I couldn't find a single thread when searching roof rack or cargo box, carrier, etc, but I am trying to find out whether or not our stock roof racks will support any type of cargo box. According to the Yakima website (I was planning on purchasing their Pro11 box), it says there is no current application. It appears that it should fit our roof racks when it comes to installing it, but I presume there is either a problem with the weight limit the factory racks hold (box is about 40 lbs alone) or just overall strength of the roof racks in general. Anybody have any insight as to what options may be available? Seems like they would make these roof racks with the idea of putting a cargo box on, not necessarily just a few skiis or a bicycle, but I could be wrong. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

There are a few here that have them. i personally do not have one yet.

http://www.discountramps.com/car-roof-rack.htm

 

I have a Yakima Sky Box Pro. It's a pretty big one, probably an 18. I bought it in 2006. It fits and works great. I remember that when I got it, the box I bought was not listed for the 1st gen durango, only the 2nd gen. I guess that was due to the length of the roof line. Anyway, I went to the store and they let me take a box out to the parking lot and try it out. I basically install it such that if the lift gate is open, the back end of the Sky Box is about one-half to one inch ahead of the the lift gate, at their closest approach. The roof rack cross bars are well spaced. Never had any issues. I wanted this longer sized box to fit skis. Probably Yakima figured that with this longer box, if someone didn't install it far enough back, wind might get caught underneath it, maybe cause rain to intrude, etc. But the way I install it there's been no problems.

 

the roof racks can carry quite a bit on them. i strapped (6) 8' long 3/4" wide sheets of durock, not drywall, to them. probably weighed close to 300lbs, i was installing a wood stove in the front room of my house and i needed a fire barrier. so i wouldnt worry to much about the weight issue. mainly the condition of the rails and bolts holding them into place. if there rusty and the crossbars slip on the rails i would try to locate some new hardware for them or replace them.

 

I think the weakest part on the stock cross-bars are the clamps which can rust and get you in trouble. I bought a Baja Rack Mega Mule, used the stock rubber gasket, removed the plastic roof rails and had 2 custom rails made which bolted right into the factory bolt locations. A little bit costly, but I am not worried about anything coming off or weight limits = you can only load so much that high anyway.

 

Thanks guys! All of you have provided excellent information to help me make an informed decision. Yakima insisted that their boxes would not fit without purchasing their mounting pads and crossbars, as they claim our factory rails do not offer enough support. Of course, they didn't make the necessary parts anymore, but said there are plenty of them available online. I ended getting an awesome deal from REI on a Thule box instead, which mounted very easily in just a few minutes. Although my clamps seem to be in decent condition, I may purchase some new ones in the near future. Thanks again!

 

What model did you go with from Thule? I checked their website, it didn't say anything was compatible.

 

I ended up purchasing the Ascent 1100, which is the long 88.8" model. From my research, apparently Thule does not like to suggest anything for the Durango, largely due to the 100 lb weight limit that exists for our roof, and some speculation regarding the strength of our roof racks. There used to be some "upgradeable" racks available from Dodge, but all the dealerships in my area say those are now discontinued. That being said, Yakima also sold some upgradeable roof racks, but you will have to find them on ebay now, since they also have been discontinued. There are absolutely no issues with mounting any of the Thule racks, as there is plenty of clearance and adjustability available, but you will probably need to be cautious of total weight. I usually carry 3 snowboards and 3 pairs of boots with no issues at all. I did find many, many other people who have also been able to use the Thule racks for quite some time with no issues, but just be sure to inspect your roof racks every now and then, I would say. Hope this helps!