Honda has a long history of manufacturing reliable vehicles. The Honda Pilot is no exception and is one of the most popular SUVs on the market.
If you are lucky enough to own a Honda Pilot, you know that it can handle anything you throw at it.
Many Honda Pilot owners may not realize that their vehicle can accommodate a roof rack and roof box for additional storage space.
After so many hours of searching in this buying guide, I will discuss everything you need to know about Honda Pilot roof racks and boxes!
Honda Pilot Roof Rack:
First and foremost, you need to decide which type of roof rack you would like for your Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot Roof Basket:
A roof basket is a great option if you need extra storage space but do not want to install a roof box.
Roof baskets are made from a variety of materials, so it is essential to choose one that is durable and will withstand the elements.
Most roof baskets come with straps or tie-downs, so it is essential to choose one that has the features you need to secure your items.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect Honda Pilot roof basket for your needs.
Honda Pilot Crossbars:
Crossbars are an essential part of any roof rack system and are required for installation.
Crossbars attach to your vehicle's roof rails and provide a base for attaching other roof rack accessories.
When choosing crossbars, it is essential to choose ones that are the proper size and weight capacity for your Honda Pilot.
You will also want to make sure that the crossbars you choose are easy to install and remove.
Can I put a roof rack on my Honda Pilot?
Most vehicles come with some roof rack system, but if yours didn't or if you need an upgrade, there are many different types and brands to choose from. But before you start shopping, you need to make sure that the roof rack you want will fit your vehicle.
To do that, I'd recommend double-checking by using this Roof Rack Fit Guide.
How much does it cost to install a roof rack on a Honda Pilot?
The average cost for a Honda Pilot roof rack installation is between $130 and $200. Labor costs will likely be your biggest expense, as most mechanics will charge an hourly rate. Materials will also add to the overall cost.
The parts themselves are going to cost you more than the average price. This isn't the dealer cost, but it'll likely be what they charge You. You can find the exact parts discounted online for a reasonable price.
if You're doing the labor or having someone else do it, when You're getting a roof rack installed on the Honda Pilot. The parts themselves are going to be is around $400.
Installing a roof rack is not difficult, but it's best to perform the job correctly so that water may leak through Your car's roof. Depending on how costly your local Honda dealer is, having them do the installation can cost between $300 and $500.
If you decide to do it yourself, I highly advise you to watch this video from the Honda accessories youtube channel.
Do roof racks damage your car?
Roof racks are generally safe for most cars. However, it is essential to ensure that they are installed correctly and not overloaded.
In addition, it is a good idea to check with your car manufacturer to see if they have any specific recommendations about using roof racks. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your car stays in good condition while also taking advantage of the convenience of having a roof rack.
How much weight can the roof of a Honda Pilot hold?
According to the Honda Info Center, The roof of your Honda Pilot is designed to hold a certain amount of weight.
The Standard weight of the Honda Pilot on Special Edition and above models. The Pilot's large, strengthened roof rails add flexibility to the cargo-carrying capacity of these models. In addition, up to 165 pounds can be carried using accessory crossbars.
This makes it easy to transport any necessary items with you on your travels.
Honda Pilot Roof Box:
A roof box is a great option if you need extra storage space for larger items.
Roof boxes come in a variety of sizes and can be used for everything from camping gear to sporting equipment.
When choosing a roof box, make sure to select one that is the proper size for your Honda Pilot and the items you plan on storing in it.
You will also want to make sure that the roof box you choose is easy to install and remove, as you will likely be doing this on your own.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a Honda Pilot roof box.
Size
Roof boxes come in a variety of sizes, so it is essential to choose one that is big enough to hold all the items you want to store but not so big that it is difficult to install or remove. Thule Motion XT XL from Amazon is the best Honda Pilot roof box if you're looking big.
Materials.
Most roof boxes are made from either plastic and Polyester for roof bags.
Plastic is the more durable option, but it can be more challenging to install and remove.
Polyester like RoofPax Car Roof Bag from Amazon is less durable but is usually easier to install and remove using straps without using a roof rack.
Features
Some roof boxes come with additional features such as locks or weatherproofing.
If you plan on storing valuables in your roof box, then a lock is essential.
Weatherproofing can be useful if you plan on using your roof box in inclement weather, but it is not necessary if you will only be using it in fair conditions.
Now you have the big picture of the roof racks and roof boxes; let's take a closer look at some popular roof boxes that I came across in my search today.
