Need help with rooftop cargo decision
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
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Me - BMW M3; Wife - MB GL320 CDI
Need help with rooftop cargo decision
We have a 2008 GL320 with roof rack and black factory crossbars (wide). I am thinking of either a cargo basket with soft sided cargo bag to go inside when we haul luggage/duffles or a hard sided cargo box. Any recommendations? I am concerned that most will not fit the wide crossbars. Thanks for any help.
BTW, I did see the thread about the Thule boxes that do fit but I would like to hear if anyone is using a cargo basket with the factory crossbars.
BTW, I did see the thread about the Thule boxes that do fit but I would like to hear if anyone is using a cargo basket with the factory crossbars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
How about something like this?
http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...go-carrier.cfm
I think MB makes a softside for the roof too, but couldn't seem to find it.
http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...go-carrier.cfm
I think MB makes a softside for the roof too, but couldn't seem to find it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Me - BMW M3; Wife - MB GL320 CDI
Thanks for the reply. I did consider this type of option but was worried about sitting on the roof. I actually decided this morning after talking to my wife that it would be much more convenient to have the storage on the rear instead of on the roof.
So I purchased a Rola hitch platform/basket with a couple of weatherproof Rola storage bags and cargo netting. We figured we can treat them like giant duffles and pack right into them and then carry outside. If we are towing the boat or an RV then we can just put stuff inside what is being towed. It also looks like I can attach a couple of bicycle mounts to the platform when we aren't using the bags so it will be multi-purpose.
I think this will end up being easier and was very economical... $230 all in, delivered to my door.
So I purchased a Rola hitch platform/basket with a couple of weatherproof Rola storage bags and cargo netting. We figured we can treat them like giant duffles and pack right into them and then carry outside. If we are towing the boat or an RV then we can just put stuff inside what is being towed. It also looks like I can attach a couple of bicycle mounts to the platform when we aren't using the bags so it will be multi-purpose.
I think this will end up being easier and was very economical... $230 all in, delivered to my door.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 635
Likes: 2
From: Cali
2011 GL450
The Thule cargo boxes having adjustable "claws" that fit the factory cross bar nicely (see my siggy pic) We drove 3000 miles with ours and it is fantastic. Easy to use and minimal wind noise
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,199
Likes: 243
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
How about something like this?
http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...go-carrier.cfm
I think MB makes a softside for the roof too, but couldn't seem to find it.
http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...go-carrier.cfm
I think MB makes a softside for the roof too, but couldn't seem to find it.
There's a reason they make baskets.
