I wanted extra storage for my R53. I look for a long time on here to get idea, didnt find many R53 with cargo box. I looked at at all the brands, trying to find the best box and right size. The Yakima Rocketbox 15s was perfect. I looked online trying to find pic couldnt find.

I went and boughtmy Yakima Roof Rack from www.minicarparts.net they had the best price all in a package deal. Than finally got my Rocket Box 15s a week ago, I bought ir from REI.com The price everywhere was $329, but had a sale 20% off. I used it last week, could get all my camping gear in the box, other than my cooler fit in the back. Nothing else had to go in the car (other than the dog)

Hope you like the setup and my R53 (Electra) she been a great Mini

 

Looks like a beetle mating with a turtle!

 

Funny...........Real Funny

 

Does your Yakima rack go on and come off easily? I am deciding between Yakima and Thule roof racks for my MINI. I also was wondering if they gave you a weight carrying limit on your set-up?

 

Also, does it keep the rain out on a long trip on the highway?

Can you leave it on the car when it's empty? Does it make much noise or make the car handle differently? What about cross winds? Do they blow it around more now?

 

We have a Thule soft bag for the roof rack on my wife's R53, which is our 'family' car. We have taken it on vacations with a bike rack on the back (with 2 kids and 2 "adults"). It gets it done, although we have been laughed at on the highway by passing SUVs.

 

Sorry took to long to reply back;

Yes it comes on and off EASY, both the box and the Bars. I leave the bars on all the time. But they are easy to take off.

I look at both yakima and thule... i pick yakima cuz they had the perfect box size for the Mini. (its a Rocketbox 15s) all the others are too long. It holds all the stuff i need to go camping other than the big stuff (coolers)

I have drove with it empty, you can do it but it does make more noise when its empty and you hit bumps, also if you want to lose the gas mileage. (i seen about 3-4 mpg) and of course it will change the handling of the car, but not to bad (just would not have it on the track) LOL Normal driving it does not changes.

Have not driven in the rain, but i have washed my Mini with it on and the water Never got in, and i went to a car wash and used a High Pressure washer.

The weight limit i belive it says 75lbs. Maybe 100lbs.

I would tell everyone that needed extra storage for roadtrips and other thing to get the Yakima Rocketbox 15s.. I used it 3 times already and about to use it for my 14 day roadtrip (thats the reason i bought it)

if you have any more questions let me know.. i will get back to you faster.

 

Here are some more pics for you guys... hope you like.

 

Another Yakima user here:
I use Yakima on my MINI mainly as a bike carrier. I hate driving around with a rack on a car so I install the rack only as needed. The footpack and cross bars go on the car in less than 2 minutes and the bike rack is about another minute. Removing the racks are even faster.

 

Yea i like the way it looks with the bars on, so i leave them on all the time. But only have the box on when i need it. One other thing that Great about Yakima products, they have a Lifetime warrenty on all there stuff. so when u spend $700 you dont have to worry about the products.

 

Looks great, I really like Yakima products. I have used them on the past 4 vehicles I have had, just purchased the different base and kept the bars, fairing, bike and kayak racks.