Comparing Yakima OffGrid and Thule Canyon XT Baskets for 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

Hi Carla. Thank you for the response. As of now I don’t have any cross rails. Only the factory black and chrome Grand Cherokee roof rails. I was thinking of buying the Rhino Rack RSP27 only because I like how they are streamlined and don’t overhang.

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Both the Yakima OffGrid # Y07138 and the Thule Canyon XT # TH859XT roof baskets are compatible with round, square, aero, elliptical, and most factory crossbars and both feature comparable weight capacities: 165 lbs for the OffGrid and 150 lbs for the Atlas. That being said, the quick installation and huge versatility make the Yakima OffGrid the clear choice.

When it comes to space, the Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket is 44 inches long by 40 inches wide but there is an 18 inch extension available, part # Y07108, that allows you to fit just about any type of cargo. The Thule Canyon # TH859XT is 49 inches long by 40 inches wide an offers an extension to expand this basket # TH8591XT.

A feature that sets the OffGrid apart from most other roof baskets, including the Canyon, are its fully adjustable and lockable (with SKS locks # Y07204) quick release clamps. Because they ride on rails that go front to back, you have the ability to slide the clamps pretty much anywhere along the length of the basket, giving you endless mounting options. The one-piece quick release mounting system on the OffGrid, makes attaching it to your crossbars super simple and quick. The Thule uses the traditional u-bolts, brackets and hand knobs, so there are more pieces and more steps involved in the installation.

Another huge benefit of the # Y07138 is that there are plenty of replacement parts as well as accessories like OffGrid accessory bar # Y07353, readily available.

It sounds like you may already have a roof rack installed on your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you don't I've attached a link to our available selection. Or, if you can let me know if your Jeep is equipped with a) matte black flush mounted rails, b) black and chrome track, flush mounted rails, or c) no existing rails or crossbars, I'm happy to get back to you with a complete roof rack recommendation as well.

expert reply by: Carla M

click to enlarge

Eric

11/26/2019

Carla M.

11/29/2019

Thank you for the information. Yes, as long as there is a metal strip on top of your flush factory side rails, the Rhino Rack # RRRVP27 with Vortex Aero Crossbars will work well and look very OEM on your 2017 Grand Cherokee, since like you mentioned, the bars don't extend passed the legs. It also comes with integrated locks, so you don't have to purchase them separately. The only thing to keep in mind is that the Rhino Rack # RRRVP27 is limited to a 149 weight capacity. This is also true of any of the Yakima roof rack options for your application. They are rated for 165 lbs weight capacity, but state that the total weight of the racks plus loads must not exceed Yakima's weight limit for the vehicle's factory rack, which they list at 150 lbs. For a roof rack that has the streamlined look you want but also offers a 165 lb capacity, the Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack, part # TH7602-TH7602 and THKIT3142 is your only option. I attached a video as well as a photo of this system installed on a 2018 Grand Cherokee. The optional locks for this system are available separately as part # TH450400.