Aluminum Roof Cargo Basket for a 2013 VW Golf TDI and a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Question:

I am looking to purchase an ALUMINUM cargo basket for our two cars: a 2013 VW Golf TDI with a cross bar spread of 28inch Thule bars, and a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander who's cross bar spread is 32inch thule bars too. What aluminum cargo baskets would suit the above specifications? Thank you as always for your help.

asked by: Zhan D

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Thule Trail XT Cargo Carrier, part # TH864XT.

The most important to your application is adjustable front-to-back mounting points. This lets you quickly and easily adjust the position of the roof basket's clamps to let you easily switch between vehicles.

The Thule Trail uses smaller rails but has more flexible installations as far as size of roof racks because of its included brackets. Additionally, the curved sides help align the load better, helping you plan how you are carrying your cargo with a visual guide. You can add Thule's One Key system, part # TH450400 to lock the mounting brackets and improve the security of the rack itself.

One last rack I want to draw your attention to is the steel Rhino Rack Cargo Basket, part # RMCB02. Though this isn't an aluminum rack and a little heavier, it includes a lot of the features of these other two racks and has the most adjustability in terms of where the rack sits on the vehicle. It is also attaches via brackets and is a more economical option compared to the Thule Trail and Alloy Tray.

I've included videos of all of these racks so you can get a better idea of their features.

expert reply by: Jacob W