Do you ever struggle to get all your items to fit in your car trunk when fishing, camping, or other road trips? If so, you need to get a cargo box that is easy to install, supports your fuel economy, looks stylish, and is durable. In this article, we give you a detailed Yakima Skybox 18 Review so you can buy it with confidence for your next trip.
What is the Yakima Skybox Pro 18?
YAKIMA SkyBox Pro 18 Rooftop Cargo Box
- Rooftop cargo box with 18 cubic feet of total storage space
- Quick-installation hardware fits round, square, and most factory...
- Aerodynamic shape minimizes drag; extra-stiff lid is easy to open
- Improved security latch protects your gear; automotive pro-series...
- Equipped with SKS locks; measures 92 x 16 x 36 inches (W x H x D)
The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 is a sturdy and glossy cargo box that you can install on your car's roof and transport all your accessories in it, including skis and other space-consuming accessories. Yakima is a leading manufacturer of car racks and other cargo accessories.
If you have been surfing the internet looking for the best cargo boxes to mount on your car's roof, this Yakima Skybox 18 is the best one you can get. It offers a lot of storage space (18 cubic feet), so you can fit various accessories and save sitting space inside the car.
Additionally, its aerodynamic design makes it your best bet as it will eliminate drag when driving, an issue you would otherwise have to deal with if you stuffed everything in the trunk. Before we go any further, here are a few general points you need to know before reading into this Yakima Skybox 18 review.
Pros
Cons
Why is The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 Your Best Buy?
As you are reading this Yakima Skybox 18 review, you must be wondering what makes it so special. Why is it your ideal roof box? When can you use it? Is it worth the hefty price? Well, this review aims to answer all these questions and more.
a) Easy installation
If you had installed an older cargo box model, you remember how backbreaking the task was. In some cases, you would need to set aside hours to install it using many different tools to guarantee a secure fit.
In designing and manufacturing this Yakima Skybox Pro 18 box, Yakima eliminated this worry. The box is easy to install and, in most scenarios, should take you less than five minutes even if you install it alone.
However, note that it is a 52-pound piece of equipment, so you might need someone to help mount it on top of the vehicle. Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free installation.
- Carefully place the cargo box on top of your vehicle.
- The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 box comes with mounting hardware on the floor; make sure you adjust these to fit the size of your roof rack. It works with square racks, round racks, or other factory crossbar racks. Alternatively, if your car does not have roof racks installed, you can purchase any from Yakima.
- Once the box fits into the roof rack, release the mounting hardware clamps.
- Adjust the pressure and contact between the box and the roof rack.
- When you feel the fit is secure enough for your cargo, pull down the levers on the box's surface to lock down the fit.
- Load your skis or fishing rods, or other accessories you need to bring to your trip. If you have small skis or other accessories, you will need to secure them in place with a cargo net, so they don't make noise as you drive.
- Close the box door and ensure all three locks engage. Once they engage, you will be able to remove the key after the handle flips.
b) Design
The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 is a sleek and strong cargo box constructed with high-quality ABS plastic. Therefore, the box is lighter than it looks, allowing you to put as many travel accessories as you need without experiencing drag when you start moving.
The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 also comes in two color options; black and grey. Both colors are UV-resistant and scuff-resistant to guarantee a long lifespan even if you travel a lot.
This Skybox also comes in an aerodynamic design for low drag, stability, and weight support. The shape of the box won't interfere with your car's speed as you drive on any terrain. Also, when you find the best mount possible, you will be able to open the hatchback without touching the box.
The door of the Yakima Skybox pro 18 offers dual-sided opening so you can remove your cargo from either side. This is made possible by the box's width, which spans three feet across the roof of your car. This design helps you save time and observe road safety if you would need to access your gear along the way.
Despite the Yakima Skybox Pro 18 coming with such a big capacity and size, it makes for the quietest driving experience even when full of skis or cargo. The reason for this is the construction that uses the Endo-Skel lid technology and spring-loaded wishbone hinges.
This Endo-Skel lid technology includes some reinforcement braces to the lid of the box, which mitigates flexing. Thus, the box benefits from extra sturdiness and stiffness once you close it. In addition, the spring-loaded wishbone hinges help the box lock in a secure fit even when it is wet.
c) Security
When you are transporting your gear in a box mounted atop your moving vehicle, you worry about the box flying off, the door going off, or your items breaking inside the box. The Yakima Skybox 18 guarantees safety for, you, your cargo, and the car as you drive.
Firstly, the Skybox comes with a key that you can only remove when three locks engage. This way, you will never lock your keys inside by mistake, and you will also not lock the box without the keys. With this locking system, you are guaranteed the door will stay closed all through your journey.
