After our last car died, my husband and I decided to do a little research before buying a new car. We bought the previous car without a lot of thought, and it showed. Instead of lasting the length of the loan, the car started having problems right around the time the warranty ran out. We decided that it would be smart to invest a little time into research, so that we could avoid making a similar mistake in the future. This blog is a collection of articles about cars and automotive accessories, so that you can do a lot of research without making a lot of effort.
Cargo carriers can be a relatively low-cost and versatile option for extending your vehicle's cargo space. These straightforward boxes offer a secure and weather-resistant place to store gear, which can be especially useful if you're a frequent camper or backpacker. Cargo carriers can also be an excellent way to extend your cargo space if you drive a relatively small or compact vehicle.
However, choosing a suitable cargo carrier for your needs requires some thought and preparation. This guide will help you select between three excellent options to add versatility and cargo space to your vehicle.
1. Standard Rooftop Cargo Carriers
A typical rooftop cargo carrier is a good option if you're looking for a relatively easy way to expand your cargo space. While most rooftop carriers aren't waterproof, they typically offer a reasonable amount of weather resistance. However, these carriers also have several advantages that make them worth considering.
One of the best reasons to consider a rooftop carrier is that they typically work with the roof racks you already have on your car. For example, if you've equipped your vehicle with racks, a carrier from the same manufacturer is a plug-and-play solution for more cargo space. Since these carriers mount on top of your car, you also won't need to worry about taking up more space in parking lots.
2. Extended and Specialized Rooftop Carriers
Standard rooftop carriers provide versatility and work well for various hauling needs. However, there are also more specialized options if you have specific transportation needs. Ski carriers are one good example. These longer rooftop boxes accommodate multiple ski sets and associated gear, freeing up plenty of space in your vehicle's interior.
Other options include soft fabric boxes, which are more lightweight and may be more suitable for packing luggage. These carriers are often easier to mount to the roof and work well if you don't plan to leave your cargo carrier attached to the rack when not in use.
3. Hitch-Mounted Carriers
If you don't have a roof rack or don't want to install a carrier on your roof, hitch-mounted options may work better for your situation. A hitch-mounted box provides extra space on the rear of your vehicle and offers easier access if you need to load and unload gear frequently. These carriers may also be a better option if you have difficulty reaching the roof of your vehicle.
Hitch-mounted carriers are also a good option if you're concerned about fuel economy or you want to avoid the possibility of scratching your paint while loading a rooftop box. However, remember that the maximum capacity of a hitch-mounted carrier depends on your vehicle's tongue weight limit, so these boxes may not offer the same capacity as rooftop boxes.
For more information, contact a cargo carrier supplier such as FTM Land, Mobile and Marine Solutions.
Share29 December 2021
