Soft Cargo Bag (Rooftop)

[Blues]

Was hoping to get recommendations from those with experience re: the best rooftop cargo bag (soft) for my 2002 EB Ex. (Ease of mounting, security, durability, volume and construction)

I have never used the cargo rack but I have an interstate move coming up and this one time I'll need to add some cargo space to what I normally carry in the Ex.


Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[spotted dogs]

bags are very useful...

I have a bag (axius) from walmart...pretty reasonable price point. They are handy as you can just unload and unclip them and fold it up to the size of a large football when you are at your destination without carrying it around all the time up top.
Space wise they are handy (4 average suitcases anyway depending on your packing savvy) They all have pretty good fastening straps...generally webbing and plastic safety clasps. As far as security goes, the one I have has zippers that can be locked together much like a suitcase which will stop the average fast fingers. Keeping that in mind, if someone wanted into the bag bad enough it wouldn't matter if you had a hard box or soft bag.

I believe thule makes a bag as well but I figure you are paying a premium to have the logo.
Like I said check out walmart or similar retailers.
good luck

 

[Blues]

Thanks for the reply!

That sounds pretty good, I think I saw something regarding Axius in Consumer Reports some time ago.

A few follow up questions if I might:

1. Do you load the bag directly or do you fit other bags inside of it (such as duffel or gym bags etc) after you've installed it on the roof?

2. Is it pretty easy to mount to the OEM rack so that it is stable and secure during highway driving?

3. Lastly, what precautions have to be taken to protect the roof of the vehicle from any abrasion?


Thanks again for the help. I was considering a bag I saw in the Ford catalog but nobody seems to know the dimensions/volume and of course it is pricey.

 

[M.Scott]

I borrowed a friend's FORD bag a couple years ago and now have the axius one. As I recall the ford bag was heavy vinyl and mostly waterproof. It was a little bigger (sorry still no dimensions) than the axius and had 2 wide straps on the front and backwith locking plastic clips. There were no provisions for theft prevention as I recall. I liked the bag because it was heavy vinyl and kind of held itself open while loading, it was black and matched the truck, and it was water proof mostly. Having said all that it was too much $$ and the axius will do just fine. It doesn't match (grey) lets water in and a little smaller, but it will do its job. Move your factory roof rack cross bars close up to the bag for best stability. I did not put anything under the bag as I felt it was stable enough not to move. It did not. Next time I will use a some carpet padding though. Load it with at least one heavy item up front (vinyl suitecase) and all the other junk you want that is not effected by water. It was great for sand toys and chairs, old blankets, swim suites, boogie boards. Don't leave any strap ends loose. The sound is annoying at the least. Tie up (tucked in not good enough) or close in the door. And then there is the wonderful gas milage it gives you!

 

[spotted dogs]

axius bag...

I could basically say ditto to m scott's comments. I was pretty happy overall with the bag and I found it's heavy canvas/waxed material mostly waterproof. I also used it to travel at xmas time 1200kms there and back and found it kept out all the road salt, grime, sand etc really well. Generally we packed items already in bags/suitcases and never had any weather problems with the bag.

as far as the gas mileage...I wasn't too worried 'cause as we all know the explorers are no burning hell in that department and if I had a Jetta TDI I couldn't take anywhere near the stuff we had to...so yes it is a tradeoff but the bag is a good buy..the kind of thing that when you use it you really appreciate the convenience and then you can pack it away until next time....

 

[Blues]

Thanks for the help guys!

I noticed online that there are some Samsonite bags (13 cubic feet and up) that have eight mounting straps and a synthetic fleece bottom to protect the paint. They aren't heavy gauge vinyl, more like the heavy polyester gym bag material from what I can ascertain.

Any thoughts on the Samsonite product vs. Axius?

Again, much appreciate the help and hope to return the favor.

 

[spotted dogs]

can't comment

sorry, i do not know much about the samsonite...the axius has two straps on each side (8 total).
I really don't think you'll go wrong with whichever one you choose...price point will probably be the main decider as I think they are all pretty much the same.

 

[Blues]

Thanks again!