Cramped for Vehicle Space?  Use a Luggage Rack!

A luggage rack on your vehicle can help you get all of your camping gear to your destination.  If you are like us, there is never a car big enough to take all of the things you would like - gear, pets, food, supplies.  And those are just the neccessities.  What about all the other toys you would like to have with you that do not fit in the vehicle?  A luggage rack can solve your problem.  It will also make your travels a little more comfortable and you may not have to leave anything behind.  With a luggage rack you can save the inside of your vehicle for the passengers and keep your gear outside.  Camping gear and bikes can get very dirty, so keeping them outside your vehicle will also help keep your vehicle clean.  There are two main categories for luggage racks - the rooftop carrier and the hitch mounted rack. 

Rooftop Carrier

Like the name would suggest, rooftop carriers attach to the top of your vehicle.  A rooftop luggage carrier is popular because it can be used on nearly every vehicle.  There are also many varieties of rooftop carriers so selecting one can be difficult.  First, you need to understand what your needs are and what you will be transporting.  For luggage and gear, there are soft and hard shell varieties.  Look for durable materials and solid construction and how well it can handle the elements, like rain.  Make sure you have a waterproof luggage carrier, or your weekend away could be ruined before you even arrive.  The hard shell luggage carriers may not accomodate some of your odd shaped equipment, so check that before you buy.  The soft luggage carriers are typically cheaper than the hard shelled luggage carriers.  Another popular option is a rooftop basket.  There are also specialty luggage racks for bikes, kayaks, skis, snowboards and surf boards.  Rooftop luggage racks are also a better choice if you are towing something behind your vehicle.  If you have a tall vehicle, consider getting a wheel step to make your loading and unloading a little easier and safer.  Always check the user manual when attaching your luggage rack to the roof of your vehicle.

Hitch Mounted Racks

Hitch mounted luggage racks are good for tall vehicles and are also available with multiple options.  One requirement for this type is a trailer hitch.  If your vehicle does not already have one, most luggage rack stores can install one for you.  One option is a cargo box, which is easy to load, and can be locked.  These are typically more expensive than the rooftop carriers.  Another option is the basket like carrier that attaches to your hitch.  These are less expensive and easy to load, but you will not be able to easily lock up your gear with one of these.  Of course, there are also the specialty racks for bikes and skis in a hitch mount.  Bike racks will accomodate from 1 to 5 bikes.  Again, check the user manual for properly securing the luggage rack to your vehicle and securing your gear to the rack.

For vehicles without a hitch, there are also trunk and rear vehicle mounted bike racks.  I would only recommend these for 1 or 2 bikes.  Once you get more than that, the weight of the bikes and the rack can cause a dent in the back of your vehicle.

Vehicle type and transportation needs should all be considered when purchasing a luggage rack.  When you are challenged for space and comfort, you can solve your problem with a luggage rack.

To shop for hitch mounted bike racks, click here.Thule 964 Revolver 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)