I am going to be travelling soon and decided I need to increase my capacity and carry a small suitcase or two and a couple of duffle bags. I think I want something for the top of the vehicle (Suburban) instead of a hitch scenario. I have seen a hard case (Academy)....don't know if that will work.....any recommendations out there for a non-hard case scenario? I saw some a long time ago that were basically big bags that strapped onto the luggage rack on top. Thanks for any info.

Cobra39

My brother in law was using the hard case roof storage for a while. They moved away from it because the noise. I would factor that in when you make your choice.

Not sure why you're wanting to avoid the hitch rack solution, but that's a good way to increase carrying capacity for relatively cheap and easy way to mount or unmount.

Only obvious downside it's not waterproof like a lot of the roof mounted solutions. Depending on how high the cargo sticks up it can limit your ability to fully raise the rear door, but you can certainly open the rear glass. Unless you're planning on a lot of stops and needing constant access, I'd at least consider this option.

Depending on weight and size of the bag or cargo, loading or unloading on top of a suburban is going to be a pain.

Plus you can always use the hitch later to transport game.

Regarding the hitch and piles of luggage, does the license plate need to be visibly unobstructed?

This summer we did 2 road trips in our suburban for a total of 27 days. Western Texas, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and then Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida. We first had a roof rack and used it on a short trip to see my family down near Austin. After that weekend trip I took it back and got a refund and bought a fold up hitch rack at Cabelas.

The roof rack was loud.
The roof rack was not easy to access.

Only drawback to the hitch rack is that it blocks the rear view camera and also the collision avoidysystem thinks you're aboit to hit something when you are in reverse.

They make waterproof covers to go over them if you want. Most of the stuff we hauled was in large plastic bins or stuff that was ok getting wet so I didn't need a cover.

Go hitch and pack in tubs, not suitcases.

You'll drive under something and **** up the roof storage.

Ask me how I know....

Looks like I asked the wrong question......Sounds like I am going with the hitch scenario.

Thanks for all of the info.

Cobra39

I have the hitch rack with water resistant zipper bag. It works great and holds a crapload of stuff.
only complaint is it makes it hard to access the trunk of the SUV once it's loaded. Of course my gate swings out so that's that main issue...but not sure it would work if the gate lifted up instead. It would be close.

Also with the hitch, you can use a large ice chest as a dry box.

Legality issues if the rear license plate is blocked for a long time?

Secolobo said:

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Also with the hitch, you can use a large ice chest as a dry box.

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Or you can mix up some ice cream before you leave, put it in your Yeti, and have some dessert at your first fuel stop.

Harbor freight aluminum hitch rack. Cheap with a coupon and has stood up well to the beating I subject mine to (beach 4x4 trips).

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Legality issues if the rear license plate is blocked for a long time?

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I saw a guy with a laminated copy of his plate zip tied on the hitch rack a couple days ago. Probably passes muster with the reasonable cop, but reasonable cop probably wasn't pulling over the family with plate hidden behind a weeks worth of dirty clothes in the first place.

Unreasonable cop, who knows what they'll do.

I thought it was a smart solution but I'm reasonable.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Legality issues if the rear license plate is blocked for a long time?

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I took the one off the front and put it on the back of the hitch tray.

We used the X-Cargo hard top carrier on a lot of trips to the beach in our past. It wasn't noisy but not convienent. Cost $150. .

I have the ROLA Expandable Roof Top Bag Model # 59100 and really like it, but only use it after the hitch carrier is full.

Thanks for all of the info.

Cobra39

Just a suggestion, anyone have experience with this one?

I have scratched the hitch as well

I eventually went to waterproof northface and patagonia bags and sinch straps. The water proof northface duffle just makes things easier than trying to cover up what u put up there. Cabelas has a variety of waterproof duffle bags

Better question.... what are you packing that you are maxing out a SUBURBAN?!!??!

cavscout96 said:

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Better question.... what are you packing that you are maxing out a SUBURBAN?!!??!

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Put a hundo the answer is kids

Kids ?
Dogs?
If you are using the 3rd row there is limited trunk space remaining.

gibberish said:

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Just a suggestion, anyone have experience with this one?

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I do. Love it. Waterproof. Don't have to climb to get stuff out. Swings open so you can get in back. Has lights, place to mount license plate.

I'll never use anything else.

I use both on our grand cherokee; roof cargo and hitch.

Will be making the trip to the United States of Texas from Charlottesville Va. here in about an hour or so!

Our pups have all of the back to chill.

I have the Thule hitch cargo carrier. Got it for a road trip to Colorado. It worked great. I could fit 2-3 suitcases on the bottom then a handful of duffle bags on top. It has lights and a lock so was secure

Link to this one?
Swing out feature would be really helpful

cclearman said:

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Link to this one?
Swing out feature would be really helpful

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https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Rola/59109.html
Here you go

gibberish said:

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cclearman said:

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Link to this one?
Swing out feature would be really helpful

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https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Rola/59109.html
Here you go

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That's the one.

I bought the locking hitch cargo box used from a TexAger and love it. It all but makes my Tahoe a Suburban.

Brand is www.stowaway2.com

cclearman said:

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Kids ?
Dogs?
If you are using the 3rd row there is limited trunk space remaining.

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Seriously? You can fit 4 or five full sized suitcases and the same number of average sized duffels....at least... plus various and sundry other stuff. I've traveled cross country and haul six folks pretty regularly with luggage.

cavscout96 said:

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cclearman said:

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Kids ?
Dogs?
If you are using the 3rd row there is limited trunk space remaining.

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Seriously? You can fit 4 or five full sized suitcases and the same number of average sized duffels....at least... plus various and sundry other stuff. I've traveled cross country and haul six folks pretty regularly with luggage.

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Yeah, we have trouble filling the suburban, evening skiing with . We usually but the cooler back there to haul food.

cavscout96 said:

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Better question.... what are you packing that you are maxing out a SUBURBAN?!!??!

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Went with the hitch solution and it worked great. Thanks for all of the info. Saw some losers with hard cases on roofs out on the road.

Had 5 "adults" this year and some big bags of luggage.....and then there was everything needed for Christmas....one present being an Aggie football helmet for a little nephew (final step in the brainwashing process). He loves it.

Plus....I am not a good packer.

See you soon on the next issue where I do not have a clue.

Cobra39