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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Cargo carrier



I really really hated to spend the big bucks on Thule racks for my lovely wife's little car. However, we expect to keep the car for a while and good roof racks are so useful. Just the other day I tied a 12 foot 2 X 6 to the racks and didn't have to worry about the racks falling off.

What I absolutely refuse to do is to pay hundreds of additional dollars on a cargo pod that attaches to those already pricey racks. Sure, they lock and are areodynamic, but it makes little sense to buy one. A simple plywood box with a hasp and lock would be as secure. A box on the roof would not be as areodynamic, but the mileage penalty is a small price to pay.

Maybe I'll just build a wood rack and lash everything to that. Left over from my canoe camping days are a couple of large drybags that would keep my gear dry. It's not as secure as a fancy locking box, but there would be nothing on the roof as valuable as one of those fancy cargo boxes.

-Sixbears
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10 comments:

  1. Hermit's Baby SisAugust 26, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    Sounds like you got your plan all figured out, and inexpensively, if not free! Best way ~

    ReplyDelete
  2. SixbearsAugust 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    I spend money where it really matters and skimp where it doesn't.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gary in BamaAugust 26, 2015 at 12:49 PM

    If you can build a boat I think you will be able to make a decent looking and aerodynamic carrier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SixbearsAugust 26, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      Good point Gary. Have you seen those cargo boxes that turn into boats? Pretty cool.

      Delete
    2. Gary in BamaAugust 26, 2015 at 4:04 PM

      I have seen them , very cool idea but to high a price . I think taking an old kayak and making a carrier would be cheaper. Used plastic ones are cheap.

      Delete
    3. SixbearsAugust 27, 2015 at 9:43 PM

      Oh I wouldn't buy one. Make one maybe.

      Delete
  4. Harry FlashmanAugust 26, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    I've never used roof top carriers. Always afraid they'll come off and hit vehicles behind me.

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    Replies
    1. SixbearsAugust 27, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      The key is a good set of quality racks that locks everything to the car. That's where it's important to buy quality. What sits on top of those can always be lashed down.

      Delete
  5. LeaneAugust 27, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    In the mean time, you could always borrow mine on a short term basis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SixbearsAugust 27, 2015 at 9:41 PM

      Thanks. Thought of that, but I might be gone 6 months or more. You might want it before then.

      Delete

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