Roof Rack & Cargo Basket for 2009 Mini Cooper S Hardtop Hatchback

Question:

I need a roof basket system for a 2009 Mini Cooper S hardtop. It will be carrying 2 cases of drummusical hardware. Each weighing about 45#s and apex 40inch long. Please advise me as to the most economical solution. Thanks

asked by: Bruce R

Helpful Expert Reply:

To mount a metal roof cargo basket on a vehicle a roof rack of some type is needed as the mounting point.

Since you have a fairly heavy 90-lb load to put on the roof of your 2009 Mini Cooper S Hardtop I do suggest checking your owner's manual (or with your local dealership, using the car's VIN) to confirm the roof's weight carrying capacity. Keep in mind that most roof baskets weigh in the area of 30-35lbs so when you add this to the 90-lbs of hardware you need to transport, along with the weight of the required roof rack, you could find yourself easily at or over the car's roof weight limit.

I reviewed an online edition of the owner's manual and on page 157 it notes the Cooper S roof can handle 165-lbs, which is pretty substantial, but I still suggest you check your manual to be certain.

Roof racks for the hatchback are shown on the linked page. The lowest-cost option is from Rhino-Rack, their rack made of parts # RRVA118B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK472. Please refer to the linked installation video for reference.

On this rack you can use Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 150 lbs # TH859XT which has inside dimensions of 49 long x 40 wide x 6-inches deep.