Anyone? What do you all have on your vehicles?
I'm looking at the Thule M.O.A.B.
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/Thule-691XT-MOAB-Extension-3qtr-On-Car.jpg)
or this other roof basket
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/roof-cargo-basket-1.jpg)
and/or a Yakima rocket box
(http://www.rackattack.com/dynamicimages/productimages/yakima-rocketbox-pro-12.jpg)
Just know that your gas mileage will suffer unless you take it off when not using it.
Quote from: Punx Clever on November 10, 2011, 08:59:26 PM
Just know that your gas mileage will suffer unless you take it off when not using it.
....but it won't suffer "when" you're using it? :D
Yeah..with the box, I'm sure.
I believe he's just suggesting to take it off when not using
when you're not using it, replace it with a JATO and your gas mileage will be much better
Except them JATO's are kinda pricey...
Quote from: kopfjäger on November 10, 2011, 09:15:56 PM
....but it won't suffer "when" you're using it? :D
Psh, freshman econ, cost-benifit analysis. Duh. :P
Quote from: IZ on November 10, 2011, 09:16:52 PM
Yeah..with the box, I'm sure.
The baskets are probably just as bad or worse than the box
You think the baskets are? They add that much drag?!
So maybe just better to get the Yakima Far out Pro cargo bag:
(http://www.forums.carrackresources.com/attachments/car-rack-product-categories/cargo-roof-bags/536d1307045062t-yakima-farout-pro-waterproof-roof-bag-now-available-yakima-farout-pro-roof-bag-b.jpg)
and the Thule kayak carrier and remove when not in use.
(http://www.discountramps.com/marineImages/thule-hull-a-port.jpg)
Thanks for the info
D..JATO??
Jet-fuel assisted take off
JATO:
C-130 JATO takeoff (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHKUScKF-1k#)
Quote from: IZ on November 10, 2011, 10:08:31 PM
(http://www.forums.carrackresources.com/attachments/car-rack-product-categories/cargo-roof-bags/536d1307045062t-yakima-farout-pro-waterproof-roof-bag-now-available-yakima-farout-pro-roof-bag-b.jpg)
I sense a marketing gimmick, but damned if I care.
I would say the basket is the way....
you could strap the baby seat up there good n' tight....
and give junior his acclimation to the open-road experience :D
here at work we sell the Thule Mont Blanc basket rack, and most mount it to the cross bars and remove the rack and crossbars altogether as one unit when not in use, but is less drag when on than a box....and the number of versatile soft sided waterproof solutions available nowadays is much better than what it used to be...that and if you are just going to an airport in decent weather for example, you can just lay lugguage on it with a strap or 2 at most and hit the road...
Quote from: RAT900 on November 11, 2011, 01:39:59 AM
I would say the basket is the way....
you could strap the baby seat up there good n' tight....
and give junior his acclimation to the open-road experience :D
hmm..and I was almost sold on the boxes.
(http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/sports-imports/A90275-roof-top-box.jpg)
Thanks Rat and Zooom
I was checking out this basket too.
http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Vehicle-Cargo-Basket/dp/B002M4AVGU (http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Vehicle-Cargo-Basket/dp/B002M4AVGU)
(http://www.lorsey.com/image_manager/attributes/image/image_2/1095566670_4238608118.jpg)
Quote from: IZ on November 10, 2011, 10:08:31 PM
(http://www.forums.carrackresources.com/attachments/car-rack-product-categories/cargo-roof-bags/536d1307045062t-yakima-farout-pro-waterproof-roof-bag-now-available-yakima-farout-pro-roof-bag-b.jpg)
wait.. is she selling a basket or a rack?
;D
Changing the thread name to "Box or Rack?" [cheeky]
Quote from: IZ on November 11, 2011, 05:32:06 AM
;D
Changing the thread name to "Box or Rack?" [cheeky]
or chute?
D*mn..now this is a nice rack!
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12299 (http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12299)
[popcorn]
The xterra comes with a rack but that's obviously much nicer.
i miss my 03 xterra. i got rid of it after gas prices went nuts -- it was the supercharged model and required premium gas -- the manual had a big warning "DO NOT USE REGULAR GAS"
but it was a great ride
I have an '04 Xterra. The stock roof rack is essentially useless, as they made the bars too thick to tie anything to...and there's only a small plastic basket in the front (with no hooks for tying ofcourse). It really is a POS, and it's only good use is a mounting point for a real rack system. The rest of the truck is great though...well, except for it getting 13.5 mpg in town. [thumbsdown]
Adam...I'd say your rack choice comes down to if you want something that will keep things out of the weather. That's a big deal up here...maybe not where you are. Any roof mount option will hurt gas mileage.
Personally, I'd get a hitch put on the new SUV, then get a hitch mount cargo box. It won't hurt your gas mileage, is easier to remove than roof mount, and would be much easier to load. Plus, a hitch is just a good thing to have and is very versatile. You can carry pretty much whatever you want on a hitch. I just switched to a Yakima hitch mount bike carrier, and it's kicks ass on my old Yakima roof mount one.
