YAKIMA OFFGRID ROOFTOP CARGO BASKET - Too Large?

Years ago, I purchased this Yakima OffGrid rooftop cargo basket for use on my utility trailer. It was an excellent fit and a total game-changer for how much I could carry on my small trailer. Eventually, I put it on the car to see how I felt about having open cargo on my roof and to see if it is too large for the car. In short, I prefer an enclosed cargo box, but the basket isn't too bad.
My Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/stealthgti
Equipment featured in this video:
Yakima OffGrid Cargo Basket, Medium - amzn.to/3by8hE6
Yakima OffGrid Extension, Medium - amzn.to/3cAOoxK
Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 RS - amzn.to/2nM6Zzh
Yakima Outdoorsman 300 (on trailer) - amzn.to/2yK3nGY
Mods to the car and links to blog write-ups (all links go to my blog, most are shortened):
APR Programming with Downpipe and Intercooler - wp.me/P7YnQB-dP
RSR Clutch w/DMF by HS Tuning - wp.me/p7YnQB-su
Steel Oil Pan - wp.me/p7YnQB-wv
Lots of Electronics - stealthgti.com/electronics/
EcoHitch by TorkLift - wp.me/P7YnQB-hW
Group 48 AGM Battery - wp.me/p7YnQB-1ev
Gun Metal Gray Nogaro Wheels - wp.me/p7YnQB-Dg
Various Accessories - stealthgti.com/accessories/
My Camera Setup:
Samsung Galaxy S9+ for Close-Quarters
Canon 80D Video Creator Kit - amzn.to/36EJDiG
Rode VideoMic - amzn.to/2RyOYnk
Lapel Microphone for Smartphone - amzn.to/3aU5Dt5
ZOMEi 75'' Tripod - amzn.to/3aRYBFl
Neewer Camera LED Video Light - amzn.to/36Dbznc
Studio Lighting - amzn.to/36uEycM
Visit me at StealthGTI.com.
Visit my Facebook page at / stealthgti
Visit my Instagram page at / stealth_gti
DISCLAIMER: StealthGTI is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase a product or service with a link that I provide. There is no additional charge to you!
#stealthgti #yakima #offgrid

[@mikep8182]

You forgot to mention the weight limit inside the cargo basket standard versus extensions

[@StealthGTI]

I guess I did! The literature says that the combination of the rack, basket, and cargo cannot exceed 165 lbs. I guess I forgot to mention the basket weight because, in my case, it does not increase the carrying capacity of my roof rack. Thanks for the catch!

[@user-d-docks]

Nice video. Very informative!

[@StealthGTI]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting.

[@davidgunther1282]

We’ve had a Yakima Skybox for years that we’ve been able to use on my wife’s Subaru Outback. I just got a 2021 Dodge Durango with factory roof rails and even with the Skybox mounted in the full forward position, the top of the lift gate hits the back of the Skybox. When the lift gate is up and you open/close the Skybox, it’s putting big scratches in the paint on top of the lift gate. It’s also so old and used that it no longer stays in the up position when opened so loading things in it have been hard due to needing one hand to hold the lid up. We’ve also had someone attempt, unsuccessfully, to break into the box by prying the back up with a screwdriver or something, even though the box was empty at the time. I’m looking forward to selling the Skybox and moving to a roof rack. Seems like a lot less hassle so long it can mount far enough forward to clear the lift gate.

[@StealthGTI]

That reads like an unfortunate issue with the Durango's design, especially if it worked fine on an Outback. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@bthemedia]

Looks like you’ve been working out! 💪

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! I've only gotten thinner, not more muscular. I should be using my new free time for workouts. But it's tough to get motivated.

[@ajcipriano6989]

That looks awesome. Making me rethink basket over box.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! Just keep in mind that an empty basket is noisier than an empty box. Keeping it full will help to keep it quiet. ;-) Thanks for visiting.

[@devinamari9786]

i know it's kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@benedictsamir8477]

@Devin Amari flixportal :D

[@devinamari9786]

@Benedict Samir thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it!!

