Suggestion for luggage carrier - is the cross-bar required ???

[kentb31]

Hi...Looking for a luggage carrier...I have a 2006 Vibe. It does not come with cross bars.I know nothing about luggage carrier or car-top carrier.For any luggage carrier, are the cross bars necessary ? I just called the local Pontiac dealers and they want $177 for the cross bars.I am just wondering if it's necessary ? Could I get a carrier that attaches to the rack instead ? Thanks!

[nygiantzz1]

I would have to say yes, I don't think many of the carriers out there are as wide as the roof racks. You can usually get crossbars on Ebay for a lot cheaper than the dealer if you don't mind buying used. I got mine for 76.00 on Ebay. There are aftermarket options for bolt on crossbars too. Check out http://www.thuleracks.com

[prathman]

AFAIK, you need some type of crossbar to attach the luggage carriers (and the crossbars may come in handy later for other purposes as well). If you want new GM cross bars you can get them a little cheaper than the dealer price at:http://pontiac.autowebaccessor...8.php

[harryyiii]

I do not believe that the crossbars are required for a soft luggage carrier. These typically sit directly on the roof.