Need Guidance with Roof Rack and Bag

expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 12:15

Hi,

I have a Mitsubishi Outlander ES 2018 (7 Seater). We're constantly running out of space in our trunk with kids occupying the third row, and its near impossible to go on big trips and camping with all the extra stuff, so I'm looking to get a roof rack and a roof bag to be able to store some of the stuff like tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses etc basically everything that easily folds and fits in its own bag/box.

I have never used a roof rack or bag before, so I have a couple questions:

  • Is it necessary to get roof racks to be able to use roof bags? In some youtube videos, I saw roof bags that can be used directly without racks with just a non-slip mat placed underneath. Is it available here as well, but more importantly, is it safe?
  • I did some research and found Prorack P-Bar P17 1350mm is the cheapest option for rack and fits my SUV. Is it a good product? Are there cheaper and better alternatives?
  • Can I use generic brand roof bags from eBay? Do I need to consider anything regarding the size etc.?
  • Can I remove these roof racks easily when not in use?
  • Can I adjust the space between the roof racks so the roof bag doesn't sit in the roof directly? or is it mean to sit on the roof with racks just holding it from the sides?
  • Is the roof rack installation easy or do I have to get it installed?
  • From what I gathered, I need a roof rack, roof fitting kit, roof bag, anti-slip mat, straps to tighten the bag to the racks. Am I missing something?

Just a note though, we won't be using the roof storage too frequently, maybe just a couple of times a year, so I don't really want a permanent/expensive solution.

Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • ShortyX on 19/12/2019 - 12:52

    The Aldi roof rack and tray might suit if the Outlander has the rails across the roof.

    Roof racks
    Roof tray

    For the bag, a half size Kings bag should be suitable or buy the bag with a pair of ratchet straps

    FWIW, I use the Aldi roof tray and mounted a Kings awning to the platform. The awning is useful for camping, day trips, etc and the tray/awning can easily be removed and added using the 4 x U bolts.

    • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 13:08

      No unfortunately my car didn't come with roof rails.

      • ShortyX on 19/12/2019 - 13:16

        Just had a look at some 2018 Outlanders. Yours doesn’t have the raised silver rails down each side of the roof?

        • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 13:30

          These aren't rails, are they? https://imgur.com/undefined

          • ShortyX on 19/12/2019 - 14:01

            @expatOz: Broken link.

            • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 14:06

              @ShortyX: Ah, sorry it hadn't finished uploading: https://imgur.com/2q5SBft

              • apsilon on 19/12/2019 - 14:20

                @expatOz: Yes, they're rails.

                Can you have a bag without a platform? You might actually be after a pod rather than a bag.

                • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 14:23

                  @apsilon: Ah, I didn't even know I had roof rails, great!

                  So all I need is a pod and that's it? No fitting kit, no racks etc.?

                  • k-rokfm on 19/12/2019 - 14:24

                    @expatOz: you will still need racks, but the attachment to the car will be different

                    • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 14:30

                      @k-rokfm: I entered my car detail on prorack website, and all the models have a note "Only suitable for non-rail model" :\

                      • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 14:35
                        +1

                        @expatOz: http://www.rhinorack.com.au/fit-my-car/results/1025/mitsubis…

                        50-60kg load rating though, and a roof box/pod will use roughly 15kg of that

                        • ShortyX on 19/12/2019 - 16:07

                          @spackbace: OP - this is the link from the Aldi post… not my previous link but they both look very similar to the Aldi ones

                          Edit: Meant for OP, not for you Spackbace.

                        • ESEMCE on 19/12/2019 - 16:32

                          @spackbace: This is a massive limiting factor.

                          Have you considered just taking a second vehicle OP?
                          You're looking at a $500 expenditure for cheap gear.
                          If you already have a second car, this solves your problems for free and you will get a good number of "free fuel" trips from the money saved.
                          Plus the convenience factor of having 2 vehicles available, doubly useful if you plan on using a vehicle mounted awning on the Outlander.

                          • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 17:26

                            @ESEMCE: Or a trailer, but apparently OP doesn't like the idea. Not sure why, could even throw some kids bikes/scooters etc on there for the trip

                            • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 17:34

                              @spackbace: So cross bars ($100 max) and roof cargo bag ($100 max) eg: https://www.amazon.com.au/STDY-Waterproof-1200-Denier-Polyes…

                              Thats it, right? So thats just $200~ and provides 50kg~ so thats probably enough for me I guess. 50kg is enough for tent, sleeping bags, chairs etc.

