Making a cross country drive early next year and am planning on getting a roof rack and cargo box. What's the longest box anyone has used. I know that I won't want it sticking out to far in the front due to the possibility of aerodynamics making the car unstable. What has anyone used and what are your experiences. Thanks.

 

i have the oem rack and use a Yakima 16cu ft box. Its about the same size as the roof.

 

For what it is worth, I've carried my 16 foot sea kayak on my factory rack with not problems.

You should be able to use just about any available box just fine.

 

have the OEM rack and box, drove from LA to top of Pikes Peak and back. No issues, except I noticed a decrease in highway fuel efficiency (likely due to added drag). I even sorta like the way the mini looks with the box on!

 

I was shocked at the drop in fuel efficiency when I carried two bikes on the rack for a weekend trip.

If you have back seat passengers, then you definitely need that box, but if it is just you or you and one other person, you would be amazed at how much you can pack inside a MINI with the rear seats folded down.

I guess I am just saying that you should consider how much stuff you really need to bring along and decide if you really need the additional space.

 

Thanks for the info. Can someone who has the oem roof rack take some measurements for me? I'm curious as to how wide a box I can get and still have room for a single bike rack next to it. It would help to know how wide the usable parts of the crossbars are.

I would put as much in the car as possible, but I have a cat that has to travel with me for 3 days and I don't want him wedged into a corner or on my lap the entire time. Thanks for all of the info.

 

I just ordered the OEM rack, and was looking at the THULE Atlantis 1600. What do ya all think? Going to AMVIV and have my wife and two kids so I "NEED" more space for stuff!

 

I made the trip about a week and a half ago and my 1200 did well. Just to give you an idea of what it will hold:

- golf clubs
- 1 case of beer in long neck bottles (long story)
- ski helmet
- us military style duffle bag full of clothes
- 36 x 2.5 inch tube with posters in it
- 10 x 6 x 3 inch box full of juice boxes (also a long story)
- range bag with pistol (against the law to have it in the car whether it's
loaded or not
- empty gym bag

All of that weighed in at exactly the box's maximum capacity of 110 pounds. I think the 1600 is wider than mine, but it may have the same capacity limit for weight. All that plus my bike came in just a few pounds shy of the rack's 165 pound limit.

I averaged 70mph according to the computer and got 27.5 mpg. Not bad I guess.

 

Nice!

 

rmt27,

You used the factory rack, and THULE Atlantis 1200....correct? Seems a bit long, but sounds like it worked great! I'm in Portugal and trying to find a good combination to order, but since I don't have my car yet, its a bit tough.

Thanks

 

How long did the box stick over the front of the car? Did the rear hatch hit the box?

Thanks

 

Hope these pics help,

Dave

 

Great pics, thanks!

 

Does anyone have pictures of the OEM Rack install on the Clubman? I would like to see how it mounts before I get it. Also, I have read about modification to the rain sill rubber or something to that effect. How easy is it to install or take off. I would prefer not to have it on the car when I am not using it.

Thanks
Joe

 

First Generation '06 with 88.5" Thule Frontier. Rear fin will hit the box when open, so I stuck a piece of foam on the box at the contact point. Don't notice any unusual handling issues, except being more top heavy.

Just watch the load capacity on the 2nd gen cars as the mount does not seem as robust. Pretty sure the 1st gen car racks are rated to 165lbs.

 

Here you go....





VERY easy to install. The instructions are very clear. Piece of cake to take on and off.

Donna

 

Sorry I don't have pictures but the Yakima Space Cadet fits nicely on the roof with the factory rack, seems almost made for it. However, you will have no extra room on the rack for anything else.

 

I am sorry. I should have been more specific. I want to see close up detail shots of point of attachment to the car, ie how it attaches.

Thanks

 

JoeJoe01-- if you do a search, there's a thread on how to install the roof rack that has pictures that might be what you're looking for.

 

Don't know if this is relevant but I'm going to make myself a roof basket for my Mini sometime this month hopefully. Has anyone seen a r56 with a basket yet? Ideas?

 

Hey Donna/Mike
Nice Clubby! Cant wait to get mine. On that note, do you have any pics with it on and off? I was wondering what it looked like.

Also, others have commented on the tail on the 07 MCS interfering with the tire-on bike racks on some brands. What do you use? Are you able to mount a bike w/ tires with no problem on the extra length of the Clubby? The spoiler is a very different shape as well. Would love your input...(& pics)

I have been debating the OEM rack vs the MINI FINI Sport Link II for our 07 MCS and the future Clubby. Thus far, I am leaning towards the rack. The idea of hauling around the extra weight of the Sport Link is not so appealing and the rack seems more versatile for the storage boxes.

 

In our Gallery here on NAM, there are some pictures you can look at with the rack off.

We don't have any pictures with the bike rails on or with the bikes on...sorry...but we've had no issues getting the bikes up there. No need to take the tires off. Some people like the OEM rack and others don't, so it's a personal choice you'll need to make..

Donna

 

PS - In the "Clubman" album in the Gallery....

Donna