Rooftop Cargo Box to Replace Yakima Space Booster for Which Parts Are Not Available

Question:

Both front and back plastic lid lever/clamps are broken on my old trusty Yakima space booster from the 1980s. Could I install new interior lid supports and then a locking latch in middle that would keep the lid tight while driving? If so, what Yakima parts would you recommend?

asked by: Cory

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of your 1980's vintage Yakima Space Booster rooftop cargo box. I do understand and admire your interest in keeping that old box in use. I myself am "that guy" too.

However, my contact at Yakima said they have not supported this box with replacement parts for quite a long time, due to its age. Available replacement parts for Yakima boxes can be seen on the linked page; most of these are for their newer products.

Since your box requires lid supports that are no longer offered I recommend against trying to retro-fit something else. Substitute mounting hardware is one thing, and it is often possible to safely use an alternate set of clamps or u-bolts to mount a box on a roof rack. But the actual lid support parts, if they failed in transit, could cause you to end up with a ruined day, and maybe the folks on the road behind you too.

The good news is that the prices of cargo boxes have dropped a lot. For instance, the Trunx Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black Item # TRX34FR costs just a fraction of what many others do. This box includes locks, installs without any tools (!), and it has a removable lid for easier storage when not in use and it is made in the USA. This box can hold up to 100-lbs of cargo but itself weighs only 29-lbs. Please check out the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R