Secondly, the mounting hardware is compatible with most roof racks, ensuring you get the best contact and pressure between the Skybox and the rack. There will be no chance of the box unmounting unless you undo the box installation process.
If you worry about the smaller cargo in the box breaking if you drive on uneven terrain, you'll be glad to know you can secure them in place using a cargo net. This way, if your skis are smaller than the Yakima Skybox Pro 18, you will not worry that they could be tossing and turning in the box as you drive.
d) Yakima's social responsibility
With the concerns about the planet's carbon levels negatively affecting millions of lives daily, Yakima is one of the companies seeking to reduce their carbon offset by using recycled materials in manufacturing.
The Skybox cargo boxes are all made with recycled ABS plastic under their Planet Playback program. So, if you want to save millions of living organisms daily, this is the company to purchase your travel boxes from.
e) Warranty
Warranty is something you want to get for any product you buy. As mentioned earlier, this Yakima Skybox Pro 18 comes with a hefty price, so you will need support if the box develops a problem after you buy. Luckily, Yakima offers a lifetime warranty for this box so that you can purchase it with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Yakima Skybox Pro 18
a) What is the Skybox pro 18 made of?
All Yakima cargo boxes, including the original Skybox and the Carbonite box, are made with recycled ABS plastic. This material is lightweight so that it won't weigh down your vehicle, but also very durable for the longest lifespan.
In addition to the ABS plastic, the Yakima Skybox Pro 18 sports a high gloss finish that is UV resistant and scratch-resistant for a longer lifespan. It is available in two color options; onyx (black) and Titanium (grey).
b) Will the Skybox Pro 18 fit on my roof rack?
Yes, the Yakima Skybox Pro 18 will fit on your rack. The mounting hardware is designed to compliment different crossbar shapes, including round car racks.
c) How do I buy the right one for my car?
When buying a Skybox for your car, you will have to consider the crossbar spread, weight capacity, and hatch clearance, among other factors. Luckily, Yakima offers an Add Your Vehicle option for all their Skybox models, and you can search for your particular car model.
Alternatively, you can visit the nearest Yakima local supplier for expert advice.
d) How do I know I'm not overloading my Skybox?
The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 is huge, and you might be tempted to overload it when planning your trip. However, it is good to know what weight is safe for your vehicle when in motion. Thus, visit Yakima's Find My Fit guide to understand how much weight your car model can withstand.
e) Will my Skybox contact my rear hatch?
To understand if your Skybox will affect closing your hatchback, it is best to read the company's to understand the best measurements for your car model.
Alternatively, if you are yet to buy your Skybox, you can first measure the distance from the front and center of your crossbar to the edge of your open hatch to understand how much clearance you have.
f) Where can I bring the Yakima Skybox Pro 18 roof box?
There isn't a place you can't bring this important storage box with you. As it fits safely on your vehicle's racks, you can carry all the extra accessories you need for;
- Skiing
- Camping
- Fishing
- Road trips
- Golfing and other sports
However, depending on the vehicle you drive, you might struggle to park in a garage with the Yakima Skybox 18 mounted.
g) Is the Yakima Skybox pro 18 cargo box worth the price?
The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 comes at a hefty price, but the features justify the price. The cargo box is designed to make your storage easier and driving safer and faster. It offers 18 cubic feet of external storage and is designed aerodynamically, so it doesn't weigh down your vehicle when driving on any terrain, including the highway.
When you also need to spend a good amount of money on a roof box, you will also look at the design and how it will complement your vehicle on the road. The Yakima Skybox Pro 18 is sleek and comes in two color options; the Onyx or black and Titanium grey.
h) How many skis can I carry with my Skybox Pro 18?
You can carry up to eight pairs of skis in your Skybox. However, please note that you would need to carry fewer skis if you were also to carry other items such as snowboards.
Additionally, the weight you can carry also depends on the car you are driving. While the maximum weight capacity of the Skybox Pro 18 is 165 pounds, smaller car models would need to carry lesser weight.
i) How do I store my Yakima Skybox Pro 18 when not traveling?
There are two ways you can store your Skybox when you are not using it;
- On the floor ( in a cool, dry place)
- Mounted on the wall
If you store it on the floor, you can find a rug or carpet to protect the mounting hardware from resting directly on the floor. Alternatively, you can also get a wall-mounting kit and hang it on the wall securely.
According to the manufacturer, you will need to avoid laying it on the sides or one end as this could encourage faster deterioration of the ABS plastic. Additionally, storing it under direct sunlight or in places with very high temperatures will lessen the unit's lifespan.
j) Are the roof boxes waterproof?
While the Skybox pro 18 is weather-proof, it is not waterproof. Thus, you will need to cover the box or use a dry bag for delicate items if it rains while you are on the road. Also, it would help if you did not leave it outside during wet seasons as this will damage the ABS material.