Soft luggage carriers

[miller2]

Anyone use the soft roof mount luggage carriers? I may be needing one in the next month or so, and I was wondering if they adversely affect gas mileage to any degree.

Also, can anyone recommend a particular brand/model? It will get sporadic use so I do not need top of the line.

 

[JDa]

I have one that I bought from Walmart ($25-30) that works fine. I can't really say about the gas mileage since the vehicle as a whole was loaded down each time I used it, but I would say it probably affects the gas alittle bit but not dramatically.

 

[AZKJ]

Anytime you stick anything on the roof that interrupts the natural airflow over a vehicle, it knocks down your mileage. That's a no brainer.

 

[miller2]

Anytime you stick anything on the roof that interrupts the natural airflow over a vehicle, it knocks down your mileage. That's a no brainer.

Uh yea....I realize that. I was asking to what degree, in other words is it significant or hardly noticeable?

 

[kjpilot]

I have a Rubbermaid (18 cubic ft) I bought at Target, & the mopar cross bars for the roof rails. The Rubbermaid works fine, but with the OEM rails & crossbars, you have to use it sideways. This puts a zipper on the front leading edge, not a big deal... until you drive into a down-pour at 70 MPH. I didn't see much change in MPG, maybe 1-2 MPG at the most, It's worth it for the comfort on a long trip!

OH, & there isn't much difference between the $100 Thule & the $30 Rubbermaid... well, the Rubbermaid is 3 cubic feet larger

 

[JeepJeepster]

Why not get a carrier and out it in the hitch? If its raining then you can wrap it in a tarp.. Its what I do and it works out great. If you ever go camping you can fill it with fire wood and if you go fishing you can keep the cooler on it to put the fish in..

 

[miller2]

Why not get a carrier and out it in the hitch? If its raining then you can wrap it in a tarp.. Its what I do and it works out great. If you ever go camping you can fill it with fire wood and if you go fishing you can keep the cooler on it to put the fish in..

Her Liberty doesnt have a hitch. My F150 handles any and all towing duties.

 

[kjpilot]

Her Liberty doesnt have a hitch. My F150 handles any and all towing duties.

So put the kids & luggage in the Liberty, & tow it with the F150