Car-roof cargo bags/carriers

**peapod1980** · 03-16-2007, 03:49 PM

Looks like we might break down and get one this year. Jenay suggested getting a soft one, not the "shell" type. Our vehicle has two vertical side rails only. Recommendations, suggestions?

**STL Don** · 03-16-2007, 03:56 PM

The soft ones don't last as long, but are far easier to store--you can get one at Target

**RiverOtter** · 03-16-2007, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by peapod1980

Looks like we might break down and get one this year. Jenay suggested getting a soft one, not the "shell" type. Our vehicle has two vertical side rails only. Recommendations, suggestions?

We bought our shell type at Sears. Seems like it was around $150 or less. If I had it to do over again I would get the longer version that opens to the side. Much easier to load. We never had any problems with leakage even thought its not waterproof. I had 2 different neighbors that had the soft version and both had wet clothes and Christmas presents.

**Jdarg** · 03-16-2007, 04:02 PM

We don't put anyting that can get wet in the soft one. It is strictly for beach chairs, toys, and things like sodas, detergent, umbrellas, and all the misc. crap that I managed to find a need for---

**John R** · 03-16-2007, 04:23 PM

i would go hard shell. you know the seal will be tight and there won't be any potential for abasion against the paint on a 1400 mile round trip drive. also, the hard shells are contoured for less drag.

ymmv.

Rocket box

**Miss Kitty** · 03-16-2007, 06:47 PM

Which little pea gets to ride in the carrier?

**Ocean Lover** · 03-16-2007, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by STL Don

The soft ones don't last as long, but are far easier to store--you can get one at Target

We have a soft one from Target and and use it for beach chairs, boogie boards etc..you can put suitcases in it too...just put them in a big black trash bag first. We've had it for probably 4 years and have used it 4 or 5 times. It works for us.

**dbuck** · 03-16-2007, 07:32 PM

Just be sure to put it on top of your vehicle AFTER you pull out of your garage - unless your garage has adequate clearance.

**audie** · 03-17-2007, 07:14 AM

i may have to rent a u-haul this year

mr audie will not be please when we load up...as per usual..

**Jdarg** · 03-17-2007, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by dbuck

Just be sure to put it on top of your vehicle AFTER you pull out of your garage - unless your garage has adequate clearance.

Do you "know someone" who has experience with this issue?

**audie** · 03-17-2007, 08:03 AM

jdarg, that sounds like something i would do......

**Allifunn** · 03-18-2007, 04:47 PM

Pea...I bought a soft one for my trip down last year...and it did fine. I do agree....put luggage in a big bag to avoid any water seepage. The hard carriers do take up space when you store them...but you can always use it during the winter as a bob sled....

**skippertoo** · 03-18-2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by dbuck

Just be sure to put it on top of your vehicle AFTER you pull out of your garage - unless your garage has adequate clearance.

**Beemn** · 03-19-2007, 07:59 AM

Does anyone know where to get one make by thule or yakima, or a high quality brand?

**John R** · 03-19-2007, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Beemn

Does anyone know where to get one make by thule or yakima, or a high quality brand?

i think marlice is a dealer of one of the above, she could probably get you a box, or any bikeshop.

**beachma** · 03-19-2007, 08:55 PM

http://roofbag.com/OrderProducts.asp

This is what we use...beach chairs, toys, go up top first...if we pack luggage...just for precaution we put it in trash bags...but this thing is really waterproof! It's not quite as flexible as the cheaper ones you can pick up at Target, but you learn how to pack it...it's a challenge we have conquered and have mastered!!! We haven't had a bit of a problem the last few years when we've had to add a porta-crib, high chair & sometimes even a stroller!!! And yes...we always pull our vehicle out of the garage and pack the top from the driveway...we can almost always pull back into the garage...but sometimes NOT!