What are the Differences Between Roof Bag on Naked Roof and Roof Rack Mounted Bag?

Published 01/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3341)

$129.99

Replacement Car Clips for Rightline Gear Rooftop Cargo Bags - Qty 4

(30)

$18.68

Rightline Gear Ace 2 Rooftop Cargo Bag - Water Resistant - 15 cu ft - 44" x 34" x 17"

(31)

$89.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$234.99

Question:

I did have 'some' questions still though, I just haven't followed up yet. Presumably there is some benefit of a Bag that goes on a a roof rack vs. one that does not - otherwise why would they even exist? (or vice versa)

asked by: Andrew B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Apart from how the rooftop bags mount there is little difference between the cargo bags that go on the naked roof of your 2013 Kia Soul or one that attaches to a roof rack. To avoid having to put a pricey roof rack on your Soul, I strongly recommend going with a bag that mounts to your naked roof such as the Rightline Gear Sport 2 Rooftop Cargo Bag # RL100S20. This bag is waterproof, has 15 cubic feet of storage and is 44" long x 36" wide x 19" tall.

You can mount the Rightline by running the straps inside your vehicle and close the doors over the straps, or if you prefer you can use the Car Clip Set # RL100600 which are rubber-coated hooks that attach under the vehicle's door frame. With a naked roof I do recommend using the Non-Skid Roof Protection Pad # RL100650 as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Andrew

1/23/2018

Kyle S.

1/23/2018

The benefit of using a roof rack over a roof-mounted bag like the Rightline # RL100S20 is that cargo stored on a roof rack is off the roof and mounts on the rack instead of having the bag attach to the car itself. If you were interested in a roof rack for your 2013 Kia Soul there are great options available such as the Rhino Rack Aero which consists of crossbars # RRVA126B-2, legs # RRRLKVA and fit kit # DK237. The Rightline # RL100S20 would also work on a roof rack, or you could use an option that is designed to mount on roof racks such as the Rightline Gear Ace 2 Rooftop Cargo Bag # RL100A20. I've added links to video reviews of each of these parts for you to take a look at.