cargo box
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
cargo box
does anyone have mercedes OEM cargo box/container installed on roof?
how is small compared to large size?
do you use it often or is it practical to store luggages in it when you travel...?
do you have to have the basic carrier? I already have the crossbar installed... can I just use them?
how is small compared to large size?
do you use it often or is it practical to store luggages in it when you travel...?
do you have to have the basic carrier? I already have the crossbar installed... can I just use them?
Last edited by taeandji; Jan 8, 2014 at 04:48 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
I use mine every time I take a 500+mi trip with wife and kids. Its always a planned one so I install it a day or two before we take off. Because we also put a stroller in there, I personally wouldn't use a small one. I think I have the largest OEM box available. I also use aftermarket (black, flat) crossbars. This enables us to have more room in the back for the (3) kids or possibly taking another passenger or two, like parents for example. 
On the long trips, it just becomes part of the vehicle that we can't go without.
I hope this helps.
On the long trips, it just becomes part of the vehicle that we can't go without.I hope this helps.
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
We have the Thule Sidekick Cargo Box (GM Branded; I really need to debadge it) that I have used for years on my E and just started using on the GL.
We use the standard cross bars (The low curved ones).
It works very well, but is a bit hard to load because it sits so far forward with the standard bar position.
I am thinking about seeing if the length of the bars adjusts enough to move the box rearward, but probably won't bother.
EDIT:
The box is actually an older model.
Looks like the Sidekick, but loads from the rear (hence the problem)
We use the standard cross bars (The low curved ones).
It works very well, but is a bit hard to load because it sits so far forward with the standard bar position.
I am thinking about seeing if the length of the bars adjusts enough to move the box rearward, but probably won't bother.
EDIT:
The box is actually an older model.
Looks like the Sidekick, but loads from the rear (hence the problem)
Last edited by N_Jay; Jan 8, 2014 at 09:53 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 921
Likes: 36
From: CA
MB
I use a OEM set up, MB cross bars and a large MB Cargo box (21 sq f) the good with the large is I don't care if I have extra space, but I do care if I do not have more space... how often? well, how often you travel ? I use my set up 3 or 4 times a year and worth it ! it is unbelievable how much you can put inside.
how often? well, how often you travel ? I use my set up 3 or 4 times a year and worth it ! it is unbelievable how much you can put inside.
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
Or on-top in general.
I have been using roof racks for about 25 years. Either open or with a bag.
We just moved to the box when we got the E. The nice thing about open racks is you can always add "one more thing", (as long as you have rope or a bungee).
As much as the box holds, I find I often have to take one thing out to get it to close.
Part of that may be because of the old rear close design instead of the newer side close boxes.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Thanks all.
We traveled to Montreal, Canada last winter and we left couple of luggages, snowboards, laptop backpack and camera bag in cargo area (3rd row seats were down) and somebody broke rear corner window and stole laptop bag...
So, I'm considering getting cargo box and put all valuable in it when we travel as it gets warmer.
I was a bit confused if I needed to get the basic carrier even if I had basic chrome crossbar... and also noticed that cargo box may position better with basic carrier than the crossbar due to where it got mounted...
another question...
I'm assuming i could but can you also mount ski or snowboard carrier with crossbar?
We traveled to Montreal, Canada last winter and we left couple of luggages, snowboards, laptop backpack and camera bag in cargo area (3rd row seats were down) and somebody broke rear corner window and stole laptop bag...
So, I'm considering getting cargo box and put all valuable in it when we travel as it gets warmer.
I was a bit confused if I needed to get the basic carrier even if I had basic chrome crossbar... and also noticed that cargo box may position better with basic carrier than the crossbar due to where it got mounted...
another question...
I'm assuming i could but can you also mount ski or snowboard carrier with crossbar?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 921
Likes: 36
From: CA
MB
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
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
You can get any size cargo box up to the width of the cross bars.
You are a little limited if you want to put two accessories next to each other.
I.E. Narrow box and Ski rack or bike rack
since the cross bars have a hard limit in width.
A Thule or other set of bars that mount to the top of the rails allow you to go all the way to the edges of the bars.
i.e. If you get the LONG square Thule bars you can literally have things mounted wider then the car.
Thule Rapid System 757 plus 96" bars to go crazy!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
Noise? I can't tell the difference with my box going 45 or 85mph. I can't even tell its there without looking through sunroof window.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Poland
SL 63, GL 500
I did a search
I got- in return - the information: 21 mpg with or without
so this made me ask further questions ...
anyway many thanks for your reply
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
definitely dropped the mileage on the E by a couple of MPG (On trips averaging over 70 MPH, often in the 80 MPH range.
I have not had enough time with the GL, but from my Honda Pilot experience, I would suspect a 1 MPG or so drop at those speeds. (70 to 80)
I have not had enough time with the GL, but from my Honda Pilot experience, I would suspect a 1 MPG or so drop at those speeds. (70 to 80)
