Cargo, Bike, Etc. Carriers

[Apoc]

Tell me what you know about brands, bar type, carrier size, etc.

I'm looking to add a carrier to the wagon for road trips. The wagon has a good bit of space, and we could easily make due with two of us, but it gets more complicated when there's three... especially an infant. We have a few trips coming up this summer (e.g. renting house on Oregon coast) where we'll likely need a bit more space for things like a pack/play. The wife thinks we should just rent a minivan, but two rentals worth of $$$ and we have our very own rooftop carrier. I also wouldn't mind if we could use it later to carry bikes... although it'll be awhile before we pony up for that attachment. I'd rather buy once cry once and get something that will last as long as we have the car.

Something like this, but maybe smaller. Rear hatch clearance will be a thing, I'm sure.

[JustinG]

Yakima/Thule, just depends on your preference, but from there stick to the same brand for all of your stuff as the locks can be keyed to one key vs one for each accessory.

I bought into Yakima with my RocketBox 11, covers about half the roof of the car and worked on the Forester with the rear hatch, works on the Prius, but the hatch only opens about 3/4 til it hits the box due to it being a shorter car.

Newer models open from both sides, mine is a generation before that switch and only opens from the passenger side, so it always has to shifted to that side of the car.

I can shift the clamps on the box forward/back so you can move the box forward enough to get hatch clearance. With a wagon I wouldn't be as worried. Yakima has a kinda "Will this fit my car" tool and you can see how it will sit on the roof.

EDIT: I actually have the RocketBox 11

[WRXtranceformed]

Another option is you can actually rent those cargo carriers for a trip or two if you don't feel like buying and having to store one. Our local Acura dealer does it.

[.RJ]

If you want to carry a bike, get a hitch and put this thing on - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.1upusa.com/">https://www.1upusa.com/</a><!-- m -->

do not pass go, just buy it. its the best thing out there, and a 1-bike rack folds up tight against the bumper you almost dont notice its there.

[PDenbigh]

Yakima has a new line of aerodynamic cross bars (if you need them) that I've been very impressed with. A friend has them on his truck and they are almost silent.

[JustinG]

Yakima has a new line of aerodynamic cross bars (if you need them) that I've been very impressed with. A friend has them on his truck and they are almost silent.

i have the Yakima Aero Bars, very little wind noise, a+ would buy again.

[JustinG]

Rocket box 11, Yakima Ridgeback 4.



F that car.....but damn it was awesome for like 18months

[ScottyB]

we run a Thule Sonic XL. build quality is decent and i like the profile. good locks and the attachment clamp system is dead simple. one thing i found out is that ours was NOT watertight over an 8 hour soaking rain trip. there was some intrusion (minor puddling) at the leading edge, so I got some heavy duty, high tack felt strip and lined the front lower edge for a nice tight seal. no more issues. i would probably not go smaller than their Force model....you gotta have some height in the profile or they lose quite a bit of utility.

you would not believe the amount of crap you can carry in one when they're packed right (think soft goods, duffels, bags etc). i will never ever get rid of ours even after our son grows older and hopefully has less crap. just so nice on vacations and holiday trips.

they will notch down your mileage and make some wind noise but not as bad as you'd think. also consider that you'll have to store it somewhere...i built a simple 2x4 frame and hung it from the ceiling with cheap metal strap and bolts because they're only about 40-50 lbs empty.

hitch rack for bikes. easier to load, less chance of scratching your car, less chance of demolishing your bikes on low garage entrances, keeps them out of the aero for better mileage, and of course they give you the option to run a car top carrier at the same time.

[ispoonwithmugen]

A+ on the Yakima bars. I have them and love it.