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Can anyone describe or post pictures of how OE Mercedes Cargo box attaches to OE crossbars?

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175 reads but no answers

I just received the cross bars. They have the slot for accessory attachment. I presume the MB box must come with some type of bolting arrangement that uses the slot.

Because of cost and shipping, I will probably buy a Thule cargo box. These boxes come with a kind of crude U-clamp that fits under the bars. Not too pretty.

Anyone know if there is a mounting kit available separately for MB or other slotted cross bars?

kozak79

I have OEM Cross bars and use the standard mounting that came with Thule Sonic XL box.

Looks like you can get this adapter:

Which seems like it would work with the OEM crossbars. Someone in the review posted that these work with OEM Porsche crossbars which look exactly the same as MB ones.

But I can't confirm any of this.

I like using the standard mounting of the Thule Sonic box since it gives me the option to remove the box very quick and easy when I don't need it. I only needed for long vacation drives.

rmfnla

That's 175 people who don't use a cargo box; I make it 176...

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So 176 read a post with a subject line they had no interest in

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Thanks Kozak. That mounting bolt looks like it is designed to fit in the OE bar slots. However, those bolts would be left sticking up when the box is removed. Otherwise the box should come off easily.

I have bought a Thule box but still have to pick it up. I think it comes with primitive bolt clamps but won't know for sure until I get it. The display had two plates, one on each side of the cross bar. Bolts protrude through box floor where there are handwheel type nuts. This will work, I guess. Some of the upper end Thule boxes seem to have a claw that closes around the crossbar as a similar handwheel in the box is tightened.


Lot more options here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=thul...8%3B995%3B1000

Probably just use the ones that come with box until we get home and then make something neater.

ble2716

You are absolutely right.
I have no interest about the cargo box for my GLK but I will read the thread/comments anyway.

Bob338

And I read it only to determine what 'box' was in question, the one on the roof or the interior one sold as an accessory. No interest in roof top carriers of any kind and I use a plastic milk crate as my inside 'box'.

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Was advised by Sears that Thule Evolution 1600 box was available for pickup at local auto centre. Went over there today and they didn't have stock! Apparently computers thought there were 3 boxes in stock, but all they had was three damaged boxes. None at nearby Sears stores, so order cancelled. Found same model at Dicks, so may pick that up.

Don't like the el cheapo clamps on this low end Thule, but hopefully they will get us home. I will probably make something that is stronger and looks better.

kozak79

I have the Sonic, which is in the upper-end. It uses the Claw lock and it works really well. The Sonic Claw lock has an auto tight feature, like a gas tank cap. It skips past the correct torque. It's easy to remove since it opens from either side, just un-tighten the 4 caps and lift it off the roof.

Doesn't look cheap either:

MBKLUE

"cargo box" in your subject line is very general. I own one but have no plans to put it on the roof rack...

Rascally Wabbit

All those readers 'cause some day you just might have to go the route of a cargo box. If you travel with a dog(s) in a GLK, you will need a cargo box! Kozak79, that is a beautiful car you have- Dolomite brown or is the lighting playing tricks with me? Looks like it has the goodies on the outside that I want on our next one, Accessory Pkg. & Lighting Pkg. I have the same wheels now on my 2010 & they really dress it up.

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Sonic looks good. Size is about same as Evolution 1600 I bought. I found one at Dicks SG. It has the early type basic clamps. The cost of the boxes seems to be mainly in the hardware. The plastic shells all look about the same.

I couldn't find any other Thule or Yakima boxes in current location. Walmart on-line would ship to store, but they didn't have what I was looking for. Dealer boxes were too expensive. I would have been happy to pay more for better clamps. I also wanted to SEE the boxes, rather than order from a web site.

When I get back to Canada, I will probably make custom clamps plus reinforce the bottom of the box where the clamp bolts pass through. That seems to be the weak point.

This site provides a good comparison of the Thule clamping systems.
http://lakelandgear.com/car-top-carg...formation.html
The basic clamps I got didn't even make the comparison
http://www.etrailer.com/p-SR04952.html

bop11

I thought "Cargo Box" was that fold up contraption that sits under the floor in the back. But who knows someday I might need to take my mother in-law on an outing, so this info could come in handy. Can you hear someone talking if they are in the cargo box?

rmfnla

No experience isn't the same as no interest.

Reading about new stuff is a big part of a forum's appeal.

We're not all here just to help you, y'know...

O_Ezz

Looks great! How long is your box? I'm looking at buying a used one that's 7ft 6 inches long so on the bigger side and not sure if it'll be too long