Anyone have any suggestions on a rooftop carrier?

The soft ones are a lot cheaper than the hard-shell, but are they really waterproof?

I am looking for a big one (15-20 cu.ft.) to use on the HHR and also on our Suburban for long trips.

I am hoping to keep the cost reasonable. Yakima and Thule look like the best, but are out of my price range.

What about the Sears X-cargo hard-shell model?

Thanks
Steve

 

Hard shells are the way to go if you ask me...they last a lot longer if you go camping and whatnot every year...I have a "soft shell" that is pretty heavy duty but the straps that hold it to the car tend to fray after a few trips..

Mine are water RESISTANT...this means that in a downpour, the contents stay pretty dry, but they can get damp around the zipper area...I just put every thing in garbage bags and it works great

The Hard shell that my grandparents have is a sears "turtle"...I think it blows the soft one out of the water...it is completely water proof(unless you crash into a lake) and they have had it for over 20 years...we use ratchet straps for it now

 

I have the X Cargo for several years and am very happy with it!.eAST TO LOAD UNLOADHavent used it on the HHR

 

I too have the Sears XCargo since 2000. Great lil cargo hauler. but like Radco haven't used it on my HHR either.

 

Thule, I have one. It's aerodynamic, easy to use and decreases my mpg by 1. I wouldn't load the heck out of it weight wise, the rails are integrated structurally into the car, just on the sheet metal but I've used mine extensively and love it. Turns my small car into a mid-sized carrying capacity. pM me and I'll see if I have a pic.

Jim