Yakima SkyBox NX – iReviewGear.com

Family of 4 and lots to pack? Well, that is my situation and trunk space is at a premium. When we want to go on a trip but need the extra room there was always a problem. We didn’t have any. Those days are history now with the Yakima Skybox NX.

Just the Facts:

SkyBox NX XL

Product Details

• 18 cubic feet of cargo space
• NX nano-texture on both lid and base for a clean sleek look
• Full metal opening handle is easy to use and locks gear inside the box and the box to the vehicle
• Universal mounting hardware fits all Yakima StreamLine™ crossbars and factory or aerodynamic crossbars
• Removable torque limiting knob ensures a safe and secure installation
• Market-leading internal usable space with an unobstructed flattened floor provides more space for your gear
• Optimized hatch clearance for better vehicle fit
• Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle
• SKS Locks included for added security
• Integrated interior tie-down points
• Hauls gear for up to 4 campers; fits snowboards and skis up to 195cm
• Made in the USA

Product Specs

• Weight: 53 lbs.
• Dimensions: L 84 in x W 36 in x H 16.5 in
• Minimum Crossbar Spread 24.00in
• Maximum Crossbar Spread 40.00in
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

My Story:

The SkyBox NX, or the “Mom Pod” as my wife likes to call it. Whatever you want to call it the Yakima SkyBox NX is a god send. We opted for the XL version as it best fit our needs. This thing opens a whole new world of hauling possibilities, and I am here for it! 

We have long wanted to test out a roof pod. The lifestyle of a travel softball family is very conducive to hauling way more gear than one might think. In my coaching days I became a packing master and was able to find every square inch of space to use in the back of our vehicles. Unfortunately, that was still often not enough and items that would have been useful were often left behind out of necessity.

My first testing area was a family trip to Warm Lake, Idaho. I have been wanting to take my kids on an ice fishing trip up there for quite some time. I had planned every detail of the trip, gathered all the gear necessary for fishing, and had the snowmobile loaded. It was not until that moment that I realized that I had absolutely no room for our clothing, bedding, pillows, and other gear. To top it all off, it was raining cats and dogs. I was in a slight panic until my lovely wife reminded me that I had the roof pod. Eureka!

This was a little bit of a pain as I had already installed my Yakima Skyrise HD on the racks, but it was the solution I needed. With some help I was able to make the change over and we soon had storage for our essentials. What I loved during instillation was the included torque key. This allow for easy tightening with a built-in torque regulator so you don’t damage the box by overtightening. Simply turn until you hear the click and you are good to go!

What I love most about this SkyBox NX XL is that it offers 18 cubic ft. of storage. To put that into perspective, a standard trunk on compact to midsize sedans is around 12-16 cubic ft. So, it’s essentially a second trunk. This provided ample room for our 4 bags, pillows, bedding, boots, and some additional random items.

Now, let’s talk about a less than desirable situation. I have a 15 ½ year old daughter and in my home state of Washington that means she gets to have her learner’s permit. So, why wouldn’t my wife want to let our child drive the family car? It is clearly the obvious choice right… I agree, but I also just decided to switch the SkyBox from my truck to the van.

My lovely daughter was driving to her grandmother’s house with my wife and bless her little heart she had no idea about roof clearance… yup… you are thinking correctly. That little carport was just too low for the newly added SkyBox and she drove right into it. Disaster, right? Wrong, after a bit of panic on her end she backed the car up and though the box suffered some minor cosmetic damage it is structurally sound and in fine working order. I must mention this because I am incredibly impressed with the durability of this product as it collapsed nearly 10’’ and survived.

So, we have now used the SkyBox NX for outdoor adventures, driving around town, unfortunate mishaps, and softball adventures. What I can tell you is that if you are in the market for a new roof box this is one that should make the shortlist indeed. I am so very happy with the simplicity of installation and its overall functionality and would recommend this to anyone.   

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