Cz7

Does anyone have the MB roof cargo container? Wasn't sure if it was worth the cost or not, or if I should get a Thule or something else. Any suggestions for a brand or size with a nice fit on the GL450?

terp97

Got at employee discount. The largest one they make. But you can get the Thule for less than MB retail which is who makes the MB branded cargo carrier.

fabbrisd1

The large MB cargo carrier is awesome - made bu Thule - great design since it opens from either side - keep the beat !

Cz7

Thanks, I ended up ordering the large (16ft3) MB one. The Thule website only showed their L sized boxes (11-13 ft.2) fitting the GL's so I was worried that the XL's would interfere with the rear hatch. Plus, their black was labeled "gloss black" and I'm hoping the MB "metallic black" is close to the obsidian black metallic of my vehicle.

I also ordered the sill/roof protector for loading it, the cross bars, and the cross bar bag. Plus a folding tire step thing from amazon to access the roof easier.

Pntblnk

Please posts pics when you get everything in / on. I would like to see how it all comes together and looking for similar set-up.

Cz7

Will do.

CaptFett

Two pics of the cargo on white GL

Cz7

Is yours the small or large size?

CaptFett

Large. I worked it in the deal when I got the GL.

pjdpatrick

Just bought a cpo 2011 GL450 w 16 k miles steel grey--love it. Lots of options and very sharp.

In terms of road trip needs (4 kids, dog)...
What do you think?

Thule Sonic L ($440) with Thule bars ($300)

MB large cargo box (850) and basic black carrrier bars (300) minus dealer discount of $300.

Any suggestions???

Concerned about quiet, size, price,...
Love the metallic blk look on MB box

Really need help understanding what the best looking and best fix combination is...
Do the Chrome crossbars work for my 2011 and the MB box?????

Thanks!

CaptFett

The MB box is quiet. Biggest gripe I have is it's a bit of a pain to load on top of the vehicle. And one tends to overstuff and then pinch items when closing.

I travelled on 8 hour trip with family of 7 - 5 kids, roof rack and a large hitch hauler. In the past I've taken a full size F-350 crew cab and had the bed fairly full. I was surprised as to what I could carry with the roof rack and hitch hauler. 2 large suitcases, 2 large duffels, one cot, 3 sleeping bags, a turkey fryer and broiler (dont ask), one violin and pillows, toys, etc. Never thought I'd get it all in but managed to and it the diesel vehicle handled like there wasn't anything extra attached.

pjdpatrick

great info -- what crossbars do you have or recommend?

CaptFett

I negotiated my set up with the purchase of the vehicle so they are MB labelled crossbars. They look good and have the star on them but I'm guessing they are probably Thule made. They do fit tight to the rails and look like they belong.

mjeagent

Any issues with clearance - parking garages and such?

cincy8

Is there any site that gives pricing? I'm interested in putting the bike rack on my Christmas list!

CaptFett

It defintely changes the low hanging limbs you can clear. I didn't measure but am guessing it's getting close to 8 feet

Cz7

I bought mine from Keenan Motors Mercedes-Benz. They have a separate site http://benzpartsforless.com and also have an ebay store. Even with shipping, they were several hundred less than my dealer, who wanted full retail. I went with the factory cross bars because I had read some reviews of other brands where people had issues of their carriers coming lose and losing cargo. Not sure if that would be an issue or not, but better safe than sorry and the price difference wasn't much. I went with the MB cargo box (large) over the Thule Sonic because the larger Sonic didn't show as being compatible with my GL on the Thule site. The metallic black looks nice.

mjeagent

After this discussion and a mess of a weekend trying to cram three boys and all their snow stuff into the car, I've decided to pick one of these up tomorrow. My question is what are you guys bringing with you in the car to help you reach the top/unpack? I imagine a small folding stool might do the job...

Cz7

This:

CaptFett

You could go the route of taking a small step ladder along, but it works to stand on the top of the rear tire and the threshold of the second row doors. It also gets you closer to the box, which sits a few inches inside the edge of the top so it is a bit of a lean to get in to it.

Cz7

There was a Hitchmate one about half the price, but I thought it was too heavy for tossing in the car so I returned it for the Thule wheel step.

mjeagent

Got mine today and wondering if it's too far forward. Followed the directions as best as possible.

Cz7

What size did you get? We haven't installed ours yet to see how it looks.

mjeagent

It's the large MB one - $850 from the dealership. Can be found elsewhere for less but they installed it with the crossbars and I can go to them at anytime if there is ever an issue with it. I disagree a bit with the person who wrote that there isn't any road/wind noise from it. There is actually quite a bit of noise from it at speeds above 30mph. It might be because I have it sitting a bit too far forward or it could just be the aerodynamics and completely unavoidable. I do like the look of the MB box with their crossbars - the finish is very nice and the fact that it opens on both sides is great. I do fear that it will be a problem parking at some of the local malls as they have overhangs entering and exiting the parking lots that are set at 7' and I would guess that this setup is well past 7'. Have to be cognizant of this each time we head to the anywhere with a parking garage while having this attached. It is also unrealistic to just take it off and throw it back on to avoid this situation as it took quite sometime to get it attached (and that was by MB service staff who know what they are doing). My 2 cents.

pjdpatrick

Both gls with carrier look great...I ordered the large metallic blk carrier and hope to pick up tomorrow. I have two mounts at the parts counter waiting: I have to choose one...

Did you guys consider the chrome cross bars before buying the carrier mount? I have a feeling what you went with is more popular but I wasn't sure if the crossbars are an option instead.

I do not need the basic carrier for bikes or anything else just cargo. So I was wondering if the chrome crossbars that would make the carrier sit lower be better???

What do you think?