Comparison Table Of Some Popular Roof Cargo Boxes
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YAKIMA SkyBox | Lo, 12, 16, 18, 21cu. ft | 110 lbs | Dual Side | 95 x 38 x 14 inches | 4-6 pair skis | 64 Ibs | $649.00 |
Thule Pulse | 11, 14, 16 cu. ft. | 110 Ibs | Dual Side | 67 x 35 x 16 in. | 4-6 pair skis | 36 Ibs | $549.95 |
Thule Motion | 16, 18, 22 cu. ft. | 165 lbs | Dual Side | 84.5 x 36 x 17 in. | 5-7 pair skis | 55 Ibs | $899.95 |
SportRack Vista | 18 cu ft | 100 lbs | Rear Open | 63 x 38 x 19 in. | 5-7 pair siks | 28 lbs. | $399.95 |
JEGS Rooftop | 18 cu. ft | 165 lb | Dual Side | 57 x 38.5 x 17.8 in. | 5-7 pair skis | 28 lbs. | $259.99 |
Thule Sidekick | 8 cu. ft. | 75 lbs | Passenger Side | 54 x 25 x 15.5" | 2-4 pair siks | 19. lbs. | $432.82 |
Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thule Pulse | 11, 14, 16 cu. ft. | 110 Ibs | Dual Side | 67 x 35 x 16 in. | 4-6 pair skis | 36 Ibs | $549.95 |
The Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box is available in three different sizes, Alpine, Medium, and Large. This roof box was designed with rugged and textured ABS plastic. You can rest assured that you'll have a long-lasting roof cargo box with this material. Every Thule Pulse rooftop cargo box has a weight capacity of 110 lbs.
Another cool feature of this roof box is that it utilizes a quick-mount system. This installation system makes installing the Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box incredibly easy. It also features a passenger-side opening. This large opening makes it easy to get your items or take them out of your roof cargo box.
Here are the differences between the three roof boxes:
Thule Pulse - Alpine: This roof box is 11 cubic feet and weighs 30 lbs. It can fit four to nine pairs of skis or two to three snowboards. The Thule Pulse Alpine roof box weighs 30 pounds. It is 88.5 inches long, 25.5 inches wide, and 12.5 inches tall.
Thule Pulse - Medium: The medium version of the Thule Pulse roof box provides 14 cubic feet of space and weighs 34 lbs. This roof cargo box is capable of storing three to four snowboards. It's 67 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 16 inches tall.
Thule Pulse - Large: Lastly, there's the large version of the Thule Pulse roof cargo box. This roof cargo box provides you with 16 cubic feet of cargo space. It can comfortably hold four to six pairs of skis or three to five snowboards. This roof box is a little heavier than the others, weighing 36 pounds. It is 76 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 16.5 inches tall. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JEGS Rooftop | 18 cu. ft | 165 lb | Dual Side | 57 x 38.5 x 17.8 in. | 5-7 pair skis | 28 lbs. | $259.99 |
Another excellent rooftop cargo box for the Honda Pilot is from the JEGS company. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space. It's also waterproof, which means no more wet skis or snowboards while driving through rain or snow. It also includes a four-corner locking system for additional peace of mind.
You can load or unload this roof cargo box from either side of it. This is great when multiple people want to simultaneously access or put away items. Another positive of this roof cargo box is that it requires no additional installation tools. Everything you need to install the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier properly comes in its box. It also comes with two keys, which is a nice bonus feature.
The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier weighs 35 pounds. It is 61.25 inches long, 39 inches wide, and 12 inches tall. It has a 110-pound carrying capacity. This roof box weighs 28 pounds. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thule Sidekick | 8 cu. ft. | 75 lbs | Passenger Side | 54 x 25 x 15.5" | 2-4 pair siks | 19. lbs. | $432.82 |
Not everyone wants the largest possible roof cargo box on top of your car. If this sounds like you, it's time to learn about the Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box. This roof cargo box is best for items like camping gear and golf clubs. However, it's not ideal for longer items like skis or snowboards.
This roof box is also highly durable. With its dual-locking feature, you'll know your items will always remain secure. While smaller than other roof boxes on this list, the Thule Sidekick has an impressive load capacity of 75 pounds.
Another standout feature of this (and other Thule roof boxes) is its U-bolt mounting system. With this system, you can attach your roof box to roof rails in minutes. Each corner of this roof box has pre-bored holes. All you have to do to install it is line your roof box up with two of the holes.
The Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box is extremely lightweight, weighing only 3.7 pounds. It is 54 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 15.5 inches tall. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
SportRack Vista XL Roof Box:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SportRack Vista | 18 cu ft | 100 lbs | Rear Open | 63 x 38 x 19 in. | 5-7 pair siks | 28 lbs. | $399.95 |
Another large roof cargo box that might be for you is one from SportRack. This company isn't as well-known as Thule and Yakima. However, this company recently released the SportRack Vista XL roof box that turns many heads. It is also getting great reviews.
The SportRack Vista XL Roof Box is so popular because it doesn't require any installation tools like many other items on this list. What you need to install this roof box comes shipped with your order. A great feature of this roof box is opening it from the back. Having a rear opening is excellent for people that want to access their cargo away from the view of other people.
With its ABS construction, the SportRack Vista XL is easy to keep clean and won't fade from being out in the sun. This roof box weighs 28 pounds. It is 62.5 inches long, 39 inches wide, and 19 inches tall. The SportRack Vista XL roof box can carry 100 pounds of weight. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thule Motion | 16, 18, 22 cu. ft. | 165 lbs | Dual Side | 84.5 x 36 x 17 in. | 5-7 pair skis | 55 Ibs | $899.95 |
If the other options on this list aren't what you're looking for, consider taking a closer look at the Thule Motion XT. Thule remains one of the top brands in the roof box industry. The Thule Motion roof box is available in two colors: black and titan (a gray color).
When discussing the features of this roof box, there's quite a lot to talk about. First, this roof box is the largest load capacity on this list. The Thule Motion XT has 22 cubic feet of storage space, which should be enough to bring along many items. This roof cargo box has a load capacity of 165 pounds. It can fit five to seven pairs of skis or three to five snowboards.
Another great feature of the Thule Motion XT features a quick-mount system that clicks in place when you secure it properly. Unfortunately, considering the size of this roof cargo box, it is also one of the heaviest items on this list. It weighs 55 pounds. It is 91.5 inches long, 37.5 inches wide, and 18 inches tall. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
The YAKIMA SkyBox Pro cargo box Carrier:
Product | Volume | Capacity | Opening | Dimensions | Skis | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YAKIMA SkyBox | Lo, 12, 16, 18, 21cu. ft | 110 lbs | Dual Side | 95 x 38 x 14 inches | 4-6 pair skis | 64 Pounds | $649.00 |
Yakima is one of the most well-known names in this market, and for a good reason. It offers one of the most adaptable and long-lasting designs, suitable for use all year.
The YAKIMA SkyBox Pro cargo box came within striking distance of beating the Motion XT to first place. This option will easily manage substantial camping gear, such as tents and sleeping bags. It's also very aerodynamic for quiet travel and fuel efficiency.
There is a lot of storage in the bag, especially for compressible and soft items. It also has a flexible design that makes it suitable for most vehicles. You may even store your child's strider bike inside.
The Yakima SkyBox Pro cargo box can keep your snowboards and skis in order during the winter holidays. You may easily transport a 182cm length ski and a snowboard with that much space.
The Yakima SkyBox Pro cargo box is 18 cubic feet, which means you can rest assured that it will meet your storage needs. For example, you may safely transport eight pairs of skis or four snowboards in the Yakima SkyBox Pro cargo box. You can see their current prices by clicking here.
How to Install a Roof Cargo Box on a Honda Pilot
At this point, you should have a decent idea of what roof box you need. With that in mind, it's now time to learn how to install a roof box on your Honda Pilot. While it might seem complicated, it's easier than you might think.
Step 1: The first thing you'll need to do is gather your roof box and any items that came with it. These will be items you need to place on top of your vehicle. Fortunately, most of these items on this list don't require any special installation tools.
Step 2: It's now time to place the amount of your roof box on top of your car. You will need to secure it to your roof rack for this step. If your vehicle doesn't have a roof rack, you can get a pair of roof racks for a Honda Pilot here.
Step 3: You'll want to secure your roof box to your vehicle's roof rack. This should only require manually fastening your roof box. Once the roof box is secure, apply slight pressure to ensure it doesn't do a lot of wobbling.
Conclusion
A Honda Pilot roof rack and roof box are a great way to increase your vehicle's storage capacity.
When choosing a roof rack or roof box, make sure to consider the size, material, and features that you need.
Installing a roof rack is not difficult, but it is best to have it done by a professional.
With a Honda Pilot roof rack and roof box, you can easily transport all the items you need on your next adventure. Thanks for reading!
I hope this Honda Pilot Roof Racks & Roof Box Buying Guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below.
And if this guide was helpful please share it with others who might find it useful as well. Thanks!