Yakima Rooftop Cargo Box for Tesla Model 3 with OEM Aero Roof Rack

Question:

Hi, I just ordered the Tesla roof rack for our 2018 Tesla Model 3. I know its somewhat new, but wanted your recommendation for the best cargo box. Use cases for us are going to be to carry skis and golf bags/clubs. Longest skis are 177cm. Golf bags are typical carry/stand bags not big staff bags. The other main consideration is aerodynamics. Driving an EV, aerodynamics can make a big difference in range. Im trying to choose between the Yakima Skybox 16, Skybox 18 and Skybox Low. I think the Skybox 16 makes the most sense for us. But if the Skybox Low will fit 2 golf bags, that could be a great option as I expect the aerodynamics of that box is going to be much better than the others? Im also open to Thule or other boxes if you have other recommendations. Thanks!

asked by: Sirk R

Expert Reply:

The Tesla OEM roof rack for the Model 3 uses elliptical type crossbars, often also called "aero" bars for their aerodynamic shape. On an electric vehicle the rack's aerodynamic drag does become more of a concern than it would be on an internal combustion vehicle.

I could not find dimensions for these crossbars but all you need to do to confirm compatibility with any given cargo box is to measure the bar dimensions, width and thickness, and to also check the center-to-center spacing of those two crossbars. These measurements will tell you conclusively whether a unit such as the Skybox NX 16 # Y95AV will fit.

All three Yakima cargo boxes you mentioned, the Skybox NX 16 # Y95AV, the Skybox 18 # Y07336 and the Skybox Lo # Y46FR, fit bars up to a maximum size of 3-1/2-inches wide x 1-11/16-inches tall. The 16 fits a center-to-center bar spread from 24 to 36-inches and the 18 fits a spread from 24 to 42-inches and the Lo fits spreads 24" - 38"

Both the Skybox 18 and the Skybox Lo will work with your 177cm (69.6-inch) skis, but the Skybox NX 16 will not.

As for the fit of the golf bags you'll need to check their actual dimensions, and their ability to compress, against the box height dimensions. The Lo box will give you some aerodynamic advantage performance since it is several inches shorter than the others but its interior height is less than a foot so it could be a tight fit with the golf bags. Thule's low-profile Pulse Alpine box # TH613 will handle the ski length but its internal height is only 10-1/2-inches so it could be a tight fit with the golf bags.

There is no way for us to tell you exactly how much actual drag there will be with any of these boxes installed on your vehicle, and since Yakima has not tested them on your 3 you kind of have to take it on faith that a lower profile box such as the Lo will have less negative impact on driving range.