Cargo Carrier

Mike Goetzke

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Joined
Jul 12, 2008
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1,162
We are going on vacation in a few weeks to a cabin. I have a Chevy Traverse that seats 7 and 6 will be traveling so not much room for clothes and gear. Ahhhh, the good old days, many years ago I used to have a Sears clamshell carrier for the top of the vehicle. I see couple options for the trip (maybe there are more?):

1) Many places sell cargo bags for the top that get fastened to the roof rack.

Screenshot 2025-07-14 093025.png

2) They make these hitch mounted racks:

Screenshot 2025-07-14 093126.png

I'm sort of siding with the top cargo bag but looking for those with experience with either.

Thanks
 
I have used the bag type a few times. They are OK. Really need to make sure it is attached properly, and truly drawn down super tight (like, hang your body weight off the strap tight). They are basically non-aerodynamic. You will feel the resistance at high speed. Driving into the wind you will see it on mpg for real. Don't put anything in the bag that you might want along the way. Real pain to get into mid trip. Cheaper than clam shell for sure. But lots of downsides. Only true usage plus is that you can stuff them like a duffle bag. The hard shells can limit the stuffing a bit.

If doing it again I'd get a big aerodynamic hard shell.

Seth
 
Just to add to what Seth said...I've transported many motorcycles across the US using Ancra nylon straps on an open trailer. If the straps get wet during a rain storm they will temporarily stretch considerably so the cargo bag straps need to be checked if you run into rain. 🤔
 
I used to carry my bicycles on a roof-top carry rack. Loading and off-loading was more difficult, but safer.

Friends who used a hang-on rack for the rear to hold the bikes soon found that people still “park-by-feel”, that is they wait for that little tap from the bumpers hitting to know when to stop. It does not take much of a “tap” to destroy an expensive bicycle.

Also, in today’s cars, rear looking cameras might mitigate that issue, but creates others.

I was parked in the local municipal park where there were walking trails. A cop had parked in the middle in an un-marked and un-wise space. He was chatting with someone.

The car parked adjacent to mine had a bike rack (with a bike), and he started backing up. I pressed on my horn and the cop jumped out of the way to safety. His police cruiser did not fare as well. The bike rack apparently obscured the vision through the rear camera, and lacking any risk-input the driver backed out.

All of which is to say that I highly recommend the roof rack over the tail rack. Get a lightweight 16” - 18” (two-step) step stool, to facilitate loading and unloading. And resist the temptation to leave it on permanently. It affects your fuel economy.

 
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