More Seating Means Less Room in 2004 SUVs, Sportwagons Aftermarket Cargo Accessories More Important Than Ever

SEYMOUR, Conn., Oct. 2, 2003 -- Many automotive manufacturers are offering third row seating in their 2004 SUVs and Sportwagons, giving travelers more seating capacity, but at the expense of cargo room.

This makes roof racks, roof top carriers, and other aftermarket cargo accessories more important than ever before says Steve Doviak, travel specialist at Thule Car Rack Systems, www.thuleracks.com.

"While more seating capacity is great for around town, that extra seat in the car takes up a lot of room that otherwise would be for luggage," says Doviak. "Not only that, with three more people in the vehicle you need even more cargo capacity for their gear."

Doviak went on to say that in 2004 many manufacturers are not including cross bars as a standard feature on their factory installed roof racks, leaving travelers with fewer options for carrying their belongings.

However, Doviak points out that there are many aftermarket accessories available that will help transport everyone's gear-

  Cargo boxes-
  -- Capacities range from 8 to 21 cubic feet
  -- Many lock for added security
  -- Installation can take a matter of minutes with systems like Thule's
     Quick Snap
  -- Many of the newer models are very aerodynamic
  -- Boxes like Thule's Evolution series can open on both sides

  Roof top bags-
  -- These bags can give up to 15 cubic feet of carrying capacity
  -- They can fold down to practically nothing for easy storage
  -- Can be loaded inside the house and then put on the vehicle
  -- Attach to any roof rack system, with or without cross bars

  Cargo baskets-
  -- Great for arid climates
  -- Can accommodate awkward sized luggage
  -- Multiple accessories can be added to some, like bike carriers, cargo
     nets, and ski carriers

  Hitch mount cargo carriers-
  -- Easy waist height loading
  -- Some swing away from the vehicle for access to the rear gate or hatch
  -- Great aerodynamics, as there is no roof top obstruction

For more car travel solutions, visit www.thuleracks.com. Thule Rack Systems are available at better automotive, sporting good, and specialty retailers nationwide.