Rooftop or Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier?
Pros and cons of both cargo carriers
So you’re heading off on a trip and you’ve got more gear than your vehicle can carry. It’s a common problem but there are a number of options to solve that problem. With all these options, how do you choose?
The most critical question you must ask yourself is: “Where do I want to store my gear?” You’ve got two basic choices: on your vehicle’s rooftop or on your vehicle’s hitch. Below is a side-by-side comparison of rooftop cargo carriers and hitch mounted cargo carriers that will help you decide which carrier will work best for you.
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Rooftop Cargo Carriers |
Hitch Mounted Cargo Carriers |
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Gear Accessibility |
May be difficult to access on large vehicles like vans, SUV’s, and RV’s |
Waist-level access to gear regardless of height of vehicle |
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Truck Compatibility |
Generally not compatible with trucks as the cab is not a large enough mounting surface. |
Generally compatible with trucks |
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Installation Considerations |
Often requires additional mounting brackets to attach and secure. |
Requires a trailer hitch (already in place on most vehicles) |
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Cargo Capacity |
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Up to 20 cu.ft.
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Up to 200 pounds |
- Up to 16 cu.ft.
- Up to 200 pounds
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Functional Cargo Capacity |
Long and angular design will compromise the ability to carry bulky items or suitcases |
Rectangular shape generally offers maximum functionality. Bulky items, suitcases fit better. |
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Effect on Gas Mileage |
Increased drag due to rooftop location could decrease gas mileage. |
Location in the slipstream behind your vehicle should not affect gas mileage. |
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Durability |
Generally made from high-grade ABS plastic (a very light-weight yet durable material) |
Generally made from higher-impact plastic polymer (extremely durable material similar to whitewater kayaks) |
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Price |
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