Best Cargo Box for 09 Highlander's?

[Grant_J]

Hi fellow Highlander owners... I'm looking to pickup a cargo box for my new 09 Highlander. A local rack shop here in Calgary actually has a lightly used (for rentals) Thule Evolution 1800 rack on sale for $100! However, I highly doubt it'll fit and allow the rear lift gate to open properly. I didn't realize Toyota did such a poor job with the factory roof rack in regards to the lift gate.

Assuming it doesn't fit and I need to find another rack... are there any suggestions on which box will fit and allow the rear lift gate to open properly? I tried rackattack.com (their Thule and Yakima rack fit guides) but I can't tell if the lift gate will operate correctly with the choices they list for the Highlander.

I'd like the biggest box I can get and if possible (since this box will be used at most a couple times a year) I'd like to keep costs down and use the factory crossbars (which I know could limit the options)

Thanks!!

[ChrisAttebery]

Originally Posted by Grant_J

I didn't realize Toyota did such a poor job with the factory roof rack in regards to the lift gate.

How it is Toyota's fault that the tail gate hits an aftermarket cargo box? Usually, the aftermarket accessories are made to fit the vehicle not the other way around.

[jauhiainen]

Since it's local, swing by and test fit it. $100 for a lightly used box is a steal. Nothing even close to that on used boxes when I was searching for mine.

There's a thread here that shows the newer Atlantis 1800XT fitting, so the Evolution 1800 that it replaced will likely fit as well. Note however that it was mounted on a Yakima rack.

I can confirm that an Evolution 1600 works just fine, as that is what I currently have. Also with a Yakima rack.

[Grant_J]

Thanks jauhiainen,
I was planning a Saturday visit to see how the Evolution fits.
One question: I'm surprised that you are using a Thule box with a Yakima rack.. is that common or a necessity for the 08+ Highlander?

[jauhiainen]

We used the Yakima to carry bikes on top of our Honda Odyssey. When the van was replaced by the Highlander, the Yakima carried over.

There's some interesting reading in this thread Do the stock cross bars really suck that bad?. Opinions appear mixed on the use of factory cross bars.