Is it Better to Use a Hitch Cargo Carrier or Roof Cargo Carrier for a 2015 Honda Odyssey

Updated 08/09/2020 | Published 07/13/2016

Products Featured in This Question

GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Slide Out - 17 cu ft - 420 lbs - Black

(83)

$1550.56

GearBag 4 Cargo Bag for GearCage4 - Water Resistant - 20 cu ft - 48" x 32" x 26"

(14)

$196.69

32x48 Reese Solo Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 400 lbs

(193)

$372.66

Question:

Hi, Do you guys prefer a hitch cargo carriers over a roof bag? I have roof rails on my 2015 Honda Odyssey but to me its looks like the hitch cargo carrier is better. Gas mileage,access etc. Just wondering your recommendation. Your videos are great. Im definitely buying from you guys. Thanks Matt

asked by: MATT

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct that there are definite advantages of hitch cargo carriers over roof cargo carriers. You will have less drag improving your gas mileage and you won't have to reach up to the roof of your vehicle each time you load or unload. The biggest upsides you will find from the roof cargo carriers is accessing the cargo and of course the cost difference for the amount of cargo you can carry.

A good hitch cargo carrier is the GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Slide Out - 17 cu ft - Black # H00604. It holds up to 17 cubic feet and would be a great choice as long as you have a 2" hitch on your Odyssey.

Another option which can really help is to combine a cargo bag like the Let's Go Aero Expandable Cargo Bag # HCR628 with a hitch cargo carrier like the 32x48 Reese Solo Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 400 lbs
Item # PS1040100. This will give you the advantage of the 20 cubic feet cargo bag while still storing your gear behind your Odyssey. It also will allow you to store much more weight since the roof of a vehicle is not designed to support very much without also adding a roof rack and cargo box or basket.

I have attached the review videos of both the Rola enclosed carrier and the Let's Go Aero Expandable Cargo Bag as well as a video of the Let's Go Aero Hitch Cargo Carrier specifically for your vehicle.

expert reply by: Charles S

Gary H.

7/26/2020

is there a way to mount a heatpump on hitch and still haul my car

Chris R.

7/30/2020

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking. Are you planning on towing your vehicle behind an RV?

Gary H.

7/30/2020

@ChrisR yes i dont have much room to mount pump My back window takes up a lot of space so i was wondering if it could be mounted somehow on hitch and have extender for hauling car

Jon G.

8/9/2020

@GaryH You could possibly use something like the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter # RM-077-6 and a cargo tray # FHG59ZR for the heat pump, but you'll need to make sure that your car won't make contact with the cargo tray.