Lowdown: I must use 3 seats for people, one is out to make room for a gigantic cedar chest. Our luggage, the detatched seat, and other recently acquired items won't fit now. I have 5 days to figure out how we all get home - 500 miles away (i.e., no return trips)

What's the maximum size cargo case you'd put on an Element? I've been looking at Thule and Yakima's websites. I like the idea of the hardtop cargo case, but the economy of one of them big ol bags is also appealing.

Just looking for some suggestions, thanks

The detached seat is heavy and awkward to carry. I would not try to carry it on the roof. It probably won't fit inside the chest, but could it be strapped, opened up, on top of the chest?

Do you have a rack on the Element already?

I'm not sure there is a good way of strapping a soft bag to the roof of the Element, unless you have a basket like the Loadwarrior.

Weight might be more of a concern than volume.

UPS shipping might end being cheaper than buying a lot of extra roof gear, unless you expect to use it later. In that case, plan for long term needs, more so than the immediate. Do you have enough storage at home for a roof box?

paulj

It might be cheaper to install a trailer hitch ($150 with wiring?), and rent a small trailer for the extra baggage.

paulj

I'm with Paul - just ship it. Kayakers commonly use ForwardAir to ship boats cross country. I have no personal experience with them, but I'm told its the way to ship something bulky like a kayak. Contrary to its name, its a truck freight company that has depots at many airports. I've heard secondhand that they sometimes are a hassle to work with when it comes to paymets, etc. (money orders I believe), but it may be a viable option if your items aren't fragile.

Thanks for the suggestions. We had gone through several solutions including shipping, renting a car, doing the hitch/trailer or getting a cargo rack. Was finally able to convince my wife that she can live without some items. With that, we've got everything to fit securely, including the detached seat.

I will be looking back into cargo solutions once we get back home though. This kinda snuck up on me -- I didn't realize the purpose of the trip was to get a bunch of stuff!