[JacksonBolt]

Anyone had any experience choosing a cargo box (Thule or Yakima) that looks good and fits nicely on the Bolt? We have the Premier and will use the Thule cross bars even though they are a wee bit pricy. Would love to see some photos!

 

[GregBrew]

Anyone had any experience choosing a cargo box (Thule or Yakima) that looks good and fits nicely on the Bolt? We have the Premier and will use the Thule cross bars even though they are a wee bit pricy. Would love to see some photos!

Why Thule, rather than the nearly compatible Cadillac bars at half the price?

 

[JacksonBolt]

Will have to check those out! Easy modification and aero bars?

 

[zebraitis]

As far as the box: MINI had a short box that was made for them, which I purchased used on Craigslist.


Fit my used Thule Aerobars great, and it should as it was a rebranded Thule Pulse.


Fits a few snowboards well, and some other gear. You want to ensure you get a shorter box as you don't want to band the hatch every time you open it.


Don't overlook Craigslist as a source, as Thule has a solutions that fits many different vehicles. You will likely just need to purchase new a "foot kit" for the Bolt

 

[JacksonBolt]

Good advice. Will continue to prowl the used sites. We had an old Thule Adventurer Box that lasted 25 years but rivets are popping and we held it up with a stick...Son has it now and his solution is to tie the front down...

Would like to get a box that fits as you indicate so we can open the back hatch as placement was always key with the old one on the various vehicles we have owned!

 

[GregBrew]

Will have to check those out! Easy modification and aero bars?

There's another thread here somewhere, but I bookmarked them on Amazon:

You need to trim the crossbars to fit, and drill a couple of small holes in the remaining crossbar stock to replace the attaching holes you cut off. It looks like an easy modification for bars that appear like they belong there. The only complaint I've seen about them is that the result is somewhat narrow, whereas the Thules overlap and stick out the sides for a wider mounting platform. I don't have a need for them, but would certainly go this route if I did.


Of course, purchase and install at your own risk...

 

[EventButterfly]

Today I finally installed the roof rack onto my newly purchased 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. I'm looking into Cargo Baskets and Cargo Bags, when I saw your post.

My roof system was on my old car the 2005 Mazda3. In 2016 I bought a roof system for it. I had the same dilemma... Yakima vs Thule. I knew it came down to these 2 brands, and luckily the REI store near me sells both! Thank god the REI people are patient. I must have been in the store for 2.5 hours while carefully weighing all the similar options. For me, the Yakima locks on their roof system was / and still is the detail that won my business. You know that your gear / crossbars are secure when you are away from your vehicle. The crossbars and the entire system is expensive. Protect your investment.

The SKS Lock Cores (quantity 4)
SKS Lock Cores

The Lock Cores fit inside the Towers (quantity 4)

SkyLine Towers (Set of Four)

Roll your own way - the SkyLine Towers work with our LandingPads to create a customizable, mega-versatile, super easy-to-use system that easily handles your unique personality and extensive range of gear.

yakima.com

--

As I said my Yakima is on my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Premier, which has the side rails. The Bolt EV LT will need a different Landing Pad and Tower (feet) that hold up the crossbar perhaps.

if you have the Chevy Bolt Premier, and when you go with Yakima, then you will need the "Skyline" system. Along with those 2 items mentioned above, you will also need:

Landing Pad No. 19
SKU: #8000245

Landing Pad

Custom Landing Pads to install directly to the factory fixed mounting points of the 2010+ Lexus GX. Combine with SkyLine Towers and StreamLine crossbars or LockNLoad Platform for a full featured Yakima base rack, significantly increasing cargo capacity over the factory crossbars.

yakima.com

Finally you need the Crossbars.
JetStream crossbars
SKU: #8000428
These are the only ones I recommend! The JetStream shape is aerodynamic, shaped as a jet wing, and reduces wind noise significantly!
Most important is the length. Yakima strongly recommends only the 50 inch (small) for the Chevy Bolt. I agree. The 50 Inch is the correct size. The bars stay within the vehicle width, for safety. Anything longer and the crossbars become a safety hazard, potentially poking an eye or hitting a head as people enter and exit the vehicle.
The JetStream crossbars come in 2 finishes, silver or black. Mine are the Silver, look great in complementing the Silver Trim already on the Chevy Bolt EV.
Plus the Black just gets too hot in the summer heat, when you need to remove them off.

