And since you have a new car it's the perfect time to make that investment! That said, my very tall husband with long arms installs and takes down the box so that part is easy for me, but I have installed it a few times with my daughters and it's really easy to install. So while there was a substantial investment, if I look at the cost per season, it's pretty durn reasonable. This will be the 5th season using it and I leave it on all winter. Fits up to 3-4 pair of skis and 2 snowboards. I think that ski racks expose your equipment to the elements which is not always great especially on a road like I-70.I sucked it up and bought a Thule box in 2006 for about $500.

Pinto, that doesn't sound like a good story. So, Divas, what are your thoughts? Cautions? I prefer the idea of buying Yakima since it's a US company but if the Thule would really be the best one I'd go with it. I'm leaning toward the SkyBox 12 or the Fat Cat 6. So, I'm considering the Thule Ascent 1100, Yakima RocketBox 11, Yakima SkyBox 12, and Yakima Fat Cat 6 (ski rack). So, cost is a factor and I would have to go with a lower end cargo box, I just cannot afford the more expensive ones. Also, I don't see this being the only time this season I'll be packing in the people so it really does make sense to do something for carrying gear on top. It looks as though in a week and a half that's going to bump to 4 and maybe 5 heading up the hill with me (YAY!!!) with 2-3 pairs of skis and 2 snowboards. The Rogue has blessed me with significantly more room and flexibility but I've only needed to take a total of 3 adults to the mountains for skiing thus far and I've been able to fold down one seat and just throw the skis inside. I had a ski rack on the car thank goodness but it still meant my back seat passengers had stuff piled on top of them for the duration. It was an amazing feat of packing and patience to get through the drive to the mountains. Partially because of a particular family trip to the mountains that due to a surprise guest but 4 adults, 2 snowboards, 1 pair of skis 3 pairs of boots and clothes for all 5 in my little Subaru Impreza Sedan. So, last year I bought a new Nissan Rogue.

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