Whats the luggage rack container called ?

[katmiller79]

Okay Im pretty sure w/ my SUPER SMALL cargo space that we are going to need a luggage rack container to pack things for our disney trip.
Im looking for a fairly small one if possible. What are my options ?I dont even know what they are called LOL.
How much do they cost ? can you rent them ?
Thanks!!

 

[NotUrsula]

It's a roof rack cargo box, and you can rent them from U-Haul. Their's are HUGE heavy metal versions, though, and have to be carefully balanced when loaded, or they may fall off (don't ask how I know this; I'll just say that it wasn't pretty.)

The best known maker of plastic versions is Thule. Google them and you'll see what's what. You can also get soft versions, but you would want to use waterproof containers inside that, and unload it at any major stops along the route for security's sake.

Be aware that having one of these on your roof can severely reduce your fuel efficiency; you'll be spending more on gasoline.

 

[tripletots]

This was our problem last August. I needed a big cartop carrier because we are a family of 7. After much research, I ended up going to Sears (tire department) and buying a hard shell carrier for 189.00. I got the largest because we needed it. They had 3 different sizes. We have used soft carriers before. They have their good and bad points. Good, being they fold for storage, both in your car and home. Bad they DO leak and your stuff will get wet unless you put your luggage (or in our case duffles) in garbage bags and seal them tightly. It's also more miserable to reattach the soft carrier in August heat in Florida. The top of the car was scortching at 8:00am! With our hard top carrier all we did was unlock and load!

Good luck with your decision and check Sears if you are staying on a budget, if not check out the Thule brand that pp mentioned. However they are expensive.

I just saw your signature and you have 4 kids, one being an infant! You may need the big one! Ours is called the X-Cargo Sport 20.

 

[~Kristina~]

I have simular cargo issues and I've been looking at the Thule storage shells online, but really need to see them in person.

 

[DVCsince02]

I've also heared them called "Turtles".

 

[SoonipiLady]

I've also heared them called "Turtles".

We have one that we used to use on our little escort. Not too heavy, can't really overload it (well, I could, but I can fit two pounds of manure in a one pond bag with room to spare! )

We bought ours at Sears and I think it was about $200.00. Maybe a little less.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I've also heared them called "Turtles".

We have one from Sears we call the "snail". (I think it has a snail on it. Haven't looked at it in a while since we got a slightly bigger car. {amen!})

 

[3mickeymom]

We have the Sears brand Sport as well and have used it many times. We secure it with the bolts and then my husband uses those plastic tie wraps for extra security. They work great!

 

[BlondeAlligator]

Okay Im pretty sure w/ my SUPER SMALL cargo space that we are going to need a luggage rack container to pack things for our disney trip.
Im looking for a fairly small one if possible. What are my options ?I dont even know what they are called LOL.
How much do they cost ? can you rent them ?
Thanks!!

You'd have to be a Trekkie to get this, but my family calls them "Spock coffins"!

 

[MrsPooh]

We purchased the mid-sized one from Sears several years ago for a trip to FL. Prior to purchasing we borrowed one from our neighbors for a couple of years until the year we were both going on vacation at the same time. For some reason they insisted on using it themselves rather than letting us use it .

The Sears one worked great for us. It is a pain to store and we've considered selling it but keep holding on in case we need it again.

We put non-perishable food in it as well as clothing and other items. We tossed a step-stool into the back of the vehicle to make it easier to get things in and out.