Car Luggage Carriers

Roof Racks / Cargo challenged!? Hi there. Well, I've got a bit of a challenge. I am moving from Massachusetts out to California. I'm a musician with a studio and a fair amount of gear. I have a Pontiac Torrent, same as Chevy Equinox. I'm quickly finding, I will not have enough space to carry my cases, clothes, two keyboards, a computer, etc. What are your opinion of roofracks? Are the Thule ones reliable? Will it cut my gas mileage much? My vehicle has two roof rack bars but does not have cross bars. Would I need them for such a roofrack? Thanks so much for any help.

what is the difference between a Thule and Sport Rack roof cargo box? I'm trying to figure out whether the Sportrack make is as good as the Thule make. There seems to be a large difference in price.

Does a roof-top cargo container exist for cars without a roof rack? I am looking to pack up my car to move to Florida from Pennsylvania. I drive a Honda Civic, which does not have a roof rack. Does anyone have any suggestions on doing a cargo container without damaging my car? Does it exist and where can I find it?

Does anyone have a kayak roof rack that will fit when you also have a cargo roof carrier? I have a Surburban with a cargo roof carrier that is attached to the roof rack. I also need to carrier my kayak without removing the cargo carrier. Any ideas?

i have a 05 pontiac vibe. i have the basic 2 parallel roof racks. can i use a cargo carrier? need crossbars? i have a pontiac vibe. im moving and want to use a cargo carrier. I have the basic 2 parallel bars but no cross bars. can i mount a carrier still. do i have to get crossbars? where do i buy them from?

How much can will a Yakima roof rack with cargo box worsen my minivan's gas mileage?

Do roof racks look good on a 4-door truck? Just bought a 2008 Nissan Frontier 4-door 2wd without the factory roof racks. Was thinking about buying a set of roof racks along with a cargo basket to go on the top. I think it would give my truck a good off-road look and also be functional. Would that look retarded on a 2wd truck?

Best cargo area in a 2dr Civic? Roof Racks? Hi! So I have a 1999 2dr Civic DX-G --no sunroof. It was very recently decided that I'd be the driver on a 600 mile round trip from the BC interior to the Sasquatch Festival in Washington, and there will be 5 of us traveling, so it'll be packed. I was just wondering if anyone had some clever insight for how I could haul all of these people and all of their junk, because we'll be taking tents, coolers, food, luggage, not to mention shopping, and we'll be gone for 9 days. That's a lot of pressure to put on my trunk which is already compromised with some subwoofers. I was wondering if it's possible to get a roof rack for a 2 door or if they're only for 4 doors? Can you rent these and put them on temporarily? I don't want a roof rack forever, I hate them, but I don't know what else I can do aside from strapping garbage bags to the roof, which is pretty ghetto and also asking for us to get robbed. Any insight is appreciated :) Similar car: http://www.digi-go.biz/kbk1aaa/dsc_0002.jpg

What rooftop Cargo carrier can I use with no roof rack? I have a 2004 scion xb and no roof rack. We are making a 600 mile trip soon and would like to free up space in the vehicle...is there any roof bag out there that we can use? I have a limited budget to work with.

can you rig up one of those cargo bags for the roof of your car to work with no roof rack? We have a 2004 Honda Element Ex we do not have a roof rack on it.

How much MPG can I expect to lose carrying a roof cargo carrier (Thule, X-Cargo, etc.)? I'm going to be buying a roof cargo carrier for my Chevy HHR. I currently get between 29 mph and 32 mpg on the highway, depending entirely how fast I go. I'm going to be travelling soon, and for the extra cargo carrying capacity I'm going to get a roof-top cargo carrier, like this one (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02872020000P?mv=rr) and I'm curious to know if anyone out there has one, and how much of a hit you take on your MPG? Assuming my normal MPG is 30 mpg, what do you think my MPG will be with a cargo carrier on the roof rack?

Cargo Carrier with no roof rack? Does anyone have any experience using one of the soft cargo carriers without a roof rack? I have an Accord sedan - but no roof rack. I'm not having much luck finding one of these that doesn't require a roof rack - and doesn't cost a fortune. It won't be used much, so I would like to spend a little less, if possible. thanks!

