Roof Mount Cargo Bag for a 2008 Toyota RAV4 with Factory Roof Rack

Question:

Hi, Ive got a 2008 Toyota RAV4. Im looking for a soft rooftop carrier that will fit between the crossbars on the stock luggage rack. Id like to avoid having to purchase a roof basket. With the crossbars set as far apart as I can get them, Ive got 34inch front to back, and 39inch side to side. The 34inch seems to rule out most carriers, but the 39inch is more than ample. Can you tell me if you have any bags that can be mounted sideways, so that the specified length of the bag could be as high as 39? That would open up my options, but I want to make sure the bag will work properly.

asked by: John M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Roof mount cargo bags are designed to mount a specific direction and would create more drag and be possibly unstable if turned sideways. But not to worry because I think I have the perfect bag for you. The SportRack Vista bag, # SR8106 does measure 35 inches, but since it is soft that extra inch of the bag can be tucked in without worry.

The same goes for the 36 inch long Thule Outbound # TH868. It is 36 inches long but you could easily get it in between bars that are 34 inches apart.

You could go with an even longer bag, it is permissible for the bag to rest on the rails. The only issue is that it will sag in the middle.

To protect the roof and to help keep the bag in place while driving I recommend protective pad # RL100650. And another handy item is wheel step, # HE4040, which makes installing and loading/unloading the bag easier and safer than standing on the floor with the door open.

Please consult the vehicle owners manual and/or Toyota for the roof weight carrying capacity before loading.