Are there other cargo boxes that work with the MINI roof rack that cost less?

 

You can use many of the roof boxes from Thule or Yakima. Costs depend on the size.

I believe they are a little less expensive if they do not have teh Mini name on them, but they are not inexpensive by any means.

 

Thanks how do you know which ones will work. I went to the Yakima site and it does not show any that will fit.

 

THey need to be able to clamp around a Thule Aero Bar or a US manufacturers OEM bar. The only other requirement is that they fit bars that are spaced 29" apart.

My thinking of this is that they would all fit. Thule and Yakima both make their boxes to fit the others bars and all recommend a bar spacing of a minimum of 24" but do not list a maximum but it will be at least 30" for a maximum.

 

Does anyone know if this basket would fit? The price sure is right ($179). Here are some details from rackoutfitters.com:

Product Details The SportRack A21030 Roof Basket is an ideal solution to add extra cargo space on your vehicle's roof top for your next road trip. The strong tubular steel construction with durable granulated powder-coat finish will provide years of dependable use. Use with our without a weather proof cargo bag, custom sized elastic net is available as well as an extension to increase the overall length for even more gear carrying capacity.

Perfect size for wagons, mid-size car minivans, or SUVs
Included mounting hardware fits round, square, and most factory racks.
Custom fairing included.
Length 44.75” - Width 39” - Height 6.25"





Btw, I have searched the Mini dealer sites for the Mini roof basket and I cannot find one; are they still available? Thanks!

 

So, I may have answered my own post. I called the Sportrack 800 number which connects you with Thule customer service and they confirmed the basket will fit the 29 1/2 OEM rack spread. They also said the basket is the same as the Thule MOAB, for what it is worth.

 

For anyone who is interested, we have successfully installed the Sportrack Roof Basket on the OEM roof rails and it worked like a charm. We had to replace the final attachment pieced with 7mm nuts, but, otherwise, no problems. No significant wind noise either (that is, with the sunroof closed). There are more pictures in my gallery.

 

From the pics, it looks like you have a Roof Rack,not Roof Rails, but I may be wrong.

 

ok I have a Thule Cross bar set up on my 09 Clubman S with factory rails using the Thule 1054 rail clamp and 50" crossbars so you shouln't have any mounting issues except one. this set up lets you open the sunroof in the angle position only not in the retracted position [not enough innner clearance with the 1054]

 

I have the widest Yakima roof box: Yakima SkyBox 21. It fits fine, I've also had the Thule Atlantis 2100 on the OEM rack as well. I was concerned about the width of the roof box on the narrow roof, but it was no problem


And here is proof the Thule Atlantis 2100 fits

 

Yes, sorry, roof rack...!

 

REI is running a sale on all Thule boxes from now until Labor Day. You can save $100-$150 or so on a box.

No pictures of a Thule, but here's a Yakima Skybox 16 on our Clubman:


-Jim