Car Top Luggage Carriers

[Hagrid xox 65]

I'm starting to prepare myself for possibly driving for our November trip due to SW cancelling direct flights out of Grand Rapids Michigan - and also because fares seem to be high lately.
I'd want to drive my Buick Encore - it's compact but there are just 3 of us, the 9 year old will be fine in the back seat. However there is not a lot of space for luggage. I was looking at a soft-sided car top carrier on Amazon, it's got over 2000 good reviews and it's only $55. My Encore has side rails, but not cross-bars, so I'm not sure if that would work. Also do you just leave it out on top of your car if you stay at a hotel on the way? Seems it would be easy to cut open and have things stolen. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Woodview]

Here is an idea

Go to your local car accessory shop And ask for cross bars that are used for Kayak's .

They might have a lockable Travel box there as well.

They are easily fitted & maybe the shop assistant might show where to place the cross over bars & how to do it

The European ones have lockable clamps on the cross over bars.

 

[unwritten01]

I am betting I know the one you are referring to on Amazon because we bought it. Works great if you follow the instructions and can be used without bars on top. Have a great trip!

 

[jtopp]

Are you really taking that much luggage that it won't all fit in the trunk? We usually relegate on carry-on size bag per person, and still have room for a cooler in the trunk. I say this because you did raise a security issue if you stopped overnight. Are you going to unload everything, or leave it on the roof of your Buick? After packing, you may find that you have enough space to keep it all inside, and not the roof. Have a wonderful, safe trip.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

something to think about roof carrier, is it water proof? what happens to items on roof if you get caught in rain or snow