Load roof rack or get a small trailer?

[HughMungus]

Going to a regional event in a few weeks. Can't put everything in the Tahoe so I was thinking about buying a small 4x8 trailer (~$200) for the overflow. But then I thought I might be able to use the roof rack, instead. Are there any compelling reasons to spend the money on the trailer and use it instead of the roof rack (e.g., fuel efficiency)?

[Dork]

Going to a regional event in a few weeks. Can't put everything in the Tahoe so I was thinking about buying a small 4x8 trailer (~$200) for the overflow. But then I thought I might be able to use the roof rack, instead. Are there any compelling reasons to spend the money on the trailer and use it instead of the roof rack (e.g., fuel efficiency)?

If you feel the items are too large or heavy for the roof to safely handle, get a trailer. You should be handle quite a bit up there. I drove 1000+ miles with a full size dresser, 4 tires, and more loaded on top of my xB with no issues. I'd think a Tahoe probably has a more solid roof. I did lose a fair amount of MPG, but much of that was probably from the weight of the stuff inside.

Hitch mounted bike racks and platforms are another option you might look into.

How much stuff are we talking about here?

[AntiM]

We have a hitch mounted platform which we use when we don't want to drag the big trailer. Handy gadget. Great for hauling extra propane or fuel, keeps it outside the main vehicle compartment.

We also have a roof topper, but normally we only throw the big bulk lightweight items like bedding and coats up there.

I'd think it would depend somewhat on how tall you and the vehicle are; I can't get anything out of the topper, mylarry has to do that and even then he has to use a step.

[phil]

And if you get a roof rack or a trailer, what are you going to do with it when it's not in use?

If you get a trailer, is it enclosed and you can safely leave it in a parking lot overnight when in transit? Can you do that with a roof rack?

[Bin Noddin]

Lots of weight up high = instability. If its heavy stuff, use a trailer.

[EB]

I have an '03 Honda Pilot on which I put a Yakima roof rack and then a Thule Cascade box.

As AntiM says, a roof rack is great for the light but bulky items (sleeping bags, mattress pads, duffels, etc) but I also use mine to haul two mountain bikes and the poles of my Costco carport. I probably should revisit this thinking but I've yet to feel top heavy on any part of the drive.

I later purchased a Loews 4x6 trailer which was used on the trip to BM07 this year. Again, as other's above have said, the trailer's great for gas cans, generators, batteries, propane - anything you don't want inside the cabin.

The question is use. If you're only going to need the extra storage/towage, I'd go for the roof rack (plus it can morph into a ski rack, bike rack, etc.) If you're going to grow into it, I'd take the trailer.

You'll probably end up getting both someday!

[AntiM]

Our trailer is fair sized, ten foot long bed registered as a 14 footer because the DMV here counts the tongue. It is not enclosed, but mylarry made siderails and knows his way around a tarp.

If anyone in the mountain west needs a trailer, I'd be happy to recommend our local business in Ogden, will build custom trailers without a down payment.

We've carried poles on our roof rack before, but they whistle in the wind. Makes me buggier than usual.

[BitterDan]

I'd go with both. Then again, I need a friggin' panel van to carry all of my shit out there.

[HughMungus]

Going to a regional event in a few weeks. Can't put everything in the Tahoe so I was thinking about buying a small 4x8 trailer (~$200) for the overflow. But then I thought I might be able to use the roof rack, instead. Are there any compelling reasons to spend the money on the trailer and use it instead of the roof rack (e.g., fuel efficiency)?

If you feel the items are too large or heavy for the roof to safely handle, get a trailer. You should be handle quite a bit up there. I drove 1000+ miles with a full size dresser, 4 tires, and more loaded on top of my xB with no issues. I'd think a Tahoe probably has a more solid roof. I did lose a fair amount of MPG, but much of that was probably from the weight of the stuff inside.

Hitch mounted bike racks and platforms are another option you might look into.

