Options for cargo bag on car without rack/rails

May 4, 2022 4:27 PM

Cargo bag for a car without a roof rack or rails?

We're taking our 2015 Toyota Prius V on a long road trip and need extra cargo room. We have a Thule Tahoe cargo bag (used on a previous vehicle) but the Prius doesn't have a roof rack or rails. Is there a way to safely attach the bag to the roof? If not, any recommendations on other bags that can be safely attached? I've seen some with straps that go through the doors but have no experience with them.

posted by Arthur Vandelay to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

I have this one and no roof rack. I took it on a 1,000 mile trip a year ago and it did fine. It was a bit tricky, it hooked in under the rubber gaskets at the top of the door frames. My load was a lot less boxy than the picture, more lumpy. I worried a bit about someone just opening it up but it didn't happen. I made sure everything I put up there was replaceable.
posted by mareli at 4:34 PM on May 4, 2022

Thule's 5129 "Evo Kit" can fit the naked roof of a Prius-V without rails. You will need to add two square bars or wingbars, but add 2 bars to this and you will have a roof-rack.

https://images.carid.com/thule/items/pdf/145129-product-information.pdf
posted by kschang at 5:40 PM on May 4, 2022

Response by poster: mareli: What straps did you use to attach it to the roof?

kschang: The installations link on this page shows that I would also need lock cores and the Evo clamp kit. Is that not the case?
posted by Arthur Vandelay at 8:52 PM on May 4, 2022

You are correct. The "fit kit" is an ADDITION to the regular clamp kit.
posted by kschang at 10:14 PM on May 4, 2022