Are There Cargo Boxes Available for a 2012 Lexus RX450H with Sunroof and Factory Crossbars

Question:

I have purchased the crossbars for this vehicle from lexus. They told me you could install them yourself but I am going to bring it back to lexus to have them installed. Is there a cargo box or bag that will work with this vehicle and the sun roof? There seem to be conflicting answers on different websites? In some of the answers if says that the Thule 1600 will work and allow you to open the tailgate. But others say that with a sunroof you cannot attach a carrier. Thule has some cargo bags as well would they be a better option with the sunroof?

asked by: Pete

Expert Reply:

There are no aftermarket roof racks available for the 2012 Lexus RX450H models with the sunroof. If Lexus offers a roof rack solution that would be a viable option for you. You will need to check with them for the weight capacity of the roof and rack and be sure not to exceed this figure with the weight of any cargo.

To determine if the Thule Force XL Roof Cargo Box part # TH6358B would have enough clearance for your rear hatch to open you will need to take one simple measurement once the roof rack is installed. You will need to measure from the center of the front crossbar back to the closest portion of the rear hatch when open. If that distance is more than 51-1/8 inches then this box would fit without hatch interference.

For a box with less clearance needed you could get the Thule Pulse L part # TH615 as it only requires 46-3/8, or the Thule Pulse M part # TH614 as it only needs 42 5/8 inches.

expert reply by: Jameson C