Best Roof Basket for Carrying Lumber

Question:

Will this basket carry the aforementioned lumber (2x4x8) home from the store?

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

I have a recommendation, but the Thule Canyon XT # TH859XT is not my first choice for carrying lumber mainly because of the wind fairing and the size. While the basket can be expanded to 70" long with the extension piece # TH8591XT, that is still not long enough for your lumber, and you'd have to load it at an angle, because of the lip where the wind fairing is at the front.

To carry lumber I prefer the Yakima LoadWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket # Y07070-74. This rack has a center crossbar inside to give extra support to your lumber, and its 62" length will be perfect for carrying 8' long lumber. Just make sure to absolutely strap everything down. Flat ratchet straps like # 348155 are great at tightening down around that wood.

If you're planning on using a roof basket to carry your lumber on your bars, then instead of RoundBars, I recommend using aero-style bars like Yakima JetStream bars # Y00425. The round bars are great for rolling lumber directly onto them, but if you're using a basket, then you might as well use aero-style bars which are more aerodynamic, have less wind noise, and more compatibility with accessories like bike racks or roof baskets. The Yakima Cargo Basket # Y07070-74 can clamp around round bar, but if you plan on using your roof rack for other purposes, then aero-style is the way to go.

expert reply by: Evangeline M