Driving... Anyone have a good Luggage carrier?

[MommyBell08]

We are driving to the world in September and we usually fly. Anyone have a good luggage carrier they can recommend? There are so many to choose from. We choose to get a new van (transit connect) this year instead of fly so we don't want a hard one if its going to scratch the roof. Thanks

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We had one for about 10 years that worked great. We had to replace it 2 years ago and they no longer made it. We ordered the new version and during the first time using it we were driving during a bad snow storm going to DW - the luggages on the bottom were soaked. We were so upset. When we called to complain they said it is not totally water proof. They replaced it but now we put our suitcases in big plastic bags before we put them in the carrier. If it doesn't rain or snow it works great. They just don't make things like they used to. I would be interested to see what other people say.

This is the one we have:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6493099707P

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

What ever carrier you get, place suitcases in yard heavy duty bags! We had a soft one and got all the way into Fl and hit HEAVY rain. Everything in the first suitcase was saturated.

If you are getting a van, get a roof rack with crossbar latches. You can invest in a carrier, Thule is a top name. But it is an investment. For example the cross bars for our Oddysee van were about $180.00.
The soft side carrier we had fit three suit cases, it was about $65. We put a soft packing blanket under it.

What worked better. Was the hitch with a tailgate carrier. Same thing, wrap everything up in heavy plastic. I am not sure but by now they may make a hard shell carrier for a slide in hitch. There is less drag and less gas expense.
You may find a used one on Craigslist, or an auto finder sales paper.

 

[monorailsilver]

Ours is the best one!

Dh and I were in BJs years about 10 or so years ago and saw a carrier for $29. He checked it out and everything worked! It is a Coleman.

He attached it to the SUV and we loaded it up with our BJs shopping extravaganza!

We have only used it 3 times for trips so $10/trip.

He won't put our luggage in it though. Beach stuff/stuff that can get wet goes in it.

We just went on the autotrain and it was an inch and a half to high which we knew so prior to going we mastered it's removal and putting it back on. We were able to fold down our seats inside and it slid right on top of them.

I would say depending on our car, look where the latches/locks are. We also put a sheet under it when we moved it.

 

[MommyBell08]

Thanks for the tips.. Ill def be putting the luggages in trash bags now, and also use a sheet underneath.. Great suggestions!

 

[WIDisneyFan]

We have the Cross Country Car Top Carrier from www.roofbag.com. When we were looking I posted the same question on the DIS and it came highly recommended. We have used it in both heat and cold as well as VERY heavy rain and everything has always stayed clean and dry.

 

[asmit4]

I'm totally new to this 'roof bag' stuff. If we stop half way down to orlando at a hotel, do you unhook it and take it inside with you? Do people steal stuff from them overnight? What is the 'norm'. LOL

 

[WIDisneyFan]

I'm totally new to this 'roof bag' stuff. If we stop half way down to orlando at a hotel, do you unhook it and take it inside with you? Do people steal stuff from them overnight? What is the 'norm'. LOL

That is a concern we have struggled with and in the past yes I took it off and put everything into the mini-van rather than leave it strapped to the roof (even with locks I figured someone could just cut the straps / break the lock and go).

But after giving it some thought for the last few trips we have just left it. At this point my thought is that it is not much harder to break a window on the van than to cut the carrier off. Plus if someone wants my clothes that bad they can have them, anything of real value goes into the room with us.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I'm totally new to this 'roof bag' stuff. If we stop half way down to orlando at a hotel, do you unhook it and take it inside with you? Do people steal stuff from them overnight? What is the 'norm'. LOL

We have done both - left it in or taken it out. Depending on where we stop. It doesnt take long to take the luggages out.

 

[texasroni75]

We have a soft-sided Thule roof luggage carrier bag. We mainly used it for camping trips, and even in heavy rains, never had anything inside get wet. I know this brand is a bit pricey (we paid around $140 for ours), but it's very good quality - we've had it for about 10 years, and it still looks like new.

I am nervous about leaving our belongings in it when staying at a hotel overnight, so I make DH bring in most of the stuff we put in it, into the room with us just for peace of mind. It's unlikely that anyone would steal from it, but I'm a worrier.