How to Measure to Find a Cargo Box that Clears Rear Hatch on 2013 Mini Cooper S Hardtop

Question:

Good evening, I currently have the OEM roof rack installed on my Mini Cooper. I was wondering what Yakima and Thule Cargo Boxes you recommend to give me the necessary hatch clearance I will need. I know that THULEs old Force Large box is now their Medium. Would their new Large fit?Also I would like to add a fairing to the whole set up. What do you recommend for that also? Thank you so much for your assistance!

asked by: Chris P

Expert Reply:

There is an easy way to determine which cargo boxes will allow you to open the rear hatch on your 2013 Mini Cooper S Hardtop. Take a look at the pictures I have included. One shows how to measure and where and the other provides the clearance measurements.

First, if the factory crossbars are moveable on your Mini, move the front bar as far forward as it can go. Then measure from the center of the front bar back to the nearest part of the open hatch. Compare your measurement to the measurements in the charts to see which boxes will work.

The Inno measuring process is a little different. They measure from the rear crossbar instead of the front bar but that is the only difference and why their measurements are so much lower. I have also included a help article on roof cargo carriers with a section on boxes and measuring for clearance.

For a fairing your best option is going to be Rhino-Rack universal fairing # RRRF2. This fairing is 38 inches long. Fairings are shorter than the roof rack crossbars are and the next size up I am afraid would be too large.

expert reply by: Michael H