Will a Sears x cargo 20 car carrier fit on a vehicle with no crossbars on the roof? It is a 2005 Freestyle? Ford Freestyle 2005 with no crossbars on the roof rack.

Adding cargo capacity to VW Routan: roof top? or hitch based? Planning on a trip in our new VW Routan. Between two kids and another person in the back there is not much space left for cargo. Stroller, cooler, beach stuff and everything else wife decides to pack for two-week vacation trip just wont fit inside the car. I'm trying to decide whether to add - roof top - rack (no factory railings so will need to install those and I want the permanent ones, not clamp-ons) and then a box or a bag. Pros - no need to remove, at least the rack. Cons: wind resistance (drag), might not fit into every garage. - get a hitch with a hitch cargo carrier like this one: http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/SportRack/A30850.html. Pros: easy access, less drag. Cons: Opening the rear door will be trivial unless I get one of those swinging racks. Bag may get slashed when we stop for a meal break, leaving the car out of sight. I'm leaning towards towards the hitch option. Always found it to be more practical. Can anyone speak from personal experience?

Yakima Getout Cargo Bag - can it be attached to a bare roof top? We have found the Yakima Getout Bag, model number 8007187, which says it can be attached to a bare roof. We tried to order it from a local sporting goods store and they said they won't be able to get it in until the end of May...we want to camp before then. From looking online, it appears that no one has this bag available for sale but we did find another model that came out a few years ago. That model number is 07167. What I want to know is if this model can likely be attached to bare roofs as well. Does anyone know? The one we want: http://www.yakima.com/racks/cargo/product/8007187/getout.aspx The one we can get: http://www.orsracksdirect.com/yakima-getout-roof-bag-8007167.html

how can i haul more cargo on a nissan versa ? Looking to fit more luggage/ baby gear in our nissan sedan but we dont have a roof rack so what can we do to add more cargo capacity? Has anyone used a roofbag ?

I am trying to figure out if I have a 2-point or 4-point roof rack on my vehicle.? I have a 2006 CR-V and I did have a roof rack put on my vehicle. I need to use a cargo carrier this weekend, but I can't tell if I have a 2-point or 4-point roof rack. Can someone tell me the difference? Is a 4-point with the bars across?

how to properly cover luggage on roof rack of suv with a tarp for rain protection? is there a certain way to fold my tarp around my luggage so that it will not get blown to bits or leak rain into my cargo? it is on top of a ford expedition suv.

Where can I get a rooftop cargo net? It's for my subaru wagon? I just want to throw the snow tubes up there this winter and strap them to the roof rack. I saw something on the subaru website but I don't wan't to pay dealer prices. I'm just looking for a small net with a few hooks.

Will a snowboard fit in the cargo area/trunk of a Honda CRV? We are renting one and it doesn't have a roof rack, but I want to bring my snowboard. I wonder if my board (158cm) will squeeze in there, maybe with even a few bags?

Getting a CARGO CARRIER for the roof of my car..I have questions! :S? http://www.rei.com/category/4501515 With carriers such as those on that site, do I need to buy anything else to put this on my car? My car is getting racks put on soon first and once we have those, I know the carrier will go on that, but do I need to purchase something to hold the carrier to the racks or does it come with something? I hope someone gets what I'm asking and knows from experience. :) Thanks!!!

I need a combo bike rack/cargo carrier (for skis) for a subaru outback....? ...No idea if this even exists! I just bought a 2004 subaru outback with dual moon roofs and am looking for some sort of rack that we can put our bikes on and a cargo carrier that we can put skis into. Does this exisit or do you have to change what's up on the roof based on the season?

Any experience in buying quality van ladder racks? I need one ....? I have 1997 Ford E-350 cargo Van and thinking about starting my own business (roofing company). There are lots of expensive van ladder roof racks on the market, but my budget is around $150 - $200 Is there anybody knows where to get ladder rack (new, not used) with or even without ladder grip lock?