JetStream (Pair)

Step up to the completely new Yakima bar. Thoroughly wind tunnel tested, the black JetStream's JetFlow design is exceptionally aerodynamic, incredibly strong, lightweight, and really quiet on the move. The root of a modern rack system, it carries a lot and looks good doing it.Shopping for a full...

yakima.com

Best,

Michael Rinker
Founder & CMO

Event Butterfly

Host a Better Event with Event Butterfly Inc Today Is Your Best Social EVENT! Events • Holidays • Occasions We Aim to Be the Resource as Your Favorite Social Events Website Our Mission: Promote Social Events That Preserve the Cultures and Traditions of the World Our Vision: Be The Voice of...

eventbutterfly.com

 

[XJ12]

onto my newly purchased 2017 Chevy Bolt EV

Welcome to the forum.

 

[EventButterfly]

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks bud. Glad to be a part of the collaboration!

I'm adding to the post above. Just now I went outside with tape measure in hand. The Yakima System on the Chevy Bolt and I carefully measured and thought of multiple configurations.

It appears the Chevy Bolt EV roof square inches is: 65 Inches Long (from the windshield to the back) x 38 Inches Wide (between the Chevy Bolt EV Premier side rails).

From this maximum area, we potentially reduce down the size due to weight restrictions of the Chevy Bolt EV roof.

Earlier today I spoke with a Senior Product Specialist on all these configurations, and many roof systems. Just because your roof has ample space, does not mean you can simply freely go with that maximum size. He advised us to avoid his mistake when he was still young and inexperienced. He was going on a weekend trip and went with a large Cargo Box due to the ampile available roof space. His mistake was also over packing beyond the recommended weight capacity of his car. After the trip, the 4 roof rack towers (that connect the Car to the Crossbars) made 4 dents in his car roof.

He said that you will see these roof rack systems are rated for a maximum weight capacity. However, it is most important to also contact GM / Chevrolet to find out the recommended weight allowance for the Chevy Bolt EV roof. We need to take into account the weight of our cargo, plus the weight of the roof system itself.

What is the weight allowance of the Chevy Bolt EV roof?! Does anyone here know? I have seen multiple answers. It appears that 165 pounds is the general rule of thumb?!

---

So coming full circle with this information...,
we are at 65 Inches Long x 38 Inches Wide,...
and reduce our measurement from here.

The length measurement includes the back hatch door fully opened to simulate its functionality while on a trip with a potential Cargo Box $$$$ / Cargo Basket $$ / Cargo Bag $. The great news is, it appears GM / Chevrolet designed a well made hatch. The hatch door never passes further than its hinge. Meaning the angle of the hatch hinge and the door itself stays at 90 degrees or less. In other words good for us as the hatch door does not protrude into the useable area that a Cargo Box / Basket / Bag would occupy.

In saying that, note the back Antenna Fin. The good news is the Antenna appears to be short enough in height for the clearance of any Cargo Box / Basket / Basket with a Bag, that will all rest on top of a Roof Rack Crossbar system you choose. In choosing the Box / Basket length, potentially the length could be right up to the back hatch door. The Antenna should not interfere. However it should also be noted that the Antenna Fin will interfere with a Cargo Bag that would rest directly on top of the car roof. In this case if you were to use a Cargo Bag, you will need to be 12 inches less in length to give room for the Antenna Fin.

