I'm new to the group, so apologies if this topic has been beaten up already. I'm looking for a roof cargo box for my '06 H3 and everyone I come across tells me I need to install cross bars. I'm probably going to throw 50lbs worth of stuff up there tops, so I don't need the reinforement of the cross bars. Is there a realitively inexpensive roof cargo basket that can be installed just on the rain gutters / rail channels?

Thanks

 

following pictures posted here a few yrs back by someone I made a quik on/quik off one out of 2x4s for hauling big objects like long wood or 4x8 sheets. it cost about $20.
im thinking of a smaller lighter one using 2x2 or some light metal frame.
it would use 4 carriage bolts like the other one used 6.
it would cross side to side and be about 4-5 feet long, a square to provide a way of tying stuff like you mention.


the carriage bolts slide into the rail and hold with a nut just snugged up.
the bolts are 1/2 inch and come in any length for about a buck each.


a few months back I saw some 2x10s being scrapped out on a job site. I grabbed them on the rack. they were 15 feet long and the 6 of them are worth over a humdred bucks. nice find for other projects in my big garage.


its not pretty but I just stick it on when needed to cut air losses. it takes about 20 minutes each way. very simple. very cheap.

 

Thanks for the reply. That sounds pretty cool. I have been looking at Thule, Cobi etc. I like your idea, but the wife would kill me. Ha.

 

I don't have one of those, if I did she could have a car!

 

My wife sits in the passenger seat ONLY..



THULE or GOBI, inexpensive? I don't think so.. Keep looking:


Top 20 Hummer H3 Cargo Carriers | etrailer.com

 

I have Yakima racks. Not cheap but not real expensive either. You have to get the correct landing pads to fit into the slots on the roof. I can install or remove my bars in less than a minute.

The Yakima basket is fairly quick to install as well.