Skeptical, I went to check it out - and indeed, it turned out this model has significantly increased the rear clearance to accommodate cars like the outback - awesome!! Now I'm a very happy owner of a Rocketbox Pro 11. Then (thanks to this website) I realized there is a new model - the Pro 11 - and one of the other local REIs had it in stock (although it wasn't assembled). Frustrated, I considered drilling further holes/modifying the box to move it the extra 3-4" I needed. Then I went and looked at the Yakima rocketbox 11 which had the exact same problem. I originally bought the thule model as it's a not as tall and looks a bit slimmer, but the rear hatch wouldn't clear/fully open even with my cross bars (yakima) moved all the way forward. I wanted a small box to supplement carrying capacity on a subaru outback (2006), and it had to be long to fit my 190cm skis in the winter. Although the box length is more than adequate (exterior dimensions) the interior available length is very close and it is very tough to pack these long skis into the box, along with the several other pairs we usually have for a trip. One problem I have run into in packing the carrier for a routine xc ski trip in CO, is that the longest pair of skis I have (my classic fischer skis) need a length of min of 81 inches. Also easy locking and access from either side (mounting either on driver's or passenger's side of vehicle. Improvements over the first gen are numerous: 1) quick installation and de-install from your horizontal bars, 2) easy adjustment for distance between your two horizontal bars, 3) because of #'s 1 & 2, much improved and quick movement and adjustment of the cargo box between multiple vehicles. It would have probably lasted much longer had I not left it on top of my car through several hot summers. I had a first generation rocket box which lasted almost 20 years. This is a wonderful carrier for ski enthusiasts (for example). You get what you pay for, take good care of it and it should last a while. Overall, I'd recommend buying one if you're looking for an entry level box and don't want to break the bank. It also adjusts without any tools so swapping to another car's roof rack was easy too. I've had sets of boards and skis and poles for 4 people fit fine, and it can be installed and removed pretty easily. That being said, I'm careful to open it with both hands, not throw boards/skis in aggressively, and it can open from either side so if one side was giving me trouble, I try the other. It's not a super sturdy construction, and has its flaws with the lock-unlock button being difficult to push in sometimes, as well as the clamping mechanism at each end seems a bit flimsy. I've owned the Rocketbox pro 11 since fall of 2016, and it's served me well, doing exactly what I was looking for it to - get skis and boards out of my car (subaru impreza) in the winter while still being protected, and extra storage for road trips in the summer. However, I will take a very serious look before assuming the functional Yakima engineering of yesterday continues tomorrow. I will work with Yakima to make this box function because I like Yakima and their support and products have been great in the past. etc., but for the price of this box (albeit reasonable in this market) I don't think the end user should have to deal with modifications or problems like this.
#Rocketbox pro 11 how to#
It is true, there are support articles on how to remedy the locking mechanism problems by opening up the mechanism with a torx wrench, etc.
We extricated the ski gear but this was a silly, time consuming situation. When one side totally failed to open on our last day ski tour, we struggled over the roof from the other side of the 4Runner to get the remaining side to work. The mechanism on both sides feel like they're filled with cold molasses even on warm days. I have now bent two keys attempting to get skis out of the box. The single key mechanism to lock/unlock three latches at a time problematic. I struggle to get a couple of ski bags inside (~190-205cm skis) with some ski boots/clothing. The hinges, designed to open in either direction, end up bulky, somewhat flimsy (although they haven't broken) and seemingly get in the way of what used to be very usable space. This convenience and security all in one package comes at a cost. I appreciate the concept of being able to open the box from either side, and the three latches to secure the lid (each side). I'm looking out my window at two older Rocket boxes on cars we own, and they've been going strong for dozens of years. My family has used Yakima products since the 1980's. Sometimes making devices more flexible in their use to broaden appeal only adds to their complexity and reduces the original intent I'm afraid the RocketBox Pro 11 now fits into this category.
0 kommentar(er)
