undallas

I'm planning to go on a week long camping trip with my family. As we all know, cargo space is limited in the back with 4 passengers.

Since this is my first SUV with roof rack, this may sounds stupid...

What's the best way to get additional capacity on luggage and stuff?

Here are the options for what I found on the web:
1. Yakima Warrior or other roof rack -> looks ugly.....
2. Waterproof Duffle bag on roof top -> if I don't load heavy, is current stock roof rack with cross bar good enough?
3. Thule's roof top accessories...-> pricy.. may not be practical if I only use it once a year.
4. Hitch Storage Rack -> make the truck too long... not a good idea when I go offroading in Colorado.

Any other suggestions on this topic?

thanks a bunch

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2005 Pathfinder SE Off-road Granite

 

brad1369

My experinces/thoughts:

On the factory roof rack, I've been able to put two tents and four folding chairs without going over the factory recommendation in weight, and not using a warrior. If I'm going to load anything else, up their I'd probably get the warrior, or a Yakima blacktop or platinum (better aerodynamics/gas milage).

either way, you are still limited by the weight recommendation from the factory on the roof. Also, the more you put higher, you are changing the center of gravity of the vehicle so handling could be affected.

depending on how much you are taking camping, you may have to look at getting the basket for the roof and a trailer hitch cargo carrier. This is the options I'm considering.

shift_

I have one of the SUV roof rack cargo bags which can be purchased @ Target for like $30 or so. I just throw it up on the roof and use the cargo bag strap downs and off I go.

generic

How waterproof are those things? Light sprinkle proof or driving rain proof?
Thanks

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Ordered April 8th, delivered June 20th
2005 SE OR Storm Grey with SAB

shift_

Mine did perfect. We went to Red River, NM on a ski trip and when we arrived there nothing was wet

They do great. I had a fold out baby crib, wife, 2-kids and my clothes in there, plus gifts. It was packed, but did awsome

 

undallas

Sounds like a economy solution:
It fits a wife and 2 kids.... what a deal

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2005 Pathfinder SE Off-road Granite

blackcloud

Nice.. The wife and kids on the roof..outstanding.

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2005 Pathfinder LE

PRAYN4SNO

Thats great..putting the wife and kids on the roof! Now you can enjoy a nice quiet ride to the Mountain!

shift_

hahaha. I was teasing. It does really well. Did not get nothing wet.

But mine is just like this one, but does not say THULE and was not over $40.00

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...sin=B0000WZYFE

undallas

I found the bag at Target.
It is made by Rubbermail for about $30.
not a bad deal for additional storage.
One thing that I noticed is that it is weather-proof, but not water proof.
I think I'm going to make a homemade tarp cover to wrap it...
Because it is very likely that we will encounter rain at Colorado.

overall... good deal.

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2005 Pathfinder SE Off-road Granite

 

jetmechG550

Just because something is not water proof doesn't mean it isn't water resistant. It probably has the ability to keep contents dry in a light rain but your stuff will probably get wet in a monsoon.