rooftop vs car back carrier

I am going to buy a carrier for my trip and thought I'd get the soft type roof carrier until I came upon the "car back carrier". It seems possibly better not having the airdrag issue, but I wonder if its not too awkward in getting in to the back of the van. I'm assuming you remove the sack to get in to the trunk of the van etc. So maybe the airdrag issue wouldn't be so important if your constantly frustrated with the back carrier getting in the way. I would really appreciate hearing from somebody who has experience in the use of possibly both types.
thanks,
kathy

Here is an article that discusses the various types a bit. I haven't actually used one of those Car Back Carriers, but you can certainly contact the author of that article for more tips.

Mark

Thanks I had read that, just wanted to know if anyone had used them. I haven't ever even seen one on a car and was a bit timid to buy before getting opinions. How would I contact the author?
k

Let's see, here is the site contact info if that doesn't work -- contact me privately (Private Message above) and I will provide a direct e-mail contact.

Mark

If you're still on the site can u answer a quick ? for me? I was looking at another topic "gear up" about GPS stuff and a Judy reference not likeing the GPS and sticking to using S & T - what is that (if u know off hand). I am having the hardest time figuring out how to route our trip from chicago to va, there are so many options, construction issues etc. I'm driving with 2 kids 4dogs so I'd like to do my homework and make it a pleasant (quick) drive.
thanks,
k

I would suggest that you look at our trip planning reviews.... lots of good information there.

I have to leave the office now -- be back in a couple of hours.

Here is a link to some more reviews about trip planning programs -- these are Amazon-based and therefore not as independent as RTA.

Here is a review of MS's S&T by Craig Antill.

Mark

I feel like a dope! Seems so obvious Streets & Trips. Ok I'll read up. I have an indash Eclipse GPS and I still haven't figured how to manipulate that yet. Thanks so much for the help. Have a good 4th!
x
k

I feel confident in making my decision thanks for the direction (I'm getting the back carrier )- The response to my inquiry is as follows:

Yes the car back carrier works great, I’ve used it. It is easier to load than car top carrier, not lifting bags to the roof. The drawback is with the car back loaded you can not “easily” get in and out the back door.

I cut a plywood bottom for the car back carrier to make a solid bottom, nice add on, but not necessary. All the features and extras are on the web site. It was all written by me, and I have used the bag plenty.

Here is a link
and this link.

Regards,

David

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kathyhere

I was looking at another topic "gear up" about GPS stuff and a Judy reference not likeing the GPS and sticking to using S & T -

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I think GPS have improved since I wrote that. I still don't have one but, if I had one already, I would sure learn how to use it...so I encourage you to play with your GPS before you leave so you can enjoy its benefits. They do appear to be quite handy. Instead of investing in one, I have used VZNavigator on my cellphone when needed (I just purchase the daily option because I don't need it enough to pay a monthly fee). It works just like GPS and has been very handy when I've needed it. I will probably get one eventually, it's just not a big priority for me.

Paper maps, programs like S&T (or online programs like Mapquest, GoogleMaps, AAA's TripTik, etc.) and GPS all have different purposes at which they excel. I would use paper maps along with either S&T or one of the online programs to do my basic trip planning and GPS for doing navigation from-and-to specific places, finding restaurants/hotels/attractions near you, etc.

I usually start with a paper map to get a general idea of where I'm going and what types of interesting places are along the way, and then I play with the S&T or online mapping programs for distances, how many miles different detours will add or save, for things to see/do (AAA's program is the best at this, imho), etc. And then use GPS on the road itself. Anyway, I think all have their place. Hope this makes sense.

I forgot to address this in my last post.

I drive a New Beetle and have a luggage rack on my trunk. If extra space is needed, usually when we are car camping while on a roadtrip, we put our sleeping bags, pillows, tent, etc. in a huge duffle bag that we then use bungie cords to attach to the luggage rack. It works great. However, since it's a hatch back and works different than what you're looking at, we can still access our trunk. The only annoyance is that someone needs to hold the hatch open while the other person accesses the trunk as the weight of the filled duffle is a bit too much for the pneumatic tubes to handle and to keep the hatch open on their own.

I do appreciate that there is no wind-drag with the extra stuff behind the car instead of on top. I'm not sure that I'd like having no access to the items in my trunk but, if you've factored that in and are cool with it, go for it. Car-top carriers tend to make the car a bit top-heavy and can be more noticeable as you are driving, changing the way cars corner, etc. You won't have the problem with a car-back carrier.

Judy you must have ESP.. Your response is exactly what I was wondering about. I received some great info on the portion of our trip through VA from Foy and my next thought was how to implement that info to use on the drive. Never having taken a road trip before I am clueless. I had read many of the posts but never really got the exact way people who go on road trips "go about it". So bless you for giving me the break down.
We are traveling with 2 kids, 4 dogs( toy breed ) so access via the liftgate would be handy. I'm thinking I can use the sides for in and out, maybe the back carrier is easy to clip off too? I just don't like the thought of anything on the top. Thanks so much for helping me.
Now if I could get someone to tell me how to get through all the darn construction through IL, IN and OH...................................

But I'm glad my response helped.

Another thing you can do, if you have enough lead time anyway, is google the tourism departments of the various places you're traveling through for free brochures, maps, etc. And they usually have a lot of good information online as well.

Of course, using the search function on these forums should also yield lots of good information as well.

I sure hope you'll return here after your trip to let us know how it went. We love roadtrip reports! I'm especially curious how traveling with 4 fur-babies went. LOL

Judy I recall you wanted an update....

My husband whom initially was opposed to the back carrier found the installation easy. We packed it up with most of our luggage. Since the rear lift gate would not be available we packed the cooler in the van with the lid facing the seats. All the items we may need while in route we put in the rear of the van and could access it all by reaching over the back seats. My husband ended up really appreciating the back carrier. It was a breeze to remove and put back on, it allowed for a lot of storage and unexpectedly was a conversation piece! Seriously every time we stopped for gas/food/rest area people came up and inquired about it. I would highly recommend this purchase and would never leave home without it. We did not do the optional extra custom steps installing the back carrier Lakeland Gear has on the site and the pack fully loaded NEVER swayed or caused any issue while driving - it did rain on our drive and it never saturated the inside.

As for the 4 dogs we brought (came home with 5, it was a planned purchase) they were great and added a lot of fun to our road trip, removing the middle seats of the van gave us/them a whole "room" to lounge in.

Kathy,

Wonderful to get this kind of feedback -- thanks for coming back and reporting about this product!

Mark