Roof racks
 

Thule or Yakima? For bikes, skis, and an extra-shit box (not all at once, duh).

Any preferences for one system or the other? Why?

Roof racks
 

I'd check with Romney on this one - I'm not sure a box is necessary at all.

Roof racks
 

I've had both and don't feel that there is a major difference in the functionality of the accessories--although I haven't bought anything new in over 5 years, so it's just possible there's been a change.

The major thing has been that one or the other usually fits given cars better--thule was always the choice for VW, Audi, Volvo, Saab. Yakima generally fit Japanese cars better.

You have a BMW, no? I believe that Thule is the prefered option.

Also, there were different shaped "clips" to mount one brand of accessories to the other brand of rack, but, again, I don't know if they are still available--the one's I have I purchased on clearance, so they may have been discountinued.

Roof racks
 

Is this like an East Coast/West Coast rap battle among roof racks?

Since I already have rails, I would have thought the fit to the car is pretty irrelevant (well--that is I need it only to grip a rail, since I don't need the connection to the roof itself).

Roof racks
 

I like Thules better for bikes (at least when using the trays that require removal of the front wheel).

Roof racks
 

Then that's different. If you don't need towers, then pick your preference on price and functionality of accessories, which consideration for compatibility with future car(s). No meaningful difference in attaching to the vehicle's existing luggage rails.