Mount Yakima skybox to TrailRax roofrack using t-slots

[RayC]

I'm trying to mount a Yakima skybox to my TrailRax roofrack using the t-slots instead of the standard "universal mounting hardware" (clamps). I'm looking to use the Yakima (or could use a Thule) due to the length of the storage that I need; other options, like Roam or Harbor Freight, do not come in a long enough box. Unfortunately, due to the TrailRax table slide I'm using, I'm not able to use the default camp mounting system of the Yakima skybox. TrailRax has advised that other people have been able to accomplish this, but they're unable to provide any details or tell me how or what hardware people have used or where to get it. So, I'm hoping somebody that has done this already can tell me what they did and how they accomplished it?

From my research, Yakima does sell a t-slot adapter kit but the square bolt heads are a little too big to fit in the TrailRax. I've considered grinding them down a little bit, any thoughts or concerns with doing that? Another idea I had was to get some carriage bolts to use instead; the thread on the Yakima bolts appears to be M6 fine thread (.75 or .5, I'm not sure) and I've not been able to track any down; anybody know where to get some? Any other ideas or ways that people know of to mount this? Or any other rooftop storage boxes that are at least 70" long that will work?

Thanks,
-Ray

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[shaw]

I'm trying to mount a Yakima skybox to my TrailRax roofrack using the t-slots instead of the standard "universal mounting hardware" (clamps). I'm looking to use the Yakima (or could use a Thule) due to the length of the storage that I need; other options, like Roam or Harbor Freight, do not come in a long enough box. Unfortunately, due to the TrailRax table slide I'm using, I'm not able to use the default camp mounting system of the Yakima skybox. TrailRax has advised that other people have been able to accomplish this, but they're unable to provide any details or tell me how or what hardware people have used or where to get it. So, I'm hoping somebody that has done this already can tell me what they did and how they accomplished it?

From my research, Yakima does sell a t-slot adapter kit but the square bolt heads are a little too big to fit in the TrailRax. I've considered grinding them down a little bit, any thoughts or concerns with doing that? Another idea I had was to get some carriage bolts to use instead; the thread on the Yakima bolts appears to be M6 fine thread (.75 or .5, I'm not sure) and I've not been able to track any down; anybody know where to get some? Any other ideas or ways that people know of to mount this? Or any other rooftop storage boxes that are at least 70" long that will work?

I'm interested in this as well. I'd be hesitant to grind down the Yakima T-slot bolts unless there's still plenty of material left for strength. It might be worth looking at generic M6 T-slot hardware that's made for 80/20 or aluminum extrusion systems, as some of those have smaller heads that fit tighter channels. Hopefully someone who's mounted a SkyBox to a TrailRax can share the exact hardware they used—it would save a lot of trial and error.

 

[CalvinT]

Looks like the Yakima hardware is made for Yakima T-slot bars.

I suggest McMaster-Carr.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/t-slot-nuts/

 

[RayC]

I'm interested in this as well. I'd be hesitant to grind down the Yakima T-slot bolts unless there's still plenty of material left for strength. It might be worth looking at generic M6 T-slot hardware that's made for 80/20 or aluminum extrusion systems, as some of those have smaller heads that fit tighter channels. Hopefully someone who's mounted a SkyBox to a TrailRax can share the exact hardware they used—it would save a lot of trial and error.

Thanks - yea, grinding down is a little bit of a concern for strength.

I'd love to find some generic hardware but have been unable to track down any that are M6-fine thread.

 

[RayC]

Looks like the Yakima hardware is made for Yakima T-slot bars.

I suggest McMaster-Carr.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/t-slot-nuts/

Thanks for the link. I had looked here before but was not able to find any M6-fine threaded t-bolts. I'll give them another look though.

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