Car Top Carrier with Side Rails only

[Jeanne]

I don't normally need a car top carrier but will need one for a trip to the beach in August. I would put blankets and beach towels and crabbing cages in it - not super heavy stuff - but I only have the side rails. Any suggestions or advice on whether or not this can be done and how/what product to purchase? Would very much appreciate it.

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[Jmuns]

I would buy a rooftop cargo carrier bag to use. It's cheap and will work. You can put some anti skid sheeting/material down underneath it to protect from scratches and will help it from sliding any. You just tie it down really well.

If you go this route, just be aware that the zipper faces to the rear of the vehicle. You'll read reviews of people saying they drove through rain and it leaked but come to find out they had the zipper facing forward directly into the rain at 80mph. I used one inside my rack that I bought from amazon to keep my gear dry. It was perfect and fairly inexpensive. Brand is Mockins that I have.

 

[Jeanne]

Thank you very much.

 

[pbnj]

I put the cross bars on my Bronco but will be taking them off for the cargo carrier. The cross bars are too close for the carrier.

 

[BBBronk]

I would buy a rooftop cargo carrier bag to use. It's cheap and will work. You can put some anti skid sheeting/material down underneath it to protect from scratches and will help it from sliding any. You just tie it down really well.

If you go this route, just be aware that the zipper faces to the rear of the vehicle. You'll read reviews of people saying they drove through rain and it leaked but come to find out they had the zipper facing forward directly into the rain at 80mph. I used one inside my rack that I bought from amazon to keep my gear dry. It was perfect and fairly inexpensive. Brand is Mockins that I have.

I second this.

 

[RidingTheBronco]

I put the cross bars on my Bronco but will be taking them off for the cargo carrier. The cross bars are too close for the carrier.

These bars
https://a.co/d/07sOLUii

And a temu carrier are good.

Not expensive. Good option.

 

[pbnj]

Those are the type I put on mine. But they go in a fixed position which is not wide enough for my carrier. Your Temu option is interesting.

 

[RidingTheBronco]

These bars
https://a.co/d/07sOLUii

And a temu carrier are good.

These bars
https://a.co/d/07sOLUii

And a temu carrier are good.

Not expensive. Good option.

Not expensive. Good option.