Roof Rack or Trailer Hitch Basket.

[DevilDisco]

It looks like I may be needing to extend the cargo capacity of the Rover. I know most will say roof rack I have seen the cargo baskets that fit into the trailer hitch and that seems to be a good option too.

The Cargo rack Pros
-Looks good.
-I can mount lights,to light up back roads.
-Has more square footage than a hitch style basket.
-would be a plus for the rare times I do have off-road excursions.

Cons
-More wind resistance, hence lower MPG's
-Loading and unloading, height.
-May not fit in the garage.
-makes the vehicle more top heavy.

Hitch basket
Pros
-Easier Access, for loading and unloading
-At the back of vehicle so no wind resistance
-Removeable when not in use.
-cost (may be cheaper to purchase)
-not vehicle specific(incase I win the lotto and get a range too)

Cons
-Cargo may get dirty and wet from being so low
-increased departure angle.
-can't see how far the basket extends behind you from driver seat(parking issue)
-Security(I don't see any real way to secure cargo from theives) But I would unload at final destination.

I like the practicality of the basket but I also like the function of the Roof Rack and looks.

Has anyone chosen a hitch style cargo rack over a roof rack or possibly have both?

Any thing I should be aware of with the Roof Rack that I did not list?

Would a dog Guard keep cargo away from the passengers if I opted for that instead and plied the cargo to the roof?

I hate not seeing out the back but I like having everything the family needs too.

[OkieRover]

TRAILER!!!!
With your proximity to the base get your self a M101 or the like.

[DevilDisco]

Yeah, I could just walk across the street and hook up to a hmmwv trailer, with 0 MILES. They are brand new but it might look odd unless I spray painted it black. I wonder if they would lend me a 7 Ton. Tight in the drives seat but loads of cargo room. Not to mention a cat diesel

[RudemanRB]

I went with the roof rack, those hitch things look dorky and put alot of stress on one single point the hitch. i'm leary as to how much weight you can put on there. and if the weight is not distributed properly (etc.)

I have a family of 7 (including me) so we fill the SE7 I was one of the rare and lucky ones (from what I hear.) to have gotten a flawless NWP rack.

The thing to look at with Roof racks are the styling.
some racks (like mine) have extra clearance so I can still open my moon roof's
which makes is hard to find parking in building if your lucky you might clear a 6'8" structure.

without the extra moon roof clearance 6' 8" shouldnt't be a problem. (watch out for speed bumps in the garages)

as for MPG unless your roof rack is fully loaded all the time.
when not in use it's not going to be an issue (unless your a Nascar racer trying to get that 1/1,000,000 shaved off your time and if you are. you shouldn't have gotten a Disco )

really it's going to boil down to:

1)do you take that many trips that you would need either?
2)how munch money your willing to spend?
3)how cool or dorky are you willing to look LOL

Hope I helped a bit.


Rudy

[Funrover]

ROOF BASKET ALL THE WAY!!! I have used the heck out of mine and it is worth it.. Also ask Ragerover about his hitch basket when he burned up his cooler. The hitch baskets also sway and bounce more than the roof basket. You may loose MPG's on the roof but I like it a lot and has never let me down. Also should you get into an accident(rear ended) you items will be in much better shape. Theere are pros to the hitch mount.. but none for me.. I tow campers and other trailers behind me and need the hitch for that, I load firewood in the roof everytime I go camping.. with a hitch basket I coulnd't do that. Also the roof rack holds more weight and can be used as a bench while watching fireworks or the such!