Roof Top Carriers

[jayemright]

Greetings,I am doing my first summer travelling with my Vibe, and find it great for camping, etc. However, I have ended up buying some stuff at garage sales, (deals too good to pass up) and find myself with not enough cargo room. Does anyone know what roof top carriers work with these cars. I looked at a Sears one, but the antenna gets in the way. If I get desparate, I can unscrew the antenna and drill a hole in the bottom of it, and screw it back on and let the antenna stick up into the carrier, but I would rather find something that fits better if possible. Also, I am wondering about weight. The manual says 70 lb. max on the roof rack. That seems to be about the strongest roof racks I have ever seen, so I have to wonder whether that part was written by engineers or lawyers. Just wondering what other people have used, and how successful they have been.Thanks in Advance

[lesterb]

I just came back from a two week camping trip and I was getting tired of the lack of room left in the cargo area, even with the seats down. Plus I used the roof rack with flat items such as chairs and folding tables. I tied them down with bungee cords and rope. It scuffed the roof and the rattling became annoying while driving. This is what I ended up doing. See the picture. I bought the Thule softbag roof carrier. Price is about $239 Canadian. It is called the Thule Escape. Search the web under Thule. I ended up carrying a number of items such as my screen tent, regular tent, two chairs, five gallon water jug, cooking stove, floating devices, and odds and ends. The bag features heavy duty PVC nylon and zippers. Attaching is easy with pressure clips. Although I had to set up the Vibe's roof bars so that I could the clips through the side rails.The carrier stores in a supplied bag and can be stored without taking up a whole lot of room. I like the Thule Escape very much and is worth it. I was going to return it if it didn't work but I've decided to hang on to it since it make roof carrying so much easier and quieter.Thule does claim that the bag may not be 100% water proof. I ran into some rain and noticed some things became a little damp but nothing major. Thule claims the bag can hold up to 100 lbs but check with the car manufacture's recommendations when loading up the roof.

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[Kangaroooski]

I did something very simular, except I bought the playpen basket with the bungy net. I also bought a bag for the basket from Target. I mostly use the bungy net while camping, I am able to put bag chairs, tent, and other outdoor use type of stuff. But when we go on a long trip (like Florida in the winter) I use the bag to put our clothes, extra pillows, etc. The nice thing about the basket is no scratches, but the bad thing about it is the wind noise. The basket works great with the antenna in place (so does the radio), and I think it looks real nice. If you want I can post a picture.

[Vibe Rater]

http://www.rackattack.com/cart/index.cf ... N=85498389

[jayemright]

Thanks very much for your reply and the picture. I will take a look at those. Your Vibe looks just like mine. 25,000 km in 6 months and no problem. Great car!

[jayemright]

Thanks for your reply. I would like to see a picture of that basket. I see you have a hidden hitch. Have you tried hauling a trailer? Where did you get the hitch at? How much? I live in New Brunswick, Canada, but will be in the Detroit area next month. I grew up in Royal Oak and Commerce Township: And I agree GO WINGS!!!

[lesterb]

You're Welcome jayemright. I love the Vibe too. It did great during the camping trip and I look forward to many more. I have about 21,000 km on mine and it is about 7 months old now.

[Kangaroooski]

quote: I would like to see a picture of that basket. I see you have a hidden hitch. Have you tried hauling a trailer? Where did you get the hitch at? How much? And I agree GO WINGS!!! I will try to post a picture later this afternoon. I got my hitch from http://www.etrailer.com They seem to have the best price (about $100 shipped) and I got a discount by mentioning "Genvibe". Its really easy to install, only 4 bolts. No trailers yet (I not wired!), just bike racks. And of course you are right, Red Wings Rule!!! Later, Mike

[Kangaroooski]

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[Kangaroooski]

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