What Cargo Box do You Recommend for Transporting Skis on My Immovable OEM Crossbars on My 2020 MDX?

Question:

Hi I have a 2020 Acura Mdx Aspec and a Yakima Skybox 18 ski box which is positioned too far back with the factory crossbars and their inability to adjust forward and back as my 2012 MDX did. The box causes the rear hatch to hit then close. I have the Yakima as far back as it will allow me. Is there either another box that will work or an aftermarket rail and crossbar system that will work so I can use a box for my skis and open my rear hatch while the box is on? I purchased the OEM rails and crossbars and put the yakima box on the crossbars and moved the box all the way forward and when I open my hatch the hatch hits the box and closes. Acura tells me since 2016 they had crossbars that are fixed and cannot be moved as older models were able to prior to 2016. SO, I either need to find a non-OEM system that works for the hatch to open with a ski box on top or sell the SUV.

asked by: Gino C

Expert Reply:

I'm sorry to hear that you cannot open your rear hatch with the SkyBox 18 # Y07336. From the question, it sounds like you are looking to transport skis as well. One of the things you can do in order to see what size SkyBox you can mount and fully open the rear hatch is to measure the distance between the front crossbar and the line where the roof and hatch meet. Since the SkyBox 18 requires at least 57 inches of that measurement, you need one that does not require that much length.

One possible solution is the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box - 14 cu ft # Y07192. This particular box only requires 45 inches from the front crossbar to the line where the roof and the hatch meet. Also, you will be able to fit skis up to 170 centimeters with this box. Unfortunately, any cargo box smaller than the RocketBox Pro 14 will not be able to accommodate full-size skis.

expert reply by: Bob C