Would love to see what the advantages and disadvantages are for either having a roof rack system vs just cross bars for roof storage.

I understand that the roof racks create more audible road noise at higher speeds and also decreases fuel economy. My assumption is that it allows a larger assortment of items to be tied to it due to its multiple cross sections which is the main advantage (that and it looks cool of course).

I am looking at getting a car top carrier for camping trips or longer road trips, which I think the cross bars would be sufficient for. Can you also mount recovery boards to cross bars (not sure when weight starts to play a factor)?

What is your experience with either system. Which do you think provide the most utility and which do you prefer?

 

My hybrid creation.

 

Interesting hybrid. How does it increase your storage utility?

 

care to share what brand/model that “cage” is? Does it attach to the factory roof rails or to the Thule cross bars?

 

I have a roof rack while my wife Acura has crossbars with a box. I think it depends on what you are looking to carry. When we travel for Xmas, the roof box is a no-brainer as we can load up all of our stuff, keep it dry, like you we live in the PacNW. When we need to carry more stuff like camping, the roof rack has been better since you can be modular and fit more things. I just go back to the idea, what are you carrying. Because of the number of people plus dogs, the rack makes more sense. I also have front runner rack which allows me to add ski racks and you could fashion blocks to carry a carrier if you wanted.

 

Can you mount a roof box on an overland-style roof rack? We have a Thule Force XT and are considering the LR Expedition Roof Rack or similar by FrontRunner. Excuse the newbie question. Much to learn.