| JCGray49 |
My daughter and her five friends are planning a Senior Trip to Myrtle Beach in the near future. In order to increase their comfort and especially safety, I have offered the use of our 2006 Honda Pilot with Navigation.
The Problem:
I am looking for a rooftop carrier that will not interfere with the moon/sun roof OR the GPS/XM antennae. Does anyone know of a carrier that will fit in between? I have already told all the girls to pack light since it is only a 5 day trip.
TIA,
Jeff |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by JCGray49
My daughter and her five friends are planning a Senior Trip to Myrtle Beach in the near future. In order to increase their comfort and especially safety, I have offered the use of our 2006 Honda Pilot with Navigation.
The Problem:
I am looking for a rooftop carrier that will not interfere with the moon/sun roof OR the GPS/XM antennae. Does anyone know of a carrier that will fit in between? I have already told all the girls to pack light since it is only a 5 day trip.
TIA,
Jeff
Six girls, 5 days, and packing light.
I would go with the hitch and a small trailer! |
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| Wolfman_matt |
Roof top carriers are kill your gas mileage and are difficult to load.
Go with a hitch and cargo carrier/tray.
I have both and much prefer the latter. |
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| macphanatic |
| Hitch and cargo tray. Avoid a trailer at all costs. Unless the girls are used to driving (and backing one up) with a trailer, that's a recipe for disaster. Thinking about it, the cargo tray may not be a good idea either. They will need to remember that there's about 3 feet of stuff behind the rear window when backing up. |
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| sblvro |
| your 06 comes with a standard crossbars? just get a cargo box from thule. They are very lightweight and can pack up to 150 lbs. They also provide a sticker that you can put in the dash(the height clearance) so they will remember it when they try to park in covered garages. mine is 7ft 2 inches and can only park outdoors or special garages for vans and trucks. |
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| hockeytownmom |
| Since I'm assuming they are young girls with little driving experience, let alone trailer towing experience, I would definitely go roof top. I'm not sure about the antenna, but you'd need cross bars. |
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| hockeytownmom |
quote:
Originally posted by macphanatic
Hitch and cargo tray. Avoid a trailer at all costs. Unless the girls are used to driving (and backing one up) with a trailer, that's a recipe for disaster. Thinking about it, the cargo tray may not be a good idea either. They will need to remember that there's about 3 feet of stuff behind the rear window when backing up.
This is a good idea too! |
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| JCGray49 |
Thank you for all the suggestions. My first choice of course is not to even allow my daughter to go on this "senior trip". Since safety is the most important factor, the Honda Pilot is second to none. Allowing them to grow up isn't easy.
Considering my daughter has yet to back up a trailer, I believe I will go with either a rooftop as suggested or and hitch and carrier. I believe that since I have Nav and and therefore a "backup" camera, I would be safe with that method.
The one item I wish Honda would put on the Pilot is OnStar as they have available for the Acura MDX. It would simply make me feel better about these girls traveling from Ohio to Myrtle Beach.
Thanks again for all your help. |
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| rlapid |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
Six girls, 5 days, and packing light.
I would go with the hitch and a small trailer!
same here! :eek:
but since the trailer idea is out of the question, your best bets would be the rooftop carrier or hitch carrier. personally, i would go with the rooftop carrier. you won't have to worry about needing the extra 3ft of rear-end clearance, and you will still have use of your backup camera (assuming a hitch-mounted carrier would obstruct the camera). |
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| Sportymonk |
| I got a Thule bag that is flexible and slows you to put more odd shaped stuff in it than a hard shell. I will post a link in the morning. |
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| macphanatic |
| Can you install the soft bag without crossbars? Also, does it scratch the roof at all? |
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| JCGray49 |
quote:
Originally posted by sblvro
your 06 comes with a standard crossbars? just get a cargo box from thule. They are very lightweight and can pack up to 150 lbs. They also provide a sticker that you can put in the dash(the height clearance) so they will remember it when they try to park in covered garages. mine is 7ft 2 inches and can only park outdoors or special garages for vans and trucks.
In regard to standard crossbars, the only thing we have on our roof are two bars that run along the edges of the roof. We for some reason do not have bars that go across. Not sure if I can buy these from the dealer or not. I use to have an Expedition that had cross bars. According to these photos, it looks like crossbars http://www.jcwhitney.com/Thule-Hond...-4294966328.jcw are necessary to use the Thule hardcase or soft case.
