Reddit mentions: The best vehicle soft shell carriers

I think that you will prefer doing two cars. It will give you more freedom at your stops if people want to do different things. Also, in my mind an RV is going to be a huge hassle, unless you are only camping or staying in the country.

As far as a rooftop carrier, you do not have to have a rack or buy a hardtop. It is cheaper and in some ways more convenient to buy a roof bag. We purchased this one on amazon last year and it worked great. When I bought it the price was $68 - it looks like it went up, so you could shop around for a cheaper one. The benefits of a roof bag are: 1) cheaper, 2) don't need a rack, and 3) you can easily take it off and store it in your vehicle with your luggage if needed during stops (discourage thieves if you are worried). We put ours through hell and it held up great.

For our trip, we only had about 16 and a half days, so two weeks plus the weekend. We had to stay on this schedule due to work/time-off - you could do a lot more than us with an extra week. You can buy any park passes at the park and I would just pay for tolls as you go. Unless there is a specific tour that you want to do which could sell out, most things you don't need to buy before hand.

It sounds like you guys are taking a very similar route to what we did - I have listed it below so you can get a feel what what is possible:

• Day 1: left North Carolina Friday night after work, driving all night.
  
  
• Day 2: Stopped in the morning at the St. Louis, MO, Arch. We only stopped to see the arch for about an hour and then kept driving. Arrived in Denver, CO at the end of the day, driving 28 hours straight if you don't count St. Louis.
  
  
• Day 3: Left early and spent the day at Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. We left around 6PM to drive about 5 hours into Utah and spent the night at a motel.
  
  
• Day 4: Drove all day and arrived in the West side of Yosemite National Park, CA late in the day.
  
  
• Day 5: Spent the day in Yosemite National Park. We all loved Yosemite, probably my favorite national park.
  
  
• Day 6: Left early in the morning and drove three or so hours to Napa Valley and did a vineyard tour. After that we visited Muir Woods (huge trees) and then drove into San Fransisco where we would spend the night.
  
  
• Day 7: Spent the day in San Fransisco. We all love San Fransisco, it is one of my favorite cities - very unique.
  
  
• Day 8: Left San Fransisco early to take the PCH (highway 1) down the coast to Los Angeles. It is about a 6 and 1/2 hour drive, so we made a day of it and stopped at Carmel Mission, Pfeiffer Beach (beautiful with purple sand), and Hearst Castle, then finally arrived at our hotel north of LA.
  
  
• Day 9: Visited Hollywood and Santa Monica. Unfortunately, horrible traffic kept us from doing much more.
  
  
• Day 10: Left our LA hotel early and drove to Las Vegas, arriving in the afternoon. Explored the city, ate at Bacchanal Buffet, and partied.
  
  
• Day 11: Partied in Vegas.
  
  
• Day 12: Drove to Phoenix, AZ.
  
  
• Day 13: Made a day trip from Phoenix to northern AZ. Stopped in Sedona (Red Rock country like Road Runner in the Looney Toons and seriously awesome to see), then visited Walnut Canyon National Monument, and finally the Grand Canyon (which is an obvious must see). Then drove back to Phoenix.
  
  
• Day 14: Drove around 25 hours through the night to Nashville, TN.
  
  
• Day 15: Slept and relaxed, then explored Nashville a bit at night.
  
  
• Day 16: Explored Nashville.
  
  
• Day 17: Drove home.
  
  A few more things:
  
  
• States like Nevada and Utah are VERY empty as far as other people. Do not let your vehicle's gas tank get below half way - in fact, I would fill at 3/4 of a tank. We had a close call because of this.
  
  
• The Rockies and Yosemite have some very steep and narrow roads. This is particularly true if you go north of Yosemite (it is ridiculous) to get around the mountain range. Your vehicles are going to be under serious stress weighted down with 4-5 people and luggage. Bring a pre-deluded antifreeze bottle incase of over-heating. Be cautious about driving through these areas at night (it is pitch black).
  
  
• Weather is different out West. We experienced a flash flood that nearly swept our vehicle away. Another time we had to reroute because of a wild fire.
  
  
• Driving is not as boring as it seems. Despite all the driving, we loved watching the landscape change. Places in Nevada and Utah look unreal compared to NC.
  
  
• The trip was not as draining as it sounds. For the most part we were full energy and ready to go, even in our final days -- when we got home, we all wished we could keep going. As I mentioned before, using minor sleep aids helps with this a lot. Make sure you rest in the car when it is not your turn to drive. Make sure that everyone is required to drive 3 hour shifts. If it is four people, that means you only have to drive 3 hours and then have a 9 hour break period. THAT SAID, I'm not familiar with your group and some people may not cope well in this sort of situation.
  
  
• Sometimes the trip was uncomfortable or even scary (a few close calls), but it made the best memories. I have been to nice resorts, vacations, etc., but this trip is the one we talk about the most.
  
  

If you can throw down a few bucks, ship the light, but bulky stuff to yourself (via UPS/USPS, etc.). Things like pillows, comforters, clothes and other light items take up a ton of room in the car. You can ship them for much less than it would cost to re-buy them.

You used to be able to buy a bus ticket and put heavy stuff under the bus as luggage, but not actually take the ride. A confederate would pick it up at the destination. 21st century security regulations might have done away with that. I'm not sure.

Finally, you might consider getting one of these soft rooftop carriers. I've used the Keeper 07203 for a few years and its never done me wrong. If you don't have a roof rack, you can find one on amazon that's cheap and temporary.

