Maximizing Family Adventures:
An honest review of the JEGS 90093 Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Hello, fellow dads!
In our quest to make family trips more comfortable and convenient, I recently tested the JEGS 90093 Rooftop Cargo Carrier. Whether it's for camping, road trips, or moving, extra storage space is a game-changer. Today, I'll share my comprehensive review, balancing practical insights with real user experiences. We recently traveled for the Christmas holidays all the way to Connecticut to visit family. Due to several reasons (flight costs, Christmas present shipping costs, delays at airports during the holidays, traveling with my mother-in-law, and the freedom to go anywhere once we arrived at our destination), we decided to buy a rooftop cargo carrier. It was the best decision ever made, even if I had to drive thousands of miles. On the bright side, I had the chance to test the cargo box for a lot of mileage, about 2700 miles!
Key Features and Specifications:
Capacity: 18 cubic feet
Weight Capacity: 110 lbs
Material: Durable HDPE Plastic
Aerodynamic Design
Integrated Locking System
UV Inhibitor Coating
Pros:
Easy Installation: I found it relatively simple to install, with some minor adjustments for alignment. Our standard bars from our car brand worked perfectly. Our crossbars are almost flat and 4 inches wide.
Weather Resistant: Despite various weather conditions, the cargo stays dry, which is essential for family trips. On the way back home from Connecticut, we made a first stop in Virginia. It was a good 6 hours of driving in non-stop rain, and surprisingly, there wasn't a drop of water inside the cargo, even without any waterproof insulation.
Aerodynamic and Efficient: The design minimizes wind resistance, which is crucial for fuel economy. I personally didn't notice a significant change in the mpg of the car. Also, I drove the car at the speed limit and nothing happened, I literally didn’t feel any difference driving the car.
Secure Locking Mechanism: The integrated locks enhance security, although checking them regularly is advised. I also added 2x SMARTSTRAPS Retractable Ratchet Tie Down Straps in an X shape around the carrier and crossbars, which worked great.
Ample Storage Space: Its large capacity is perfect for family vacations, allowing for a clutter-free car interior.
Cons:
Modification Needed for Some Vehicles: Several users had to drill new holes to align with their vehicle's roof rails. As mentioned earlier in the pros, I luckily didn't have to. Bear in mind to check specs before purchase. Adding holes will affect the weather-resistant feature.
Wind Noise: Some users, including myself, reported slight wind noise, particularly in windy conditions. I presume every rooftop carrier does this, and truly the noise wasn't too annoying. Consider that our car has a panoramic sunroof, and I used the SMARTSTRAPS Retractable Ratchet Tie Down Straps, which may have reduced the noise further.
Loading Big Bags: I encountered a bit of a problem while loading it with big bags. The support arms that keep the lid open slightly obstruct the way. I suggest packing smaller and softer bags to fill the carrier.
Conclusion:
The JEGS 90093 Rooftop Cargo Carrier stands out to me as a practical, spacious, and reliable solution for family travel needs. While it's not without its flaws, its advantages, particularly in terms of capacity, weather resistance, and easy installation, make it a worthy investment for any adventure-loving family. Remember, always double-check the security of the locks and ensure proper installation for a worry-free journey.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting and challenging road ahead. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions, need advice, or just want to share your own fatherhood stories. We're here for you, every step of the way.