How to Mount Older Mercedes-Benz Cargo Box to 2004 Honda Pilot Factory Crossbars

Question:

Bought an older Mercedes branded large cargo boxmaybe Thule manufactured? No mounting hardware included. Placing on 2004 honda pilot w factory crossbars. Has two 16inch aluminum strips on bottom running parralel with crossbars that can be tightened w screw knobs inside box. Not sure what hardware needed to complete install? Any guidance appreciated! See pics

asked by: Danny

Expert Reply:

My contact at Thule USA was not able to confirm the origin of your Mercedes-Benz-branded cargo box but it is still possible that Thule Europe may have produced it. Thank you for providing photos.

Based on the appearance of the two 16-inch metal mounting strips on the bottom of the box that are shown in your photo it appears that this box was intended to mount to some type of OEM roof rack system. Since the mounting strips run side-to-side on the box I will presume that they were intended to mate with some type of front-to-back track or rail on a Mercedes-Benz model sold in Europe.

It may be possible to directly attach this box to your Odyssey factory roof rack if two important dimensions work out. First, your Odyssey cross bars will have to be separated by the same front-to-back distance as the mounting strips on the box. Second, you will have to be able to adjust those mounting strips so that they are not parallel to the crossbars, but rather cross them like the two parts of an X. Try moving one end of the strip forward and the other backward. If this can be done to allow the crossbar to pass through between the metal strip and the bottom of the box while still allowing you to secure the internal hardware adequately, then you might be all set. If not, we do offer replacement cargo box hardware that you should be able to adapt.

We offer a quick-release replacement hardware kit # TH04997 that uses straight bolts. You may also be able to find at a local hardware store u-bolts, nuts and brackets that will fit satisfactorily around your crossbars.

Ideally you would place the cargo box on your roof rack so that the crossbars fit inside the recesses on the bottom of the box; this would both allow the box to sit as low as possible (for reduced wind resistance) and provide a measure of extra stability by reducing the tendency for front-to-back movement.

It is probable that whatever alternate hardware you select will require you to drill new holes in the bottom of the cargo box. You can use a silicone rubber caulk/sealant to close up the original holes if necessary.

expert reply by: Adam R