Roof Cargo Box or Bags? Any Advice?

[HappyHooligan]

So I'm going to be traveling from coast to coast and need some extra room and I'm thinking about either a cargo box or a cargo bag for the roof.

Anyone advice running on on a 3rd gen? Any advice on which models or anyone have one for sale?

 

[crazydubman]

I would look at a hitch basket for a cross country trip unless you really have a desire to have the extra items on the roof. A hitch basket would have less wind drag (Better gas mileage) and the items would be easier to get to. If you are worried about the weather, pick up some action packers to store the items in.

 

[Lindenwood]

I would look at a hitch basket for a cross country trip unless you really have a desire to have the extra items on the roof. A hitch basket would have less wind drag (Better gas mileage) and the items would be easier to get to. If you are worried about the weather, pick up some action packers to store the items in.

This. Unless you really have a crap ton of stuff, Id avoid putting stuff on the roof.

 

[DaMonkey]

This. Unless you really have a crap ton of stuff, Id avoid putting stuff on the roof.

This. Again

If you go for the hitch basket, spending money on a well built one is worthwhile.

 

[Lindenwood]

Specifically, something like this should work well for you, providing easier access to heavier outdoor items (fuel, water containers, cooler, etc).

https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-cargo-rack

I built my own permanent version, but would have probably made it hitch-mounted if I could do it all over again.

Honestly, however, my cargo drawers are probably the best thing I have done to add usable, organized storage space to my 4Runner without any practical reduction in slace.

 

[HappyHooligan]

I didn't think of the hitch one. It would probably get better gas milage and much easier to get to.

 

[snow junky]

I use a bag Works great. I only pack light stuff up there like sleeping bags and pillows

 

[sportscarfan]

I've got a big old Thule box. Nothing has ever been wet inside. Didn't seem to impact MPG much when we moved a couple years ago. The 4runner made at least ten 200 mile round trips. 5-speed here though.

 

[wettRunner]

We have a Sear's brand box we got at a thrift store for $25.

With four peoples' backpacks for a camping trip, you can feel it up there.

That being said, MPGs dropped 1-2, but having the extra space in the trunk was well worth it for the doggos.

(Also easy for them to get in and out without the hitch rack..)

 

[Hepar]

I prefer a roof box over bags or a hitch basket. You can get a pretty low profile one that is made for skis that still has plenty of space as well as its nice on trips to put stuff that you don't need access to all the time (that stuff can be in the cargo area).

The hitch ones are nice, but I'm in and out of the cargo space too much for it to be practical. As well as since I go surf so much, the hatch is the best spot for rainy wetsuit changes.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkusuiphotography/8197215856/" title="DSC_5993 by Hepar1977, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8197215856_74fb674437_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="DSC_5993"></a>

 

[wettRunner]

I prefer a roof box over bags or a hitch basket. You can get a pretty low profile one that is made for skis that still has plenty of space as well as its nice on trips to put stuff that you don't need access to all the time (that stuff can be in the cargo area).

The hitch ones are nice, but I'm in and out of the cargo space too much for it to be practical. As well as since I go surf so much, the hatch is the best spot for rainy wetsuit changes.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkusuiphotography/8197215856/" title="DSC_5993 by Hepar1977, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8197215856_74fb674437_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="DSC_5993"></a>

[/QUOTE]

Agreed. The lift gate is where I put my socks after disc golf, and I like the shade/ rain protection it provides.

On a side note, you've got a great looking rig my friend!