I am looking for roofracks for a 2006 chevy colorado? It does not have anything on the roof right now. I am looking to mount a Sears X-Cargo box. No one seems to have the right clips to hold it down. Are roof racks the only way to go?

cargo cases on top of cars? is it possible to use one of those cargo casses or luggage carriers on top of a car without a roof rack. im pretty sure its possible, cuz i saw an old family pic of my grandpa with one on his cutlass in 76. im pretty sure they didnt have roof racks. im planning a trip with friends this summer, and im gonna need to use one, but my car dont have a roof rack :( lol its a hardtop, so id still be able to open the door

How would this extra mass on the roof affect the tipping of the van? physics? 15 passenger minivans were implicated in many rollover accidents some years ago. The situation was made much worse by putting cargo in a roof mounted rack. How would this extra mass on the roof affect the tipping of the van? (a) The center of mass is higher so a smaller tip angle places it outside the wheel base. (b) With more mass up high, the van has more angular momentum to promote tipping. (c) With more mass up high, the van tends to tip over, even if not moving. (d) None, raising the center of gravity makes it more stable.

question about cargo on top of a van? i am moving across state and am wondering the best way to tie an entertainment center to my vans roof rack. as much as i would love to rent a u-haul, i just cant afford it(it would cost $600!) if anybody has any better (and possibly safer) ideas please share them with me. thanks.

Would a Ford Escape Suit a high school student? Im looking to lease a new 2009 Ford Escape with "all the bells and whistles" (Limited, 4WD, Navigation, Luxury package, 17" wheels, Moon & Tune package, Cargo package, Roof rack, remote stat, sync, and leather) Is this a good car for a High school student who might then take it to college for a year or two? sorry i dont mean for it to sound braggy other cars that i was considering were much more expensive (BMW 328xi, Audi a4, etc.)

Where can I find a black rear cargo/tonneau cover for my 2003 Infiniti FX35 other than the dealer? I'm looking for a black rear cargo/tonneau cover to keep stuff out of sight in the rear of our FX35. I refuse to pay over $600 at the dealer for a $50 part! I love Infinitis but come on! I keep finding tan ones on ebay. I'm starting to think that I may get one and spray paint it black if need be. I also keep seeing statements on these listing about being genuine Infiniti Products and they are not "cheap generic" covers. I don't care if it's Infiniti or not, where can find one? Generic or OEM? Also looking for used black roof racks. For some reason, mine was ordered without it completely. Anyone know of a totaled FX that has some parts? Any info would be great. Thanks much, Robert

I need to find instructions for a Rubbermaid cargo topper..? Cant find any info at the Rubbermaid site or anywhere else. Just need instructions on how it connects to the car. I dont have a roof rack, do I need one for this carrier?

How wide is the rear cargo space in a Chevrolet HHR Panel? Can it carry 48" wide plywood? I have a handyman business, and I'm thinking the HHR Panel would be an ideal choice of vehicle since I usually just need some tool boxes and a step ladder. I like my cargo van, but I don't carry large items that often and hate the mileage. My only reservation about the HHR is hauling building materials since it does come up occasionally. Will a 48" wide piece of sheet rock or plywood fit through the back door opening? If not, how is the factory roof rack? Is it actually useful or mostly decorative? I just went and measured one at a dealership, and the hatch opening is around 40" wide. Not wide enough. And the roof rack looks like it would barely hold a large suitcase without breaking. I still love them and might buy one, but my dreams of carrying sheet rock are crushed. Thanks for the help.

Cheapest, easiest way to get to camping trip, when car doesn't seat enough? I have a camping trip planned. With five people, there isn't enough room to fit in my small car. Rental vans are over $300.00. What are those cargo type cases on top of cars called? Does anyone know what exactly they're called, how much they run, and whether or not a roof rack comes with or is required? Thanks!

Help me convert my 1990 Jeep Cherokee to a truck bed like the Chevy Avalanche.? I rolled my 1990 Jeep Cherokee and mashed the rear, (my roll cage and roof rack saved the front and engine. So I've decided to convert the trunk space into a semi-truck bed just like the Chevy Avalanche. I've seen other XJ's like this where they cut out the windows and turn the trunk into half cargo - truck bed and half open. I need suggestions. I want to put a window in the back...

