Cargo on top of vehicle-safe??

[carj]

We are heading to FW in about a month and I have decided that it is going to be too cramped in our Toyota Highlander with 3 adults and 2 kids and all of our stuff.

We have roof rails, but no luggage rack. I was thinking about buying crossbars and a rooftop storage bag. I started to wonder if that will make the vehicle too top heavy. We are planning on storing 2 kids scooters and clothing up there.

I don't know if this is the right forum, but I thought that there might be other people here who might have some insight.

I guess my concern is that since it is an after-market product, the car wasn't designed to carry cargo on top. I hope that makes sense!

We don't have a trailer hitch so the baskets that attach at the back are not going to work either.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Robert6401]

You will be fine. What are you talking about, maybe 100lbs? I had about 350lbs on the yakima roof rack on top of my old tahoe. Don't worry about it and enjoy your vacation.

ETA: If you're going to do it, get the yakima ones:

http://www.yakima.com/shop/cargo/luggage-bags

I wouldn't trust the weather-proofing of cheaper versions.

E (again) TA: I don't think you need the crossbars with the yakima bag if you have the rails that run the length of the roofline.

 

[ChateauFive]

we used a hard top luggage carrier when we drove to FL/DW in 2000, we had a chevy minivan and put a lot of luggage in it, it never felt tippy at all....you'll be fine just like Robert said.....Enjoy your trip!!!!!

 

[Born 2 Fish]

One year we were on our way to Florida,,while on the interstate we came across some articles of clothing scattered, shortly followed by some kinda luggage bag, then more clothing and another bag, after the second buncha clothing we spotted a car ahead about to loose another bag off the top of the car,,I just cant imagine how those people didnt realize that their luggage had come untied and didnt see it SMASHING all over the interstate,,they obviously didnt use the rear view mirrors, and musta been deaf too.
We pulled up next to the car, my wife try'd to motion for them to roll down the window,,they just started waving and smiling at us like they were the happiest people in the world (musta been going to Disney).
So then she started pointing to the top of their car and hollering, still wouldnt roll down the window,,
so we pulled ahead of the happiest people in the world and kept going.

This is a true story.
The end.

 

[emeraldmom]

I suspect the kind of weight you are talking about is fine. Just for peace of mind, check the owners manual for the truck. You will likely find out how much weight it is designed to be able to carry. Have a great trip!

 

[carj]

That makes me feel much better. I will definitely check the owner's manual for the weight capacity.

I appreciate all the comments. It makes me feel better!

 

[veraletta]

We have mini van and we alway use the soft side cargo bag on top, we also put a plasic cover over it and add more of the lock type straps over plasic cover.
We use it for our granddaughter's stoller, pack and play, and small luggage.
We check every time we stop to see if any of the straps come loose.

 

[kazlac4]

Don't know how far you are traveling, but if you are stopping overnight at a hotel make sure you have the carrier secure. My son/wife woke up the morning of their stopover and even though it was locked, somehow thieves had stolen everything that my son had left inside it for the overnight stay. Their insurance covered items they had receipts for but it really put a damper on the trip.