Jeep Grand Cherokee 2021 ski box fit?

[cvana]

For some reason, I'm having a hard time fitting a box to my new Jeep. I have an older Thule box that I hoped to put on, but the problem seems to be clearance with the fairing on the hatch.

Fit-my-car suggests some options, but without guaranteeing that the box won't touch the tailgate. I'd rather not buy a new box, but will do so IF I can be sure of a proper fit.

This can't be an issue unique to me. What do you have on your Jeep, that works??? My best option seems to be a Thule Motion XT XL (xc skis are up to 200 cm) but again, without guarantees!
Thanks!

 

[Iwannaski]

REI has a Thule fit finder. Did you try checking that?

 

[cvana]

Yes, I did. Something on the site says "minimal risk" of contact with the hatch. There's a spec sheet. "Minimal" doesn't quite do it for me: I just would like to see what other people have set up on their late model Jeep GC's.
Thanks!

 

[Peppermint]

Does the Jeep have a factory installed rack with a rail system? If so, can you move it forward?

Just for clarity, my old vehicle was a GMC Envoy XL with factory racks. We purchased a Thule box that I believe was a XL size. When I traded in the GMC for a Lincoln MKX, which is smaller, I was worried about the Thule box fitting. The Lincoln didn't come with factory racks but came with a rail system that runs vertically on each side of the car from back to front. We had to buy Thule racks that fit across the vehicle that attaches to the rails. The rail system has a track where we can move the cross racks backward or forward that allowed us to adjust how to Thule box fits on top of our vehicle. Luckily, our box just fits after we adjusted the rails forward.

I hope your Jeep allows you to make similar adjustments. If not, you could sell your current box and buy a new one. Not ideal, but at least you could recoup some of the money by selling the one you have. There is always someone out there looking for rooftop boxes and Thule has a great reputation, so should be an easy sale. Good luck.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I wanted to put a new Thule box on my Jeep Cherokee, but I couldn't find an acceptable fit given the hatch and the antennae. But my bigger problem is that the added height won't meet the clearance limits in any garage I can find in downtown DC. For now, skis will have to remain inside the vehicle.

 

[cvana]

Right, I can't confirm that a NEW thule box will clear the hatch. Very frustrating.

 

[Jilly]

Have you looked at the Vector from Thule?

 

[cvana]

The Vector is $1600 !!!!

 

[cvana]

Does the Jeep have a factory installed rack with a rail system? If so, can you move it forward?

Just for clarity, my old vehicle was a GMC Envoy XL with factory racks. We purchased a Thule box that I believe was a XL size. When I traded in the GMC for a Lincoln MKX, which is smaller, I was worried about the Thule box fitting. The Lincoln didn't come with factory racks but came with a rail system that runs vertically on each side of the car from back to front. We had to buy Thule racks that fit across the vehicle that attaches to the rails. The rail system has a track where we can move the cross racks backward or forward that allowed us to adjust how to Thule box fits on top of our vehicle. Luckily, our box just fits after we adjusted the rails forward.

I hope your Jeep allows you to make similar adjustments. If not, you could sell your current box and buy a new one. Not ideal, but at least you could recoup some of the money by selling the one you have. There is always someone out there looking for rooftop boxes and Thule has a great reputation, so should be an easy sale. Good luck.

Maybe if I try the mopar rack, which I think can slide back and forth on the rails.. I bought the thule feet that attaches to the rail system, but it has fixed mounting points.