Recommended Roof Rack for 2014 Honda Pilot to Fit Yakima SkyBox 18 Cargo Box

Question:

Hi, Im looking to retrofit our Skybox 18 on a 2014 Honda Pilot with a bare roof. I own the 60inch Thule aero bars already, but have not decided on a base. I have considered installing the OEM roof rails no crossbars and then getting Thule Rapid Crossroad feet with straps. However, the Honda OEM rails sit far back on the car even rear of the 2nd row windows. Im not sure that will allow for the full 18 Skybox w/o significant tailgate interference. Alternatively, I could do the Rapid Traverse foot packs and mount a bit farther forward on my pilot. Have you thoughts about which would accommodate the Skybox and the Pilot better? Thanks,

asked by: Will

Helpful Expert Reply:

Going with a roof rack system that installs on the naked roof of your 2014 Honda Pilot, instead of one that attaches to OEM side rails, will definitely allow the crossbars to be positioned further up toward the front of the vehicle. Doing this, as you mentioned, will give you more clearance space when it comes to your Yakima SkyBox 18 # Y07336 and the rear hatch.

Since you already have a set of 60 inch Thule WingBar Load Bars, you will just need the Evo Clamp Feet # TH710501 and the Fit Kit # TH145191 to install a roof rack on your Pilot's naked roof.

Once installed, you will have a crossbar spread of 29-1/2 inches, which will work perfectly with the Yakima SkyBox 18. Then, when determining if you will have the necessary clearance to open the rear hatch, you will want to measure from where the front crossbar will be positioned, back to the line where the roof and hatch door meet. For the Yakima SkyBox to work without interference, this measurement needs to be at least 57 inches. Based on the instructions for the Thule Fit Kit on your Honda Pilot, the front mounting leg should be positioned 10-1/4 inches back from the top lip of the windshield. You can simply mark this location, then take a measurement back from there to the rear hatch line to make sure it meets or exceeds 57 inches.

expert reply by: Chris R