Karpak Rooftop Storage

[topcat7736]

Not everyone needs to carry as much stuff as Peggy. While the trailer normally holds most of it, when we stay in shelters or tents I get stressed by having the van packed from top to bottom, front to back with every piece of junk imaginable (for only a few nights stay). So, for Xmas last year, I bought a "Karpak" rooftop carrier from Camping World. It's been sitting in its box waiting to be used for the past 11 months.
 
Well, today we are leaving for a 3-day stay in our favorite shelter. I noticed that the van was almost filled and there were still 6 (SIX) more of her giant bags to go in it. No way! So, I put the carrier on the roof of the van and ALL her bags plus pillows went into it with lots of room to spare! AMAZING!!
 
When researching them, this was the only fully waterproof one I could find. It is zippered on three sides, (with a heavy flap completely covering the zippers) and the front is solid so rain never gets to the zipper area. If you occasionally need extra storage and have a roof rack, give this product a try.
 
Karpak Roof Top Carrier

[Ab Diver]

Hey, nice find, Al! I like the fact that it's light enough to easily toss on top of the vehicle before loading it. This will add a lot of weather-proof cargo space to ANY vehicle. And the fact that it folds up when empty is a big plus as well.

Wish they made a larger version of it, though. I made a giant 8'L x 4'W x 2'H plywood box that goes up on my truck rack for specific back-country trips, but it's a two-man job just to get it up there before putting anything inside. Your purchase is much more practical. Does it list a maximum weight that can be safely carried inside in case of an emergency stop? (or is that more a factor of a car manufacturer's specs for their vehicle's cargo rack?)

[topcat7736]

Dave,
There's no weight restriction listed for the Karpak, but the rack on my Jimmy says "maximum of 200# evenly distributed". If you were concerned with it flying off, it could easily be lashed, in a few places, by a rope to the rack.
 
4'x8'x2' would be perfect for Peggy......that is, for a while. I can hear the "can you get the sides up a couple of more feet" coming now.