Car top carrier for 2006 XC70

jackclarkjr · Post by **jackclarkjr** » 01 Jul 2010, 21:19

Recently bought a 2006 XC70 with roof rails. May need to use a roof top carrier for an upcoming trip. Have seen several soft bag type carriers that sit on the roof and tie to the rack, but dont know if I can use a bag type on the roof of this car. Other sites seem to recommend installing bars on the rails and hard body car top carrier. Also there are evidently bag type carriers that hang from the back of the car. Any words of wisdom? (Never asked a question in a forum before, is that enough information?)
2006 XC70 AWD-70,000 miles
runs great -no repairs first six months we have had it.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Jul 2010, 10:49

I wouldn't use a soft bag. It seems like it would rest on the roof's paint, then dirt/grit would get in between the two and damage the clearcoat. Never actually used one, so take that advice with a grain of salt.

I have an "expedition basket" and elastic web netting on Thule bars for my 850, and it's proven to be of high utility. I've put furniture, a surfboard and any number of other items up there, even a queen size mattress. Downsides: no security, un-aerodynamic, heavy, difficult to add/remove.

You can see it here, kinda:

jackclarkjr · Post by **jackclarkjr** » 02 Jul 2010, 20:25

Thanks for the advice, Matt.I think I will avoid bag. I have an old Volvo canvas with hardboard floor carrier, but only used it on 240s with the ridges. Looked at it but I am afraid it will scratch too. Got some lightly used (but free) Volvo bars from former brother-in-law(!) that I tried today and they fit perfectly...now on to buying a basket or car top carrier. I think any brand (yakima, Thule) will work?