Camping in June -- need info on car top storage

[Wendaeh]

Good morning!

We'll be driving down to FW in late June for a Boy Scout camping trip. Our family has an SUV with little storage room inside. We are looking at getting something for the rooftop to carry some of our supplies. I have seen hard carriers, and some high end soft carriers -- anyone have any experience with a particluar brand?

Thanks!
Wendy

 

[Rhonda]

We used a hard carrier one time, and it made us get really bad mileage, and halfway there we had to stop and get new front tires! The wind dragged on the carrier so much, that it made the van sit lower in the back, and "bounce" on the front tires!

Maybe a soft carrier would work better?

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

We purchased the Sport 20-SV from Sears a few years ago (I just checked Sears and they are on sale now). Ours is still as good as new and doesn't leak. Our last trip, we didn't see much change in our gas mileage on our mini-van and we were hauling 3 bikes too. Gas mileage before trip (usually bumper-to-bumper traffic for 40 miles every weekday) was 19.9 mpg. Gas mileage after our last trip was 19.6 mpg. This is from my van's trip computer. But you may see a difference, like I said our everyday norm is bumper-to-bumper without the gear so we didn't see much.

I don't have a good picture of ours but you can get an idea behind Mickey's head:

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Remember - the car top carrier is not a substitute for your trunk. Check with your auto manufacturer for the weight limits for your roof - you may be surprised at how little you can carry up there. Keep the items light. Handling with a carrier is different due to the higher profile of the vehicle - so wind and passing trucks will affect you more. I have used a hard shell carrier from sears and liked it - still have it just in case. It is sort of aerodynamic, but still offers some wind resistance.

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

Here is the vehicle compatibility for the Sport 20-SV:
http://www.sears.com/download/misc/02872000fit.pdf

 

[BillyRayJimBob]

We've got a $30 soft sided model from Walmart. Works fine for us and it just mounts with nylon straps and clips. No big deal lifting it up on the roof. Generally we put the lighter stuff up there including stroller, food, duffel bags, etc.

 

[bradisgoofy]

Check this thread for some more ideas -

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1449477

 

[dblr]

If you can use your hitch I have seen some nice boxrs you could alise in your hitch some even have lights in case your car lights are blocked and some even swivel to the side to use your rear doors. I am sure they are more money but it would not affect your milage like the roof tops.