Show Me Your Box - the Roof Mounted Cargo Box Thread

[makisupa]

Image1634573751.745361.jpg that new new


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[JG 996T]

nice makisupa - what are wheels specs?

[makisupa]

nice makisupa - what are wheels specs?

RS5 hyper silver rotors, 20 x 9 et26. Could use some spacers.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[HOJeepster]

RS5 hyper silver rotors, 20 x 9 et26. Could use some spacers.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

Looks super sick. Is your ride really V8 swapped? Build link?

[makisupa]

Looks super sick. Is your ride really V8 swapped? Build link?

Wouldn’t lie about something like that lol

Image1634773672.025398.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[HOJeepster]

That's amazing, got a build link?

[Charles.waite]

Couple of questions since this thread is relevant to me at the moment and I'm hoping someone here might have some insight.

Question 1: I've got a set of Whispbar Flush bars (the ones that clamp to the inside of the roof rails) on my b7 and need some help. I've got an old Yakima ButtonDown Aero ski rack (https://yakima.com/products/buttondown-aero). The factory oval clamps sorta work but the bottom of the clamp could hit the roof with enough weight on top. I'd love to utilize the Whispbar's T-Slots but I've not found a truly plug and play kit. I ordered a set of the Thule Xadapt 12 but the included bolts are too short, only 7/8"/22mm. I found some spare parts bolts at Thule that are 35mm T-slot bolts and I ordered 4, and was planning on just taking a hacksaw to the factory clamp mounts to keep the spacer function that they perform. Has anyone tried this kit though: https://yakima.com/products/smart-slot-kit-2. It looks ideal but they don't list bolt length specs and I worry they'll be too short. Not to mention its backordered/out-of-stock everywhere. I know it says for FatCat only, and those appear to mount lower to the bars so I suspect its too short.

And question number 2 (thanks for sticking with me this far). I ALSO have a Yakima Skybox 16 Carbonite that has the nifty toolless clamp mounts, however it, also, is too thick to mount to my avant. It works fine on our Q7 which is what its intended for but its a no go for the avant. Does anyone have experience converting it to use U-bolts or something to give more clearance for the Whispbars on a b7?

Thanks all. And yea, I know I could just get a new rack, but whats the fun in that?

[dropshadow]

Couple of questions since this thread is relevant to me at the moment and I'm hoping someone here might have some insight.

Question 1: I've got a set of Whispbar Flush bars (the ones that clamp to the inside of the roof rails) on my b7 and need some help. I've got an old Yakima ButtonDown Aero ski rack (https://yakima.com/products/buttondown-aero). The factory oval clamps sorta work but the bottom of the clamp could hit the roof with enough weight on top. I'd love to utilize the Whispbar's T-Slots but I've not found a truly plug and play kit. I ordered a set of the Thule Xadapt 12 but the included bolts are too short, only 7/8"/22mm. I found some spare parts bolts at Thule that are 35mm T-slot bolts and I ordered 4, and was planning on just taking a hacksaw to the factory clamp mounts to keep the spacer function that they perform. Has anyone tried this kit though: https://yakima.com/products/smart-slot-kit-2. It looks ideal but they don't list bolt length specs and I worry they'll be too short. Not to mention its backordered/out-of-stock everywhere. I know it says for FatCat only, and those appear to mount lower to the bars so I suspect its too short.

And question number 2 (thanks for sticking with me this far). I ALSO have a Yakima Skybox 16 Carbonite that has the nifty toolless clamp mounts, however it, also, is too thick to mount to my avant. It works fine on our Q7 which is what its intended for but its a no go for the avant. Does anyone have experience converting it to use U-bolts or something to give more clearance for the Whispbars on a b7?

Thanks all. And yea, I know I could just get a new rack, but whats the fun in that?

I'm not sure if this will help, but I ordered a set of the Thule T-track adapters to use with my roof box instead of the clamps. These are longer screws that might work for what you need, and you could cut them down to the length you need if they're too long.

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-T-Track...dp/B08375WQLG/

[Charles.waite]

Thanks for the idea @dropshadow, not sure why I didn't see your reply till just now. I googled those bolts and the Thule manualpage shows they're 30mm, so likely too short. Good news is I just got those 35mm Thule bolts and they should work great. I have to modify/cut the factory Yakima mounts but I'm not too concerned about that. Theres just enough meat on the bolts to get a nut on it through the rack so I think I'm good to go. Just need to find a black oxide or stainless nut at the hardware store and I'm good to go.

As for the roof box mounting, I don't think theres anything off the shelf thats going to work. I'd likely have to create my own mount so I'm probably going to shelve that idea unless theres some pressing need to mount the roofbox to my avant.

[DownhillA4]

I have a Packline t-track 20mm mount setup for roof boxes that would work, I bought from Norway. I can send photos. It worked in my SkiGuard and Thule box.

I have 2 sets and sold my roof boxes so happy to sell you one.

[Charles.waite]

I appreciate the offer Evan, I’m not sure I’m going to bother trying to get the box to mount to my Avant, being realistic, I just don’t see when id ever need it where we wouldn’t be taking the Q7 so it’s probably not worth trying to figure out.

