Help! Rear Deck Luggage Carriers

[chuckndonna67]

I am interested in suggestions. I plan on taking the '87 vertible on a week long trip thru Maine in July. With two people I need a place to store 2 pieces of luggage. This is only a temporary fix I am looking for: I do not want to purchase a tow package; or hitch (with a receiver to accommodate a luggage carrier); or install the corvette luggage carrier pieces (not even sure I can find one for an '87). I would prefer a portable aluminum rack that would mount the full width/depth of a convertible deck with suction cups and tie down straps that would clamp down on the wheel well sides. I know in Europe they have such things for sports cars. Anyone know of these or other temporary alternatives would be greatly appreciated??http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/images/smilies/help.gif

 

[G Winter]

Do yourself a favor, just send your luggage by UPS to the motel and just carry enough in the car for one day. Send dirty laundry home.
I built a trailer hitch mount and put on a rear luggage carrier. Doesn't work all that well the weight hangs out to far. Luggage on the rear deck blocks rear visibility.

Glenn

 

[CorvetteArchives]

What a bout a cargo bag instead? They do tie down and probably wouldnt look too weird.
Thule Quest Cargo Bag : Campmor.com

You could always do a tour of nudist camps instead?

 

[tonylong]

Do yourself a favor, just send your luggage by UPS to the motel and just carry enough in the car for one day. Send dirty laundry home.
I built a trailer hitch mount and put on a rear luggage carrier. Doesn't work all that well the weight hangs out to far. Luggage on the rear deck blocks rear visibility.

Glenn

I echo G Winter - UPS is cheap and reliable, and they'll have re-usable boxes to use for protecting your nice luggage.

 

[chuckndonna67]

I echo G Winter - UPS is cheap and reliable, and they'll have re-usable boxes to use for protecting your nice luggage.

Thanks, but the problem with shipping is that we will be staying in more than one hotel during our tour of Maine. So I am still looking for other alternatives. The use of a low profile roof top bag/carrier would be useful for a rear deck if I can find one that is less than 58" x 24". I could jury-rig that with tie downs to suffice for 7 days.

 

[kenmack]

You'd be surprised

If you haven't already tried it, slide a full size suitcase under your softop and close the lid.:ugh:ugh:ugh

We went on a 10 day trip with a 6" x 26" x 18" hardcornered suitcase and a large overnight bag for my stuff that fit snugly UNDER the softop along with several shoes and cleaning materials as well.

I put towels on top of the softop before closing the rear deck to prevent any possible damage due to the snug fit.

P.S.Coincidently My wife and I did this in a Nassau blue 87 vert with white top

 

[chuckndonna67]

If you haven't already tried it, slide a full size suitcase under your softop and close the lid.:ugh:ugh:ugh

We went on a 10 day trip with a 6" x 26" x 18" hardcornered suitcase and a large overnight bag for my stuff that fit snugly UNDER the softop along with several shoes and cleaning materials as well.

I put towels on top of the softop before closing the rear deck to prevent any possible damage due to the snug fit.

P.S.Coincidently My wife and I did this in a Nassau blue 87 vert with white top

Good suggestion!! I will check the stores out for a piece of luggage around that size. And, then convince my wife to "pack light"!http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif

 

[nelson84]

Why not get the factory install luggage rack? The look pretty good and I saw somewhere you can get a cargo box that matches the car. Sweet setup. Or you could always take the wifes mini-van:eyerole

 

[aboatguy]

How about using a dry-bag and putting in in the sparetire carrier?
I've been traveling without a spare for years. I kept my carrier in the garage but I install it every now and then for the cargo space...

Of course you are space constrained but there is more room than you think in the carrier.

As for bags: OR makes a good lightweight bag and Sealion makes a great heavy duty bag...but I usually pack in a heavy duty bag....


In summary "Sealion dry bags have been keeping my OP-gear dry for a loong time and haven't leaked under the vette yet..."

Mike