Best Way to Transport Cargo on Trip with 2015 Toyota Venza
Question:
We are thinking of taking a road trip camping out to Montana this spring. I am wondering whether a rooftop car carrier or a hitch mounted carrier would be better. We do not have a hitch and we do not have roof racks. So either way we would have to install some of the basics before we could actually get a carrier on. We have a 2015 Toyota Venza four-cylinder so there may be some limitations on cargo capacity that I would also need to consider.
asked by: Peter H
Expert Reply:
The best setup here does depend a bit on what you're actually planning on hauling outside the vehicle. If the primary goal is simply to store excess cargo inside a box though, then the best option for your Venza is going to be with a roof rack and cargo box, simply because you'll be able to get a larger box on top of the roof than you would via a hitch-mounted solution.
If you decide to go that route, and assuming your 2015 Toyota Venza has a completely naked roof (no factory side rails that run front to back), I highly recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack System that consists of part # RRVA126B-2 for the two 49" Vortex Crossbars that give you a sleek appearance and quiet ride, part # RRRLKVA for the 2500 Series Legs that attach to the bars, and part # DK114 for the Custom DK Fit Kit, which is what actually attaches to the Venza's roof.
This setup will provide you with a 165 pound weight capacity and will work perfectly with a cargo box like the excellent Yakima SkyBox NX 16 # Y95AV. This aerodynamic, dual-side-opening box will give you 16 cubic feet of storage space and includes locks to help protect your gear. I also verified that on your Venza the box will still be short enough to allow the rear hatch to fully open up without any interference.
I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these products along with a link that will take you to our full selection of roof cargo boxes that you can look through if needed. Have fun in Montana!
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 49 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Nano-Texture
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Medium Length
- Medium Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
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