rooftop or hitch cargo carrier?

[Glenn_Law]

I'm going on a summer roadtrip with four other people (five total) in my 4R. I know we won't be able to fit all of the luggage inside.

I've got an old soft-side rooftop carrier that's still in good condition. I'm considering one of the hitch cargo carriers instead.

It seems the hitch carrier would be much easier to load and unload, and probably wouldn't kill my gas mileage the way a rooftop carrier would.

What are your thoughts on the pros can cons of carrying gear out back instead of up top?

Glenn

 

[windycity]

The one thing you should keep in mind, as far as the hitch carrier goes, is the positioning of the exhaust pipe. A friend found this out the hard way when on a trip the exhaust fumes ruined a luggage full of cloths. I too am considering both, i'm leaning towards the roof top carrier.

 

[scanny]

I'd say that if you are going to come to the destination in one shot then hitch cargo is fine. If you are going to make a lot of stops then rooftop box will provide your cargo security, will keep it dry and won't block liftgate.
Hitch cargo make parking and backing up trickier and cargo will be exposed to weather and road dirt. And in some places to bad people.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[Glenn_Law]

The one thing you should keep in mind, as far as the hitch carrier goes, is the positioning of the exhaust pipe. A friend found this out the hard way when on a trip the exhaust fumes ruined a luggage full of cloths. I too am considering both, i'm leaning towards the roof top carrier.

Has anyone tried making a heat shield for a cargo carrier? It seems that a piece of sheet metal (even a cookie sheet) could be bolted under the cargo carrier on the exhaust side. It should help with the heat and the fumes.

 

[Antman]

Has anyone tried making a heat shield for a cargo carrier? It seems that a piece of sheet metal (even a cookie sheet) could be bolted under the cargo carrier on the exhaust side. It should help with the heat and the fumes.

...and you could give the cookies to the cranky Mother-in-Law at the end of the trip? heh heh heh.

 

[webby]

I just recently bought one of these Cargo Carriers, with a super coupon from Harbor Freight, for 69.99. It is all aluminum except for the shaft that fits in your hitch receiver. It seems very well-made, and was a good buy for that money. I bought a cargo net designed for these from Tractor Supply, that is just the right size.

I haven't used it yet (will Mem Day wknd), but the obvious advantage to this type is you won't degrade your gas mileage like you will with a rooftop carrier. I already did a side exhaust mod, so that isn't a problem. But I would have done the side exhaust mod anyway, to keep exhaust fumes out when using the rear window. When the dog is in the back seat, she often wants her window open, so I open the rear window so we can drive above 40 mph without buffetting our eardrums. Also, I haul lumber in the runner sticking out the back window opening, so a side exhaust was already necessary for several reasons.