Yakima SkyBox 21
Gear. We have lots of gear. And not everything fits in the car, but yet we want to take it all. Get a roof box with loads of space. With 21 cu. ft. of space the Yakima SkyBox will do the trick.
Having too much gear is a common problem for most adventure lovers. Whether you're going camping, to the slopes or just getting to grips with the vast amount of baby gear you have to haul around as a parent, the Yakimma SkyBox 21 will swallow it all.
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What we like
- Loads of space
- Dual-sided opening
- Fits all bar types
- No assembly required
- Tool-free installation
What we don't like
- It's possible to break the key off in the core when releasing the lid
- Glossy finish can scratch easily
- Pricey
When you don't have space inside your car for people, you need a Yakima SkyBox
The Yakima Skybox is sleek and aerodynamic and features a textured “Carbonite” lid. It’s made from up to 80% recycled materials and fits most round, square, factory, and aerodynamic bars.
As mentioned earlier, this is a big cargo box. Yakima states that it can accommodate gear for up to 5 campers. This is a fair claim as you could easily fit oversized luggage, sporting equipment, 5-7 pairs skis up to 215 cm or 3-5 snowboards. This cargo box is so large you might even be tempted to load stuff you don’t really need to take with you, just because you can.
What’s included and what's not
Overview of features
As the name suggests, the Skybox 21 offers 21 cu. ft. of cargo space. The maximum load limit is only 62 lbs. (28 kg) though. This number is according to the manufacturer, but some retailers are quoting a load limit of 75lbs. This max load figure must be the biggest drawback of this cargo box. Especially considering that its rival, the Thule Force XXL is a similar size but has a load capacity of 110lbs. That’s a significant difference!
Being so large, the Yakima Skybox 21 is not suitable for smaller cars. You will require a minimum and maximum crossbar spreads of between 24” – 42” to install it safely. The tapered design of the rear does make for easier hatch clearance.
Tip: Check our hatch clearance guide here to see if this box is suitable for your vehicle
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Dual-sided opening
Dual-sided opening is a must have feature for a cargo box this size. It allows access from either side of the vehicle. And with so much gear loaded up top, getting to it from both sides is invaluable.
Another scenario where this feature becomes quite useful is where you have a bike rack installed in addition to the roof box. In this configuration you might be forced to open the lid from one side only, but you can at least choose which side that is.
Superlatch
The metal Superlatch provides for easy opening and secure closing. It uses SKS lock cores so you can use one set of keys for multiple Yakima products, something that is highly recommended. You’ll also never lock your keys in the box since the keys won’t release unless the lid is properly closed. Clever.
Tip: Keep your locks working smoothly by lubricating them with graphite or other dry lubricant
Basic installation
The Skybox 21 offers quick tool free installation and removal from your vehicle. To install, simply open the lid, release the clamps and loosen the thumb wheels. You can now position the cargo box on your roof rack cross bars and slide it backward so the clamps engage the load bars. The last step is to tighten the thumb wheels and engage the lever clamps. After installation, the box should not slide on the bars. If it does, open the box and tighten levers to secure it.
You are all set. To remove simply raise the clamps and remove from crossbars. There is no need to adjust or remove the thumbwheels for removal.
Despite installation being quite straight forward, the Yakima’s installation system does not match Thule’s one-click install hardware. Some users have reported difficulty in securing the lever clamp unless when the thumbwheels have not been set properly.
Alternative cargo boxes
If the possibility of the key breaking off in the lock is a big enough concern to keep looking, then have a look at the Thule Motion XT cargo box. It features Thule's SlideLock mechanism that provides seperate locking and opening functions combined with most of the benefits of the Hyper XL.
If the price is a concern, you can always consider the Yakima SkyBox. This cargo box provides similar features but at a slightly better price point than the Hyper XL.
For more information, check out our reviews of these two alternatives to the Thule Hyper XL below.
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Conclusion.
You don’t realize just how big this cargo box is until you see it. It really does have a lot of space. It’s great for throwing some soft luggage, sleeping bags and tent on the roof, but if you are moving heavy sporting gear though you might want to consider some of the alternatives. All in all it is a good cargo box though and we would certainly recommend it for moving loads of gear.
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