Car top hard case cargo carriers??

[Ratpack]

We are looking at getting one of these for our upcoming trips. Sears has a 13 cu ft model for $139 right now, but not real sure if they are for us. Can someone give me their opinions on these hard cases on top of their vehicle? We have a MPV. Also, how easy is it to load a normal size suitcase in? Does it move around or are ther usually ways to secure the bags? Sorry if I sound confused, as I really am. We have two days to decide before the sale goes off.

Thanks!

 

[jfranklyn]

We have one of the long, think, Thule carriers. We love it. But be advised that there are limits to what you can put up there. We have one of the biggest ones, and it can still hold only 75 pounds (I think it may be more of a stipulation of the roof rack then the carrier itself). So we usually put those hard to pack things like strollers, pillows, even food - up there and it works great. Ours opens from both sides, which didn't seem like a big deal to me until we got one and started using it. That really does make a big difference in the ease-of-use area. Good luck!

 

[cgcw]

We have the one from Sears -- the white box that goes on top of the van. We don't use it for our trips to WDW or Hilton Head, but use it when we go camping to store all the extra things we need to take (sleeping bags, tent, chairs, etc, etc...). Even with the back seat of of our van, there doesn't seem to be enough room for everything DH needs/wants to take. We'd be lost without it.

A word of caution, do not try to park inside of a parking garage with one on top. You will not fit!! I found this out the hard way.

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

We have one of the snails from Sears and it is great! In fact, we have had it for almost 10 years now. It has been to Colorado, Grand Canyon, Florida (several times)...long trips, as well as weekend trips to the mountains (camping). I hate having lots of stuff in the van so we generally only load food in the van. There are load weight limitations. We have never had any shifting problems. The larger suitcases go on bottom and duffles at the top...I am amazed at how much it will hold. As far as ease...I have put the thing on top of the van and strapped it down myself (I'm only a 5'5" female and I hate being dependent on help ) and loaded the suitcases myself. The deal at our house is I get us ready for trips and hubby drives!

On long trips you need to check the straps to make sure they are secure as they can loosen a little...just a precaution.

This reminds me I need to go get it out of the storage building right now cause we are going to need it for a long 4th weekend!

 

[Ratpack]

Thanks for the replies so far. I looked at the X-Cargo that Sears sales ($119) but the one I am really looking at is the new ones they sell that is similar to the Thule carriers. More aerodynamic and only $20 more.

 

[Piglet's Pal]

We have a soft top carrier and really like it. The soft top forms to your luggage, making it easier to load. We also like it because when we are at our destination we can unload it, take it off, fold it up, and throw it in the back of the van. We have been through some pretty heavy rain and everything has always been dry.
PP