[@benedictsamir8477]

@Devin Amari You are welcome :D

[@NoZenith]

I've been considering a rooftop basket over just getting roof rails. The number one thing I want to use it for is hauling a canoe around or rising something up there. Thanks for this

[@StealthGTI]

I'm not sure what the basket will give you for a canoe that the rails won't. You have to have rails anyway. Why not just get the mounts that are designed to hold canoes securely? They're probably cheaper than the basket, too. Just a thought.

[@NoZenith]

@@StealthGTI just cross shopping to have less extra stuff. I wouldn't go far with the canoe, maybe across town for a couple hours Downstream canoe trip with friends. The thoughts of just trying it on top of the basket but you're right. I should just stick with the crossbars and tie it to those not put a basket on top to fiddle with. Some of the baskets I was shopping are in all in one piece that don't have separate crossbars though. I almost pulled the trigger and bought some second-hand like new VW stockcross buyers but I think I really need that couple three extra inches of length like you have. It's a 16 foot poly body aluminum frame canoe and I want the cross bars as far apart as possible though and it's really hard to figure out if the crossbars use the stock location or if they actually position them closer together 🥴

[@bthemedia]

@2:14 like how the Rhino Rack cross bars do not overhang from the mount points... I thought maybe only the silver OEM cross bars from VW would fit like that!

[@StealthGTI]

The Rhino Rack is a good fit.

[@Quinns_Cars]

Great vid! Helpful! Wondering, where is that location at 1:25 mark???

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! That's Nubble Lighthouse, near York Beach, MA.

[@Quinns_Cars]

@@StealthGTI nice!! Very pretty spot. I'm from nova scotia a little ways north from that area and it's very simaler looking to Peggy's cove here which is a big landmark here. Great views as well!

[@schwarzwald-Black-forest]

very nice video and help me to buy the same kind.

[@StealthGTI]

Glad I could help! Thanks for visiting!

[@KenCheng]

One other advantage to the basket is the ability to mount fuel tanks ("Jerry cans") for long road trips in rural areas. Putting them inside a box would stink up everything inside to smell like gas... But that said, I prefer roof boxes over baskets myself

[@StealthGTI]

I hadn't thought of that. I've transported gas in sealed containers inside the car (short distances) and over 4000 miles in a cargo trailer. I didn't have any trouble with fuel odors. But it IS a risk. I don't know if I'd want to transport fuel outside the car AND where it can be seen (theft). A concealed Rotopax might be a good option. Obviously, the concern of theft would be different in remote settings. Thanks for commenting!

[@ejshelby5460]

Nice video! May I ask if you think the four anchors can fit onto a somewhat bowed crossbar? My GX460 crossbar is not flat. Thanks

[@StealthGTI]

It's hard to say. I guess it depends on the amount of bow in your crossbars. You've seen my basket clearance as well as your crossbars. So, I have to defer that opinion to you. Your best move may be to visit a Yakima dealer and try a test fit. Good Luck!

[@ejshelby5460]

@@StealthGTI thanks!! I think it’d be fine because there is no protruding screw pointing down at the roof, it’s a rubber strap

[@jeffreylondongolf3448]

How’s the sound while driving my friend with the basket?

[@StealthGTI]

I describe it in the video. Thanks for visiting.

[@emilianiemira7438]

Fajnie to wygląda 👍

[@StealthGTI]

Thank you.

[@juuuuchu]

I have an OEM VW roof rack for my Scirocco. And the rack itself is very thick (maybe in 60mm diameter). Can the metal strap of off-grid extend and wrap over my bars? I saw it online and it has an adjustable thing for it's tension. But is it flexible enough to wrap my bars? Thankssss

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for visiting, Ju! I don't think there will be any problem fitting this basket to your rack. The crossbars in this video are aero, wider than tall, and probably about 60mm wide (25mm tall?). I also use the basket on my round bar rack on my trailer. There's a lot of adjustability in the mounting straps; so, the basket fits a many different racks. Search for installation instructions. They will likely call out any limitations to where this rack may be used. Take Care!

[@juuuuchu]

@@StealthGTI cuz my bar is around 60mm×60mm. Just wonder if the metal strap is flexible enough to wrap around that bar. Thanks for replying anyway!