TIA... |
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| Sportymonk |
OK, I'm back after one heck of a morning! Beagles excaped from back yard and after I got them back I had to fill a hole under my deck that rivaled the tunnel in the Great Escape.
Anyway to the topic at hand. Here is a link to the Thule products
http://www.thuleracks.com/carrier_l....asp?location=1
Scroll down a little more than half way and you will see the 867 Tahoe, 857 Caravan, the 866 Escape II (What I have), and others. They are water resistant (Not water proof) and offer the ability to flex with the shape of the contents. The bottom is soft and will nto scratch the roof.
I have the cross bars but I think it will work fine without them. THe straps can tie into the holes in the side rails.
I would say more but we bought it for vacation trips but we have yet to use it. I have taken 6 people with luggage for two teens for two weeks overseas and never used the roof rack. I also took me and my wife and teen age sona dn a friend of his on vaction for a week and again never came close to using the roof rack. (If you knew how my wife packs, you wuldn't believe this. She takes mroe for three days than I would take for two weeks! :rolleyes: ) The Pilot is incredible in terms of space and utility. The quality of construction looks terrific and I have seen them on other people's vehicles and they seemed to work ok.
Good luck and let us know how this trip goes. Inquiring minds (and snoopy ones too!) wnat to know! |
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| rlapid |
quote:
Originally posted by JCGray49
In regard to standard crossbars, the only thing we have on our roof are two bars that run along the edges of the roof. We for some reason do not have bars that go across. Not sure if I can buy these from the dealer or not.
according to sportymonk, you might not need crossbars to install the Thule soft bag. but fyi, '06 Pilots are not equipped with crossbars from the factory. You can purchase them from your dealer, but i would not recommend it unless they can price-match or offer a discount. you can find lots of them online, ebay and hondacuraworld.com for starters. you might even find someone selling their crossbars right here on hp.org. or you could go with Thule crossbars. |
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| Bowzer |
I have three girls of my own but won't have to worry about senior trips for about 12 years! But I did grow up with three sisters!
Fact One: 99% of females will not really care about the "art" of secure packing for the road. (I didn't say they "couldn't", but that they "wouldn't") They certainly won't obsess about it like most of us men.
So you want to keep it low hassle...
Fact Two: There's pros and cons to both options here: The top bag will lower the mpg's and be harder to access. The rear shelf will be more challenging to drive around with and maybe a bit harder to secure the cargo, too.
I'm thinking keep it simple. First, try to require they have to fit everything inside. If no go, my choice would be the top bag. It's easier to see that it is secure with the taught straps and once it's zipped closed, everything should stay put. THe biggest caution here: Make sure it's just clothes up there and I believe there is a 100 lb weight limit. For sure the Honda metal panels are thin so you want to make sure they don't over pack the top.
You'll get past the logisitcs soon enough. Not sure how well you'll be able to relax during their trip though! Good luck! |
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| JCGray49 |
Thanks for all the great replys, comments, and suggestions regarding my daughter's "senior trip" with her five friends. (All National Honor Students which is what scares me the most :4: )....You know.....all the book smarts in the world and not one lick of common sense type thing. Thankfully, one of the girls does seem to have some "street smarts" including to some extent my daughter.
Calling and looking around I found that my local Honda Dealer has crossbars in stock for about $179. Sears has the Thul Escape II soft bag at $189. As it appears, using the softbag does not necessarily require crossbars. (although I have to say I feel a bit more confident securing it to the side bars as well as the crossbars). The crossbars seem a bit pricy but what doesn't these days. I did not realize that you could use 3rd party crossbars so thanks for that suggestion.
The softbag certainly has it's advantages if required. Once they unload, the vehicle could be parked in a parking garage if this beachfront(Myrtle Beach) hotel indeed has one (I need to make a call on that). I do worry that the bag could easily be stolen off the vehicle however.
I had my daughter inform all the girls to pack light and bring all bags over the night before so I could load them. They were told that there will be no space or accomodations (roof carrier) for additional items or luggage. ONE bag for all bathroom articles to be shared amongst all girls. They don't need 6 blow dryers, 6 tubes of tooth paste, etc.. I thnk I'll purchase the Thul Escape as a "just in case" and take it back if I don't need it.
