Looking for ideas to increase storage in my minivan for a long drive to vacation spot.?

Question

I drive a 2000 Ford Windstar Minivan that does not have a luggage rack on top. I have alot of baby equipment I need to take with me on vacation so I won't have to rent it when I arrive. I have access to a canvas cargo bag which is made to fasten on a luggage rack, but without the rack I don't have any other options. I checked into having an after market luggage rack installed but it was going to cost almost $400.00 for it plus labor. Can someone help me find a way to haul luggage or other items on top of the van without purchasing a permanent luggage rack. Is there one that can temporarily attach to the roof of the van.

Answer 1

you can probably rent a small trailer for much less then 400$

Answer 2

I have taken 4 kids and a white 1999 Windstar with no  roof rack on vacations that last over 10 days and 2,500 miles and 4 states.

Try condensing the load and leave stuff behind. What does a baby  really need a car seat and a small stroller. if you take a big stroller it's a crib too but there goes the room.

if you need umbrellas and stuff buy it at a cheap store and leave it behind on the way home.

Depending on how many are going take out a seat. We do that all the time to save with the gas. the rear seat cuts my mileage by 2 miles a gallon

Try http://www.cheap-fun-family-travel.com they have all kinds of neat ideas on how to pack with kids

Answer 3

Try  getting something that would let you tie a few things to the trunk or hood if you do'nt mind traveling like that !?! just be sure to use plenty of things with the things that you'd like to take !! That will act as a cushion!! Call a moving/trucking company to ask how they do it !!. See the moving company wraps MANY of your house`.hold items to be moved in something called PADS !! to: again act as a cushion for the long drive !! to prevent scratches on things !! & making them LESS likely to break !!. Still you can help if you pack a few things yourself to safe`,guard them !?!  G/L~!!! .     rRr a wWw rRr