Luggage on Top of Van

[SeeDisney]

OKay, we're leaving in a few days for our long trip to WDW.

We'd like to put our luggage on top of our mini-van (for the first time!). So as to create more room inside.

MY DH is planning on putting tarp over the luggage and then secure it down with bungee cords.

Would this be safe enough? Anyone can tell me that this is safe and our luggage won't be flying off.

Thanks!

 

[pepe of ohio]

OKay, we're leaving in a few days for our long trip to WDW.

We'd like to put our luggage on top of our mini-van (for the first time!). So as to create more room inside.

MY DH is planning on putting tarp over the luggage and then secure it down with bungee cords.

Would this be safe enough? Anyone can tell me that this is safe and our luggage won't be flying off.

Thanks!

Don't know where you're coimng from but it's hard to tie down luggage let alone a tarp. We used a luggage box that clamps onto the car rails, very secure and with the enclosed box, aerodynamic to boot, didn't have to worry about rain, dew or flapping tarps and bungees.

 

[NJBILL]

OKay, we're leaving in a few days for our long trip to WDW.

We'd like to put our luggage on top of our mini-van (for the first time!). So as to create more room inside.

MY DH is planning on putting tarp over the luggage and then secure it down with bungee cords.

Would this be safe enough? Anyone can tell me that this is safe and our luggage won't be flying off.

Thanks!

I tried using the tarps & bungee cords..The bungee cord part worked fine, but the tarp would come loose and ripped in several areas. It was not raining but it worked out. I am planning on trying this same method this summer when we drive from NJ to the Auto train..hopefully I can figure out a better way to secure the tarp. A luggage box is most likely the best way to go, but the expense may not be worth it if you do not travel that often.

 

[stephie1012]

we used a luggage bag one time we got it super cheap on our local craigs list..it worked perfectly.

 

[seashoreCM]

When I was growing up, my folks had an "aerodynamic" fiberglass luggage enclosure that had suction cups to hold it on the car roof and straps that fastened to the rain gutters (do cars still have those in a sturdy format?). We nearly caused an accident when the whole thing slid right off onto the road (it was a freeway) behind. It split open and the suitcases rolled down into the median.

Almost no cars had luggage racks back then, one I recall that did (I wished we had one) was something called the Nash Rambler Wagon.

I forget where we were going on that trip; it was before there was a Disney World.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[Lewisc]

Check Craigs list, and your local Pennysaver. Someone in your area may be selling a box that works. Almost every long trip I see someone on the side of the road trying to re-load stuff that fell off their roof. You may get lucky with your bungee cord/tarp but I wouldn't chance it. Post your location, maybe a DIS has one to sell.

 

[tmccullough]

Wish you lived close... we have a "shell" that is great for minivans but we sold the minivan and don't want it anymore. We bought an SUV and DH prefers the look of the basket type thing that attaches to the hitch.

 

[disneymayz]

use tie downs not bungee cords.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

You can get a soft cartop carrier at Target for about $30. It comes in a box the size of a shoebox and we leave it in the van even when we don't use it for if we go crazy at the outlet mall. It is the same capacity as the hard models and has a woven net that covers the carrier and hooks onto the luggage rack of the vehicle. It closes with two zippers like a suitcase and we use a lock on it.
We have had ours for years and it is very handy--it is not waterproof, though.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

We also have the soft top carrier from Target ( it's Rubbermaid brand). Have used it multiple times with no problems.

I wrap all of our things in heavy duty trash bags before putting it up there. Weve been through some heavy downpours and nothing has gotten wet.

Ive used this on a minivan and an Envoy XL. As long as you have an actual luggage rack it fits just fine.

 

[bradisgoofy]

We used one of the soft bags one trip and it worked fine. But as stated, I would not try any type of container without a luggage rack. Mainly because these roofs are reinforced for the weight whereas a standard roof is not. Another option is the container that goes into a trailer hitch receiver. The main problem I've seen with those is overloading and taking weight off the front wheels.

 

[darrengs]

I am planning on trying this same method this summer when we drive from NJ to the Auto train.

Just an FYI you cannot not have luggage or a container on your roof with the Auto Train.

From the Amtrak site:
"Empty, factory-installed ski and luggage racks are okay; temporary luggage and bicycle racks are not. Luggage and bicycles may not be attached to the roof."

Darren

 

[Lewisc]

Just an FYI you cannot not have luggage or a container on your roof with the Auto Train.

From the Amtrak site:
"Empty, factory-installed ski and luggage racks are okay; temporary luggage and bicycle racks are not. Luggage and bicycles may not be attached to the roof."

Darren

It will work if you use one of the soft bags. Take it off and put the bag and all the stuff in the car before you board. Back seat and passenger seat will be available. Reverse the procedure when you get off the train.

 

[NJBILL]

Just an FYI you cannot not have luggage or a container on your roof with the Auto Train.

From the Amtrak site:
"Empty, factory-installed ski and luggage racks are okay; temporary luggage and bicycle racks are not. Luggage and bicycles may not be attached to the roof."

Darren

Thanks, I did see this but I assumed once we get to the station we can store the luggage in the empty van..????

 

[HReardon]

Has anyone ever heard of Tie-Pods? Their website implies they can make portable luggage racks.

 

[Vijoge]

If you're looking for a clamshell carrier you might want to ask on your local freecycle. We gave one away last year.