Honest review of this product: we traveled 1100 miles one way. Still have the return trip, i will update later. We were not gentle with this bag and I read many reviews and read the insert twice before using the bag. We purchased the bundle with mat and extra straps. We have a 2011 dodge Durango with OEM roof rails and cross bars. The straps are finicky to say the least but lasted just fine through 1100 miles. As other reviewers stated, they are a bit of a pain but they work well once you get everything cinched down. All roof rails are different and i found myself using 2 of the 8 on the back rails and the other 6 I actually took apart to place through smaller anchor holes along the rail in order to evenly distrubute the tension. This worked great and in addition to using the straps to go around the roof rails and bag lengthwise, the bag didnt move an inch or bounce at all the whole trip, no noise or noticable drag. The first day was stressful. We had never used the bag and it took a good hour to figure out the best way to pack and secure everything. We went 800 miles the first trip, trash bagged everything (3 carry on size suit cases packed completely full and 3 duffel bags.) I do not know how people got camping equipment in the bag or A pack n play because that would take way too much room up. In addition to trash bags we used an old comforter on top to fill the bag full and prevent flapping and hopefully soak up any moisture that got in. The first leg was fine no issues. Used the door jams and wheels to step on to load and unload and was no problem. I'm 5'8. Took about an hour the first time to load, and about 10 to 15 minutes to unload it and dismantle and pack the whole thing away (2 people). We stayed a few days and went on from there. It had been misting rain where we were staying. We did the same thing the second leg, trash bags and comforter on top. We ended up driving through tropical rainstorm cindy. 8 to 9 hours of torrential rain and wind, just over 300 miles with slow speeds and rest stops. We almost had to pull over several times because of the visibility and stopped to eat for over an hour. We arrived and the suitcases were humidified inside, the clothing felt a little cool and humid but not exactly what i would call damp or wet, which is to be expected. Did not smell bad at all. Just smelled like clothing. There was about a total of a quarter to half a cup of water in the bottom (like others stated in heavy rain). The only dampness was one duffel bag since it was the thinnest bag and we only had to put about half the clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes. I think had we put some kind of absorbent material in the bottom maybe a old blanket, it would have soaked it right up.
I dont recommend putting anything in the bag that is electronic, makeup or things you dont want to get wet just as a precaution. I was surprised at people that put such items in the bag, as that is not a smart thing to do even if no water entered the bag. The bag on the roof will get very hot from sun..
We checked the bag and found no holes or rips. Like i said we were NOT easy on this bag and tied it down tight and checked and tightened as needed when we stopped every 150 to 200 miles which is less than the instructions say to but if we stopped that much we would never get anywhere.
I was impressed. Since it is easier to dismantle and store than a hard top i really liked this bag. It fits enough for a 4 person family on a weeklong trip but not much more. Great price. Even if it rips in 2 when we take it down the last time i would consider this a win. But i doubt it. This thing faired well and i think it has quite a bit of life left in it.
It is NOT waterproof, but extremely water resistant. I said if i took thie bag down and 3 quarters of the stuff was dry i would be surprised. And turns out 95% is totally dry. Amazing.
Edit: return trip, 1100 miles. Not a tear or worn spot just a bug collection lol. We strapped it down again, no mercy given to this bag, it came through like a champ. Had clean clothes to unpack and hang right up since we had just stayed at a place with a laundry room. Would buy again and again.
| Mounting Type | Roof Mount |
|---|---|
| Item Volume | 15 Cubic Feet |
| Shell Type | Soft |
| Manufacturer | Keeper |
| Model | Roof Top Cargo Bag (15 Cubic Feet) |
| Item Weight | 5.25 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 44 x 34 x 17 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 07203-1 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 07203-1 |
