X-cargo manual

There were many of these carriers on the highway. We saw some people used a strap on the carrier, probably for added safety to be sure the top didn't open. We did not use any straps to hold the carrier down, we just used the mounting kit that came with the carrier, and the lock that is built into the carrier.

It would be impossible for the carrier to pop open while going down the road because it opens from the back, so the air would press down on it, keeping it closed. We drove mph the whole trip and the carrier never budged. The carrier never leaked, we used the vinyl coverings that came with it.

This carrier is very good value, and I would highly recommend it. This unit is ample in space and easy to install. However, I found that it begins to shake when reaching high speeds. I purchased it for an 08 Toyota highlander. I had Sears install it because my wife went to pick it up. We took off a couple days later for a mile trip to the beach.. When reaching about 60 mph, the carrier would bob up and down at a frequency of about four or five times per second. The front of the unit was bouncing up and down as if it were too flimsy to reisit the wind.

I ,moved the cross rails forward, retightened. The same issue prevailed. I drove miles with this thing shaking the entire car. I thought it would blow off the car.. I reached our beach house , I phoned the manufactiure.. I spoke with six other people with the same unit and they had No problems. I phoned the manufacturer again.

I moved the mounting brackets forward Manufactures said they haven't heard of this problem by anyone else?? Just returned from our Spring Break trip from Chicago to Nashville. About the time we hit Kankakee Il, it was raining so hard that that eventually I was shutdown due to flash-flooding across both lanes.

We were encountering high winds and the rain was hitting us so hard from all directions that we had to eventually pull off the road. After we detoured around the section, we finally got through the storm and I was able to check the contents of our carrier.

To my surprise, we had a small amount of water in one corner and it turns out that was from a water bottle with a loose cap. I'd read of some concerns before about contents getting wet and I was quite surprised that we made it through that storm with no leakage. I phoned the manufacturer again. I moved the mounting brackets forward Manufactures said they haven't heard of this problem by anyone else??

Just returned from our Spring Break trip from Chicago to Nashville. About the time we hit Kankakee Il, it was raining so hard that that eventually I was shutdown due to flash-flooding across both lanes.

We were encountering high winds and the rain was hitting us so hard from all directions that we had to eventually pull off the road. After we detoured around the section, we finally got through the storm and I was able to check the contents of our carrier. To my surprise, we had a small amount of water in one corner and it turns out that was from a water bottle with a loose cap.

I'd read of some concerns before about contents getting wet and I was quite surprised that we made it through that storm with no leakage. One suggestion that I have is to make sure the lid is fully secure once you close and lock it. There is a yellow tag in the back for this exact purpose and if the lid is not fully closed, the tag will still show.

While locking it up, it took me a couple of jiggles before I was able to get it fully secure. Overall, for the price I highly recommend. This thproduct is a good product. It did the job in protecting our clothes and other items from the elements on a road trip to Southern Oregon last summer.

However, the locking system is suspect to opening should you use additional strap downs, especially on the nose of this carrier. Because of the excessive up-and-down "wind shake" that our carrier not the carrier's fault, but our GMC Envoy's flimsy crossbars on the luggage rack exhibited, we had to strap the carrier down in the front nose area.

Midway through our trip, the carrier top actually flew open spewing clothes behind our car on the I-5 in California! Luckily, we able to recover all our belongings and this mishap didn't cause any accidents. I will be installing a "tried and true" padlock style lock on this carrier. For the money, this is a great carrier. We've had it about a year now. During the winter in NY, the lock iced up on us.

Only other problem was that the bolt that anchors it to the rack had the treads stripped so I purchased a new set of bolts. We purchased this item in anticipation of a road trip and did not regret it. It is a cinch to install and equally easy to remove. There is a lock at the rear end and the hinges are at the front, so in order to open it you have to step up on the rear bumper which, I thought, was a convenient design.

I think the maximum weight allowed was or pounds but we were amazed at how much room it afforded us what with two strollers, a playpen, and various camping equipment we were able to stash in it. There was no noticeable drag or wind noise BUT since this is a big unit, you may not be able to get inside covered parking garages, so be mindful of this one disadvantage. Tighten by hand until tight. Repeat this step for all four U-bolts and secure all four corners of the carrier to the cross rails of the vehicle.

Cover the extra holes. Place the vinyl patches included with the carrier over any unused mounting holes in the bottom of the carrier. This will help keep water out of the carrier. Close the carrier. For safety, the lid of the carrier must be closed and locked while the vehicle is in motion.