Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-8 of 8
 Having to return the item March 17, 2008
R. Beaton
17 out of 22 found this review helpful
The unit arrived without any outer packing, just in the point of sale type box. That was not sturdy enough to hold and despite FedX adding tape during shipping, there were several wide-open gaps in the box when I received it.
Expecting the worst, I immediately began assembly to make sure there were no parts missing.
Assembly is not easy. Instructions are clear. The time involved is mostly spent trying to stretch the fabric enough to jam the aluminum frame in. Once completed, the unit appeared to be well made and pretty much what I expected.
Here's when the major problem developed. I attempted to place it on my MDX and the holes would not line up with the factory installed roof rack. This was a surprise since I had called and confirmed that it would fit. It does not.
I called Rola tech support and after some research a helpful tech told me that for some reason the unit had been redesigned since being tested with the MDX. Hole placement has changed. Well, I have now tested the unit with an MDX (o4) and it does not fit.
I will attempt to mend the box enought to ship it back.
 Held up in all weather conditions March 8, 2008
K. VanDyk
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I recently purchased this roof top carrier for my family's drive from Minnesota to South Carolina. The first day we had this carrier, one of the straps ripped off where the front panel attaches. This was before we had it on top of the truck or anything in it. It came apart right at the seam- a major defect in the stitching that should not have been overlooked by the manufacturer. Being that we only a few days before we left MN, we had no choice but to find a quick fix (which included heavy duty glue and a very strong sewing kit.) The other downside is the handles on the sides flap in the wind creating a very annoying sound so we had to do a little MacGyvering with rope.
We drove a total of 1300 miles in 3 days and it held up GREAT- better than expected!! The day we left MN is was -15 degrees and we encountered strong winds, snow, ice, rain, and warm temperatures in the south. We packed the carrier with a fold up stroller, 3 large totes filled with clothes, a garment bag with suits, and a large duffel bag that weighed about 50 lbs. with more clothes and blankets. Not one single item was wet or affected by the weather. This carrier is easy to install, easy to pack and unpack and perfect for storing in small places. It would have earned all 5 stars from us, if we did not have the issue of the strap coming apart. It is worth the money and we look forward to our next road trip with all the stuff we can bring!
Sturdy, yet flexible August 10, 2007
Daniel Garcia (Missouri)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful
I've used two different bag carriers in the past. Both were pains to use, especially in winter, when the zippers and fabric were stiff. In those cases, too, the zippers were on top, difficult to reach and stuff luggage. This Rola was a relief for my budget and back. Sturdy aluminum frame in a bottom sleeve that's separate from luggage compartment (although part of a bracket ripped my inner fabric while inserting frame). Flexible soft-side design has allowed me to fit a large family tent, 6 sleeping bags, about 6 duffel/backpacks, and 3 folded air mattresses (easily stuffed from one of 3 zippered doors with weather flaps). On my 04 Durango, with crossbars, installation was simple and allowed enough room alongside for 6 camp chairs. I deducted a star b/c fabric ripped and instructions were poorly written. I love the collapsibility and provided rain fly. Although I was searching for a reasonable shell carrier, this seems like it is a better value. Smart design!
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