Roof Cargo Bag

[Notwen]

Gday!

Great forum guys!

I have a 2001 Sport Classic that I use as my daily commuter.

Our family has decided that 2009 will be a year to get ourselves outdoors and back into camping!

I found a cheap roof cargo bag at my local discount variety store ($49)!.....holds 11 - 15 cubic.

Has anyone had any exprience with using a roof cargo bag that is placed directly onto the roof, nestled neatly inside the roof racks and rails?

Apart from not being able to open the sunroof, what other problems should I consider with this setup?

What would be the maximum load capacity for the roof?

Cheers!

[sleeksilver]

What would be the maximum load capacity for the roof?

Cheers!

I think it is 75 or 100 pounds. Check your manual... :)

[dogsnhondas]

We got a similar size cheap roof cargo bag for our 07 V to use for a camping trip last summer. We found that it was great to hold the lightweight bulky stuff that takes up lots of space (two sleeping bags, an air mattress, pillows, sweatshirts, and towels), and it fit atop the car nicely in between the roofrack crossbars. But it put a BIG dent in our gas mileage: normally we get 28 -30 mpg on freeways, but with the bag on the car we got maybe 20 mpg. Even trying to pack it somewhat aerodynamically, and keeping the speed at 65 mph, we barely squeaked out another 1-2 mpg.

Otherwise, it was nice to have the extra space! Put a thin, lightweight cushiony material under it to protect your roof's paintjob, just in case. :)

[Notwen]

I think it is 75 or 100 pounds. Check your manual... :)


Will do!......my research tells me that the factory roof racks can support 75pounds (35 kgs)....but so far I can't find anything about the actual roof itself.

I'm thinking the roof should be able to handle a bit more than that?....I guess I'll have to load it up and hope the roof doesn't buckle!!!

I will report back after my Straddie trip this weekend!

We got a similar size cheap roof cargo bag for our 07 V to use for a camping trip last summer. We found that it was great to hold the lightweight bulky stuff that takes up lots of space (two sleeping bags, an air mattress, pillows, sweatshirts, and towels), and it fit atop the car nicely in between the roofrack crossbars. But it put a BIG dent in our gas mileage: normally we get 28 -30 mpg on freeways, but with the bag on the car we got maybe 20 mpg. Even trying to pack it somewhat aerodynamically, and keeping the speed at 65 mph, we barely squeaked out another 1-2 mpg.

Otherwise, it was nice to have the extra space! Put a thin, lightweight cushiony material under it to protect your roof's paintjob, just in case. :)

True True!....Fuel consumption will definately take a hit, but I'm guessing most roof basket cargo setup would have the same affect?

The cushiony material is a great idea!...I'll have to source something quickly!

I'll take pics and post up the setup after I get back!

Hopefully there won't be any dints and my sunroof will still open and close!

Cheers!

[Notwen]

Well I am very pleased to report that the Cargo bag worked perfectly!

No problems what so ever! No dents and the sunroof still works! :D

I was able to squeeze the following items into the bag:

1. Shade cloth 6 x 3.66m (rolled up);
2. Tarp 5 x 5m (folded);
3. 4 x fold up camping chairs;
4. 3 x air matresses (2 doubles & a queen);
5. 4 x 4 pack of rubber interlocking mats;
6. 4 sleeping bags (single lightweight ones); and
7. 4 pillows;

It was very simple to attach and didn't move at all.

I actually filled it up on the ground and once full, lifted it up onto the roof.

I didn't drive that far with the bag fully loaded, once I got to the campsite I took it off and threw it in the back. I would say 120km's with the bag on top, so I didn't notice any differences in fuel consumption.

Definately recommend for short weekend trips!

I will add some pics in the near future!

:D

[dogsnhondas]

Nice! I can't believe everything you got in there, and that there wasn't a noticable decrease in your gas mileage! Next time we use our cargo bag, you'll have to share your magical packing methods with us. :D

Put up some pics when you can!

[Notwen]

I will get some pics of the bag and the stuff packed in it this weekend!

I got back from the trip late Sunday evening and I still have most of the items in the bag! lol

[Notwen]

Sorry its been so long for me to post these pics up!

Hmmm looks like there is a limit to posting pics!

These ones will have to do!