Yakima SkyBox's suck

[buckshotbarlow]

Playing frogger on interstate 70, 1 mile west of Idaho Springs around 3pm today... I was trying to pick up what was left of our ski gear, and I thunked it was rather entertaining this afternoon...I have a whole new level of respect for that game. I have submitted a case to Yakima, but I doubt anything will come of it. Lost 2 ski boots, and 2 sets of poles...Not to bad when I had 1 snowboard, 4 pairs of skis, poles and boots for all. Anyhow, I'm done with Yakima no matter what happens with warranty case. Not really ranting...just completely baffled as to how this happened since i bought the thing on Feb12th, 2019.

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[SideShow Bob]

At least you have a decent downhill sled left for the kids. Or a tow behind for an ATV.

You would be amazed (or maybe not due to your recent experience) at how many lids for those roof top boxes are scattered along the highways in Colorado & neighboring states.

[Sawin]

I am sorry to hear of your ordeal and loss, but a sincere thank you for the insight. I was seriously debating getting one for my car, but will not do so simply because of your post.

[buckshotbarlow]

Wife researched thule vs yakima...gonna buy a thule since they stand behind their products...

[def90]

Which size was it? Seems a bit overloaded? I?m assuming it was latched and locked? Did you have to force it closed with all that gear in it?

[Duman]

At least you have a decent downhill sled left for the kids. Or a tow behind for an ATV.

Or a small kayak.

[Gman]

You have to keep it under 100. [Coffee]

[ray1970]

Looking at the pictures I?m pretty sure it should have a lid on it. Had you had the lid your stuff likely would have stayed in. Just an observation.

[battlemidget]

Looks like the roof broke off? What failed, the latches or the shell itself, any indicators?

[buckshotbarlow]

Which size was it? Seems a bit overloaded? I?m assuming it was latched and locked? Did you have to force it closed with all that gear in it?
Was not overloaded, skybox18, with 4 pairs of skis, boots and poles. A lot less then what we normally travel with.No forcing of the locking at all. Getting ready to call these guys...

[buckshotbarlow]

Looks like the roof broke off? What failed, the latches or the shell itself, any indicators?

The only thing I can come up with is that these things cannot handle the cold. the latches failed on one side, and the plastic failed on the other...

[Irving]

Do you happen to have any slow motion footage of the failure happening?

[.455_Hunter]

Ours did that while crossing a river bridge north of Council Bluffs, IA on I-29. We got to the north side of Omaha before somebody started honking and pointing. We found most of the stuff in the dark- extra baby clothes from the in-laws, my good wool blanket and -20 sleeping bag, but my wife did try to pick-up a fur and bones raccoon- she was not amused. I generally use a ratchet straps to supplement the lock since then.

[buckshotbarlow]

Ours did that while crossing a river bridge north of Council Bluffs, IA on I-29. We got to the north side of Omaha before somebody started honking and pointing. We found most of the stuff in the dark- extra baby clothes from the in-laws, my good wool blanket and -20 sleeping bag, but my wife did try to pick-up a fur and bones raccoon- she was not amused. I generally use a ratchet straps to supplement the lock since then.

I think from here on out we will have the ratchet strap. Saw a couple of cars that had that method on them...

[Irving]

On a serious note, if it was the hinges that failed, they can be replaced with a piece of conveyor belt that will never fail. That's a truck for the cheap hinges on coolers. I'm sure reinforcing the latch is probably another issue.

[Mtneer]

Really important to keep hinges and latches lubbed. Always listen for an audible click. Very easy for fabric or something to get in the way even though it looks closed. Doesn't matter if it's Thule or Yakima, once the wind gets the lid open at highway speed, you can kiss it goodbye.

In the early rooftop box days, they were made out of fiberglass and much stronger but weighed a ton. They also hinged at the front, again stronger but less convenient. So both companies compromised on strength for cheap molded plastic and side-opening. If you want the original style, look at Packasport...expect to pay accordingly.

[buckshotbarlow]

Really important to keep hinges and latches lubbed. Always listen for an audible click. Very easy for fabric or something to get in the way even though it looks closed. Doesn't matter if it's Thule or Yakima, once the wind gets the lid open at highway speed, you can kiss it goodbye.

In the early rooftop box days, they were made out of fiberglass and much stronger but weighed a ton. They also hinged at the front, again stronger but less convenient. So both companies compromised on strength for cheap molded plastic and side-opening. If you want the original style, look at Packasport...expect to pay accordingly.

Thxs Mtneer...i like their design!