Low-Profile Rooftop Cargo Box for 2016 Mazda CX-5

Question:

Hi, I am looking a Cargo Box for Mazda CX-5 2016 and I have some concern if car with mounted Cargo Box will fit into garage door for underground parking. Is there any chance that someone could provide an information regarding the height clearance needed for Mazda CX-5 2016 with different Cargo Boxes mounted on the car. Thanks!

asked by: Yan

Expert Reply:

Most rooftop cargo boxes are fairly tall, in the range of 14- to 18-inches. A few are slightly shorter and a few are slightly taller. Some boxes, such as the Thule Motion XT # TH629707, have recessed mounting points on their bottom surfaces where the roof rack bars will fit. This is shown in the linked photo and helps reduce the total added height of the box. Other rooftop boxes like the Malone Cargo12 # MPG901 do not have this feature.

An excellent choice of box when garage clearance is a concern is the Inno Wedge 660 box, part # INBRM660BK. This 11-cubic-foot box has that recessed bottom mounting surface and it is only 11-inches tall.

The Wedge 660 will fit on various roof rack bar shapes, up to a maximum size of 3-1/2 x 1-3/8-inches, and so long as the two bars are spaced apart between 24- and 39-inches. With this box mounted you will be able to open the rear hatch without interference with the box so long as you have at least 12-inches from the rear bar to the rear of the box. These dimensions are shown in the linked diagram.

I also recommend a simple low-cost accessory for use with your rooftop box, the Telesteps Folding Step # TE97FR. This compact lightweight aluminum step comes fully assembled and folds up for easy storage and it pops open to instantly give you almost a foot of extra reach for your cargo loading and unloading processes. It will make using the box a lot easier.

You Mazda can come from the factory with either 17-inch or 19-inch tires so that will affect your actual clearance requirement.