DRIVING & NEED ROOFTOP LUGGAGE CARRIER?

[sweetpeakaris]

We are driving, it will be me, hubby, and 4 kids, no way can we all fit in the Minivan with luggage and such and be comfortable. We did before, but why not get a Rooftop Cargo Carrier? I need to find a very good Rooftop luggage carrier, can anyone recommend a good one? I am kinda afraid to use one, have a fear that our luggage will end up in the middle of the highway, LOL! Has anyone ever used one and liked it? I hate driving and seeing clothes in the middle of the highway and I don't want that to happen to us. Also, PLease alarm me if this is a bad idea, if so i guess we will fit it all the van. Thanks!

 

[LegoMom3]

We use one all the time! Most of them have about 15 cubic feet of cargo space, and can really swallow a lot of stuff. Soft-sided luggage or other "flexible" items are best, but we've put a baby gate and pieces of a high chair in there!

We got ours at Walmart for around $39 I think. It's weather resistant but not waterproof. We always put stuff in big lawn & leaf type bags anyway. There are fully waterproof bags available, and I think you can get them from auto parts stores (AutoZone, VIP, PepBoys...whatever you have in your area). You can always check eBay, too!

Anyway, they attach very securely to the top of the vehicle, and the instructions show how to go about it. They are well worth the investment! We have a minivan and are a family of 5; couldn't do it any other way!

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Great info! Thanks! I love Ebay, so will check there first.

 

[Lewisc]

It may take 10% off your fuel economy. Pull over after a few miles and make sure the straps are still tight.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

It may take 10% off your fuel economy. Pull over after a few miles and make sure the straps are still tight.

So you mean, having this thing on the car, you need to pull over every few miles and check it? Are you kidding?

 

[Lewisc]

So you mean, having this thing on the car, you need to pull over every few miles and check it? Are you kidding?

You're not reading my post the way I meant it Load it up drive, a few miles and check it NOT EVERY FEW MILES. You want to make sure the straps didn't come lose, stretch or that you didn't fasten it properly. Obviously if you have to significantly retighten anything I'd pull over in another few miles until you're sure you have it right. Other than that just check everything when you normally stop.

Check your owners manual to see how much weight you're supposed to put on your roof rack.

BTW Sears has a whole section of mounting hardware and straps that are indexed to your make a model year. You're less likely to have problems if you're using the right hardware. Even if you buy a used carrier buy new mounting straps, hardware IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS. It's not worth the savings if you have to pick up your stuff from the highway.