bfurth Posted April 25, 2018 Report Share Posted April 25, 2018 Seeing as how my DJ (and my T&C) is full (4th kid is a month old now!), I need some options for additional cargo space for upcoming road trips. My DJ has the side rails, but I haven't obtained cross bars for it yet. Primarily, this solution will be used with my van, but I want the option of switching back and forth as needed. I intend to purchase the factory cross bars for the DJ at some point. What I don't want: soft carriers, or anything that installs directly on painted surfaces Storage of the carrier is not a major concern - my basement is fairly open, and I'm pretty sure I could fit a cargo carrier into my attic (once I remove the now-disconnected AC system...) What recommendations do any of you have for something that will fit the DJ (anything that fits this will fit the T&C)? Budget is somewhere around $500, but can be flexible based on what's out there. Alternatively, if I'm overthinking this, let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 I have not see a roof cargo carrier that does not sit directly on the roof surface without cross bars, so I can't recommend anything. I have both a hard case and a soft case. For the hard case, I installed rubber "feet" at the roof contact points to protect the paint. The soft one really needs nothing as it's, well, soft..lol. IMHO, you are overthinking it..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAWheat411 Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 I have been eyeing this one on Amazon. WINNINGO Cargo Bag, Waterproof Cargo Bag Easy to Install Soft Rooftop Luggage Carriers Works With or Without Roof Rack, Free Protective Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YV8ZV9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cjE4Ab8YQQYAC It has a mat that comes with it for protection. I had planned on buying crossbars also. You might not need them with this though. jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redtomatoman Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 Cross bars are a must, imo. Get what you want, but the only thing I'll throw out there as a reminder is locks. Think about the ability to lock your cargo for restaurants, hikes, motels, etc. Yakima and Thule are great. Probably compatible with factory cross bars. Everything gets stolen nowadays. Peace. jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfurth Posted April 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 By the time I ever use this on the DJ, I will have obtained cross bars (most likely OEM). The T&C had them when we bought it. So, the only thing I got out of this was "make sure it locks" (seemed obvious to me at the beginning, and I wouldn't entertain purchasing one that doesn't, but ok). Any recommendations on whether or not it's worth it to spring for the gas lifters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 Oh. I read it wrong then. Sounded like you were going to purchase cross bars "at some point" but wanted to start using a carrier now. Personally I'd spring for the lifters. Having to push the lid up far enough for the levers to lock so the lid stays up on the one I have is quite challenging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armando G Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 (edited) Have you searched the forum, that's always a great place to start. In my experience, the carriers usually get trashed when you have kids and a bunch of stuff to put in there so a high priced one isn't always the ideal. As far as lifting the top, well you have to get up there to put stuff in either way, so the lifters are not a huge deal for me. In any case, here is a link from a simple search on a great site (talks about cross bars and carrier)... Side note...there is a Jegs rooftop carrier that works great too. Edited April 26, 2018 by Armando G jkeaton 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AOXOMOXOA Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) On 4/26/2018 at 10:58 AM, bfurth said: By the time I ever use this on the DJ, I will have obtained cross bars (most likely OEM). The T&C had them when we bought it. So, the only thing I got out of this was "make sure it locks" (seemed obvious to me at the beginning, and I wouldn't entertain purchasing one that doesn't, but ok). Any recommendations on whether or not it's worth it to spring for the gas lifters? I know this is an old post, But anyways, just so you know the Mopar DJ cross bars do not lock. so even if you have a locking cargo thing attached to the crossbars, it could still be removed by removing the cross bars. Just giving you some info from someone that has OEM cross bars. Peace. Edited March 15, 2022 by AOXOMOXOA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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