In other news, the bolts I got at apparently fine pitch m6 thread so nuts that fit that are practically unobtanium. And since the only places I could find them were shipping from China I’ll be getting them some time in the next few weeks. And I just went to test fit the factory mounts and while the rears have some clearance, 1/2cm or so, the fronts are literally squeezed in between the roof and the bar. So the ski rack is a no-go until the nuts arrive. Oh well, at least my skis fit in the pass through…

[A4SoftWalker]

Something old and something new.
After my 5000mi Christmas/New Year trip I decided I need a cargo box.
After 2+months of Thule-fever I have assembled my setup:
1) Yakima-Whispbar Railbars. The most flush mounted I could find.
2) Thule Vector Alpine in Titan Grey
3) Thule t-slot mount kit.

I have not yet taken any photos with the t-slot kit installed. They do save A LOT of interior cargo box storage space compared with the click-stop clamps. Also, I am now able to slide open my sunroof 100%; I could do this before installing my t-slot kit but now I can also tilt it open 80%. My front stop-click clamps were resting directly on the sunroof. The rear was okay. My sunroof is not panoramic so it slides into the area between my roof and headliner.




Here is the final position few inches back from position in my 1st photo. Half a thumb-width from the rear hatch glass full open. I really like how the curve of the Vector follows the side-rails. Titan Grey is not a perfect match but its close enough for now.





I will include a photo or two of my box interior with the t-slot kit installed to highlight the increased space available soon.

[shreddykrueger]

I need to do the t-slot with my alpine vector, such a bummer to not be able to use the sun roof

[Charles.waite]

I ended up not being able to use the t-slot bolts I got due mainly to the interior of the rack I have, the channel inside where the nut would go was too small to actually tighten the nut.

I ended up buying these: https://maloneautoracks.com/T-Slot-M...6-117-118.html

I just slid them into the channel, taking some car to line them up, then just stuck some stainless hex bolts in the top of the rack and bolted it down. I’d already sliced off a bit too much of the spacer for the rack so it sits right on the bars so I can’t open the top all the way but it’s plenty to get skis in. The other bummer is that my bindings hit the roof so I have to have them facing up side by side. But, again, it works and it’ll work just fine in my Q7 as the bars have like 2” more clearance. Annoyed I spend so much money trying our various options but whatever, I got it sorted eventually.





Ideally I'd have left an extra 1/4-1/2" for the spacer/mounting blocks (not seen, they're between the rack and the bar inside it...) and my skis would have fit fine upside down. If I get really ambitious I could draw up a really simple spacer block in CAD and get a set 3d Printed I suppose...

[A4SoftWalker]

I need to do the t-slot with my alpine vector, such a bummer to not be able to use the sun roof

If you have the kit and you are thinking about it. It took me less than an hour working in my garage.

1) Remove 4 rail end caps.
2) Remove 4 Power Click clamps
3) Slide in t-slot bolts onto your rails one side at a time. Yakima bars have the t-slot bolts slide on top of the rubber strip. Thule bars have the t-slot bolt slide in the middle as their strip is actually split down the middle. Should be no cutting and measuring needed.
4) Hand tighten the bolts with the built-on grips to snug.
5) Reposition cargo box - this could take a few tries to get it set where you want it front to back and left to right. Mine is off very slightly left to right in the front by about 1/16th of an inch or <2mm. I will correct it next time I'm in the mood. The box is so big it really is not obvious at all unless measuring and comparing both sides
6) HAND-tighten to 2Nm (1.5 - 3 ft-lbs) NO he-man tools OR application of forearm-biceps-deltoid strength or you will strip the bolt. I have triple-checked everything and that tightness coupled with the softness of the metals used keeps everything tight under there. Follow the Thule instructions and re-torque after the first few trips. Mine did not budge. Hand tightening to where it just starts to dig into your fingers is sufficient just a few degrees after the bolt stops turning.
7) Replace your rail end caps.
8) Enjoy the sleek underbelly of your cargo box mounting system.

P.S. Those in the know and are not haters will marvel at the look and give the mental nod of "job well done". Those that dont know will say it doesnt make a difference.

[dropshadow]

P.S. Those in the know and are not haters will marvel at the look and give the mental nod of "job well done". Those that dont know will say it doesnt make a difference.

And as everyone knows, these are the best type of mods.

[Charles.waite]

The conversation with my wife went something like this:

Her: “WTF is wrong with you just use the mounts it came with.”

Me: “Well they hit the roof.”

Her: “Then put something in the roof so it doesn’t scratch it.”

Me: “but that’s not solving the problem….”

Her: “You’re an idiot.”

Me: “I know.”

Haha. She only cared because I was talking about it for weeks and ordering random bolt kits (at least they were all fairly cheap) and cutting the costing mounts. By the time I finally figured it out, ski season was practically over, haha. But I’ll be damned if I was going to let the roof rack win!

I was really close to just buying some 3/4” steel plate and cutting my own T-Slot “nuts”, drilling and tapping threads in them, and essentially replicating the Malone parts I bought but finding the right thickness was tricky and expensive as I’d have to buy a large piece just to cut like 4” off of it.