By the way, that same Senior Rep had another great tip. If you need to save money on a budget, just go with the Cargo Bag. Now one of two things with the Cargo Bag. A large bag will rest on top the Crossbars. A smaller bag may be able to fit between the 2 Crossbars. Either way, please use "Moving Blankets" between the car roof and the Cargo Bag. Fold the blankets as needed. U-Haul has them for purchase, or perhaps Home Depot / Lowe's. Fold the blankets as needed. The car roof is protected from scratches, and the Cargo Bag is supported with a flat surface from underneath (especially if the Cargo Bag rests on the Crossbars).

For me, the max size for me is around 57 Inches Long x 38 Inches Wide. Give or take a few Inches either way. Again, mindful of the weight.

However, just talking about the width for a moment. Standing on the open car door frame to access the roof adjustments, 38 Inches seems awful wide to work around and keep your balance? Perhaps something more narrow?

Looking at Luggage size is also important. It appears an XL suitcase measures 32 Inches Long (High) x 29 Inches Wide. Laying the Luggage length along the car roof length seems to make the most sense?! This way the Luggage 29 Inches Wide matches up with the car roof width also. You agree? https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1J5Z_...lley-Case-Dust-Travel-Accessories.jpg_q50.jpg

---

For us, the Cargo Box pro is awesome as it is rigid and the most aerodynamic.
However the cons are the boxes are extremely expensive!?!? Even more expensive than Pelican Boxes?! Four Dollar Signs $$$$. Why do companies charge $1,000 for Large Boxes, to perhaps $400 for a small one?! There should be a dancing girl inside or super bowl tickets with the box, or a dancing girl with super bowl tickets!
The other challenge for us is the storage. The box being rigid is a pro while en route, but a con while in storage for the remaining 90% of the time.

Perhaps the Cargo Bag is a better choice for us. The pro is just one dollar sign $. Ebay has them for as little as $25 to $75. Many in the $55 range. cargo bag | eBay. Or OverStock.com or CraigsList.org.
The other pro is the storage. A Bag can be folded up and take little room.
The con is it is a bag. LOL. Less aerodynamic (some are better than others). It may rip? The manufacturers claim the bags are weather / rain proof. What about security? Perhaps a luggage lock?

However for our Chevy Bolt EV Premier, the side rails are flush with the car. Fastening the Cargo Bag straps down at multiple points is important to us. But we dislike the bag designs where the straps enter and exit through the car door windows, thus penetrating into the cabin of the car; that looks tacky, amateurish, and as if it was an afterthought. Plus back seat passengers entering and exiting the vehicle becomes a challenge.

So we are thinking go with the Cargo Basket with a Cargo Bag inside. The Basket will support the Bag.

---

Applying all this reasoning is fine as long as the manufacturers have the sizes we need.

The Yakima 4 Cargo Baskets.

Roof Baskets

Roof Baskets

yakima.com

Of these the only two sizes that seem reasonable for us are either the:

SkinnyWarrior at a whopping 58 Inches Long x 23 Inches Wide.
(Too Long)

SkinnyWarrior

The SkinnyWarrior, cargo basket is perfect addition for your next adventure. Load up your duffels, coolers, camp gear and even mount bike rack to it!

yakima.com

or the LoadWarrior at 44 Inches Long x 39 Inches Wide.
(Too Wide)

LoadWarrior

The LoadWarrior, cargo basket is perfect addition for your next adventure. Load up your duffels, coolers, camp gear and even mount bike rack to it!

yakima.com

Perhaps Goldie Locks will find the right size from a different manufacturer?! LOL.
Again I think Yakima is very good.
However the prices for even Baskets is too high.
Checking eBay...

Michael Rinker
Founder & CMO

Event Butterfly

Host a Better Event with Event Butterfly Inc Today Is Your Best Social EVENT! Events • Holidays • Occasions We Aim to Be the Resource as Your Favorite Social Events Website Our Mission: Promote Social Events That Preserve the Cultures and Traditions of the World Our Vision: Be The Voice of...