(http://www.thule.com/~/media/Images/Thule/ProductImages/ProductImage.ashx?12&mh=408&mw=618&ext=%5cClassification_1_root%5cImage_Hierarchy%5cImageFolder_5111%5cImageFolder_177805%5c665C_oc.jpg)
Here's a much simpler and cheaper option for $70
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-Mb56P27L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Triple J on November 11, 2011, 09:57:12 AM
Personally, I'd get a hitch put on the new SUV, then get a hitch mount cargo box. It won't hurt your gas mileage MUCH, is easier to remove than roof mount, and would be much easier to load. Plus, a hitch is just a good thing to have and is very versatile. (http://www.thule.com/~/media/Images/Thule/ProductImages/ProductImage.ashx?12&mh=408&mw=618&ext=%5cClassification_1_root%5cImage_Hierarchy%5cImageFolder_5111%5cImageFolder_177805%5c665C_oc.jpg)
for the most part I agree with this with the caveat that you check to see how said box swings out of the way for tailgate opening/access, which is an often time realized after the fact "Oooops" moment and look at/for the potential blockage of any and/or all of your rearward lighting....
Looks like that box has built in lights like a trailer. Rear lighting shouldn't be a problem.
I got a Thule aero cargo box a couple of years ago from REI for family road trips in our older Suburban. It's a 21 cubic foot box... I think. Mounts up on the factory cargo rack super easy. I can put it on and take it off by myself. Bulky but managable.
It's been a life saver on those trips. We tend to over pack and the added space has been great! Junior usually takes a friend and we also have to take our goofy dog (can't be boarded [bang]) so the extra space up top is greatly needed. Been through some really serious rain storms and it has never allowed anything to get wet. I still pack it with the mindset of stuff possibly getting wet but it has never failed me.
You really have to be aware that it is up there regarding overhangs, tree branches, etc. Just like a roof top bike rack. Haven't run it under something yet but I almost have! [bang] The Suburban is such a battleship at highway speeds in bad cross winds already so I haven't really noticed any terrible additional handling effects with the box mounted. I don't dare check the gas mileage... to depressing to begin with. :P But the extra space sure makes up for all the trouble!
J..this is one reason I should've spent more and bought the V6 4WD with the hitch! :P
No hitch on this one but I'm sure it could be added.
Zooom.. the back end opens like a door on the RAV. Does Thule make a hitch for that?
Quote from: IZ on November 11, 2011, 11:34:06 AM
Does Thule make a hitch for that?
Thule doesn't make hitches...but check http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/default.aspx (http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/default.aspx)
this is where I got the Draw-Tite I mounted on my Subaru
I am a cargo box addict. Once you have a nice one, you can never go back.
I had an older Yakima 21 rocket box, but it was too long for our new highlander and the lift gate would hit it.
I just bought a new Thule ascent 16 that is shorter and wider, and the lift gate clears it by an inch. I do not like the new yakima lock and handle systems.
The thule is made in USA, the yakima is made in Mexico.
You are a month or 2 late though, REI has a 20% blow out during September - that is when I picked my new one up. I would keep an eye on CL for used ones, they pop up all the time.
mitt
I also hit the big Labor Day weekend REI sale when I got my Thule and used up a $70+ member dividend. It was too good to pass up. They didn't have the one I wanted in stock at the time but they told me to order it on line and it would be dropped shipped to the store and I wouldn't be charged shipping. If I had it sent to my house I would have to pay shipping. Nice tip from the sales associate. [thumbsup] [clap] Got a call a few days later telling me to come pick it up!
How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway?? :o [cheeky]
Quote from: Speedbag on November 11, 2011, 12:44:30 PM
How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway?? :o [cheeky]
when we are hauling the whole family to the beach for the week...the girls have a crapload of stuff...
Quote from: IZ on November 11, 2011, 11:34:06 AM
J..this is one reason I should've spent more and bought the V6 4WD with the hitch! :P
No hitch on this one but I'm sure it could be added.
Hitches are relatively inexpensive, and I'm sure the truck has a plug-in wired for lights back near the bumper somewhere (mine did). I can't remember exactly, but I think I paid $300 to have the hitch installed on my Xterra.
You may have to remove it to open the rear door, depending on if it has a feature to rotate downwards to allow room for the door to open. Either way, it's quick.
A lot of good advice..thanks guys.
The idea of the cargo box sounds good. Maybe eventually get one. I'm hoping to buy a kayak soon so this is the main reason I was looking at a basket to toss gear in and then add the kayak mounts to the top of that.
I guess I could always get just the kayak mounts up top and then put the gear a cargo box.
Will have to research more.
Quote from: Speedbag on November 11, 2011, 12:44:30 PM
How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway?? :o [cheeky]
Look up "shit ton" in the dictionary and there is a picture of my Suburban. [bang] [laugh]
Quote from: Speedbag on November 11, 2011, 12:44:30 PM
How much crap do you guys haul when you go somewhere, anyway?? :o [cheeky]
\
Are you married?
