ROOF BASKET

A vehicle roof basket is formed from a network of intersecting longitudinal and transverse beams molded of a polymer. Modular corner portions of the roof basket are assembled by joining together male and female free ends of the beam portions, which may take the form of downward facing channels. A key with a tenon fits to a mortise in the male free end to make each male/female connection. Additional expansion portions may be used with the corner portions to create a roof basket that is longer, wider, or both. Cross bar mounting members affix the roof basket corner portions to cross bars that in turn are mounted to roof rack rails of the vehicle. Upper components of the cross bar mounting members are integrally molded with bodies of the roof basket corner portions, or alternatively may be formed by variable position clamp sleds.