A Tow Hitch mounted cargo carrier such as this curt one:
A rooftop cargo basket like this:
A rooftop cargo bag like this:
Or a rooftop cargo box like this:
Best solution for luggage?
-
HIM_Darling
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:33 pm
- Car: Black Amethyst 2012 Nissan Rogue SV
- Location: Garland, TX
- Contact:
Best solution for luggage?
Going on a 2000+ mile trip for the 4th of July(Heading up to Mount Rushmore and then back down through Colorado Springs) and since the dog crate and the ice chest will be in the very back, there won't be much room for the actual luggage and I was wondering which would work best, I already have a tow hitch, but would need to also buy the crossbars if I were to put anything up top. Any advice on taking a roadtrip in the Rogue with 4 adults and a dog?
A Tow Hitch mounted cargo carrier such as this curt one:
A rooftop cargo basket like this:
A rooftop cargo bag like this:
Or a rooftop cargo box like this:
A Tow Hitch mounted cargo carrier such as this curt one:
A rooftop cargo basket like this:
A rooftop cargo bag like this:
Or a rooftop cargo box like this:
-
philipa_240sx
- Posts: 3808
- Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
- Location: Canada
Re: Best solution for luggage?
IMHO, a hitch mounted rack should only be used with 2" receivers. A 1-1/4" Class1/2 hitch has way too much play. The nice thing about them is the cargo is accessible and if loaded properly, you can still access the rear hatch.
The Rogue is rated for a maximum tongue load of 150lbs regardless of the hitch used. Any more may upset the vehicle balance and result in weird handling, poor headlight aim, and excessive stress on the vehicle. Keep in mind, you must factor the weight of the basket into that 150lbs limit!
A couple of suggestions/tips:
- Expect the big high sided cargo carriers to weigh on the order 50-70lbs. The smaller/lighter ones with short sides may be a better bet.
- Load the heavier gear in the hatch and use the carrier for light stuff.
- Buy a matching cargo bag to keep your gear dry. It will also allow you to carry small items that cannot be easily bungee'd in place.
As for a roof rack cargo carrier:
The roof rack is rated for a maximum of 99lbs. Roof mounted boxes can be difficult to access, but frees up the hitch area for better access to the rear hatch. Many of them are weatherproof so you can load items in without fear of getting them wet.
The Rogue is rated for a maximum tongue load of 150lbs regardless of the hitch used. Any more may upset the vehicle balance and result in weird handling, poor headlight aim, and excessive stress on the vehicle. Keep in mind, you must factor the weight of the basket into that 150lbs limit!
A couple of suggestions/tips:
- Expect the big high sided cargo carriers to weigh on the order 50-70lbs. The smaller/lighter ones with short sides may be a better bet.
- Load the heavier gear in the hatch and use the carrier for light stuff.
- Buy a matching cargo bag to keep your gear dry. It will also allow you to carry small items that cannot be easily bungee'd in place.
As for a roof rack cargo carrier:
The roof rack is rated for a maximum of 99lbs. Roof mounted boxes can be difficult to access, but frees up the hitch area for better access to the rear hatch. Many of them are weatherproof so you can load items in without fear of getting them wet.