Sequoia - First experience with a cargo box

This is my first experience with a cargo box - I needed to buy one to increase cargo for family trips. I bought the Thule Vector Alpine, I think it fits well on the Sequoia. I plan to leave it on full-time on the vehicle.

Any advice / best practices when using a cargo box? Thanks in advance.

 

Looks great, be careful of your height in garages & places with overhangs!

 

Looks nice.
Can you move it back so you can enjoy the moonroof?

 

moving it forward or backward can adjust wind noises & turbulence at/in the moonroof.
You want to put lighter weight stuff in it. Safer (un)loading & you want center of gravity as low as possible.
Make sure it's actually latched. They'll close & pretend to latch then open up on the highway if currents get just right. Be sure it's actually latched.

 

Put a little 303 all over it. It’ll help get the bugs off easier and protect the plastic from the sun.

I usually put mine closer towards the back so I can use the sunroof if needed and it makes it easier to climb up on the rear tire to get things closer towards the middle.

 

We have a Yakima Skybox 21. It's HUGE, but looks pretty proportionate on the Sequoia.

I don't leave ours on full time for various reasons... garages, car washes, gas mileage, etc.

We have 3 kids and I think for travel/camping these things are a life saver.

 

First time seeing a Vector on a Sequoia. Nice.

 

Thank you - I had it all the way in the back, but now trying up front, less chance of it

I went on a 4 hour road trip with it, believe it or not, my MPG average at 65mph was at 19-20 mpg. So there was almost zero hit on mpg. Either this was an error, or the increased aerodynamics of the alpine vector box is actually very effective. I will test it more.

 

looks amazing! I've been toying with the idea of getting a new Sequoia.

 

any updated reflections on the box?

 

I discussed this with my local RackAttack shop in Massachusetts. The issue is that it's so close to the body, it has to be positioned there, as there's a risk it may touch the body if it's not exactly at the current angle.

In retrospect, I'm happy with it. I can open the sunroof and get fresh air, but I don't get any of the sun, which frankly I enjoy (I don't like the glare... I get plenty of sun from my time outside).

 

Yes it can get noisy, which I do not mind, it's not that loud. Although I have tested the MPG, so far there has been no MPG hit at all. I specifically sought out the Alpine Vector Box because it was advertised as having very little negative effect on MPG.. I am very pleased with the result so far, after doing (3) weekend family trips, with the box full of family bags/luggage.

 

I leave it on full time, but it is always garaged and it is only driven about 1-2 sessions per week. So it is kept very clean.

I did choose the Vector Alpine because it is 11" tall, much thinner than many other boxes I saw. It's tall enough for my needs, just lots of family bags when we go on road trips.

 

I have a Thule Force 628 (75x17x39). Looks small on the Sequoia but large on the BMW X5 I had prior. Did not notice any hit to mpg or at least a massive hit. I'm averaging 14-15mpg without it and have been getting similar with the cargo box. There is some wind noise at high speeds, around 70+. I love the cargo box, usually put clothes or beach gear in there.

 

My advice is to keep it waxed at all times. The boxes I see that are left on year around seem to get pretty faded after a year or two.

Your rig looks great with it installed!

 

Man that looks good! Expecially with the overhanging lip--gotta help with the aeros too.

 

I think I need to move mine forward a bit, Mine as is, interferes with the sunroof... (on OEM crossbars though, not the TRD rack....

 

What do you have for the cargo box? It looks slick, and I don’t really care about the sunroof.

 

We use the Roofpax and love it. When we get to where we're going, we take it off, fold it up and put it away. Super easy to setup and the ample straps with velcro bands that stretch make for a secure and tight installation.

RoofPax 19 cft. Extra Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Double Weatherproof Zippers, Integrated Mat, 10 Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Straps fit Cars with/Without a Rack or Side Rails, Safety Hooks Included

$140 RoofPax 19 cft. Extra Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, Double Weatherproof Zippers, Integrated Mat, 10 Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Straps fit Cars with/Without a Rack or Side Rails, Safety Hooks Included

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076C5479W

 

The positioning looks spot on! Shame about the sunroof but it looks sick!

 

IT's this, but I plasti-dipped the cap white... I like matchy matchy storm-trooper vibe..

https://www.thule.com/en-us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-vector-alpine-_-613501