I will post photos of the final Honda Pilot Beverly Hillbilly's configuration for those that are interested. Since most of the girls are 18, I may include some of the girls also for those of you that are members of DOMAI. :)
Thanks Again as the saga of the Myrtle Beach Senior Trip continues.. |
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| JCGray49 |
[QUOTE You'll get past the logisitcs soon enough. Not sure how well you'll be able to relax during their trip though! Good luck! [/B][/QUOTE]
I won't relax until our Honda Pilot is back in our driveway with 6 heathy girls with smiles on their faces.....:eek: Uhhh.....as long as those smiles are from enjoying the beach, sun, and ocean breeze that is. ;) |
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| rlapid |
quote:
Originally posted by JCGray49
I had my daughter inform all the girls to pack light and bring all bags over the night before so I could load them. They were told that there will be no space or accomodations (roof carrier) for additional items or luggage. ONE bag for all bathroom articles to be shared amongst all girls. They don't need 6 blow dryers, 6 tubes of tooth paste, etc ... I will post photos of the final Honda Pilot Beverly Hillbilly's configuration for those that are interested...
For some reason, I actually think everything might just fit in the Pilot after all. I have underestimated the cargo capacity of my Pilot many times, and sometimes I'm still amazed at how much I can cram in there. For instance, the time I went up snowboarding with 6 friends and managed to fit 3 snowboards, everyone's gear (7 bags each containing snow jackets, snow pants, goggles, gloves, clothes, etc.), 7 pairs of snowboard boots, food and snacks, 2-3 extra jackets, and of course, the 7 snowboarders! As long as you know how to play Tetris with the bags and such, everything should fit fine. Keep us updated! |
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| Nick1214 |
It should fit.
When we go on vacation we have my 3 children, my in-laws, my wife and I. We can fit all of the luggage for a 7 day Caribbean vacation with 60% of the third row folded up. If it can fit 7 people and luggage to leave the country 6 people and their luggage for Myrtle beach shouldn't be a problem either. |
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| sblvro |
quote:
Originally posted by Nick1214
It should fit.
When we go on vacation we have my 3 children, my in-laws, my wife and I. We can fit all of the luggage for a 7 day Caribbean vacation with 60% of the third row folded up. If it can fit 7 people and luggage to leave the country 6 people and their luggage for Myrtle beach shouldn't be a problem either.
:eek: either you pack light, only have one set of clothes for a 7 day trip or all passengers at the back don't wear seat belts. |
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| Sportymonk |
quote:
Originally posted by sblvro
:eek: either you pack light, only have one set of clothes for a 7 day trip or all passengers at the back don't wear seat belts.
IT works, you just put three people in the back and fold the seats down, they don't need no stinking seat belts!:p
Seriously, the load he described is exactly what I had taking two teens and four adults with luggage for the teens for two weeks to the airport. With the 60% seat folded down (can't do that in a Highlander!) it works. Hopefully the person in the thrid row is less than tall.
By all means, we all want to see those photos,especially of the vehicle being packed. |
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| Nick1214 |
It is about an hour to my in-laws and we are leaving from JFK which is another 20 min.
My 2 younger children will sit in the 3rd row. My younger son is 7 and my daughter is 12. In the middle row we have my wife my mother in law and my son who is 14 and in the front my father in law and myself driving the pilot. If my wife drove we would miss the plane and probably the one after that too.
At least I get to drive the beast. Much nicer then my 04 Civic : )
Nick
P.S I just pile the crap as high as needed and if my view is blocked use the side mirrors. Much better then buying a hitch or a roof top carrier just for these special occasions |
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| macphanatic |
| Buy luggage with oversized wheels and tow it. Problem solved. |
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| MikeG65 |
JCGray,
I don't know if you have purchased anything yet (or if your girls have gone on their trip for that matter). Regardless, I purchased the Thule 846 Quest soft sided bag (I think I got it on sale at Target for like $59), and LOVE IT. You do not need crossbars for this luggage carrier on the Pilot. You basically install it sideways, with the opening facing either the drivers or passenget side. It has 2 tether points on each side that you strap to the rails on the top of the Pilot. It fits very nicely, and does not move around or shift during driving (of course provided the tethers are strapped down tightly!).