How much stuff are we talking about here?

This time I want to bring three futons for sitting (it's a chill space camp). I figured I'd get some cheap metal ones and disassemble them for transport. Also, I have two carports (one of them being the costco one with the long poles), a generator, fold-up table, etc. Right now I'm thinking I'm going to go with the hitch-mounted cargo carrier and roof rack (and lots of tie-down straps).

And yeah, I will definitely have a trailer eventually. One bonus about bringing up this topic is that I always thought I'd get a flatbed model but for security reasons, I'm re-considering an enclosed model.

[Toolmaker]

Using a roofrack you still have the same weight limitations of your vehicle. Towing a trailer gives you more weight capacity. I would go with the trailer personally.. but I guess the best way to make your decision would be how much weight you would desire to move about at any time in the next couple years. A tahoe can handle alot more than smaller vehicles. With a trailer you can handle a couple hundred of gallons of water for BM, couches, pool table etc. Just don't rely on anyone else to handle your pool table and water drum hauling.

[honeyfire]

Hugh, please also bear in mind the wind factor.
If the only high wind area you drive to get to the playa IS the playa, you might be okay, but if you're driving, say, across Kansas, i'd really go for the trailer over the roof rack...

[Captain Goddammit]

This is an easy question. In fact, it isn't a question. Get a trailer!
It's way easier to load and unload, holds more stuff, your roof won't get screwed up, you can haul gas, garbage, whatever you wouldn't want in or on your Tahoe.
If you get a trailer, don't get one of those little things with tiny wheels. those little wheels spin really really fast at freeway speeds and tend to fry bearings. They're just TOO light. Great for your riding lawnmower, crappy for the highway.

[DoctorIknow]

IF you happen to have a vehicle with real rain gutters, a really strong rack is Quick-N-Easy. I replaced the original crossbar with a 3/4 plumbing pipe which doesn't bend even when heavily loaded and me standing in the middle.

The round pieces in the photo have a bolt that digs into the pipe, so basically, there is no side to side movement once the "arms" (in the other photo) "take out the slack" in the bar.

This year, I got a set of "booster" leaf springs for the rear axle, not expensive, and they really helped sag and stability

Also note the wires going from the front water jug rack (holding 60gal weighing 500 pounds) go up the rain gutters and over the Quick-N-Easy, continuing to the back bumper where they meet chains with turnbuckles to adjust so rack is level when loaded.

Quick-N-Easy can be purchased lost of places, this is one:
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1379

[HughMungus]

This is an easy question. In fact, it isn't a question. Get a trailer!
It's way easier to load and unload, holds more stuff, your roof won't get screwed up, you can haul gas, garbage, whatever you wouldn't want in or on your Tahoe.
If you get a trailer, don't get one of those little things with tiny wheels. those little wheels spin really really fast at freeway speeds and tend to fry bearings. They're just TOO light. Great for your riding lawnmower, crappy for the highway.

Just to clarify, I want a trailer. Badly. I just don't want to buy one now unless I need it.

What's the minimum recommended tire size? I've been looking at a 4x8 trailer and I think it has 14" wheels. Big enough?

[Captain Goddammit]

Yeah, something with 14s should be fine, plenty of cars ride on those.
I used to have a Burning Man trailer made from the back half of a Mazda pickup truck, with 14s, and I loaded the hell out of it.
I did learn that you should put fresh tires on it; mine had fine tread but were old and had sidewall cracks, and blew apart in Oregon somewhere.
I put nice new ones on, 14s are cheap, never had any trouble after that.

In fact, you might look for a trailer made from a pickup truck bed... down side, they are usually a bit heavier, upside, they are tough as hell and can take the abuse that trailers tend to get. They don't need constant wheel bearing greasing and maintenance either, which eliminates most of the trouble small trailers cause. (They are lubed by the oil in the differential, if the trailer uses the truck's original axle.)