I think it's hard to use the words "roof" and "less than $200" in the same sentance. A Yakima or Thule setup will probably run around $200 just for the towers, clips and bars, and you get what you pay for in terms of cargo boxes. We bought a cheap Rocket Box it was a real PITA. We ended up returning it for a Thule Evolution ($400) and have been very happy.

Even so, the rack isn't supposed to hold more than 115 pounds IIRC so you need to be strategic with packing (bulky, light stuff goes on top).

If you were in Colorado, I'd let you borrow my setup. You might look around your area and see if anyone has stuff to lend.

Edit: That trunk rack would SUCK if you needed something out of the trunk

Commuter car, grocery getter, and summer road tripper--average 10k miles per year.


Winter road trips and ski trips, bad weather commuter and my wife's "daily" driver--expected average 4k miles per year.