How to tie-down and transport two kayaks using "J Cradles" on roof rack carrier.? I am using aftermarket Yakima crossbars and Swiss Cargo 3 in 1 "j cradle" to carry 2 kayaks. The "j cradles" are on either side of an upright cradle. It basically looks like this ( J I L ) the "L" should be another "J". if you can imagine in between the ( ). It is a two kayak carrier. Anyway, I am wondering if the kayaks should fit snug up against the middle piece or if they should fit more towards the end of the "j" on the rubber mats. If they are snug up against the middle piece it seems like they would be more likely to tip over but if they are more on the end, then there is a space between the kayak and the lower part of the "J". I am hoping that i am explaining this thoroughly. It would be much easier if I had pictures, but if you use these cradles and transport more than one kayak, you should know exactly what I am talking about. Here is the website for the manual of my rack but it doesnt explain the best way to keep them snug. http://swisscargoboxes.com/PDF/SC-KJ02.pdf

Does anybody know of a good Luggage carrier for a car without a rack? Does anybody know of a good luggage carrier to carry suitcases and whatnot for a 1,000 mile trip this summer? We used to have a Sears X-Cargo (i think that's what it was called) that did the trick. It had enough to hold about 8-10 decent sized suitcases. I'm looking for something similar that doesn't need a rack on the roof. It will be used on a Hyundai Elantra. Please point me in the right direction. I can't find anything useful on the web!

What Kind of Vehicle? I'm looking at a summer driving job when I'm laid off from School Bus Driving and that job will require me to get a reliable vehicle. I would like the vehicle to be: Small Truck (with canopy) Wagon SUV (Something that is average size with good cargo capacity) Features it must have: AWD or 4WD Manual Transmission 5-Speed or Greater AC Roof Rack or can have ladder racks mounted Comfortable to a 6'4 Driver to drive/sleep in Minimum 25MPG Reliable (It will have to be able to accept a higher output alternator and battery Large Fuel tank or the space to install a secondary fuel tank Towing Package (won't be used for towing but other accessories) Year, late '90's to current. Cost, less than $15K new or used with less than 75K miles John c, a bus is not exactly mid sized and 4X4. Buses, even the 20' ones don't get 25MPG, they get about 12. I drive small and large School Buses at work, they don't get much MPG's. My Fathers 20' motor home only gets 20MPG with its 4cylindar engine.

2008 RAV 4 Base - Purchase? I am attempting to do some negotiation with various dealerships for purchasing a new 2008 RAV 4 Base FWD for my fiance' (Budget is tight, so we're trying to save a little by not choosing the 4WD). I just wanted to get some input from other experienced car shoppers out there. The best deal I found so far was through ganley toyota with the following breakdown: Base Price: $21,100 DR Roof Rack - $220.00 CF Carpet Floor/Cargo Mat Set - $199.00 CD Tonneau Cover - $140.00 AA 17" Styled Steel Wheel - $120.00 Destination Charge - $685.00 Total MSRP: $22,464 The dealer quoted the following: Selling Price: $20,699.00 Doc Fee: $250.00 Sales Tax (6.25%): $1309.31 Title Fee: $25.50 Total Price: 22,283.81 Is it really a decent deal? More room to negotiate? We are also comparing the Kia Sportage pricing, but her heart is really set on the RAV 4. Thoughts / Suggestions are appreciated.

surfboard rack recommendations? I've been carrying my boards inside my 2006 Nissan Xterra but I am getting a few more and frankly I'm tired of having my view partially obstructed. I need a surfboard specific rack for the "off road" (already has a roof rack) Xterra. I don't want to spend more than $200 but I need a rack that will accomodate 2, preferably 3 boards (fish, fun, and longboard). two boards side by side is preferable. Any recommendations? and What qualities should I look for? I have a bike rack and snowboards fit inside the cargo are so I really just need a rack for surfboards.

is there such a thing as a luggage rack for a car trunk? my husband has booked us a trip in las vegas next month. unfortunately, there are four of us and we're going by car (toyota corolla) and from where we live, it's a 36 hour drive if we drove non-stop. since one of our group is a 6 month old, we need a fair bit of stuff for this trip (just to get there, never mind the week we'll be there for). we're packing as light as we can but we just can't get it all in the car. is there such a thing as a rack of any sort that you could put on the trunk (like a luggage rack or any rack you'd put on the roof, but for the trunk instead)? we'd rather not have it on the roof if possible since it will create more wind resistance (and cost more in gas) but it's actually likely we'll need a rack on the roof AND on the trunk (we have a roof rack already that we can put on and cargo bag for it). oh, and in case it makes a difference, we're in canada. also, we'd like to try to spend as little as possible (hence driving 36 hours for a last minute 200$/week rental haha). thanks!

