Recommended Rooftop & Hitch Mount Cargo Carriers for 2016 Toyota Sienna with Raised Roof Rails
Question:
Our family recently purchased a 2016 Toyota Sienna LE. The roof rails came installed. For our trip later this summer, I am interested in cross rails and a roof rack carrier. What do you recommend?
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
We can help you get your 2016 Toyota Sienna ready for summer trip cargo needs.
The two primary cargo carrying options are either an enclosed ABS-plastic roof cargo box or open metal basket that mounts to a roof rack, OR hitch-mounted cargo carriers. Depending on your cargo needs you might want to use both, but we can help you decide which best fits your cargo items and your budget.
In general, you can put much more weight on a hitch carrier than a roof carrier. Vehicle roofs usually top out at about 125-lbs weight capacity, while a 2-inch hitch like # 75237 can handle up to 675-lbs of total tongue weight (downward force). Also, it is typically easier to load hitch carriers since they are much closer to ground level. A hitch and hitch carrier will cost less than a roof rack and cargo box. You can refer to the linked article for help considering which type best suits your needs. If protection from rain is critical, then the roof cargo box is the best option.
Keep in mind that the weight of the (empty) carrier itself also counts against the roof or hitch capacity. For example, on a roof rated for 125-lbs using a cargo box like the Thule Force Medium # TH6356B which weighs 35-lbs means your net available cargo weight capacity is 90-lbs (125 - 35 = 90). In comparison, with the Draw-Tite hitch installed you could use a 500-lb-rated hitch carrier like Curt # C18151 and actually be able to load up to 500-lbs on the carrier.
If a roof rack and rooftop carrier is your preference consider Thule's WingBar Evo system made of parts # TH711420 and # TH710401. This rack provides 165-lb capacity and the Thule Force Medium box will fit nicely. For roof carriers a step like # CAM43676 can help the process of loading and unloading by giving you almost a foot of extra reach.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
20x59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Camco Adjustable Height Platform Step - Aluminum - 19" Long x 14-1/2" Wide - 1,000 lbs
- Step Stools
- Folding Step
- Adjustable Height
- 9 Inch Lift
- Aluminum
- 1000 lbs
- 14-1/2 Inch Wide
- 19 Inch Long
- Silver
- Camco
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Force XT Sport Rooftop Cargo Box - 11 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Medium Length
- High Profile
- Small Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
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