Quote from: IZ on November 11, 2011, 05:11:18 PM
A lot of good advice..thanks guys.
The idea of the cargo box sounds good. Maybe eventually get one. I'm hoping to buy a kayak soon so this is the main reason I was looking at a basket to toss gear in and then add the kayak mounts to the top of that.
I guess I could always get just the kayak mounts up top and then put the gear a cargo box.
Will have to research more.
One thing about boats - even if you only own one, they tend to run in packs, so instead of the cradles that just hold one boat, look at stackers that can secure a couple (or more). And/or you'll also want a box or basket that's narrow enough to mount to one side & leave some substantial free space on the bars for boats, whether on stackers or sitting flat.
I've got the Yakima stackers on our rack, but much prefer the Thule ones...
cool. Thanks for the heads up T.
Ford f350
Quote from: RAT900 on November 13, 2011, 01:41:30 AM
Are you married?
Yes.
Quote from: mitt on November 14, 2011, 08:22:31 AM
with 2 (or 3) kids?
No.
But still. :o
We always travel light. As in, grabbing shit and fleeing for your life because zombies are coming light.
Quote from: Speedbag on November 17, 2011, 03:36:21 PM
We always travel light. As in, grabbing shit and fleeing for your life because zombies are coming light.
ammo and guns are heavier and bulkier that what I;d charachterize as light when it comes to zombie-pocolypse
This arrived today..
(http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/accessories/35810d1290297736-malone-katahdin-roof-basket-img_2655.jpg)
(http://www.carrackadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/malone-katahdin-car-roof-gear-basket-mpg311-300x300.jpg)
Unfortunately, the box was damaged. Plus..some of the accessories were already opened and one of the side covers was damaged. It was obviously a returned item. [bang]
Hopefully, the company will just send me a new cover and I can send the damaged one back.
Is this BS just the way things work with online companies nowadays? The last 3 items I've purchased were in the exact same condition, i.e.:
-Damaged packaging
-Opened items in said package
-Obviously was a returned item in the past
BTW..I'll be purchasing a trailer hitch for a cargo box as well! Thanks for all the info everyone!
Nice looking luggage rack
I threw a packed-up Thule soft carrier on our CRV for the trip to Gloucester last month
took 3 to 4 mpg off the gas mileage according to the little gauge thingy on the dash
Quote from: RAT900 on December 07, 2011, 10:06:24 PM
I threw a packed-up Thule soft carrier on our CRV for the trip to Gloucester last month
Thanks Rat. Are those soft carriers loud at highway speed?
Quote from: IZ on December 07, 2011, 10:11:40 PM
Thanks Rat. Are those soft carriers loud at highway speed?
Actually they aren't noisy
but they are NOT water-tight,,,,,
water "resistant" I believe is what they say.
So zip lock anything that can't get wet or bungee a tarp around the whole thing
We headed up in a deluge that lasted the entire 250 mile trip and had a puddle in the bottom of the bag
could have been worse
Cool.
My sister got soft carrier with her Denali. She never used it and is giving it to me. I'll have to check to see if it says water proof or resistant. Either way though..pack the contents inside too.
Quote from: IZ on December 08, 2011, 12:03:23 AM
Cool.
My sister got soft carrier with her Denali. She never used it and is giving it to me. I'll have to check to see if it says water proof or resistant. Either way though..pack the contents inside too.
the other thing I have seen is to lay a tarp in the basket and over the windshield, lay in the soft carrier system....pack it, and then take the draped over the windshield portion overtop everythiong towards the back and then bungee the whole kit and kaboodle down....if you have extra over the sides, you can tuck it in like hospital corners if you feel so inclined....
Quote from: zooom on December 08, 2011, 07:50:33 AM
the other thing I have seen is to lay a tarp in the basket and over the windshield, lay in the soft carrier system....pack it, and then take the draped over the windshield portion overtop everythiong towards the back and then bungee the whole kit and kaboodle down....if you have extra over the sides, you can tuck it in like hospital corners if you feel so inclined....
Thanks for the suggestion Z..extra tarp, as well as bungees, stored in the RAV now. [thumbsup]
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/RAV_basket_1.jpg)
Pic of the basket installed. Perfect fit! Approx. 45 min to assemble and install and didn't have to move the factory crossbars either. Couldn't go wrong with the price. Discount Ramps was the cheapest site that had it. I guess the basket was discontinued so the fairing isn't easy to find. [thumbsdown] Only found one on EBAY and the seller hasn't responded to my request for the part. May be able to fabricate the part though? Anyway, I can hear some noise when the moonroof shade is open but haven't taken it too far to notice any decrease in mileage. Taking a trip in a few weeks though. It will get it's use then! BTW..Discount Ramps sent out a new part to replace the damaged one the day after I called them.
looks nice IZ
Thanks M! [thumbsup]