Using Yakima SkyBox 18 With SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack

Question:

I have a Toyota Avalon 2009. I am fitting a Yakima Skybox 18 to the car with the Seasucker Monkey bars. First question: Are the Monkey Bars are meant to carry this beast? 18 cubic feet Yakima Skybox seems like its quite the wind resistance for the Monkey Bars. Second question is where to position the box? my measurements show that the box is going to have quite a lot of overhang over the front and rear window. Is it best to have the box more forward or more rearward? Thanks for your help! I am going to be traveling across the country and dont want to lose the box or damage any vehicles losing it.

asked by: Jared D

Expert Reply:

The SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack # 298-SX6000B have a 150 lb weight capacity so they can handle the weight of the 52 lb Yakima SkyBox 18 Rooftop Cargo Box # Y07336 and another 98 lbs of additional cargo.

Additionally, they attach with six vacuum cups that have 210 lbs of pull strength each - the rack isn't going to go anywhere and I linked a demo video from the manufacturer which is a good display of how strong the SeaSuckers really are.

In regards to positioning the box, there is no specific directions from Yakima in that regard because most bars aren't adjustable like the SeaSuckers. They SkyBox 18 # Y07336 will fit crossbar spreads from 24" to 42" so you'll want the bars within that width and as centered as possible as opposed to more forward or rearward. You will also want your cargo to be oriented so that the heavier loads are in the center for optimum stability.

expert reply by: Kyle S