I'm planning to do a road trip and need more space to carry my camping gear. There will be 5 people going and 5 people's worth of gear. I don't plan to off-road just sticking to the asphalt . From my research I couldn't find much info about people putting storage boxes on their roof rack. Is there any reason why it is not popular besides possible lower mpg?


I was thinking about putting 2 of these onto my Yakima load warrior (rack not extended):

HDX, 27-Gal. Storage Tote in Black, HDX27GONLINE(5) at The Home Depot - Mobile

If you only need to do it occasionally, and do not want to buy specialized rooftop storage, why not?

I have three camping boxes that I always put on top. Strap them down well and no problem. The ones you highlighted are pretty flimsy, you might look at some with hinged lids and a bit more strength. It will affect mileage, but it is easiest way to improve cargo capacity on temporary basis.

I sure hope you plan on something better than the stock rear suspension, loaded up as you describe. That will not be a pleasant drive. (Headlights in trees too).

I hope 3 of those people are kids? Otherwise that will be one tight truck. I've put some large north face bags up there and strapped down with camping stuff inside, they more easily compress but I also have a full length roof rack for that stuff. I also have the Thule cargo box, but mostly use that for skis in the winter. You will get road noise and it'll really hit the mpg's but sounds like you don't have much choice.

I had a Thule Pulse Alpine cargo box that I used all the time on my car for ski equipment. I tried it on the truck once and it didn't fit. The factory cross bars are to low and to far back, the box hit the shark fin and the hatch wouldn't open all the way because the spoiler would hit the box. It's funny how it a VW GTI just fine but not a huge SUV. Skis fit inside the truck just fine, I can haul 4 of us plus gear no problem so I sold it rather than buying aftermarket cross bars.

That being said I'd probably go with a cargo basket and waterproof bags. Place it on the roof as forward as you can to center it the weight between the 2 axles.

I have one of the aerodynamic Thule boxes, but I don't remember the specific model. I bought it on sale at Sears many years ago. It'll hold multiple regular-sized suitcases, likely a LOT of camping gear, and it doesn't have a huge affect on mileage.

But then I still have the OEM roof rack. Is yours OEM (with the two cross-bars), or do you have a real aftermarket platform rack?

You can put the one you linked to on top. It's the cheapest option, somewhat convenient in that you can lift the entire preloaded box up there instead of loading it in place, and you can use them on the ground. But personally I'd worry about losing a lid on the highway, the road noise would be loud, and it would hit your mileage.

A more secure option would be a waterproof cargo bag: https://www.google.com/search?q=roof...IVRdGACh0P7A9r

You could use something like this. Put your stuff in contractor garbage bags, put them inside these black duffle bags, and strap them to your roof rack. I have done this and it will make a lot less noise than a non aerodynamic plastic box on your roof.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Giant-Zi...ilitary+duffel

Nah. I've taken five people with all their luggage on a week-long 2000+ miles trip. The stock suspension is fine.

The cabin does get a bit... tightly packed, though. I have third-row seats and we found it's better to open one third-row seat and have only two people (but with some luggage) in the middle row.

I also have a Thule roof rack bag -- basically a giant duffle bag, but it's not waterproof. It's kinda OK, but I've been thinking about a couple of hard boxes (Pelican style) for the top...

Just got back from a three day camping trip with 5 people. I use two cargo totes on the roof rack for gear and throw the folding chairs on the roof also. This is what I use now:

Plano 1919 Sportsman's Trunk | DICK'S Sporting Goods

This box also survived a 2000 mile trip last month where 400 miles were not on pavement.

However, I want to get a large box I can bolt to roof rack and open without un-doing the tie-downs. Going to look into an aluminum one or something. Anybody have any suggestions? I don't like moving boxes up and down constantly and when I do longer trips would rather just bolt it on and leave it there for the duration of the trip.

Is that box waterproof (in the sense of rain-at-80-mph waterproof)?

The box looks like a good value. The sides are fairly square so it holds a lot for it's size. Tie the lids down if they aren't already captured by the rope tie-downs you use. I used a similar box last weekend for propane tanks and other light gear. I don't like having propane tanks inside the car.
I take it your Yakima rack places the boxes off of the roof. If the boxes sit directly on the painted roof of the car they will scratch it as they move about and vibrate during the ride. I've learned this the hard way on rougher off-road trips with a large bucket of firewood and other boxes tied on top. Put a big piece of cardboard down on the roof before tying the boxes down to eliminate the scratching.
It never rains in So Cal so don't worry about it. But put stuff you don't want wet or dusty in plastic or canvas bags inside the boxes.
Wow, 5 people camping in one car. My limit is two or three, with gear. I once rented a small cargo trailer when I had 4 people in the car.

Random FYI - the aerodynamic cargo boxes are NOT water proof. the lids with flutter and flex slightly in the wind on the highway, mine used to let a alittle bit of snow in the front if it was coming down while I was on the highway. It wasn't enough to be a concern but be cautious what you but in them.

It's def not advertised as waterproof but nothing ever got soaked in it while I used it. Some people will put silicone around where it closes to improve it. I usually keep gear in it where it wouldn't be the end of the world if it got slightly wet.

It looks like those Home Depot boxes would pond water on the top of them and let it run inside. I have some black contico plastic boxes that have a flat hinged lid with rounded corners that would probably be almost rain proof. I think Lowes and Wal-Mart may carry them.