I have used it 3-4 times when taking the wife and 3 kids on vacation, and it has worked flawlessly. When we go on vacation we usually rent a condo with a kitchen, so we bring a cooler, plus boxes of food which takes up a lot of space. I usually fit all the swim stuff, toys and kids clothes up in the Thule. And the other great thing about the soft sided luggage carrier is that once you unload it, it takes a couple minutes to untether it, and you throw it in the corner until you are ready to pack up and head home. |
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| Bowzer |
quote:
Originally posted by MikeG65
JCGray,
I don't know if you have purchased anything yet (or if your girls have gone on their trip for that matter). Regardless, I purchased the Thule 846 Quest soft sided bag (I think I got it on sale at Target for like $59), and LOVE IT. You do not need crossbars for this luggage carrier on the Pilot. You basically install it sideways, with the opening facing either the drivers or passenget side. It has 2 tether points on each side that you strap to the rails on the top of the Pilot. It fits very nicely, and does not move around or shift during driving (of course provided the tethers are strapped down tightly!).
I have used it 3-4 times when taking the wife and 3 kids on vacation, and it has worked flawlessly. When we go on vacation we usually rent a condo with a kitchen, so we bring a cooler, plus boxes of food which takes up a lot of space. I usually fit all the swim stuff, toys and kids clothes up in the Thule. And the other great thing about the soft sided luggage carrier is that once you unload it, it takes a couple minutes to untether it, and you throw it in the corner until you are ready to pack up and head home.
Great Tip...I was looking at this bag already. Now that you've said it can go on without the cross rails...done deal.
Thanks! |
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| MikeG65 |
Bowzer - glad I could help. A couple of hints for use of the Thule soft luggage carrier:
1) Remember it's water resistant, not waterproof. When taking a long trip, I put everything that is up there that you don't want to get wet in garbage bags, then I put it into the carrier. Better safe than sorry!
2) When you tether down the straps, wrap the remaining strap around the roof rail, and then tie it in a knot. If you don't, the straps will flap in the wind and slap the roof of the Pilot, making an awfully irritating noise.
3) If you look at the rails on your Pilot, there is a connection point to the roof at the front, middle, and back of each rail. Tether the forward most strap right behind the front connection point, and tether the 2nd strap right in front of the middle connection point. Having that 2nd tether point strapped to the rail BEFORE the middle connection is what will keep the bag from sliding back during travel. (and no I did not learn this the hard way - it just made sense when I first installed it). |
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| Bowzer |
quote:
Originally posted by MikeG65
Bowzer - glad I could help. A couple of hints for use of the Thule soft luggage carrier:
1) Remember it's water resistant, not waterproof. When taking a long trip, I put everything that is up there that you don't want to get wet in garbage bags, then I put it into the carrier. Better safe than sorry!
2) When you tether down the straps, wrap the remaining strap around the roof rail, and then tie it in a knot. If you don't, the straps will flap in the wind and slap the roof of the Pilot, making an awfully irritating noise.
3) If you look at the rails on your Pilot, there is a connection point to the roof at the front, middle, and back of each rail. Tether the forward most strap right behind the front connection point, and tether the 2nd strap right in front of the middle connection point. Having that 2nd tether point strapped to the rail BEFORE the middle connection is what will keep the bag from sliding back during travel. (and no I did not learn this the hard way - it just made sense when I first installed it).
Appreciate the tips, truly. Have you had any issues with the top panel being too thin/weak for the weight? And, does the bag tend to scratch? I have black so I'm making sure to be ready with something for underneath if needed. |
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| Sportymonk |
quote:
Originally posted by MikeG65
....2) When you tether down the straps, wrap the remaining strap around the roof rail, and then tie it in a knot. If you don't, the straps will flap in the wind and slap the roof of the Pilot, making an awfully irritating noise.
Let me tell you about the MOST irratiating noise as I put stuff on the roof rack of my old Astro (very tall) and wrapped it in a blue tarp from Sears.
.."That's not the way MY DADDY does it!"
:3: :3: :3: As I struggle with all the flapping, tarp and otherwise.
(BTW - For all my kidding on this forum, we have been happily married for 28 years.)
Back to our regularly schedule thread with tarps and flapping straps.:p |
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| MikeG65 |
Bowzer, I have never had problems with the top panel being to thin for the weight (but I am not loading the carrier with cases of beer and pop, just clothes/toys/etc.). I suppose if you put a lot of weight up there it could cause problems...
As for scratching, I have never had any scratches on the roof from the Thule being up there. Once one of the straps flapped in the wind (and against the Pilot) for about 400 miles, and when I checked, it had left black marks on the car, but they came off in the next car wash.
Good luck with it! |
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