The catch
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
By that same Yakima method, it calls for five inches more hatch clearance.
Side by side
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL vs Yakima SkyBox NX XL compared: Both sizes can be ruled out by long skis combined with short hatch clearance
Quick verdict
NX XXL is for skis above 195 cm and up to 215 cm, or for bulky gear that needs its 22 cu ft volume. NX XL is for vehicles where its shorter hatch requirement and lower weight work better. Combine a short hatch measurement with 205 cm skis and both may be ruled out, so check those constraints together.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Choosing XXL is justified by a 205 cm ski
NX XL’s published limit is 10 cm short of a 205 cm ski, and NX XXL’s limit gives 10 cm to spare. For that load the step up is worth making. With 180 cm skis, the thing to weigh is whether the extra four cubic feet justifies the larger shell and its installation demands.
Where this comes from
205 - 195 = 10 cm. The larger rating gives 215 - 205 = 10 cm of margin. Even with published ski limits, bags and bindings still need to be checked.
The catch
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
205 cm skis are outside its published limit.
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Why pick it
- Your 205 cm skis have to go inside.
- Your hatch measurement is over 55 inches, and your light, bulky gear needs 22 cu ft.
- The catch
- By that same Yakima method, it calls for five inches more hatch clearance.
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Why pick it
- Your Yakima hatch measurement lies between 50 and 55 inches, and your skis fit within 195 cm.
- More cargo allowance under the same total roof limit is what you want to keep.
- The catch
- 205 cm skis are outside its published limit.
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What this page compares
See whether the larger SkyBox handles long skis or bulky gear while keeping hatch access and staying under the roof weight you have left.
NX XXL is for skis above 195 cm and up to 215 cm, or for bulky gear that needs its 22 cu ft volume. NX XL is for vehicles where its shorter hatch requirement and lower weight work better. Combine a short hatch measurement with 205 cm skis and both may be ruled out, so check those constraints together.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Carry 205 cm skis on a rack that complies
XL stops at 195 cm, and XXL allows 215 cm.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Not suitable
A 52-inch hatch measurement by Yakima’s method
XL needs 50 inches and XXL needs 55 inches.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Better fit
Having both 205 cm skis and that 52-inch hatch measurement
The hatch check rules out one, and the ski-length check rules out the other.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Not suitable
90 lb of luggage with the example 165 lb roof limit and a 20 lb rack
The cargo allowances work out to 84.5 and 92 lb, unless a real limit is lower.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Choosing XXL is justified by a 205 cm ski
NX XL’s published limit is 10 cm short of a 205 cm ski, and NX XXL’s limit gives 10 cm to spare. For that load the step up is worth making. With 180 cm skis, the thing to weigh is whether the extra four cubic feet justifies the larger shell and its installation demands.
How we worked this out
205 - 195 = 10 cm. The larger rating gives 215 - 205 = 10 cm of margin. Even with published ski limits, bags and bindings still need to be checked.
The bigger box may be ruled out by a 52-inch hatch measurement
Measured at 52 inches with Yakima’s open-hatch method, NX XL clears its 50-inch minimum and NX XXL falls short of 55 inches. Add 205 cm skis to the same trip, and neither model handles both constraints on that unchanged rack. You’d need another approved way to carry things.
How we worked this out
52 - 50 = 2 inches over NX XL’s threshold. XXL would need 55 - 52 = 3 more inches. On a separate point, a 205 cm ski is past NX XL’s 195 cm limit.
90 lb of luggage can undo the case for more volume
Take a 165 lb total roof limit and a 20 lb rack. NX XL then leaves 92 lb for luggage and XXL leaves 84.5 lb. A 90 lb load fits within the smaller box’s illustrative weight budget and goes over the larger box’s. Pick XXL for extra light volume. It doesn’t license carrying more weight.
How we worked this out
165 - 20 - 53 = 92 lb. For XXL, 165 - 20 - 60.5 = 84.5 lb. A 90 lb load goes 5.5 lb over that example allowance.
Option A
Yakima, 8007371
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
This 22 cu ft box opens on both sides and takes skis up to 215 cm. Check its 60.5 lb shell and longer hatch-clearance requirement before you pack.
- Best for
- Your 205 cm skis have to go inside.
Facts we checked
- Volume for cargo: 22 cu ft
- Longest ski length: 215 cm
- Weight of the empty box: 60.5 lb
- Yakima's minimum for the hatch: 55 in to the open hatch
Option B
Yakima, SkyBox NX 18 XL
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
You can fit gear up to 195 centimeters long in its 18 cubic feet.
- Best for
- Your Yakima hatch measurement lies between 50 and 55 inches, and your skis fit within 195 cm.
Facts we checked
- Volume for cargo: 18 cu ft
- Longest ski length: 195 cm
- Weight of the empty box: 53 lb in the fit chart
- Yakima's minimum for the hatch: 50 in to the open hatch
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Yakima SkyBox NX XXL | Yakima SkyBox NX XL | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 22 cu ft | 18 cu ft | Bulky family gear gets more space in XXL. |
| Maximum ski length | 215 cm | 195 cm | The larger model suits a longer ski load. |
| Empty box weight | 60.5 lb | 53 lb in the fit chart | Roof allowance drops by another 7.5 lb with the larger shell. |
| Yakima hatch minimum | 55 in to the open hatch | 50 in to the open hatch | Same brand, same measurement, so the clearance figures compare directly. |
| External length | 90.5 in | 84 in | Storage and roof length take more planning with XXL. |
| External body height | 19 in | 16.5 in | Whichever model you choose, check the installed height against the garage. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Because the shell is heavier, less cargo allowance is left.
With Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- For very bulky light gear, 18 cu ft is the smaller volume.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
My hatch measurement clears 55 inches and my skis are 205 cm
Go with Yakima SkyBox NX XXL. The ski-length requirement is met by XXL.
My hatch measurement is 52 inches, and my skis are within 195 cm
Go with Yakima SkyBox NX XL. XL satisfies the stated 50-inch minimum and skips the clearance demand XXL makes.
I have 205 cm skis, and my 52-inch hatch measurement can’t be changed
Neither model fits. Both constraints can’t be met at once by either model.
Decision guide
How to decide
Know what the extra size is meant to fix
XXL justifies itself when the current ski length or 18 cu ft volume falls short. Being larger does not make it the safer family choice. Measure the awkward items first, then confirm that their weight and shape make sense for roof storage.
Run the hatch and ski checks together
A model can meet the spec a shopper cares about most and still fail on the vehicle. Put the hatch measurement and your longest ski on one checklist. If 205 cm skis need XXL but the hatch only allows XL, swapping the box will not fix the trip, so look at other approved ways to carry them.
Plan for removal and garage entry
A helper is needed to install or remove either box. XXL is heavier with a longer, taller shell, so make room for storage before you order. For garages, measure the actual installed height, and take the box off before an automatic car wash as the manual directs. Neither outer dimension tells you the clearance for every vehicle.
What this page can’t tell you
- Current documents give NX XL slightly different weights. This page takes 53 lb from the fit chart.
- We have not established an exact bag count or any wind-noise difference.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the roof cargo boxes we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima SkyBox NX XXL |
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| Yakima SkyBox NX XL |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
Your 205 cm skis have to go inside.
See price & reviews on AmazonYakima SkyBox NX XL
Your Yakima hatch measurement lies between 50 and 55 inches, and your skis fit within 195 cm.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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