Taking a family road trip (roughly 800 miles each way) and need recommendations for either roof rack with cross bars, basket, box/bag or hitch mount trailer with cargo basket for my 2022 GX 460 Luxury. 3rd row will be in use, so need more storage space for suitcases, etc.

Anyone have suggestions? I'm overwhelmed by the roof options. Was told Thule® - ProBar Evo 59" Black Load Bars would work, but not sure what all I need in addition to that. Have read posts that Yakima may end up scratching paint. Also considered INNO Aero Bars.

Or would Hitch-mounted Cargo Carrier with bag and swing arm to access rear interior be the easier/cheaper way to go?

Leaning toward rear hitch basket carrier. Any recommendations, watch outs, etc.?
Thanks!!!

 

Either works. The '22 Luxury trim doesn't have raised roof rails so you'd need one of Yakima/Thule's setups that actually raise the bars a bit if you'd want to use a roof container.

If you do a hitch mounted cargo carrier, get one thats extended and raised above the exhaust or watch what you pack on the passenger side because the heat from the exhaust can actually damage it.




This issue is mitigated with a hitch riser extension like this:

 

... hitch carrier box advantage is accessibility, and does not contribute to wind drag ... but it does sit in the zero-pressure zone, so can get dirty / slimy based on road conditions.

 

Big fan of my hitch carrier with swing arm. Prefer this to the negatives of hauling gear on the roof. Finding a reasonably priced swing arm is the biggest issue, I stalked FB marketplace for sometime before I found mine.

 

Thanks! I appreciate your insight and the pics. Very helpful.