Roof Mount Cargo Basked And Roof Rack Recommendation for 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL

Question:

I have a 2008 Mercedes GL and Im looking for a strong roof carrier tube steel or aluminum for carrying race car tires and other things. The OEM rack does not have cross-bars, and Id like to have an aftermarket rack that rests on the roof, and is secured to the longitudinal bars. They bars are 42inch apart and extend 60+ inches. Is there a carrier that fits this description? I see lots of racks that sit on top of crossbars.

asked by: Greg C

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but we do not carry a roof basket that is designed to attach to the roof rails on your vehicle.

The best recommendation I can make for you is to use a roof basket that mounts to a set of crossbars. For your 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL, I recommend the Rhino Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack # RRVA126B-2 with the foot pack # RRSX100. These aerodynamic crossbars will create less wind noise than square or round bars. These crossbars have a weight capacity of 165 pounds. It is important to remember to factor in the weight of the roof basket when choosing cargo for your roof basket.

I recommend the Rhino Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket # RMCB. This roof basket weight 30 pounds, allowing you to put an additional max 130 pounds of cargo on your roof. The faring on the front of the cargo basket will help limit wind noise from the carrier.

I have attached a review video of the cargo basket and a video of the roof rack on a Subaru Forester for you to see how the crossbars mount on a vehicle with raised side rails.

expert reply by: Victoria B