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How to Pay for Your Roof Basket and Cargo Net

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Your Roof Basket and Cargo Net

Gear up for your summer road trip without draining your bank account all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $380 before anything else
Across the 0% window $21.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $380 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.

Adding a roof basket and cargo net transforms how you pack for long drives. It keeps the cabin clear for passengers and handles the bulky stuff that does not fit in the trunk. Prices are often lowest in early spring before the summer travel rush hits.

You can manage the $380 cost by breaking it into manageable payments. Don't let the gear hold up your plans when you can spread the expense over a longer stretch of time.

Remember that this 0% offer is just a window of time, not free money. If you have a balance left over after 18 months, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is still owed.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check your current setup

    Look at your car roof to see what crossbars you need. You want a basket that fits your specific vehicle model. Measure your roof clearance to make sure it clears your garage door.

  2. 02

    Watch for spring sales

    Retailers often drop prices on outdoor gear in late winter or early spring. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite auto shops to catch the first round of discounts. If you buy during a sale, your monthly payment will be even lower than the $21.11 baseline.

  3. 03

    Use your payment window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This intro window on purchases lets you pay off the $380 in small chunks. It keeps your cash flow steady while you get ready for the road.

  4. 04

    Get the net separately

    Bundles are convenient but sometimes overpriced. Buy a high-quality heavy-duty cargo net on its own if the shop bundles are flimsy. A good net keeps your gear secure and prevents road debris from flying off.

  5. 05

    Set up auto-pay

    Calculate the payment needed to clear the balance before the 18 months are up. Set an automatic monthly payment in your bank app so you never miss a due date. Staying ahead of the schedule is the only way to avoid interest.

  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 hurt my gas mileage?

Yes, adding extra gear to your roof increases wind resistance. Expect to see a small drop in your fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

Do I really need a heavy-duty net?

A standard bungee cord setup might work for light items, but a heavy-duty net is much safer. It prevents loose gear from shifting or flying off at high speeds.

Can I install this myself?

Most roof baskets are designed for a simple DIY install. You will usually just need an extra pair of hands to lift the basket onto the roof bars safely.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro rate early. Always pay at least the minimum on time to keep the terms of your agreement intact.