Moving sucks. Good luck!

Hi there! I went with rhino rack vortex aero bars/legs, a Yakima load warrior with extension and a Curt roof bag. It has solid reviews on Amazon and waterproof with thick layering. I didn't like the straps that came with some I added some simple master lock straps as well. It's held up really well and have driven through rain off and on throughout the trip with no leaks!

CURT 18221 Extended Roof Rack Cargo Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ9N014/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3ndPzbFQZSH2D

We haven't camped out of the back quite yet since it's loaded with everything we got! But would love tips to the best mattresses etc that would fit the back since that will be for round 2 excursions -

Agreed, for raw capacity, I think the basket is a better option. I pair it with waterproof bag for rain, can hold my large tent, tarp, 3 camp chairs, camp table and some sleeping bags. Im only worried to go over the 70kg weight limit stated by VW...

Bag - https://www.amazon.com/Lund-601016-Soft-Pack-Rooftop/dp/B0002Z9QO4

Bag looks awesome as well.

https://imgur.com/gallery/rNk2s

I ended up going with this roof bag. It's rated really good and people had a lot of good things to say about it. One guy recommended upgrading the straps and for a couple bucks more I will be doing that.

I know its been six days since your comment, but I just came across this sub. I go camping with my jeep all the time and use this hitch with this cargo bag. This is the only pic I could find of my jeep with the hitch while attached (with the bag only half full), but I must say its one of the best purchases Ive made.

We just ran a 2k mi. road trip through CO and UT and slept in the back for 11 days. We kept all our gear inside the vehicle while we were driving and once we set up camp transfered all the gear up into a waterproof soft box.

May not be the solution for you, but only took about 5 mins to pack up each night and way cheaper and more fuel efficient than a roof box. Plus it rolls up really small when not in use.

Sherpak Go!15 Waterproof Cartop Storage Cargo Bag Carrier for Car Rooftop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALBJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rd1SDbFHF7YQ8

I have two of these roll bar bags in my backseat area to increase my storage ability. I keep extra clothing and a jacket in one and a blanket in the other. They tuck down behind the front seats so they're not in the way at all.

You could always visit a marina and find a good company that makes canvas. Then have them build it to your design.

Or, depending on what you're hauling, get one of those waterproof bags for roof top carriers and but it on the bed floor.

Reese Explore 1391800 Rainproof Expandable Car Top Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZH8FTI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PTeMAb6KWFHWX

That's an interesting trade but unfortunately it's a no go (maybe a yard sale in the past?), this is the one we had though, looks like the rack option is in stock and they now make a smaller one (11 cu ft vs the 15 we had)

https://www.amazon.com/RoofBag-Explorer-Waterproof-Soft-Carrier/dp/B0042H6BA0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467288683&sr=8-2&keywords=roof+top+bag

Looks like there's some cheaper options, I just know that's the one we had and it was heavy and durable, I'd definitely get or fashion an anti skid mat.

EDIT: On second thought, maybe this was outrs, they all look the sameish:

https://www.rei.com/product/677675/sherpak-go-15-roof-bag

Roof bags are a thing and pretty cheap. https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-07203-1-Waterproof-Cargo-Cubic/dp/B00D9C2CDO https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Cargo-Waterproof-Carrier-Vehicles/dp/B00GM4UUZS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KAKK869M8Q9B9E1DED7W

This one:

Rightline Gear 100S50 Sport Jr. Car Top Carrier, 9 cu ft, Waterproof, Works With or Without Roof Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WOZOUM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CaKIybP8VZ3PA

Worked really well through the trip, waterproof too.

I used one of the soft cargo bags for an 11 hour trip with some light drizzle and it was fine. $30 on amazon and stores away small. Need the rails on your vehicle though.

https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-CARC-1143-BK-15-Cubic-Waterproof-Vehicles/dp/B01F448TQ8/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1493379668&sr=8-12&keywords=roof+cargo

This fits my organic big pad plus some more small items. It is apparently water-proof, but I seam-sealed it just incase and it seems to do fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Go-15-Cartop-Storage/dp/B0024ALBJ8

Don't do that. At least get a soft one like this. Basically the same concept but this is designed to be used without a roof rack.

https://smile.amazon.com/RoofBag-Waterproof-Premium-Protection-Warranty/dp/B00M0CBV9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=soft+luggage+roof+rack&qid=1558291568&s=gateway&sr=8-5

I used this one (11cu ft) from Missouri to the Gulf coast and back. We hit some torrential rain on the way back and there was only a small amount of dampness where water crept under the flap and through the zipper. It was around $45 when I ordered it.

Keeper 07202 Black Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag (11 Cubic Feet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GNNHQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nYMgDbFCAF19V

Wanna give these a try?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074VK6TF2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FPCAIS

This one attaches to the door frame. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WQ7WQ6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687502

I think this is it or close to

My 43 year old wife drives a Buick Enclave. Lots of room and stylish. Handles like a smaller SUV, but has as much seating and leg room as the "boats" (Escalade, Suburban). You lose a little cargo space, but we got the roof rack runners and then bought this with the optional liner bags for out ski trips.

I don't own an FJ anymore, but when I did I had this cargo tray: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NBFKDK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought a Rola vinyl carry bag with it:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7WLJW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only thing about it that was a drag is you can't open the rear door of the FJ when there is stuff mounted on the rack. You can still get to stuff in the back of your FJ through the window, but not sure if that will work for you. Something to consider, anyway.