But I too really dig those “you don’t know unless you know” mods.

[Ethernaut05]

Looking at the Yakima GrandTour 16. 1. Hoping I can fit two deflated Body Glove paddle-boards in it. 2. Our B9 AllRoad is Audi Exclusive Sepang and I'm looking to get it paint (vinyl?) matched. Any help would be appreciated! Running Audi OEM cross bars.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[A4SoftWalker]

Looking at the Yakima GrandTour 16. 1. Hoping I can fit two deflated Body Glove paddle-boards in it. 2. Our B9 AllRoad is Audi Exclusive Sepang and I'm looking to get it paint (vinyl?) matched. Any help would be appreciated! Running Audi OEM cross bars.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the Grand Tour you are looking at is 16 cu-ft. You could always measure your equipment and go look at some cargo boxes to get a general idea. Bring your tape measure along too. Thats what I did.

[Maxiimm]

oem audi roof box
rs4 b8

[A4SoftWalker]

^^^ Looks so good with the color match. GREAT job.

[cleoo]

Hi you said earlier those are Whispbar Flush roof racks and mount against the inside of the factory rail? Do you know the specific model for that? I'd prefer that over the wrap around rubber. Do you have a close-up of that mount? Thanks!

Nevermind, I searched the Yakima website: It's a RAILBAR SINGLE BAR MEDIUM (Dimensions: L 40.14 in x W 4.00 in x H 1.50 in) and a RAILBAR SINGLE BAR SMALL (Dimensions: L 37.75 in x W 4.00 in x H 1.50 in)

https://yakima.com/products/railbar-system

[1RAudiSQ5]

I know it’s not an Avant but wanted to share… freshly color matched IMG_4834.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[ultimo]

I have this Thule Polar 700 that perfectly matches my needs and I can fit all snowboard gear in it, except for its color. Now that Q7 is here I was wondering if should I get one of the Dynamic models or just paint this one...

[JG 996T]

C1C7A03E-E565-457E-9ECA-7D7451D27834.jpgE0EDAE90-25D1-4843-9529-3EC05CC314A7.jpgC1C7A03E-E565-457E-9ECA-7D7451D27834.jpgE0EDAE90-25D1-4843-9529-3EC05CC314A7.jpg

Hi you said earlier those are Whispbar Flush roof racks and mount against the inside of the factory rail? Do you know the specific model for that? I'd prefer that over the wrap around rubber. Do you have a close-up of that mount? Thanks!

Nevermind, I searched the Yakima website: It's a RAILBAR SINGLE BAR MEDIUM (Dimensions: L 40.14 in x W 4.00 in x H 1.50 in) and a RAILBAR SINGLE BAR SMALL (Dimensions: L 37.75 in x W 4.00 in x H 1.50 in)

https://yakima.com/products/railbar-system

thats right

[dropshadow]

I have this Thule Polar 700 that perfectly matches my needs and I can fit all snowboard gear in it, except for its color. Now that Q7 is here I was wondering if should I get one of the Dynamic models or just paint this one...

Why not both?

[JG 996T]

48BCC4D6-252F-473E-A2A8-B38277C836F4.jpg

real pic soon

[Das Ponto]

The old Thule Atlantis twice painted over has finally been upgraded.

Wooded Winter by Ryan Ponto, on Flickr

It was a great match for the allroad... but looked a little funny on the Q7.

20230219180849_AP4A1874 (1) by Ryan Ponto, on Flickr

So here we are! New Vector Alpine!
Thule by Ryan Ponto, on Flickr

[djnuge]

What is the biggest roof box (any brand) I can install on my 2015 Allroad? I have the stock roof rack.

[Ozone510]

What is the biggest roof box (any brand) I can install on my 2015 Allroad? I have the stock roof rack.

I think size isn't a limitation, but as long as you don't exceed your weight rating and your box fits inside the parameters of the rails. Go as big as you'd like lol

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[djnuge]

I think size isn't a limitation, but as long as you don't exceed your weight rating and your box fits inside the parameters of the rails. Go as big as you'd like lol

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

Got it. So what brand and model has anyone installed?

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

[Ozone510]

Got it. So what brand and model has anyone installed?

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

Thule is the OEM when you get an Audi Branded one, works best with out design. I have an Audi/Thule one and it gets the job done, but expensive. Get whatever floats your boat

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[JG 996T]

sg

[shreddykrueger]

[Y9Bavant]

OEM roof bars and Bentley roof box (Thule Dynamic M)

PXL_20230902_144027877.jpg

[funenuf]

Winter mode[IMG][/IMG]

[Ozone510]

Every time someone comes into my car, they point to the box and ask "what is this for?" Are people really this unaware of roof attachments???934347244.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[Chaingang]

Added motion xt alpine…

[Das Ponto]

AP4A4676 by Ryan Ponto, on Flickr

Vector for the win! Actually improved towing mileage vs. our older Atlantis box.

[Chaingang]

The Vector is so bad ass…I considered it, but went with the Alpine motion instead. $2300 was just too much to justify…..i will go be poor somewhere else