[@StealthGTI]

@@juuuuchu - Definitely flexible enough. It's a rubber strap that's internally reinforced with cable strands.

[@javirc7590]

What is the Rhino luggage rack that you carry?

[@StealthGTI]

Mine is a discontinued Vortex 2500 RS. It's been superseded by their ROC25. Functionally, the ROC25 is nearly identical to the 2500 RS. Personally, I like the end covers on the ROC25 better. eTrailer.com has the ROC25 for Mk7 listed for $490 and free shipping. Thanks for visiting!

[@mosurz1296]

What size fits good for crosstrek?

[@StealthGTI]

The Crosstrek is similar in size to my GTI, maybe a hair larger. The Offgrid Medium is 40 inches wide and 44 inches long. This video shows how that fits on my car and includes footage with the 18-inch extension as well. The Large is 49 inches wide. It will fit on the rack, but may hang over the sides a bit. I don't think the overhang is enough to bump heads, but maybe shoulders. Keep in mind that your rooftop load has a limit, possibly around 165 lbs. The large OffGrid is 10 lbs heavier than the medium, which translates to being able to carry 10 lbs less cargo. Good Luck!

[@raikey284]

Would this also work if I’m ON the grid too?

[@StealthGTI]

The Off-Grid blocks the rooftop antennas; so, ON-Grid is not possible! ;-) Thanks for visiting!

[@keilmillerjr9701]

I didn't think about the wind pattern. Getting the largest basket might not be the best idea on a car. Thank you.

[@StealthGTI]

I hope the advice was helpful. Thanks for visiting!

[@keilmillerjr9701]

@@StealthGTI It was. Debating on my head over which basket sucks less, I ended up getting a prisnu platform. The quality on baskets seems to be garbage and has low weight ratings.

[@StealthGTI]

@@keilmillerjr9701 - Yes! Prinsu's the way to go! I'd buy the parts to make a "Prinsu-like" rack for my car if I thought that drilling through the roof was worthwhile on this particular car. If I ever go the Crosstrek route, Prinsu will be at the top of my list!

[@christiansicairos2342]

Thule or Yakima? What’s better?

[@StealthGTI]

I've never owned a Thule product. BUT - I tend to think they're better, perhaps for no good reason other than it being Swedish. HAHA! My next cargo box may be a Thule product. Thanks for visiting!

[@DoubleClutcher]

What trailer was that? Looking for one for my '21 Trailblazer LT.

[@StealthGTI]

It's a 3.5x5 that I purchased from Lowes. But it's nowhere close to how I bought it. See the things I've done at kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXXZoGagrNeNpNE. Thanks for visiting.

[@DoubleClutcher]

@@StealthGTI thank you very much.

[@DoubleClutcher]

Also, very nice VW you got there. New to the channel. :)

[@hahoang-rj3ce]

Character In the video It's great, I like it a lot $$

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for visiting!

[@beyondoasis8356]

Hey man, I just test drove a 17 GTI and the clutch bite point was way too high for my liking. I had to have it almost fully released before it even started to engage. Super stiff until about halfway pressed down then would move the rest super easy too. Is that a normal thing to have such a high bite point? Didn’t feel like any clutch on any car I’ve driven before. Felt like it was completely worn out if I was to go by what I’m used to.

[@StealthGTI]

It's been a LONG time since I drove my clutch stock. I've been upgraded for a while. BUT, I have a recollection that newer VWs have a higher engagement point. Super-stiff? No! There was almost no effort in using the factory clutch. I hope that helps.

[@praenubilus1980]

what is the model of your trailer?

[@StealthGTI]

It is Carry-On Trailer's "3.5x5LSHS," available at Lowe's and other places. See my build at kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXXZoGagrNeNpNE. Thanks for visiting!

[@SergeRustic]

Buy a pickup. Would have been cheaper

[@StealthGTI]

I doubt that. My trailers, rooftop carriers, and choice of car allow me to carry what I need while still having a fun, economical, and well-appointed car at all other times. Thanks for visiting.