Types and Descriptions of Luggage Racks

Cargo bag carriers – These are large, durable bags that can be placed on top of your automobile and attached to a car rack basket or to the existing racks. They are made from tough, abrasion and weather-resistant double-layered PVC. There are a variety of styles to choose from, the main difference being how the cargo bag carrier closes and holds out the elements of the weather. Manufacturers boast that these can increase your storage space by 10-15 cubic feet or about 3-4 suitcases.

Car rack baskets - These are large, heavy-duty steel baskets that are mounted on top of the luggage racks on your car. They are weather resistant. These baskets have universal mounting hardware which allows them to be mounted to either the factory installed racks of your car or racks that are purchased along with the basket. They are an excellent choice for locating sporting equipment or large suitcases. Most companies sell elastic nets that attach to the car rack basket, in order to keep objects from becoming airborne.

Rear Rack Luggage Bag – This is a soft-sided carrier that suspends from your vehicle's luggage rack and suspends behind the rear of your car. The Piggyback brand does not require an existing luggage rack but can be attached through a special system of straps and car clip hooks. The advantages to the rear rack luggage bag are that it provides for easy loading (no hoisting of heavy bags or car boxes to the top of your car) and easy access to your gear. You also experience much less aerodynamic drag, because the bag is behind your vehicle instead of on top of it.

 

Hitch MountCargo Boxes – These are cargo boxes that mount onto your trailer hitch. The advantages to these are that they allow for much easier access to your cargo and gear and also provide easy, swing away access to the rear of your vehicle. They are easily removed when not in use. They now come with license plate adapters to allow for full visibility of your license plate, which many states now require. Check to make sure your hitch is compatible and can endure the maximum weight suggested by the manufacturers for the cargo box.

 

Hitch MountCargo Carriers – These are metal carriers that mount on your trailer hitch. They also allow for easy access to your cargo and gear. They can hold up to 300 pounds. You need to make sure that your hitch is compatible and can handle this much weight. You may want to also invest in some type of cords or strong netting that keeps your items from becoming airborne, as the sides of these carriers only come up about 5 inches.

 

Truck Racks – These are racks that clamp onto the bed rails of your compact or full-size track and create an extra space, above the truck.   All of your cargo can be placed above, leaving your truck bed free for other items. These racks are two steel towers that other storage accessories can be attached to, such as a car rack basket or a cargo box carrier. They are sold in pairs because you need the complete set to create a truck rack. You have to purchase separately the crossbars in order to ensure an exact fit for your truck.

 

Chrome Luggage Racks for Motorcycles – These are small luggage racks that attach above the rear wheel of your motorcycle and allows for a small, perhaps weekend suitcase to travel with you.