Roof bag or hitch carrier

[JeffKnob]

I have a 2005 EXL and on some trips I start to run out of room inside for my luggage. I am debating on either getting one of those roof bags or carriers or a hitch carrier. I have the hitch already but I don't have the crossbars already. I know having a roof mounted carrier or bag would raise the center of gravity which isn't great. The hitch mounted carrier would make it hard to get into the tailgate. Does anybody have any wisdom on this?

Thanks.

[Shindig78]

I've never used either one, but if it were me I would go with the hitch carrier for three reasons:

1) Easier access to the external carrier for loading and unloading.
2) Better aerodynamics (for better MPG) and a lower center of gravity.
3) I assume the hitch can hold more weight than the roof rack.

Again, I have no experience here. This is just my initial impression.

Good luck!

[cjsf3]

My wife and I use a swing away hitch carrier like this one:
http://www.stowaway2.com/product.aspx?id=78&cid=0

It works great and lets you get into the back easily. Holds about 200lbs worth of stuff (we carried a quarter of a butchered cow home in one).

[macphanatic]

Originally posted by cjsf3
we carried a quarter of a butchered cow home in one.

I'm surprised that the manufacturer didn't list that as one of the potential uses.

[dbvolfan]

We use a hitch tray that holds a waterproof 18 cu. ft. vinyl bag that works quite well. It's made by Hitchfinder and sells for $52 at WalMart. It fits perfectly inside the cargo tray and hooks in with some clips.

If we are really hauling a lot of stuff like at Christmas, then we add the Sears Roof Rack to the top and it offers another 20 cu. ft of storage. Sears will have these on sale every so often for $169 and free shipping and it has worked great for 2+ years. Oddly enough, it doesnt seem to affect gas mileage that bad.

The hitch however is our first choice for ease of install and access. Only bad thing is that it is also exposed for others to get into if you are stopping off anywhere for some reason.

[natedog_37]

We have used a roof Rack carrier a couple of times with no problems. Truly you don;t really know it is there, and you will not see much of a Diff. on MPG.

You can get a ton of stuff in the hard shell ones. Don't get a bag they suck.......

[rocky]

I have the Cabela's hitch carrier and bag which have proven themselves 100% waterproof even after 400 miles of rain and road spray.

Years ago used a Uhaul roof box and noticed a 4mpg reduction in mpg on a Toyota Corolla.

Only potential downside of the hitch unless yours swings away is getting to the trunk after you put it on. Also be careful not to obstruct your rear lights. You can get hitch carriers with lights.