Factory roof rack and rocketbox qualm

[MtnVibe]

Hi everyone, I've owned my Vibe for a few years now and love it for roadtrips. I have the rectangular cross bars on my 07 factory rack and just mounted a Yakima rocketbox on it. Since the factory bars angle backwards, it means the further back cross bar is an inch or two lower than the front one—so the rocket box has an upward tilt. I am wondering if this will be a problem, especially at Interstate speeds, will it act as a a reverse spoiler, possibly cause extra vibration and stress on the system, even effect the car's handling and detract from gas mileage more than if it were level? Is it worth going to the expense of putting a front tower and bar system up front to make it level?

Thanks!

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Unfortunately, I have no useful information regarding your roof rack issue . Definitely post some pictures of your Vibe when you get a chance though !

[vibolista]

The angle of the "rocketbox" on the top of your Vibe will help launch you into orbit when you hit 88 mph if lightning hits your car! Have no idea what year it will turn out to be when you get back.

I would look into finding a spacer of some sort to lift the rear bar and help level your rocketbox. The angle of your rocketbox will probably cause a bit of extra fuel usage due to the lift it will produce at highway speeds. Yakima or Thule might provide a solution.

[mntn-biker]

Personally, I would put some Yakima round bars to the side rails with some Lowriders and mount the coffin to that setup. The factory crossbars are kind whimpy IMHO.

[sideshowalan]

Here is how my Sears xcargo box sits on the factory rack. The slope isn't noticeable and I haven't felt any resistance on the highway.

[mntn-biker]

Here is how my Sears xcargo box sits on the factory rack. The slope isn't noticeable and I haven't felt any resistance on the highway.

I bet that box slows you down on the uphills (wind resistance)! When I had a 5 speed in my base, prior to changing over to a 6 speed, I had a heck of a time maintaining speed on some uphills in northern Michigan with a bike or 2 on top due to wind resistance (I also had a fairing at the trailing edge of my windshield in front of the forward Yakima bar).

[vibolista]

MtnVibe has rectangular bars on the factory side rails, not factory cross bars. Vibe side rails are fairly beefy.

xcargo pictured on the Vibe is wedge shaped enough (taller in back than front) that the top doesn't look like it's tilted back too much. I think I would feel that box up there at 60+ mph, especially on a blustery day!

xcargo's been around a long time... I used one on top of a Beetle (a dark red 1968 we bought used for 300 bucks for our last year in Germany) way back in 1979! Loved that Beetle and the xcargo turned out perfect for camping gear or ski gear, other than skis and poles of course.

Still think that either Yakima or Thule rack systems probably have something that would raise the rear cross bar enough to level the "rocketbox".

[thebarber]

Ive been using my hitch basket instead of a rooftop box...

[vibolista]

I like that hitch basket! Just one (OK, 4) little changes I would make if I used one on my Vibe...



LED marker lights. I'd feel better if the driver behind me had something that would make the basket more visible!!!

Just an idea.