                              • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 17:38

                                @expatOz:

                                roof cargo bag

                                Enjoy the scratches on the roof of your car.

                                There's a reason why you'll mainly find these advertised on roof cages (see the reviews, that's what people use them for). You can't just expect to attach it to the roof rails and have it sitting on your bare metal roof. Also make sure you don't care about rain getting into whats inside.

                                cross bars ($100 max)

                                Yeesh, the Rola Roof Racks I linked to earlier were $350-450.

                                There's a certain point where going too cheap could lead to catastrophic failure, and be a total waste of money.

                                But hey, you do you.

  • GG57 on 19/12/2019 - 13:18

    I recommend Roof Rack Superstore - https://www.roofracksuperstore.com.au/
    At least call in to one of their stores and talk to them about the potential solutions, if the online info doesn't satisfy you.

    And, despite your intention to only use the racks etc. infrequently, you need a good quality solution. Lose anything from your roof and, as well as the damage to your possessions and maybe your vehicle, you may also cause an accident for the following traffic.

  • david clarke on 19/12/2019 - 13:23
    +2

    Why not a trailer? A 6x4 box trailer would be much more versatile, especially for camping, we use our's to great effect when we go camping…

    • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 13:26
      • Expensive
      • Difficult to store (Carport)
      • Not a good ROI for infrequent use.
      • david clarke on 19/12/2019 - 13:38
        +3

        Expensive - should be on par with a roof racks + box setup
        Difficult to store (Carport) - agree, although where will you store the racks and box when not in use?
        Not a good ROI for infrequent use. - ah you'd be surprised, moving, tip runs, garden stuff etc

        • TheOtherLeft on 20/12/2019 - 11:04

          Where can you buy a trailer for the same price as roofracks and pod? I have racks installed on my ASX and a pod only mounted as required. Normally it lives in the garage up on kayak straps.

    • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 14:06
      +2

      Was going to suggest this, as then it can be used on a 'as needed' basis. Roof pod etc will end up staying on top of the vehicle, adding wind noise and increasing fuel economy.

      Plus a trailer than has room for the esky etc when camping

      • david clarke on 19/12/2019 - 14:12
        +2

        We sleep in ours, have 2 awnings off it and its holds everything in transit, we love it =]

        Although, iKamper will be next!

        • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 14:39
          +1

          See, I'm not much of a camper, but the Jayco Jpod seems pretty awesome to me! And there's a few manufacturers doing this tear-drop style of camper now. Nice not to setup much, have a bed already made etc!

          • david clarke on 19/12/2019 - 14:41

            @spackbace: Had a good look over the Jpod, nice piece of kit!

            • expatOz on 21/12/2019 - 08:23

              @david clarke: I'm leaning towards this: https://www.catch.com.au/product/shallow-steel-folding-folda…

              • Cheap
              • Removable
              • Foldable
              • No wind drag and no effect on fuel efficiency
              • Easy to reach
              • Easy to install
              • spackbace on 21/12/2019 - 12:06

                @expatOz: Just be mindful that your Outlander has a tow rating of 1600kg, that means your tow bar is rated to 160kg down-ball. That rack doesn't say how much it weighs

                You'd want to be mindful of kids jumping on it at a camp-site

                • Euphemistic on 21/12/2019 - 14:22
                  +1

                  @spackbace:

                  Just be mindful that your Outlander(redbook.com.au) has a tow rating of 1600kg, that means your tow bar is rated to 160kg down-ball.

                  check the towbar label or owners manual. 10% might be ‘normal’ but it isn’t always what the bar is rated at. More so on euro vehicles.

              • windale on 21/12/2019 - 12:20

                @expatOz: That esky would melt placed on front of the exhaust pipes like that.

              • david clarke on 23/12/2019 - 10:13

                @expatOz: looks pretty good, secure/tough bag and some ratchet straps and you should have your solution!

