There For The Long Haul By jayjay1113 on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
January of last year was our 1st on site trip to Disney World in Florida, staying at the Port Orleans Riverside hotel. Since flying there for a family of five is pretty expensive, my husband and I decided to drive to Orlando from Toronto. We wanted to free up some space in the trunk of our Chevy Trailblazer so that we could take turns laying down for a snooze. We decided we'd need extra storage room and that a luggage carrier was the way to go.
We bought the Karrite Explorer for a few reasons - one being the price. It was one of the cheapest hard-cover carriers available. We also liked that fact that it had a lot of room and also came with a lock and keys. The material it is made of is not as hard as some of the more expensive carriers available buy, it served our purpose well!
We were able to fit one 28" suitcase, a 18" suitcase, a tote bag with 7 or 8 pairs shoes in it and other knicnacks that we squeezed in. The drive to Orlando to 21 hours through snow and rain at highway speeds (okay, sometimes we went even faster than the speed limit) and this carrier held up. I did find that it got really hot in Florida sun and actually burnt my fingers trying to open once - so keep this in mind.
We were able to remove it easily for driving around and re-install it when we were ready to head back home.
Here are the product specs:
18-cu ft capacity safely holds up to 100 lbs.Side opening with front and rear safety latchesSecurity locks and keys includedStrong and weatherproof, high-density, rigid polyethyleneInternal support arms keep top open for easy loading and unloadingFits most cars with rain guttersWere VERY happy and continue to use it for family trips!
About The Author:
Karrite Explorer Purchased at: Canadian Tire Price: 199.99
Glad this worked out for you, and thanks for the specs!
You drove to Orlando from Toronto? Wow bless your heart, I hate the drive there from Georgia.
This would be helpful on such a long trip. Toronto to Orlando is a long way!
I'm so glad you made the point about you almost burning your fingers from the roof carrier being hot (not that I wanted you to get burned but it was nice to read your warning!). I will look into this as we take many car trips! Thank you for all of the details!
Thanks for including product specs, I think it is very helpful. Sounds like a nice luggage carrier, affordable and you can fit a lot in it.
My husband and I are wanting to purchase a "shell" for my Blazer, I have the roof racks but we are concerned about weather and such..
drove from canada to florida? wow--impressive, i thought my ohio drive was tough enough!!
Sounds like a great product for trips. Have to look into it
Sounds wonderful--it rains so much here that I would have to have a hard cover and not just a rack... the price is great too!
nice. thanks for adding the specs. i may buy it