Need to carry some luggage on my roof

[mattsmith]

Bought an '09 vibe without any kind of rack on it but it does have a sunroof. I need to drive my family a long ways for Christmas and I want to be able to carry a large suitcase or something on the roof for the cheapest price I can find.Here's the options I've put together starting from sane to crazy:1. Buy cheap rails (~$250) and one of those containers that mount to the bars (~$500) which is pretty expensive when you add it all up.2. Buy the cheapest rails I can find and tie a regular piece of baggage to the bars with rope.3. Expose the bolt holes where the rails mount to and screw in my own bolts that I can then tie rope to to hold the bag in place.What do you guys think? We don't travel often enough by car to make a big investment. I'm just trying to get from A to B and back (Oakland to San Diego).

[ou.grizzly]

Purchase a 2009+ Toyota Roof Rack and Install it:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38935The purchase a cargo bag that attaches to the roof - they care made out of material and keep out the elements (less expensive than the hard top cargo carriers)

[mattsmith]

Nearest Toyota dealer quotes $360 for a '09 Matrix roof rack. That plus the cargo bag for about $200 makes it a $560 solution.That's the cheapest way to go?

[lovemyraffe]

Don't bolt your own contraption to the existing holes.

[djkeev]

Forget stuff on the roof! It's unwieldy, cuts gas mileage and as you've found out cost $$$$'s.I'd spend some money now on a trailer hitch, one with the square receiver.Now get a carry rack that slides into the receiver and gives you many sq ft of carrying space. for example......http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H1S7UMThe downside is that you'll have to wrap your luggage good so water won't get into it, but plastic and tape work well.The plus side of this is that you are now set up to....Carry stuff, a fair amount of extra stuff, even that deer you shoot on your hunting trip.A bike rack will slip right into that hitchA ski rack will slip right into that hitchandYou can even pull a SMALL trailer, perfect for that small construction project or Spring yard redo your wife is bugging you for!It's a no brainer in my book.The roof rack's just a notch above a zero and only serves one purpose.Dave

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by mattsmith »Nearest Toyota dealer quotes $360 for a '09 Matrix roof rack. That plus the cargo bag for about $200 makes it a $560 solution.That's the cheapest way to go?Ebay!

[jake75]

Ship the bag by FedEx.Velcro on the bag; Velcro on the roof.Straps that go around the back hatch vertically.Mount bicycle rack on back - strap luggage to that.Remove back seat - one passenger sits on luggage.Have someone take the train.

[Esteban]

I agree with djkeev, I have used a roof rack on my SUV's for hauling luggage & didn't like it. Very loud wind noise, drag, dents in top of car, etc.I bought a tow hitch, from E Bay for $105, including shipping. Installed easily in existing frame bolts. Note, my hitch, looks like the one on this listing about 1/2 way down the ad, [ says U-Haul on it ]not like the one in top pix. VERY Quick shipping & good seller !http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories

[joatmon]

The hitch thing is a good idea. If this is a one shot deal, check out a local U-Haul to see if they will rent you a hitch and cargo shelf.

[jake75]

I have seen those cargo shelves - never understood how they attached. Wondered if it was legal to cover up your rear plate though.

[Whelan]

I'm not a fan of the shelves.1) You cant see them.2) They cover up taillights, plates, etc. unsafe.3) You won't know you lost something till you get to your destination.If your gonna put a hitch on the car, why not rent a U-haul trailer and stuff it. I'm assuming you have a family of four and the back is already stuffed. How far are you going? My personal would be to use a larger car or rent a van or SUV.

[Kincaid]

I agree with the hitch/trailer or rent a van route (probably about $50 a day) or perhaps best yet, do you know anyone with a van that would be willing to swap for a short while?

[jake75]

Come to think of it, that is why I have a SWB T&C Minivan AND a Vibe. Convenient to have two cars for the once a week time when we both need a car, and if you are going to have two might as well have them with different capabilities. And my two cost me about what most people pay for one. Insurance for 2 is not much more than for 1.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Come to think of it, that is why I have a SWB T&C Minivan AND a Vibe. Convenient to have two cars for the once a week time when we both need a car, and if you are going to have two might as well have them with different capabilities. And my two cost me about what most people pay for one. Insurance for 2 is not much more than for 1. I agree, at my disposal, Dodge Minivan, Vibe, convertible and a pickup truck. You name it, we're all set to transport it!Dave

[Tonebalone]

If you go the rack route, look for an '09-'10 Matrix rack on ebay. I got mine for $230 + shipping, which will be nominal since the dealer is in California.

[Esteban]

Another thing to consider is the weight on the roof. I cannot remember which SUV it was, but the manual stated not to carry more than #100 on the roof rack ! That's not much ! I remember going down the highway & hearing the metal roof popping , buckling from the weight & wind, combined. If concerned about covering up your tag hauling a hitch carrier, just remove tag & fasted to back of carrier.

[star_deceiver]

Here's what you should do!! http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=2e9_1258491064