Does enterprise provide luggage racks

Cost and availability: Expect an extra fee typically between $8–20 per day or a weekly rate around $50–100, with airport branches more likely to have stock. Fees vary by city and vehicle class; compact cars and convertibles often cannot accept rooftop solutions.

Capacity and limits: Common hard-shell boxes range from roughly 10–18 cubic feet (280–510 L) – enough for 3–5 medium suitcases or a set of skis; manufacturers and rental firms usually set maximum static loads near 45–75 kg (100–165 lb). Hitch-mounted platforms carry similar weight but different clearance and handling characteristics.

How to secure one: Reserve the accessory by phone or online and get confirmation with a reference number. On pickup verify that crossbars, mounts and locks are present, that the box matches the confirmed size, and that mounting points on the vehicle are compatible; ask staff for a short installation check or demonstration.

Inspection and safety checks: Before departure inspect seals and locks, tighten fastenings after the first 10–20 miles, stay within posted roof load and speed limits (many manufacturers recommend under 70 mph / 110 km/h), and distribute weight low and centered to preserve handling.

Alternatives and insurance: If rooftop mounting is unavailable, opt for a soft cargo bag, hitch-mounted carrier, or a larger vehicle class. Confirm whether collision or damage coverage extends to mounted accessories and consider adding supplemental protection via the rental agreement or a credit-card benefit.

Rental accessories for baggage transport

Reserve a roof-mounted cargo box or a hitch-mounted carrier at booking to guarantee an accessory; many branches have limited stock and same-day availability is rare.

Typical roof-box volumes run 300–600 liters; most vehicle roof load limits fall between 75–165 lb (34–75 kg). Hitch-mounted baskets commonly support 150–200 lb (68–91 kg) but require a compatible 1.25″ or 2″ receiver. Crossbars alone usually allow 75–100 lb (34–45 kg). Expect daily accessory charges from roughly $8 to $30, with weekly caps between $60 and $150 depending on the vendor and region.

Before pickup: confirm accessory dimensions against your suitcases and vehicle; verify roof-load and hitch size on the rental agreement; request installation help at the branch if unsure. Check whether damage waivers or insurance exclude accessory damage and plan weight distribution so the heaviest pieces sit low and centered.

Which locations and vehicle classes offer roof or hitch-mounted cargo carriers?

Reserve a roof-box, crossbar set or hitch-mounted carrier at airport terminals and high-volume resort branches–those locations most commonly stock accessories and will fit them before pickup.

Branches with highest accessory availability

Airport locations, seasonal resort (ski/beach) branches and large suburban hubs carry the widest range of roof and hitch options. College-town and tourist-heavy outlets often keep carriers on hand during peak seasons. Small neighborhood or downtown desks and low-volume franchise locations rarely have on-site stock; they can sometimes transfer an accessory from a nearby hub if requested in advance.

Vehicle classes and mounting details

Best fits: mid‑ and full‑size SUVs, minivans and large crossovers with factory roof rails (most accept crossbars and roof boxes); full‑size pickup trucks and heavy‑duty SUVs with 2″ receivers handle hitch carriers and tray systems; cargo vans and full‑size passenger vans can be rented with ladder/roof racks or fitted with aftermarket crossbars by request. Limited/poor fits: compact cars and many small sedans lack rails and rarely have factory hitches. Hitch specs: rental passenger vehicles that have receivers typically use Class II (1.25″) or Class III (2″)–Class III is preferred for heavier hitch cargo. Roof load guidance: check the vehicle’s placard/owner manual, but many passenger vehicles limit roof loads to roughly 100–165 lb (45–75 kg) including the carrier’s weight. Weight limits and tongue weight affect usable load on hitch carriers.

Practical steps: specify the accessory type when reserving, ask the branch to confirm rail/hitch compatibility and installation time, and verify daily accessory fees and any install charge. If a branch cannot supply or fit a carrier, request a vehicle with factory rails or rent a cargo/utility van that comes equipped for bulky gear.

How to request a roof or cargo carrier when booking online, by phone, or at pickup

Request a roof or hitch-mounted carrier at reservation time and confirm availability with the pickup location 48–24 hours before collection.

Online: look for an “Add-ons,” “Accessories,” or “Special requests” field on the booking page. If an accessory option appears, select size (small/medium/large) and note whether you need installation. If no option is visible, paste this exact text into the special-requests box: “Request roof box (medium) OR hitch cargo basket; please confirm availability and installation for reservation #[RESERVATION NUMBER]; advise daily fee or flat fee.” After booking, save the confirmation, then call the branch to get a written add-on confirmation by email or updated reservation record.

By phone: call the pickup location (use the branch number shown on your confirmation). Use this script: “Hello, I’m calling about reservation #[RESERVATION NUMBER]. I need a roof box/hitch carrier installed for pickup on [DATE]. Please confirm the accessory, its size, the daily or one-time fee, and that staff will install it. Can you add this to my reservation and email confirmation?” Ask: “If the originally booked vehicle doesn’t accept the carrier, will you swap to a compatible vehicle or cancel the add-on with a refund?” Request the agent’s name and a confirmation number for the add-on.

At pickup: present your reservation and say, “I requested a roof box/hitch carrier for reservation #[RESERVATION NUMBER]; please confirm it’s on the assigned vehicle and that staff will install and secure it.” Inspect mounting points, crossbars, and lock function before leaving the lot. If the carrier is missing, ask for a written note on the rental agreement documenting the unavailability and request either an alternate vehicle with an installed carrier or a full refund for the accessory fee. Photograph the vehicle and agreement line for records.

