Baja Utility rack + cargo bag or box?

[brockeverly]

I am looking now at my options for waterproof storage of clothes on my Colorado trip in July. The photos I have found of most cargo boxes show the brackets almost touching the roof with factory crossbars. My Baja UT rack is much lower than the factory crossbars, so it seems these are all going to be out of the question by default. Can anyone confirm this? If so, what cargo bags are you guys using in inclement weather?

 

[1engineer]

I am looking now at my options for waterproof storage of clothes on my Colorado trip in July. The photos I have found of most cargo boxes show the brackets almost touching the roof with factory crossbars. My Baja UT rack is much lower than the factory crossbars, so it seems these are all going to be out of the question by default. Can anyone confirm this? If so, what cargo bags are you guys using in inclement weather?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102369-roof-rack-storage.html

 

[limamike]

I am looking now at my options for waterproof storage of clothes on my Colorado trip in July. The photos I have found of most cargo boxes show the brackets almost touching the roof with factory crossbars. My Baja UT rack is much lower than the factory crossbars, so it seems these are all going to be out of the question by default. Can anyone confirm this? If so, what cargo bags are you guys using in inclement weather?

My solution:

SealLine bags, and a large Storm case.

 

[brockeverly]

I am winning the bid on a used Thule Quest right now. Looks to be a high quality. I will probably use that with the clothes packed into SealLine bags before being put into the bag. I like that storm case, but I can see that being a larger hit to mileage and a lot more wind noise than something with more of an aerodynamic shape, not to mention increase in weight to lift onto the roof.

 

[limamike]

I am winning the bid on a used Thule Quest right now. Looks to be a high quality. I will probably use that with the clothes packed into SealLine bags before being put into the bag. I like that storm case, but I can see that being a larger hit to mileage and a lot more wind noise than something with more of an aerodynamic shape, not to mention increase in weight to lift onto the roof.

I understand the concern, but it's nothing you have to worry about. It's certainly not as streamlined as a Thule or Yakima box, but the photo above was how I packed for a trip from DC to Montana and back. I had no difference in MPG during the trip and no wind noise to speak of.

I don't know what the price difference is off the top of my head, but the option for me was simple because I already had the Storm case and bags. Plus, I have nowhere to put a Thule box when it's not in use and with the storm case option I can pull it off the roof once I get to my destination and use it like luggage.

Anyway, good luck with the Thule! I'm sure it'll suit your needs just fine.