EventButterfly.com

 

[Jake from State Farm]

I went with a Thule cargo basket Canyon XT that I purchased second hand for $150 Almost new. I was looking for a box but that was a tough task since it was a last minute trip with not enough time to prepare. It worked well and thankfully there was no rain to deal with so got away with not covering the cargo.

 

[XJ12]

It appears that 165 pounds is the general rule of thumb?!

Interesting, I figured it would be in the owner's manual. Nope. Would think that figure would be front and center. At my former workplace, any load bearing structure had to be clearly marked. No mystery. The 165 pound limit appears to be on the rack themselves. But what are the rails rated for? No idea.

 

[Digi]

I went with a Thule cargo basket Canyon XT that I purchased second hand for $150 Almost new. I was looking for a box but that was a tough task since it was a last minute trip with not enough time to prepare. It worked well and thankfully there was no rain to deal with so got away with not covering the cargo. View attachment 30532 View attachment 30533

Any range loss from this?

 

[Jake from State Farm]

Any range loss from this?

Yes definitely, with the basket totally empty my consumption from NYC to Boston was around 4.2 kWh with AC on and 4 people in the car.
With the basket full of stuff, somewhere around 100 pounds back to NYC my consumption was hovering around 3.4, 3.5 [email protected] 65 mph -55 mph give or take I saw 3.2 a couple of times , this is with 5 people in the car on the way back to NY

 

[Jake from State Farm]

Anyone had any experience choosing a cargo box (Thule or Yakima) that looks good and fits nicely on the Bolt? We have the Premier and will use the Thule cross bars even though they are a wee bit pricy. Would love to see some photos!

This
Thule 6297T Motion L Titan - Thule Cargo Box

 

[GetOffYourGas]

I have been using a Thule box that I've had for over a decade. Mostly works great, but the spoiler on the tailgate hits the back of the box. The paint is now all scratched up.

 

[kent]

I went with a Thule cargo basket Canyon XT that I purchased second hand for $150 Almost new. I was looking for a box but that was a tough task since it was a last minute trip with not enough time to prepare. It worked well and thankfully there was no rain to deal with so got away with not covering the cargo. View attachment 30532 View attachment 30533

You have a Premier though? And the cargo basket is affixed to the roof rack that comes standard with the Premier. I have an LT, leased, so is there a rack that affixes without doing damage to the roof or molding?

 

[GetOffYourGas]

You have a Premier though? And the cargo basket is affixed to the roof rack that comes standard with the Premier. I have an LT, leased, so is there a rack that affixes without doing damage to the roof or molding?

Both Yakima and Thule offer bare-roof racks which clip under the door jam. I'm sure there are others too.

In my experience, these always scratch the paint and are prone to slipping in high winds. That was a big reason I chose the Premier over the LT (the other being heated rear seats).

 

[Pigwich]

I have the giant Yakima Skybox. I had to extend some of the slots in the lower box for the mounting clamps (that hold the box to the bars) so I could slide the box far enough forward so I could open the rear hatch. It's a thing and I see the photos that make the point of showing that the hatch clears. Point is, you can easily modify the Yakima box to clear the hatch if need be.

 

[Jake from State Farm]

You have a Premier though? And the cargo basket is affixed to the roof rack that comes standard with the Premier. I have an LT, leased, so is there a rack that affixes without doing damage to the roof or molding?

Get the Thule or Yakima or any brand that make a mounting kit for your car, visit their websites and they should have a tool to fit your car ( select the LT) and it should give you the kit that you need then buy or make your own protection film for your paint. I used a LAMIN-X kit and it comes with enough pre cut clear film to cover where the system touches the paint. Or make your own.

 

[kent]

Get the Thule or Yakima or any brand that make a mounting kit for your car, visit their websites and they should have a tool to fit your car ( select the LT) and it should give you the kit that you need then buy or make your own protection film for your paint. I used a LAMIN-X kit and it comes with enough pre cut clear film to cover where the system touches the paint. Or make your own.
View attachment 30702

Thanks for that. Yeah, my big worry was scratching the paint since it's leased.