Roof top cargo carriers

V

vanfx

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Location
Vancouver B.C.
We just had a baby and as we all know the FX is a 2 person weekender as far as space. Add all the stuff a baby needs and Im hooped. Dont want to have to get rid of the FX. Wondering if anyone has experience with a Thule or Yakkima storage box. They seem to be the same price< and I need crossrails. Are the factory ones strong enough or get the aftermarket ones. Any info as far as size< wind noise etc would be great...
 
The factory ones are okay. They have a little bit of a curve to them, making a perfectly flush mount difficult. If you are buying cross bars anyway, look at the Yakima Whispbar models. Very flush, straight, and adjustable mounting points. They are very quiet, as well, but they run $350. But you get what you pay for. Check my garage for a few photos.

I don't have experience with storage boxes, but they are composite plastic, so I am sure Yakima and Thule make solid choices.

Good luck!
 
Instead of a rooftop cargo carrier, I've been researching carriers that would work with a hitch and found this one.

When Kim and I go on trips, we load up the rear seats with all our stuff: usually 2 small suitcases, cooler, several bags, and then both dogs are in the rear laying comfy (trunk area) - they actually have plenty of space there and has worked out better for them there than in the rear seat as they are much more comfortable there.

Now with a baby on the way, I'm thinking how we can still go on vacation trips. It seems like this carpod carrier can hold even the largest suitcase among other things, as well as, has a cargo bag you can purchase with it that is waterproof. I'm seriously thinking of purchasing this soon, but want to get all your thoughts.

what do you guys think?

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Carpod/M2200-01-02.html
http://www.amazon.com/CARPOD-Hitch-Mounted-Cargo-M2200/dp/B0029L4YA0
http://www.carpodrack.com/home
DSC_3742.jpg


this guy has a hitch extender to pass the rear spare
5650908077_1c7c29150f.jpg
 
Very function for sure Jonas, but I'm a bit reserved on the look of it though. It looks a bit too redneck for me :smile (2): I'm too looking for something to hold more cargo for the Sienna. I'm have been looking at a roof top cargo box that can also fit ski in it. Just eyeing on a good deal for now.
 
I think this would hold double of what a top cargo box would hold plus with the top cargo box with it's weird shape and getting it on/off.

I'm willing to do what it takes so I don't have to get a minivan. If you guys have some other ideas, what you think!? any type of trailer I think would just be too big then for storage
 
i have a roof box on the fx for winter. you can really feel its there when your driving. destroys your mpg also. Makes the fx feel so heavy and when theres wind, you will really feel it. Not to mention, very loud. It could be just my box ( Older model, long and skinny). Probably the newer models are different.
Id probally get the trailer mount box if i had the option. Easier to load and unload, no wind noise or drag up top.
 
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Andrew, thanks for the input on a roof top box. The things you've mentioned are things that I have been consider long and hard. Still seesawing on as matter of fact. Just wish there are places that I can rent one to try out! Was your long enough for ski. I remember to have posted a pic somewhere!
 
I don't like those hitch mount boxes. As Andy said looks redneck, and the worst part is, it wrecks your ride. I had a friend with a Jeep and he had one of those. When he had it loaded up the Jeep road like crap, and the Jeep had stiff suspension which should have helped. It puts the load to far back and has a pendulum affect.

Aiya, lol, at your bumper dumper
 
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la_fx35 said:
Andrew, thanks for the input on a roof top box. The things you've mentioned are things that I have been consider long and hard. Still seesawing on as matter of fact. Just wish there are places that I can rent one to try out! Was your long enough for ski. I remember to have posted a pic somewhere!
Click to expand...

https://www.infinitiscene.com/search/1/?q=14847-Viperi-s-2008-Fx35

post 12.
yea mines made for skis and snowboards. Very convenient as you just throw everything up there. Too bad it has crazy wind noise and really bad wind drag that you can really feel it.
 
so the result: don't buy top cargo and don't buy hitch cargo? Need to bring lots of stuff for family trips. There must be another way!? :disapointed:

---------- Post Merged at 10:59 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:58 PM ----------

I was thinking of getting the rear cargo and putting the family bikes up top.
 
jdTrader said:
so the result: don't buy top cargo and don't buy hitch cargo? Need to bring lots of stuff for family trips. There must be another way!? :disapointed:

---------- Post Merged at 10:59 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:58 PM ----------

I was thinking of getting the rear cargo and putting the family bikes up top.
Click to expand...

hm if that was your case with bikes and storage, get a cargo box up top but the slim and short version(make sure it sits behind windshield for less wind drag and noise). And then get a bike rack for the trailer ( easier to unload and load)
 
Viperi said:
https://www.infinitiscene.com/search/1/?q=14847-Viperi-s-2008-Fx35

post 12.
yea mines made for skis and snowboards. Very convenient as you just throw everything up there. Too bad it has crazy wind noise and really bad wind drag that you can really feel it.
Click to expand...

Ok, I see why the wind noise and drag. Since the FX roof line is short and your cargo box is long extend pass the roof line. I have a feeling the drag and wind noise my not as bad if the cargo box is use on roof of a minivan. I suspect, a short & higher version will probably work better on the FX roof.
 
la_fx35 said:
Ok, I see why the wind noise and drag. Since the FX roof line is short and your cargo box is long extend pass the roof line. I have a feeling the drag and wind noise my not as bad if the cargo box is use on roof of a minivan. I suspect, a short & higher version will probably work better on the FX roof.
Click to expand...

yea. my ski box would work perfect for your minivan but not the fx. fx has a short roof. Most ski boxs are made that long tho.
 
Viperi said:
hm if that was your case with bikes and storage, get a cargo box up top but the slim and short version(make sure it sits behind windshield for less wind drag and noise). And then get a bike rack for the trailer ( easier to unload and load)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion...is there one that you recommend for the FX? One that would store as much as possible and/or even store large suitcases?
 
Jonas, why not consider a small 4x4 or 4x6 Trailer with a locking top. You would never feel it behind the FX.
I made one when my 3 kids were small for our trips, It was lockable and I put 14" wheels on it, it was easy to roll around by hand even. I towed it behind the car with all our tents, and camping gear and supplies and everything was locked up and dry. It worked great, heck we towed it as far as the East coast.
 
jdTrader said:
Thanks for the suggestion...is there one that you recommend for the FX? One that would store as much as possible and/or even store large suitcases?
Click to expand...

id go and test fit them on the roof. make sure its doesn;t over hand in the front ( past your windshield). I dont think they make any big enough for suitcases.. Only way to put large suitcases is to get a roof basket and tie it down lol.
 
GEE35FX said:
Jonas, why not consider a small 4x4 or 4x6 Trailer with a locking top. You would never feel it behind the FX.
I made one when my 3 kids were small for our trips, It was lockable and I put 14" wheels on it, it was easy to roll around by hand even. I towed it behind the car with all our tents, and camping gear and supplies and everything was locked up and dry. It worked great, heck we towed it as far as the East coast.
Click to expand...

Do you have a picture? Do you want to sell yours? hehehe.

I like this idea, only issue is then it would take up our 3rd garage spot unless it would somehow fold up like the carpod or be narrow enough for me to be able to carry it into the basement like a top cargo...would have liked to keep that open for an eventual boat or SOMETHING more exciting like a trailer with ATVs or something hopefully one day.
 
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