Driving to WDW - Hitch cargo carrier or rooftop carrier?

[DCLbrideSept2009]

So DH and I are debating on which type of carrier to use for our trip to WDW in a few weeks. Last time we drove, we used 2 soft-sided rooftop carriers. Water got in from underneath and some of our stuff was wet. Not to mention, it's kind of a pain to get stuff out, especially if you are looking for just one bag in particular or something. So he decided to go the hitch route with one of those hitch carriers - something like this one here - http://discountramps.com/cargo-carrier-bag.htm

My concern about that is that we wouldn't have access to the rear hatch of our vehicle (Honda Pilot). We have 3 rows of seats and 5 kids in the car - 2 teenagers in the second row and 3 younger kids (8, 10 and 11) in the third row. I'm thinking that if we stop for a break and the younger kids need to get out but the teenagers are asleep in the second row, we can let the kids out through the back instead of disturbing the teenagers. (No one wants a grouchy teenager in the car... )

So I really wanted to go the route of the hard rooftop carrier. It would give us access to the rear of the vehicle. DH is concerned about installing it. (We would have to get the cross bars also since our car only has the two side bars.)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02872020000P

Total cost for either would be about the same, so that's not really an issue to factor in.

Another option is a telescoping or swing away type hitch carrier, which would cost considerably more. But it would be the most ideal solution probably.

Opinions???

 

[Lewisc]

A third option is to go down with minimum luggage. Purchase your health and beauty aids in Orlando. Do wash. You'll not only save $200 buying a carrier but you'll also save on gas.

You may be able to buy a used roof top carrier. Check Pennysaver and Craigslist. I'd sell you mine but it makes no sense to ship it from NY.

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

A third option is to go down with minimum luggage. Purchase your health and beauty aids in Orlando. Do wash. You'll not only save $200 buying a carrier but you'll also save on gas.

You may be able to buy a used roof top carrier. Check Pennysaver and Craigslist. I'd sell you mine but it makes no sense to ship it from NY.

Unfortunately, that's not an option. Our vehicle really has VERY MINIMAL space in the back for any luggage AT ALL. We will probably have a cooler or at least some snacks back there plus the camera bag that I refuse to put in any sort of carrier. Pilots don't have a lot of cargo space unless you fold the third row down, which of course isn't an option either. We're already bringing down the bare minimum. We are bringing enough clothes for about 3 days even though we'll be gone for a week because we have a washer and dryer in our villa. We are also utilizing space saver bags. But still, there are 7 of us. You can only go so minimal - still need 2 pairs of shoes each, swim suits for everyone, at least 3 days worth of clothes, one pair of PJs each, etc.

It's about an 18-hour drive. The seats are going to be full enough with kids, pillows, blankets, iPods, DS's, etc...

I will look on Craigslist for a used carrier. But like I said, it's not really the cost I'm concerned about. We are willing to spend up to $300-400, possibly slightly more. (We WILL use it again, many times.) It's just a matter of which will be the best solution.

Oh, another thing with the hitch carrier... I would like to get one that folds up (don't really want to drive around WDW with it on necessarily and not sure how easy it would be to take it off while we're there and reinstall it) but it seems harder to find a swing-away or telescoping one that also folds.

 

[Symans3honeybees]

Personally, I would pick the hitch cargo carrier. It would be more aerodynamic than a rooftop carrier.

 

[uva185]

Of those two options I would definitely go with the trailer hitch. Those rooftop things are a pain to install and once its up you can't go into parking garages (or even your own garage!).

You could easily install the trailer hitch and still drive around normally.

 

[chartle]

Of those two options I would definitely go with the trailer hitch. Those rooftop things are a pain to install and once its up you can't go into parking garages (or even your own garage!).

You could easily install the trailer hitch and still drive around normally.

The roof mount is going to give you a big hit on your gas mileage.

And as for where to stow the hitch carrier, with a roof top you have a bigger issue.

We have one that I haven't used in a long time but I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to drive around with it empty. So if thats the case where are you going to store it?

 

[SilverMickey]

We have a hitch mount carrier. It installs in about 30 seconds with just a pin and slide ring. (very easy) We used a roof system for a while. I had to bring a step stool to get into it! Good luck in your decision!

 

[Lewisc]

The suggestion is to put your spare tire in the roof rack, while you're at your destination.

Another option is to ship down some stuff. Either UPS ground or FedX ground.

carrier, with a roof top you have a bigger issue.

We have one that I haven't used in a long time but I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to drive around with it empty. So if thats the case where are you going to store it?