anyone use a roof cargo box carrier on your SUV?

[heftylefty58]

This summer, we plan to take the kids and the dog on our first long road trip. Because we won't be able to stack much of our crap on top of the dog, this means that pretty much half of our trunk cargo space will be unusable.

Therefore, I'm trying to look into roof-top cargo box carriers for my 2003 Yukon Denali. Based on what I've seen so far, I found various products made by Yakima and Thule, and their prices range from ~$350 to almost $1000.

I don't know much about these things, but if you have any experience with them on a Yukon or similar SUV, can you share your thoughts/recommendations/etc?

 

[Eagle]

1: look on craigslist, they pop up frequently for $100. The old WHITE sears Xcargo was a great large volume unit, but the newer ones bolt to your crossbars instead of using straps and the newer xcargo/?thule? is far more aerodynamic.

The downsides of them are wind noise, the reduction in gas mileage, and increased vehicle height... some times enough to prevent you using a drive thru for example.

I have an older white 'square' Xcargo I got for $75 but probably won't use it for my trip to disney. The downsides over two VERY VERY long 1000 mile days are more than I am willing to deal with for the convenience of carrying more stuff. I'd rather limit clothing to 4 outfits and use coin operated washing more frequently.

My suggestion? Do both your dog and your family a favor: leave the dog at home or at a kennel.
Being cooped up in a carrier in the back of a vehicle is absolutely no fun for a dog. nor is it fun for the people in the back who have to constantly care for the dog (or smell it). It not being cooped up in a carrier is dangerous. Having to stop 1/2 hour every two hours for doggy food and water and potty is no fun either.

Sitting in a kennel in some strange town while the family goes to have fun or goes out to eat, swim, etc. is pointless. I've been there, and traveling with pets is absolutely NO fun for anyone involved. Better to have a lot of fun with the dog when you get back.

 

[Bailey-Hoe!]

I think I finally disagree with Eagle on this one. Ditto on the safety issues he discusses, as I would never forgive myself if I ever wrecked my car and hurt my 'boys'. However, I am planning a trip to FL from VT and the thought of leaving my dogs in a kennel for that long is out of the question. I have 2 labs. One comes to work with me and spends lots of time in a car. The other, is getting long in the tooth and still loves road trips. I have a rule that the car only stops when it needs gas and they adhere completely. They love the car and actually seem to enjoy the time spent with me. The good thing is I am not going to Disney, and the car will be occupied by just me and the dogs. Plus, I am traveling to my folks house and they love seeing G-Ma and G-Pa. I'll have to find a dog friendly hotel for the halfway point(s) but oh well.

As such, I have a Thule carrier on the roof. Plus, if I bring bikes, I throw those up there as well. It does kill gas mileage but then a reputable kennel is not cheap either.

 

[Eagle]

No prob, Variety is the spice of life. Not everyone is like me or has such good neighbors.

 

[Bailey-Hoe!]

PS - if anyone is interested.

www.orsracksdirect.com

Ask for Shawn Standen, tell them you know Big Bad Bobby Bailey.

 

[DenaliAK]

I have a Yakima skybox and love it. I don't recall the exact capacity, but I think it's the second biggest. Fits right onto the OEM rack. Used it a lot last summer and fall. Took one road trip 700 or so miles. Full truck and box and recorded my highest mpg to date. Got right at 19 mpg for the trip. It's also pretty streamlined and there is very little wind noise.

 

[FLHOE]

I have a THULE that I use when I go camping with a pop-up. It is the Atlantis 2100 and holds a lot of gear. I could have probably got away with getting the 1800. The only issue with the large one is you can see it in the vehicle since it extends over the windshield (for this reason I wish I got the 1800). Did not really impact mileage but I was towing a pop-up at the same time. I don't recall a lot of wind noise from it either. Places I looked were local kayak and bike shops for closeout or prior year models. I ended up getting mine from REI outlet, even with shipping it was much cheaper than the local store.

 

[Eagle]

PS - if anyone is interested.

www.orsrackdirect.com

Ask for Shawn Standen, tell them you know Big Bad Bobby Bailey.

bum link B.

 

[heftylefty58]

Big Bad missed an s. This one should work: http://www.orsracksdirect.com/

 

[Bailey-Hoe!]

Big Bad missed an s. This one should work: http://www.orsracksdirect.com/

oops. thanks