Hitch Cargo Carrier vs Roof Rack For A 2016 Acura MDX

Updated 06/03/2021 | Published 06/02/2021

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1679)

$179.97

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

(3341)

$129.99

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs

(590)

$205.44

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

(8964)

$234.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$458.95

Question:

Hi - I have a 2016 Acura MDX. No roof rails on it, nor a trailer hitch. I used a 15 cubic feet Ridgeline Gear bag on the roof last year for a trip hauling luggage and it was noisy, water got into the windows where the lines were attached, etc. So thinking either of getting a hitch and cargo carrier from you all and just putting the bag into the carrier, or going a bit more $ for a roof rack system with either a cargo rack/ridgeline bag or a durable shell case. Mostly would be using the extra carrying capacity to get luggage out of the car, perhaps haul a small childs bike or two. And if we go all in on adult bikes, would likely do both a roof rack and a bike carrier.

asked by: Jeffrey T

Expert Reply:

For a roof rack, the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA137B-2 with the Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs # RRRLKVA and this Fit Kit # DK400 is all you need to get a roof rack on your car. This won't help with the noise, but will give you a better place to tie down your bag to keep the water out.

This hitch will work # e98840 and you can use it with this carrier # e98874 if you wanted to go that route. The hitch will work with this rack too # Y02458. I would suggest getting the roof rack for your bag and then keeping the hitch open for hauling your bikes. This way you can get your gear and bike to and from the trails.