Recommended Cargo Box for 2016 Honda Pilot with Overall Height Under 88 Inches

Question:

We will be travelling by train on the auto train from Florida to Virginia and I need to know how tall our auto would be with either the Malone Cargo 12 or the Thule Side kick. We had the cross bars added to our roof railing. The auto train says 88inch is the maximum height for auto with rooftop cargo carrier. Which of the 2 cargo carriers would you recommend. Thank you

asked by: Anne T

Expert Reply:

The Malone Cargo12 Rooftop Cargo Box - 12 cu ft - High Gloss Gray # MPG901 will sit 17-3/8 inches above the crossbars. The Thule Sidekick # TH78GC will be quite a bit smaller with only 8 cubic feet storage, but will also sit only 15-1/2 inches above the crossbars.

I looked up your 2016 Honda Pilot and the factory height is 69.8 inches so that gives you minimal clearance. Between the two options, the Thule Sidekick # TH78GC is the route to go because the Malone will be too tall.

If you want to move to a slightly larger box, I recommend the Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft - Matte Black # TH614 will have a height of 16 inches and will work with the measurements needed. We also have some low profile boxes that are larger which I've linked to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S