Recommended Roof Rack And Cargo Solution For A 2015 Mazda Cx-5 With A Naked Roof

Question:

Hi! Im looking for a cargo solution for my 2015 Mazda CX-5. My needs are pretty basic: essentially extra space for camping gear folding camp chairs, table, sleeping bags, etc 2 or 3 trips a year and and also a luggage solution for 1-2 road trips with the family. I have a feeling that if I get a rack rather than a cargo bag, Ill find uses for it along the way :. Im leaning toward a Rhino Rack system with Aero bars for the middle price point and durability. I dont think a Cargo box will work for me, because I live in an apartment and dont really have space to store it when I dont need it. I like the idea of a cargo basket, but notice that the Rhino Rack options do not have locks I have to leave my car in a parking lot, and there have been thefts in the past. If they are easy/fast to install/remove Im fine with just taking the basket off when i dont need it. But if it is difficult, Id prefer a locking solution I think. Price is always a concern, but Im trying to thread the needle between a cheap, temporary solution and a more robust sturdy but not break the bank solution. Any suggestions? Great site btw!!

asked by: Jeff M

Helpful Expert Reply:

We definitely have a couple options to store stuff outside the vehicle and a roof rack and basket will be a great option. I do have another potential way to go that I will lay out at the end, but I will start with the roof option.

I also like the price point of Rhino Rack parts, so I tend to recommend them. With that being said, for your 2015 Mazda CX-5, you will need to start with the DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs # DK289. These will attach to fixed mounting points on the naked roof of your CX-5 and will give the 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRRLKVA something to attach to. The Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" # RRVA118B-2 will then complete the roof rack.

From here you have a bunch of different options, but here again I will be sticking with Rhino Rack. Though the Rhino-Rack Roof Mounted Steel Cargo Basket - 47" Long x 35" Wide # RMCB technically is not lockable, the allen head screws/bolts used on the rail clamps are actually a security style screw/bolt and can only be tightened and loosened with the included allen key, so it is actually quite secure. It is also just 8 of these that would need to be undone if you decided to not have it installed at all times, so it isn't overly difficult to remove.

You then have 2 ways to keep everything secure once its up there. The quickest and easiest way is the Stretchable Cargo Net for Rhino-Rack Steel Mesh Cargo Basket # RLN1. This is the most inexpensive way to go, but wont really offer any kind of protection from the elements. The better option, though more expensive, will be to use the Rhino-Rack Rooftop Cargo Bag - Waterproof - 8.5 cu ft # RRLB250. This will protect everything from the elements and is also lockable. This will measure 43" long x 31-1/2" wide x 11-1/2" tall so it offers a good amount of space as well.

The alternate solution I have will be to use a hitch cargo carrier. This will require you to have a 2 inch Class III hitch, like the etrailer.com # e98902, but the 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # e98874 will have a 600 pound capacity and a very good amount of storage space. The etrailer Cargo Bag w/ Mounting Straps - Water Resistant - 20 cu ft - 59" x 24" x 24" # 988501 could also be attached to keep everything secure and protected from the elements. The Threaded Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Lock for etrailer Cargo Carriers # e99047 will also keep the # e98874 locked when it's on your CX-5, so no one can walk away with it.