Just adding, 150 is the weight i was quoted also from GM
and i have put the limit on the rails.

 

I just wanted to inform everyone, that I made it on my cross country trip!!! My fiberglass luggage carrier didn't fit between the side rails, so I used a canvas carrier. I no I had at least 150 pounds of luggage, if not more in the carrier. At first, it didn't seem to work because the roof sort of sank under the weight (the carrier was placed directly on the center roof) When I re-adjusted the bag to the back of the roof...it was absolutely fine. The roof did not cave in, and I had absolutely no problems! The canvas bag was ratcheted to the side rails only. I don't have crossbars. I was very impressed! I traveled from NY to MS with no problems!

 

The factory crossrails are available along with several attachments for bicycles, canoes, and cargo carriers at gmaccessoriesstore.com. Kind of pricey though! I think the crossrails should come standard with the roof rails as a package from the factory, although being able to remove them when not in use is a good idea.

 

I'm glad it worked out for you. And you were able to save from spending extra $$ at this time.

 

Did you hear a lot of noise from the luggage bag? Just curious.

 

I also am interested in the cross bars, I don't want to spend a lot of cash though, I am also thinking of a hitch on the back for a rack, thinking this may help more with wind resistance. Any suggestions out there.

 

I built a trailer to put my cartop carrier on ,after seeing what my dealer wanted for the cross rails. Got a mini trailer from Harbor Freight (40" x 48" - 12" tires) for $179.00 and hitch/ wiring kit from E-trailer.com for $155.00. Mounted a peice of plywood to trailer after covering with astro turf and mounted my Karite carrier on the plywood. About the same as the rails and I don't have to crawl up on the car to load or unload !

 

I like the trailer ideal, I would love to get a compact lightweight inexpensive camping trailer, any ideals out there.

 

Just remember the towing capacity( for my 2.2 with auto is 1500 lb) there are trailers built for towing behind motorcycles that are about the right size,but expect to pay about 2500.00 or more. I've got less than 500.00 in mine including the hard car top carrier. Tows great! no trouble even at interstate speeds, don't even know it's back there.

 

The correct capacity is 1000 lbs for the HHR I have a 2.4 Auto, been towing for 2 years now.