Hello, We are a party of 7 and while on vacation in Europe we will be leasing a 7 passenger Renault. However, with 7, there is no room left for luggage. Are roof top carriers legal in Europe, can they be hard or soft sided. Where can I rent/buy one. We pick the car up in Amsterdam.
Anyone that has done this, your help will be appreciated. Thank you, Lenie
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
Yes, these are legal and quite common. Most models are hard-sided, and there are models for roofs with rails and roofs without rails. Stores that specialise in car accessories have these for rent. If your car is tall e.g. a minivan, a roof top luggage carrier could give you problems entering parking garages.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23301 posts
If renting a vehicle the rental company will rent the carrier. Be very carefully about putting your own carrier on a car since the rental agreement may prohibit that because of potential damage.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
I'd sure be careful where you leave your car during the day, and overnight if you are leaving anything in it. Car carriers are really easy to remove (as are the contents) when you don't care if you damage the car getting it off/things out. Spoken as someone who had a complete Thule carrier taken off my van.
Posted by
Holdrege, NE, USA
91 posts
Lenie, You may also consider looking into renting a 9 passenger vehicle. I have traveled as a group of 7 in the past using a 9 seater van. With a 7 passenger vehicle you get 7 seats....everyone in cozy quarters, shoulder to shoulder and the need to rent a carrier for luggage. With our 9 seater, we had more room to stretch out, particularly when we had a long driving day and plenty of room in the rear for the luggage. We also never had trouble maneuvering the van on narrow streets/roads. Check out the costs of each option, compare and decide. Happy Travels.