ^

[CZA420tAvant]

now where did you find that tailgater item at?

Buddy of mines father owns it. You can find them online. Worked great, scraped on the highway though, sparks!

[wpg2.0T]

What would you guys recommend to keep a B8 avant nice and streamlined (bare in mind Im in Europe so may not be able to get the same products you can over in the US).

I am using OEM Audi bars and a Thule Ascent 1600 on my B8 S-line. The bars are a nice fit and the box is not too large. Runs very quiet at highway speeds.

[TheHeiko]

I am using OEM Audi bars and a Thule Ascent 1600 on my B8 S-line. The bars are a nice fit and the box is not too large. Runs very quiet at highway speeds.

A couple of questions for you:

You mentioned that the OEM bar/Thule box combo runs quietly. I have the OEM bars too and they are pretty noisy above 55 MPH. There is a distinctive howl. It's not terrible but it's not quiet either. I am assuming you get the same noise with just your OEM bars but I'm wondering if the addition of the Thule box is actually quieter than just the bars.

Can you post a photo of the side view so we can see where the nose of the Thule Ascent 1600 is relative to the windshield? I have an Atlantis 1800 for my A6 Avant and want to use it on my A4 Avant too.

[wpg2.0T]

A couple of questions for you:

You mentioned that the OEM bar/Thule box combo runs quietly. I have the OEM bars too and they are pretty noisy above 55 MPH. There is a distinctive howl. It's not terrible but it's not quiet either. I am assuming you get the same noise with just your OEM bars but I'm wondering if the addition of the Thule box is actually quieter than just the bars.

Can you post a photo of the side view so we can see where the nose of the Thule Ascent 1600 is relative to the windshield? I have an Atlantis 1800 for my A6 Avant and want to use it on my A4 Avant too.

Mine was a bit noisy until I installed the rubber insert. Now it's almost silent with or without the box. Slight whistling above 75-80 mph.

Best sideview I have: The nose is barely visible when driving.

[loucura]

it seems that the Yakima box sits lower to the roof than Thule...is that correct??

[tankdeer]

I think that largely depends on the specific box, and crossbars that you're using.

[sickspeed]

i believe i have the ascent 1600 as well (cant quite remember if its 1200 or not) and my only gripes are that its a tad too small to fit 4 snowboards and boots in and that the locking mech sticks from time to time making it hard to get it opened. otherwise, the size seems to be about right. the atlantis 1600 is also good but might be a bit short depending on your needs. as for the noise, make sure you have the rubber strips in the crossbars. i would bet money this is your problem. i know it was when i first got the car. without those rubber strips installed the bars will whistle and howl like crazy.

[loucura]

I see, any idea which crossbars sit low to the roof?

I think that largely depends on the specific box, and crossbars that you're using.

[tankdeer]

The whispbars sit pretty low, but I don't really know anything about them. I use OEM bars and don't have any issues. FYI, the OEM bars are made by Thule.

[BCsniper]

I think it's been determined that Whispbars are the lowest to the roof (which is what I like most about them). They work great on B6/7 cars. Apparently not so much on the newer flush-mounted rails that the B8's have.

I only have one dis-like about the Whispbars - there is a rubber strip on the edges of where the feet attach. If you leave the bars on all the time this rubber strip gets tears in it, it doesn't hurt the functionality of it at all, just annoying to look at. I'll take a picture of it later on to show.

[loucura]

The whispbars sit pretty low, but I don't really know anything about them. I use OEM bars and don't have any issues. FYI, the OEM bars are made by Thule.

I want the cargo box to sit low and not as high as this one:

I think it's been determined that Whispbars are the lowest to the roof (which is what I like most about them). They work great on B6/7 cars. Apparently not so much on the newer flush-mounted rails that the B8's have.

I only have one dis-like about the Whispbars - there is a rubber strip on the edges of where the feet attach. If you leave the bars on all the time this rubber strip gets tears in it, it doesn't hurt the functionality of it at all, just annoying to look at. I'll take a picture of it later on to show.

sounds good..post a pic if you can