  • david clarke on 19/12/2019 - 13:42
    +1

    Another option, if you already have a tow bar - https://www.thule.com/en-au/cargo-carrier/towbar-cargo-carri…

    • k-rokfm on 19/12/2019 - 14:06

      Havent seen those before, theyre pretty cool. For OPs requirements he should be aware of the weight limits as well. The hard case is 30KG the softshell one is 50KG

    • expatOz on 19/12/2019 - 14:08

      Ah, this looks nice! Are there any cheaper generic alternatives or only Thule makes these?

  • k-rokfm on 19/12/2019 - 14:04
    +3

    Is it necessary to get roof racks to be able to use roof bags? In some youtube videos, I saw roof bags that can be used directly without racks with just a non-slip mat placed underneath. Is it available here as well, but more importantly, is it safe?

    I have not heard of the system you are talking about, but you will also have to try and find some way to attach it to the roof. The only way that I could think of would be tiedowns that go through the inside of the car. This is definitely not ideal and potentially unsafe so definitely do not recommend.

    I did some research and found Prorack P-Bar P17 1350mm is the cheapest option for rack and fits my SUV. Is it a good product? Are there cheaper and better alternatives?

    Prorack are a decent brand so I would say they would be your best bet

    Can I use generic brand roof bags from eBay? Do I need to consider anything regarding the size etc.?

    Are you talking about the bags (soft shell) or a pod (hard shell). To be able to best use a soft shell bag you would really need a roof cage. The cage would also allow you to carry other items which would not necessarily fit in the bag. If you got a pod you wouldnt need a cage

    Can I remove these roof racks easily when not in use?

    Yes most roof racks are easily removable, and to put them back on would probably take 5minutes once you have had some practice.

    Can I adjust the space between the roof racks so the roof bag doesn't sit in the roof directly? or is it mean to sit on the roof with racks just holding it from the sides?

    Most roof racks have set distances where you need to put them to ensure that they are fitted correctly and dont move around. If you have roof slats that they fit into then they will not be movable at all. See above comment about a cage or pod

    Is the roof rack installation easy or do I have to get it installed?

    Most are very easy to install, ive installed 2 different types and theyve both been pretty easy if you go slowly. If youre not comfortable take it to a shop

    From what I gathered, I need a roof rack, roof fitting kit, roof bag, anti-slip mat, straps to tighten the bag to the racks. Am I missing something?

    Roof rack Yes
    roof fitting kit Yes
    roof bag / pod Yes or you could get a cage
    anti slip mat No - not sure what this would be needed for if youre attaching the bag to the racks?
    Straps Yes

  • ShannonN on 19/12/2019 - 18:48
    +1

    @op
    Many here have suggested a pod, given you have a carport will your car with pod etc fit under it, while carports should be a std height I've seen a few that a landcruiser was touch and go to fit

  • Euphemistic on 19/12/2019 - 20:23

    To use a bag you’ll probably need a tray, something solid to stop it sagging onto the roof.

    I would go for a tray over a pod, it’s just more versatile as you aren’t limited by the height. Eg You can easily put bikes on a tray that you won’t fit in a pod.

    A bag would be good, but a cheap tarp will do the job of keeping things contained and dry for a lot cheaper, especially if you are already shelling out for the racks and tray and straps at the same time.

    You want to learn how to remove the racks yourself as running around with them unloaded will cost you fuel economy. With some practice it will only take 5 min, maybe 10 if you need to fit/remove the tray as well

  • OzHunterNSW on 20/12/2019 - 10:37
    -1

    So you are doing more research on roof racks than you did on your car prior to purchase.
    Now you are going to ad extra drag resulting in extra fuel usage. You will have the constant worry about the "bag" being stolen, as well.
    If I were you, trade in your vehicle.
    Or buy those fibreglass boxes… built for security and aerodynamics.

    • Euphemistic on 20/12/2019 - 11:33

      Adding a bit extra drag on a long trip will likely cost less than running a bigger car the rest of the year.

  • windale on 20/12/2019 - 12:36

    I have had a few pods in my time. I find that roof racks and pods are often on special at the various stores, repco, supercheap, autobarn etc. Keep an eye out for 30-50% off deals.

    I like the lockable pods as you can leave stuff in them safely. they are reasonably weather proof too. I think the zips on the bags would fail over time.

    I also helps if you have side steps on your car so you can reach the pod easily.

    Good luck.

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