How should I mount my cb antenna? I have a black 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I'm thinking about a 3ft Firestik toploaded antenna and maybe a firestik magnetic mount on the center of the roof. I've read you lose some power using a magnetic mount but how much? I'm a little bit nervous about drilling a mount into the roof of my car and a magnetic mount is super convenient. Also if the antenna hits something when it's mounted by magnet it wont rip a hole in the roof. If I dont go with a magnetic mount what is the best way to mount to the roof? I could also mount to the plastic cargo rack on top but would that require a NGP antenna set up? Would that be the best way to go? I am trying to find a balance between power and looking good. I dont want a huge antenna so I'm know I am sacrificing with only a 3ft antenna. Also, I am using a Cobra 29 CB radio. thank you

Darwins theory strikes again ............? Ridding the world of morons. "A thrill-seeking father has been killed after playing a deadly game of 'car surfing' on the back of a moving van. Carpenter Raymond Higson, 33, leapt on the back step of a Fiat Doblo Cargo van as it stopped at traffic lights and clung onto its roof rack in a bid to hitch a ride home. But it is believed he then lost his grip further down the street and fell into the road suffering fatal head injuries." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1205704/Raymond-Higson-father-suffers-fatal-injuries-freak-accident-playing-car-surfing-moving-vehicle.html Because there seem to be so many people struggling with the concept of Darwin ........ he believed in survival of the fittest. The runts of any litter would die to ensure just the strongest grow up to breed. By ridding the world of this man who though it was clever to jump onto the back of a van on a public road and put himself and others in danger, it ensures he doesnt go on to breed any more morons. Steve - He's bred once, but at least we've ensured he cant breed again. We've minimized his impact on the world so to speak.

Any recommendations for an older SUV that would fit the bill? Hello. I am looking for any and all recommendations for an older SUV. My baseline year would be 2000 but I would be willing to go +5 years of that (up to 2005) or -5 years of that (as far back as 1995). I'd be looking for one that would fulfill the following requirements: -An SUV that I would use primarily for daily use (work and errands) as well as the occasional recreational use (going out into the woods and wilderness) -An SUV that would have decent gas mileage for my daily use (I know, I know ... okay, relatively decent gas mileage then) -An SUV for my errands that could accommodate something along the lines of, say, 8 ft long pieces of lumber - be it secured up on the roof or be it inside (if inside, then an SUV whose back seat would be able to be somehow folded down) (also, depending on how I could fit the lumber actually into the back cargo area, whether I would be able to flip open the top of the tailgate section or not) -An SUV for my recreational use that has all wheel drive (4x4) -An SUV for my recreational use that could be easily fitted with a roof rack for kayaks & canoes and/or a rear-mounted bike rack -An SUV that would have the power to lug around any and all of the stuff I mentioned (should I be looking for a V8 engine instead of a V6 engine?) Any and all recommendations to share would be greatly appreciated! Hmmm, while I'm at it ... Are there any SUVs that I should NOT be looking at (be it specific makes/models/years)? Looking forward to the responses! Again, thanks!

Looking for ideas to increase storage in my minivan for a long drive to vacation spot.? I drive a 2000 Ford Windstar Minivan that does not have a luggage rack on top. I have alot of baby equipment I need to take with me on vacation so I won't have to rent it when I arrive. I have access to a canvas cargo bag which is made to fasten on a luggage rack, but without the rack I don't have any other options. I checked into having an after market luggage rack installed but it was going to cost almost $400.00 for it plus labor. Can someone help me find a way to haul luggage or other items on top of the van without purchasing a permanent luggage rack. Is there one that can temporarily attach to the roof of the van.