Hi all,

We're planning to take a 16 hour trip with our toddler, two dogs, and camping equipment in our Fit. (love that Fit) We need to buy a rack and cargo carrier for the roof. i read the threads about racks, and if it's not too expensive to have one installed permanently, I think I'll go that way as I'd rather not have everything flying off the roof (or be worrying about it). But I didn't see anything about car top roof carriers. I was thinking about a Thule. Any advice on those?

Thanks, all!

Amy

 

Does no one use a roof top cargo carrier? I saw a nice big thread about a hitch cargo carrier, but since the dogs get in and out of our car through the hatchback most of the time, I'd rather have something on top. If no one has tried it, I guess I'll post back here in two months or so and let y'all know how it goes!

 

Wondering about MPG changes.

There are hard Thule cargo carriers that weight 60 lbs but can hold up to 21 cubic feet and are very streamlined.

And then there's a plastic-base, fabric-top, almost water-proof Thule Ranger that's only like 16 lbs, can hold 12 cubic feet (but doesn't lock and can be cut open), not as stream-lined. I found one quote from a VW owner saying it reduced their MPG by 2-3 MPG (I thought it would be more, actually) and resulted in decreased power. Our lovely Fit is not the most powerful beast in the world, so I'm wondering if it's worth the much-extra-money to get the fancy streamlined cargo carrier if it's going to be going to far away lands (such as the 16 hour drive we have planned...having good gas mileage would be a plus! As would not worrying about leaving it on the car).

Will let you know about any more research I get done. And the event itself...if I can get myself beyond research and into purchasing!

 

Hi there,
I haven't done it myself but I did see a thread on a bike forum about putting a roof rack on a Fit. Might have better luck there! I have also seen that they do affect MPG as does any extra weight, but if you need the space, you need the space!

 

Okay, looking at reviews from owners of other kinds of cars, it looks like even the biggest Thule only cuts down MPG around 1-2MPG.

 

Finally bit the bullet and called Thule - why didn't I do this before?

The longer cargo carrier can interfere with hatchback door opening, so I was told the biggest we should go is the Ascent or Atlantis 1600. Both carry 16 cubic feet of stuff, the latter being shinier, a bit sturdier, easier to open and close, and having a ring to use when locking the carrier (in case it's cold and you're wearing gloves, and to prevent the key from breaking). We'll probably go with the ascent, as it's over $100 cheaper.

also found out that Honda DOES equip CRV and Elements with ways to drill a roof top rack on, but not the Fit.

the Thule guy recommends NOT taking racks on and off frequently, but rather leaving it on for a season at a time (or permanently) - you want to be pretty precise about getting it on right. That said, he hadn't heard of any failures of the rack like I read about on here.

 

THANK YOU !
I, too , have been having problems w/finding out about cargo carriers for the Fit. You've "blazed" the trail? Will check out Thule again , check your model choice[s]. Good luck on your journey !

- daniel dooling ...

 

I have th Ascent 1500 and use it on my 2007 CRV and plan to use it on the Fit Sport as well. its 66 inches long and on the CRV it sits perfectly. I am getting a hitch for the Fit so I can carry 2 bikes and the rack for the cargo box. The Thule opens on both sides so it's easy to load.

I took the box and placed it on top of the Fit and it matches well, not too big.

ps. everyone told me to get the 1600 for the CRV but when I went to the dealer the 1600 was hanging in front of the windshield and the antena was bent. (76 inches was way too long)

 

Okay, we're back!

The Ascent 1600 fit great on the Honda, did not interfere with the rear antenna or hatch back at all (which is good, as the dogs ride in the hatch back and we were letting them out every 2 hours during the 16 hour drive!), and I can't see the cargo carrier from the driver's seat at all. It was FABULOUS. I felt like I was driving a SUV in the form of a subcompact car - win-win! And it didn't even look out of place, it's got such a nice form that it looked pretty natural up there.

The carrier was easy to access, though the key gets stuck sometimes. It wasn't too heavy, and was a breeze to put on the rooftop rack (such a relief).

There was a slight increase in wind sound on the interstate, but not enough to interfere with anything (like listening to the radio, talking to my husband in the back seat, talking to my toddler in the back seat). (Interestingly, the rooftop rack itself creates more sound WITHOUT the carrier than it did with the carrier on, as it whistles sometimes, which is a little distracting.)

I'm not sure how much MPG we lost (if any, really), we were getting 30-32 MPG with exclusively interstate driving, so it seemed like we didn't lose anything compared to my driving at home (which is never interstate) and may have gained (but that would be due to the interstate driving). If I drive it around here at home I'll be able to give a better comparison.

Best of luck to anyone else trying it! We're very happy (can't wait to do our local trips with the convenience of the Thule!).

 

Glad you like it..the 1600 was a little too big for my taste on the CRV.

post pics when you get a chance....I'll do the same tomorrow.