Car Top Cargo Box for HL

[LoadedHLLtd]

I'm looking at Thule Ascent model car top carriers for my 2009 HL Ltd 4WD. The questions I have are:

- what's the longest model that can go on the rails and not interfere with the lift gate opening? The 1500, 1600, 1700?

- did you secured the Thule to the factory cross rails or did you buy the Thule cross rails and feet? The load limit for the factory cross rails is 100 lbs and the Thule Ascent weighs about 38 lbs by itself.

- did the cargo box shift around in the wind while driving?

Any other info you can share on cargo carriers of any make is helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by LoadedHLLtd

I'm looking at Thule Ascent model car top carriers for my 2009 HL Ltd 4WD. The questions I have are:

- what's the longest model that can go on the rails and not interfere with the lift gate opening? The 1500, 1600, 1700?

- did you secured the Thule to the factory cross rails or did you buy the Thule cross rails and feet? The load limit for the factory cross rails is 100 lbs and the Thule Ascent weighs about 38 lbs by itself.

- did the cargo box shift around in the wind while driving?

Any other info you can share on cargo carriers of any make is helpful. Thanks in advance.

Use the search function and type Thule or Yakima. There are a few threads and alot of pics as well.

[LoadedHLLtd]

Thanks Dman1. This newbee appreciates the assist.

[kkdingo]

Did you end up buying a Thule Ascent? I'm looking at the Ascent 1600 or 1700. I would prefer the 1700 but not 100% if it will clear the hitch while on the Toyota factory cross rails. Any thoughts?

[LoadedHLLtd]

Originally Posted by kkdingo

Did you end up buying a Thule Ascent? I'm looking at the Ascent 1600 or 1700. I would prefer the 1700 but not 100% if it will clear the hitch while on the Toyota factory cross rails. Any thoughts?

I did buy the Thule Ascent 1600. I also bought the Inno cross bars for my factory rails. Unfortunately due to a combination of lousy weather and work I haven't mounted it on the HL yet. I plan to do that in the next week or two. Sorry I don't have an answer to your question. However I've been told by other TN members that it's all a matter of fore and aft adjustment with your cross bars. I can't swear to it, but I think there are one or two members out there who have the 1700. Also you can call AutoAnything.com and talk to one of their advisors. You can also call Thule. They seem pretty knowledgable about fitting different vehicles.

I'll post again once I mount the 1600 for the first time. Until then best of luck. Thanks for writing.

[kkdingo]

Can't the Ascent 1600 or 1700 fit directly to the factory rails? Thanks for the contact info.

[LoadedHLLtd]

Originally Posted by kkdingo

Can't the Ascent 1600 or 1700 fit directly to the factory rails? Thanks for the contact info.

I believe that's true. The Ascent mounts are designed to clamp onto most any kind of bar and can be tightened via a large knob on the interior of each mounting point. However comments from other TN members indicate the after market cross bars like Thule and Inno are stronger (more rigid) than the factory cross bars. Plus my HL came without cross bars, so instead of paying a lot of money for an expensive, possibly weaker cross bar, I just bought the Inno's. Inno is supposed to be every bit as good as the Thule bars, but a much better price. Again, I wouldn't hesitate to quiz the advisors at Inno, Thule, and AutoAnything.com (where I bought my Ascent and Inno bars). What I'm relating to you is what I've gleened from TN member comments, not from actual experience. I'll post that when it happens.

Hope what I've written helps a little.

All the best