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How to Buy a Roof Cargo Basket Without Wrecking Fall

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Roof Cargo Basket Without Wrecking Fall

Get your gear sorted for late summer and spread out the cost without paying extra interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Throwing a heavy-duty cargo basket on your roof changes how you pack, but it also creates wind noise and knocks your gas mileage down a bit. We look for these late in the summer when outdoor gear goes on clearance to clear space for winter stock. You can usually find a solid setup for about $350.

Never mix up negotiating the price with how you pay for it. Hammer out the best deal on the basket first, then figure out your payment method for what is left over.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card when those 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on what remains.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the late summer clearance

    Retailers slash prices on roof racks and cargo baskets as summer camping season winds down. Look for floor models or open-box returns to shave another chunk off the sticker price.

  2. 02

    Negotiate the price first

    Get the dealer or outdoor shop to drop the price or throw in mounting hardware before you talk about how you plan to pay. Keep financing completely separate from the actual purchase price.

  3. 03

    Line up the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    If you want to stretch out payments on the remaining balance, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to about $19.44 per month if you spread a $350 purchase across that exact window.

  4. 04

    Check your crossbars

    Make sure your car actually has factory or aftermarket crossbars that fit the basket's U-bolts or clamp system. Buying extra mounting brackets later will wreck your clearance savings.

  5. 05

    Set up auto-pay

    Set up a monthly automatic payment for at least the minimum required plus your target installment so you never miss a beat. Keeping track of the calendar avoids any surprises down the road.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will a roof basket kill my gas mileage?

Yes, expect to lose a couple of miles per gallon because of the extra wind resistance. Taking the basket off when you are not using it saves gas.

Do I need special tools to install it?

Most baskets just use hand-tightened U-bolts and brackets that clamp onto your existing crossbars. You rarely need anything beyond a simple wrench or socket.

What is the weight limit for a roof basket?

The basket itself might hold 150 pounds, but your car's roof rails have their own strict weight limit. Always check your vehicle manual so you do not bend your roof.

Can I leave the basket on through the winter?

You can, but road salt and moisture can cause rust on steel baskets. Give it a coat of wax before winter hits if you plan to leave it up there.