Comparing Thule Canyon XT vs Yakima OffGrid Roof Basket for 2020 Tesla Model 3

Question:

Are the following compatible with 2020 Tesla model 3 Tesla roof rack system? 1. Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket - Aluminum - 49inch x 40inch x 6inch - 150 lbs 2. Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 44inch Long x 40inch Wide - 165 lbs I’m a petite girl wanting something that is light weight and easy to install and remove - I will not keep the cargo basket on at all times. Also, can bikes be carried on either of these cargo baskets listed above?

asked by: Trish

Expert Reply:

As a petite 5'2" Ecuadorian girl, I can totally relate, so I'm happy to make a recommendation!

Based on my research, your 2020 Tesla Model 3 factory roof rack system has a crossbar spread of 28 inches. This means that both the Thule Canyon XT # TH859XT and the Yakima OffGrid # Y07138 are compatible with the factory rack on your Model 3. Both roof baskets have the capability to accept a variety of roof mounted accessories. The Yakima OffGrid actually has two adjustable accessory bars, which can make it easier to simply clamp on a roof mounted bike rack, like the Yakima FrontLoader # Y02103.

The one-piece quick release mounting system on the OffGrid, makes attaching it to your Tesla crossbars super simple and quick. The Canyon XT either attaches by using the traditional u-bolts, brackets and hand knobs, so there are more pieces and more steps involved in the installation. I've attached installation videos for both so you can see for yourself.

The # Y07138 can be expanded with the 18 inch extension # Y07108, while the # TH59XT is expandable with the 20" extension, part # TH8591XT . Both can be locked to your factory bars with either the # Y07204 Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores or the Thule One-Key System # TH450400.

The one big advantage the Thule Trail XT has over the Yakima OffGrid is that it weighs only 29 lbs, as compared to the 40 lbs of the Yakima OffGrid. Do keep in mind, the Yakima OffGrid does have a greater maximum weight capacity. It is worth mentioning the accessory bars, if removed, make the OffGrid about 8 lbs lighter, which puts it right around the same weight as the Canyon XT. In my opinion, even if you plan on leaving the bars on, the incredible ease of installation (both to attach the basket to your crossbars and to attach accessories to the basket) makes up for the higher product weight.