Rooftop Carrier Vs. Hitch

Rooftop and hitch carriers are useful for carrying a variety of items.

Both rooftop carriers and hitch carriers add cargo space to a vehicle. But there are important differences between the two that consumers should understand in order to choose the right carrier to meet their needs.

Security

Rooftop carriers are more secure due to their location. The locking mechanism and carrier contents are harder to access on the top of a vehicle than on the rear. However, it is also easier to remove a hitch carrier for storage inside the vehicle, in a hotel room or other secured location.

Ease of Use

Rooftop carriers are more difficult to mount than hitch carriers. This is due to the carrier being lifted to a higher and more difficult to reach location. Mounting and removing a rooftop carrier also requires more care to avoid damaging the paint and finish of a vehicle. But hitch carriers block access to the trunk or hatch of a vehicle.

Driving

Rooftop carriers significantly increase a vehicle's wind drag while driving. This will decrease a vehicle's gas mileage. Both types of carriers will increase the size of a vehicle. This may be a concern when driving the vehicle in parking lots and garages, through drive-through windows and other tight spaces.

References

• Road Trip America: Equipment, Five Tips for Choosing a Car Top Carrier
• Consumer Reports: Cars, Tires & Car Care, Bike racks