Wierd roof rack / carrier trend
- Thread starter Rhill
- Start date
Dream car
Ah, I see. It’s the basket part…as if the car is going to join the Land Rovers on the set of “Daktari”…
roof racks are handy! I find if you put real weight up there, the factory racks are not rated for that much weight. ive made countless runs for sheets of plywood, lumber, relocations, and family trips which used the racks. Bikes went up there too. they can add a lot of utility to a vehicle.
however, I’ve had to augment some of mine, or rebuild them with altogether, to handle more weight safely.
however, I’ve had to augment some of mine, or rebuild them with altogether, to handle more weight safely.
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They are useful for long trips if you have a waterproof bag(s) or items that won’t fit in car.
I went cross country(half way) in a Honda FIT with one with 3 people and that to carry our gear.
I went cross country(half way) in a Honda FIT with one with 3 people and that to carry our gear.
A cargo box does come in handy.
But, when I'm done using it, ie after a road trip, or after the ski season, I spend 5 minutes and remove it from the crossbars.
JHZR2
Staff member
Those big baskets are because dumb people who couldn’t be caught dead in a station wagon or minivan now are realizing that they actually need to carry stuff, and these SUVs are sometimes cool looking but usually a waste of space (unless it’s a suburban).
Putting stuff up top can be smart. We have a roofrack even on our van. I remove the cross bar for aerodynamic reasons when we don’t need them, but they’re sure useful for skis and whatnot.
Leaving some basket up there to cruise around is an aerodynamic nightmare.
Putting stuff up top can be smart. We have a roofrack even on our van. I remove the cross bar for aerodynamic reasons when we don’t need them, but they’re sure useful for skis and whatnot.
Leaving some basket up there to cruise around is an aerodynamic nightmare.
Just another trend is my guess, probably meant to give the vehicle a certain look or perhaps suggest a certain lifestyle of the owner.
Sort of like the “adventure” racks I see on pickups with pristine looking shovels and canisters hanging off of them.
Sort of like the “adventure” racks I see on pickups with pristine looking shovels and canisters hanging off of them.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
The local subie dealer installs a package on crosstreks that includes the roof basket, a little suspension lift, black wheels and A/T tires and a Full size spare in the basket. They're all over.
Sounds like he is trying to look like an overlander. That’s the new craze as well.
When I bought my Mazda CX 5 every one on the lot had the dealer installed roof rails. I asked the salesperson about it and he said that they just looked better with the rails. And I have to admit that they do,
However, the rails alone are worthless. You have to add the optional cross bars in order to tie anything down to the rails. And I don't have them. But roof racks on hot hatches ? Seems like an affectation.
However, the rails alone are worthless. You have to add the optional cross bars in order to tie anything down to the rails. And I don't have them. But roof racks on hot hatches ? Seems like an affectation.
I’ve been using a roof box seasonally for at least 15 years. I XC ski multiple times per week, and this is the best solution for me. The skis are 81” long, and often have sticky wax on them. Even in a large SUV, 81” skis would have to be slid over/under seats, get in passengers way, slide around and get sticky wax on my upholstery.
I’m also a huge fan of modularity. I can start with a 40 MPG car that’s fun to drive, but add a roof box, trailer, etc. only when needed.
I could see a basket being useful with the associated waterproof “bag”.
My old E36 with my best automotive purchase ever - an Aluma AE58 trailer.
I’m also a huge fan of modularity. I can start with a 40 MPG car that’s fun to drive, but add a roof box, trailer, etc. only when needed.
I could see a basket being useful with the associated waterproof “bag”.
My old E36 with my best automotive purchase ever - an Aluma AE58 trailer.
Got a large cargo carrier for our Jeep we place on for longer family trips. When it’s two kids and two large labs laying in the back it’s a must. We fit several suitcases and bags up there, kids toys, etc. it’s actually very sturdy and quiet. We obviously take it off after the trip, Jeep wouldn’t fit in garage anyway.
The basket ? Not practical for our use, tie things down to it and they get wet and way more wind noise. Of course our trips are Highway not over landing.
The basket ? Not practical for our use, tie things down to it and they get wet and way more wind noise. Of course our trips are Highway not over landing.
I ski once or twice a week.
I put a roof rack on BMW, then a ski carrier. As soon as I get home, it is off. I cannot live with any extra noise. Plus, it takes 5min at most.
On ATlas, we put a roox box, 16cu ft. Once we finish the road trip, it is off immediately.
I put a roof rack on BMW, then a ski carrier. As soon as I get home, it is off. I cannot live with any extra noise. Plus, it takes 5min at most.
On ATlas, we put a roox box, 16cu ft. Once we finish the road trip, it is off immediately.
I drive a 2 door coupe and my trunk space is tiny. Having a cargo box up top is essential for any sort of outdoorsy activity or travelling. No point in ever taking it off because you never know when you might need the extra space.
Since my vehicle is a coupe, it doesn't have any factory mounts, so the aftermarket roof bars are sort that sit on the roof and clips to the weatherstripping on the side. That personally terrifies me a bit because I can't see weatherstripping being that sturdy. So although the manufacturer claims it's good for 160 lbs, I don't want to put anywhere near that sort of weight up there.
Since my vehicle is a coupe, it doesn't have any factory mounts, so the aftermarket roof bars are sort that sit on the roof and clips to the weatherstripping on the side. That personally terrifies me a bit because I can't see weatherstripping being that sturdy. So although the manufacturer claims it's good for 160 lbs, I don't want to put anywhere near that sort of weight up there.
Trend’s been ongoing since the late 90s. Most people are followers, not leaders. Hence the trend.
Yesterday On the road Northside of Indy to Cbus OH about 200 miles each way I saw plenty of roof top bags. That seemed to be more prevalent in real world vacation travel than boxes this time
Would go that route if we needed additional space for luggage
Would go that route if we needed additional space for luggage
My preference is the hitch basket, but you need a receiver for that. I have an awesome solid plastic tote for all my camping gear, minus the tent, that fits in it and has strap guides molded in. Less MPG loss than the box on top. You just have to be more careful backing up and picking parking spots.
