So you’re heading off on a trip and you’ve got more gear than your vehicle can carry. It’s a common problem and there are a lot of products out there. With all these options, how do you choose?
The most critical question to ask yourself is: “Where do I want to store my gear?” You’ve got two basic choices: on your vehicle’s roof or on your vehicle’s hitch.
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Rooftop Carriers
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Gear Accessibility
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Depends on vehicle and the height of the vehicle. In most cases, gear is readily accessible on small cars and station wagons but difficult to access on SUVs, Minivans and Vans. Also, very difficult to access on RVs.
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Waist-level access to gear regardless of height of vehicle. Readily accessible on small cars, station wagons, minivans, vans, and RVs.
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Truck Compatibility
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Generally not compatible with trucks as the cab is not a large enough mounting surface.
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Generally compatible with trucks.
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Installation Considerations
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Often requires additional mounting brackets to attach and secure.
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Requires a trailer hitch (already in place on most vehicles).
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Cargo Capacity
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Up to 20 Cubic Feet or more. 12 Cubic Feet is industry standard. Generally carry up to 200 pounds.
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Up to 16 Cubic Feet. 12 Cubic Feet is industry standard. Generally carry up to 200 pounds.
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Functional Cargo Capacity
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Rooftop boxes are generally long and angular for a low profile look. This often compromises the ability to carry bulky items or suitcases.
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Rectangular shape generally offers maximum functionality. Bulky items, suitcases fit better.
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Effect on Gas Mileage
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Increased drag due to rooftop location. Could decrease gas mileage.
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Located in the slipstream behind your vehicle. Should not affect gas mileage.
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Durability and Looks
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Generally made from ABS plastic, which is eye-catching and relatively lightweight, but not the most durable.
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Generally frames are made from steel or aluminum, boxes are made from higher-impact plastic polymer (extremely durable material similar to whitewater kayaks). Hitch Carriers generally have a professional, automotive look and feel.
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Price
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Low-end options ($139) to High-end options ($559)
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Low-end options ($119) to High-end options ($599) available.
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Popularity
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Very Popular
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Increasingly Popular |
More and more people are opting for a Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier option and these carriers are certainly our recommendation. To summarize, the main benefits are:
- Accessibility: your gear is not stuck up on the roof, rather it is right there at waist-level behind your vehicle.
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Hitch Mount Carriers are made from heavier-duty materials so your gear is more protected.
- Compatibility: Hitch Mount Carriers will work on just about every vehicle, provided that it has a trailer hitch.
Click here to read more about your Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier options.
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