You are ready for your Thanksgiving trip with luggage, gifts, coolers, folding chairs and other holiday essentials for the journey.

How do you fit everything into your vehicle with your family?

“Holiday travel is one of those times when families discover just how quickly the cargo area of a vehicle can disappear,” said Jason Morgan, founder of RucRak.

“A properly matched cargo carrier gives you extra space for the things you need to bring without turning a passenger compartment into a luggage compartment.”

Morgan founded RucRak in 2018 after he and some friends found themselves short on space while preparing for a beach trip. Looking for a better way to carry gear without sacrificing passenger space, Morgan explored ways to add flexible storage to a vehicle.

Morgan shares his ideas on choosing and using the cargo carriers for your November and December adventures:

1. Choose the right type of cargo carrier

An enclosed cargo carrier is the ideal choice because it protects your belongings from rain, snow and road spray. Make sure it is designed for your vehicle and can safely support the cargo you plan to carry.

Check the cargo carrier’s maximum load rating and your vehicle’s roof-load or hitch capacity. The combined weight of the carrier and everything you put in it must not exceed limits.

“Start with the vehicle rather than the carrier. Check your owner’s manual for the vehicle’s roof-load or hitch capacity and make sure you have the required roof rails, crossbars or hitch receiver,” said Morgan.

“Compare those specifications with the carrier's mounting requirements, dimensions and weight rating. Make sure the carrier does not interfere with your hatch or liftgate when it opens.”

2. Match the carrier to holiday cargo

Morgan recommends the following for choosing the right cargo carrier:

• Enclosed cargo carrier. Use for suitcases, clothing, boots and items that need protection from rain, snow and road spray.
• Lockable cargo carrier. Consider gifts, valuables and other belongings you want to keep secured during stops.
• Open cargo carrier. Reserve for bulky items that can tolerate weather elements when properly covered and secured.
• Hitch-mounted cargo carrier. Useful for large storage bins, folding tables and chairs that can be laid down flat and loaded at a convenient height.
• Cargo trailer. A trailer provides extra storage for families traveling with a sizable amount of luggage and holiday gear.

“Think about the type of items you are carrying and choose a setup that allows you to load, secure and access your possessions easily,” said Morgan.

3. Use your storage space efficiently

Keep bulky items like coolers, folding chairs and outdoor equipment in the appropriate cargo carrier. Stow essentials like snacks, medications, chargers and toys inside the vehicle where they are easy to access during the trip.

“Do not try to fill every available inch if doing so puts you over the carrier’s capacity or makes the load difficult to secure.”

Use bags, containers or luggage that fit the carrier without leaving excessive empty space. Make sure the carrier can close or latch properly before leaving.

4. Check weight limits before loading

Before loading your Thanksgiving gear, check the carrier’s maximum weight rating and your vehicle’s roof-load or hitch capacity. Remember the carrier also contributes to the load.

Distribute cargo according to the carrier’s manufacturer instructions and secure everything to prevent it from moving during the trip. Weigh your loaded items and make sure the total stays within the specified weight limits before traveling.

5. Remember the extra height

A rooftop cargo carrier can add significant height to your vehicle. Before hitting the road, know your vehicle’s overall height with the carrier installed and loaded.

Look out for clearance signs when approaching low bridges, parking garages, drive-throughs and low overhangs.

“Make a habit of checking the clearance before you drive underneath anything, especially when you are making unfamiliar stops during your Thanksgiving trip,” Morgan said.

Expert tip: Put a visible note on your dashboard or steering wheel to remind you of the added height before entering a garage, parking structure or drive-through.

6. Hitch carriers add length

A hitch-mounted cargo carrier extends beyond the rear of your vehicle. This changes how much space you may need when parking or maneuvering.

“A hitch-mounted carrier changes the back end of the vehicle. Drivers need to remember that extra length when backing into a parking space, pulling into a garage or maneuvering through a crowded holiday parking lot,” said Morgan.

Check how the carrier affects your vehicle’s rear clearance and ensure it does not block the taillights or license plate.

7. Expect changes in fuel economy and handling

A cargo carrier loaded with Thanksgiving items changes a vehicle’s weight. This can also affect fuel economy and the way the vehicle accelerates, brakes and responds to wind.

A rooftop carrier can make your vehicle more sensitive to crosswinds, particularly when passing or being passed by large trucks that create strong air movement.

Give yourself time to adjust to the vehicle’s handling before a long highway drive. Allow extra following distance for safer braking. Exercise caution when changing lanes or driving alongside trucks in windy conditions.

Cargo carrier tips for Thanksgiving travel

• Choose an enclosed cargo carrier. Keep clothing, luggage, gifts and other belongings protected from November weather.
• Protect sensitive cargo. Use waterproof bags and cargo boxes for items that can be damaged by rain or road spray.
• Match the carrier to your vehicle. Check roof capacity, crossbars, hitch specifications and carrier compatibility before purchasing or installing one.
• Stay within weight limits. Check the vehicle, mounting system and carrier's weight ratings to determine the maximum load you can safely carry.
• Spread the load. Avoid concentrating heavy items in one area and secure them to prevent them from moving during the trip.
• Remember extra dimensions. Allow extra clearance for a rooftop carrier’s height or a hitch-mounted carrier’s length when parking or maneuvering.
• Keep lights and plates visible. Make sure the carrier does not block the taillights, turn signals or license plate.
• Plan parking stops carefully. Carriers make it harder to maneuver in tight parking spaces. Watch for curbs, parked cars, nearby objects and other road users.
• Access to essentials. Have items you may need during the trip like snacks, medication or children necessities inside the vehicle.
• Look out for clearance signs. Watch for low bridges, parking garages and drive-throughs when traveling with a rooftop carrier.
• Check setup before travel. Inspect mounting hardware, straps, latches and cargo to ensure everything is secure before leaving.
• Remove carrier when not in use. Taking it off when you do not need it makes everyday driving more convenient and reduces unnecessary aerodynamic drag.