Using cross bars for cargo box
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Using cross bars for cargo box
Has anyone used the factory cross bars to hold a Thule box?
It looks like they come with a rubber strip in the track where the t-bolts go.
Do you just pull that out, or do you really NEED the "Carrier Base" for a box?
It looks like they come with a rubber strip in the track where the t-bolts go.
Do you just pull that out, or do you really NEED the "Carrier Base" for a box?
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I have and I have the largest coffin Yakima sells. Lol. Many thousand miles later- it is still there and I haven't lost it. So... I Guess it works.
Ofcourse - Use common sense when attaching ... I do not recall a rubber strip- just attached the box and clamped it in four places with the sliding clamps that came with box. I do not know if the Thule is any different.
Ofcourse - Use common sense when attaching ... I do not recall a rubber strip- just attached the box and clamped it in four places with the sliding clamps that came with box. I do not know if the Thule is any different.
Last edited by alx; Dec 18, 2013 at 08:19 AM.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
No problem.
I found a picture on the web showing to removable rubber strips.
I just did not want to tear them out only to find they could not be put back in.
Guessing this next trip will not have my usual fuel mileage.
I found a picture on the web showing to removable rubber strips.
I just did not want to tear them out only to find they could not be put back in.
Guessing this next trip will not have my usual fuel mileage.
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
Rubber strips are for when you don't have the "coffin" on the roof, to keep the dirt out. Ther are removable. I don't bother with that as I remove bars when I don't have cargo box on. 1 or 2x per year. Your fuel millage shouldn't change that much.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Mine are already off and in the basement (Why have the extra wind noise).
I am guessing I may lose 1 or 2 mph when I am cruising at 80 to 85.
I am guessing I may lose 1 or 2 mph when I am cruising at 80 to 85.
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
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2012 Passat TDI SEL
I just used the cross bars for the first time. I have the MB cargo box (16) and removed the strips from the chrome cross bars just before attaching the carrier. To me the cross bars were more appealing than the carrier because of the lower profile. I am not sure about Thule's fit...I considered the newer Thule box with the X but was worried about trunk clearance. I can post a pic if it helps.
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My longest trip (about 800 miles round trip) with OEM chrome cross bars and thule 16 cargo box at speed limit, not a single mile difference, steady 21MPG in my X164 GL450 not the X166 GL550, I will test the X166 GL550 shortly with the OEM set up, maybe same results.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
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I just used the cross bars for the first time. I have the MB cargo box (16) and removed the strips from the chrome cross bars just before attaching the carrier. To me the cross bars were more appealing than the carrier because of the lower profile. I am not sure about Thule's fit...I considered the newer Thule box with the X but was worried about trunk clearance. I can post a pic if it helps.