Fees and fit checks: expect accessory charges shown on the rental contract–typical ranges vary by location and item ($5–$30/day or a one-time $25–$150 fee). Always confirm maximum roof load and hitch tongue weight for the assigned vehicle; ask staff to state the vehicle’s roof load limit and any insurance/waiver implications for roof-mounted gear.

Bringing your own carrier: get written permission on the rental agreement. Use this script at reservation or pickup: “I will use my own roof/hitch carrier; confirm the vehicle has factory crossbars or approved mounting points, that using my system is permitted, and that damage policies cover properly installed personal equipment.” Ask staff to initial or stamp the agreement acknowledging allowability and any required installation assistance.

Vehicle models that safely accept roof crossbars and hitch carriers

Choose midsize or larger crossovers, full‑size SUVs, or minivans when you need factory roof rails or a receiver hitch; economy sedans and compact cars rarely include either.

Common crossbar-friendly models (factory rails available on many trims): Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, Subaru Outback, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Cherokee, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento. Confirm whether the specific trim has raised or flush rails and whether manufacturer crossbar kits are offered.

Common hitch‑carrier candidates (receivers often factory‑ or dealer‑installed): Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Armada. Full‑size SUVs and minivans are the likeliest to have Class II or Class III receivers suitable for hitch cargo carriers.

Receiver class and load guidance: Class II receivers typically support roughly 3,500 lb gross towing and about 350 lb tongue weight; Class III commonly supports about 5,000 lb gross towing and about 500 lb tongue weight. Select a carrier whose empty weight plus cargo stays below the vehicle’s tongue‑weight limit.

Roof load and crossbar limits: Manufacturer roof‑load ratings vary; many crossovers list limits in the ~110–220 lb (50–100 kg) range. Crossbar systems also specify per‑bar and total capacities; use the lower of vehicle or crossbar limits and include the carrier’s own weight in calculations.

Practical checks before loading: Inspect the vehicle for visible rails or a hitch receiver, review the owner’s manual or spec sheet for roof‑load and receiver class, confirm crossbar fitment points, and request professional installation at pickup if offered. Use rated straps, distribute weight evenly, and avoid exceeding combined limits.

Pricing, security deposits, and insurance coverage for rented cargo carriers

Budget: plan for about $5–$25 per day or $30–$150 per week for a roof- or hitch-mounted cargo carrier; locations and carrier type drive price toward the higher end.

Security hold: expect a refundable credit-card hold of roughly $100–$500 at pickup. For high-value vehicles or larger carriers the hold can exceed $500; request the exact hold amount before arrival.

Vehicle damage/waiver basics: collision damage waivers (CDW) or loss/damage waivers (LDW) often cover the rented vehicle but may exclude detachable cargo systems unless a separate accessory waiver is purchased. Deductibles vary; typical ranges are $0–$1,500 depending on the purchased protection.

Accessory coverage options: ask whether an add-on called “carrier protection” or “accessory waiver” is available. Typical cost for accessory protection runs $3–$15 per day; without it you will be liable for repair or replacement of the carrier and any damage caused by improperly secured cargo.

Liability exposure: damage to third parties or their property caused by an unsecured load usually falls to the renter. If your personal auto policy or the rental insurer does not extend liability to attached cargo systems, consider supplemental liability insurance; daily rates commonly sit between $7–$20.

Credit-card benefits: many premium cards offer secondary or primary rental coverage for vehicle damage. Coverage for detachable cargo carriers varies by issuer–obtain written confirmation from the card company specifying whether accessories and attached carriers are included and any claim limits or exclusions.

Before accepting any accessory or damage waiver: 1) request the line-item price and deposit in writing; 2) photograph carrier condition, serial numbers, mounting points and the vehicle’s roof/receiver before leaving the lot; 3) get a signed addendum or contract text that lists permitted speeds and weight limits; 4) confirm whether the waiver removes the deductible for damage to the carrier itself.

Cost-reduction tactics: use existing personal-auto comprehensive/collision coverage if it explicitly covers rented vehicles and attached cargo systems; use a credit card that provides primary rental protection for accessories; decline redundant waivers when you can document equivalent coverage. Always compare the daily waiver cost multiplied by trip days versus potential out-of-pocket replacement/repair costs.

Claim and repair handling: if damage occurs, notify the rental company immediately, retain all repair invoices, and file claims with the card issuer and/or your insurer. Keep the original rental agreement and photos; they speed resolution and reduce risk of a prolonged security hold.

Installation: staff-installed roof or hitch carriers versus customer self-installation at pickup

Prefer staff-installed roof or hitch carriers for heavy loads (over ~100 lb), unfamiliar mounting systems, or when you want documented installation and a signed inspection before driving off.

• Staff installation – advantages
  • Technician performs fit check, applies manufacturer torque specs, and verifies carrier-to-vehicle interface (10–25 minutes typical).
  • Pre-trip inspection recorded on rental paperwork, reducing dispute risk for pre-existing damage.
  • Staff will confirm vehicle roof load or hitch tongue weight limits against carrier load capacity.
  • Locks and hitch pins installed and keyed; straps routed and shortened professionally to minimize flapping and abrasion.
• Staff installation – drawbacks
  • May incur an installation fee at some locations and require extra time at pickup.
  • Availability varies by branch and vehicle category; reservation does not always guarantee on-the-spot install if staffing is limited.
• Customer self-installation – when acceptable
  • Only for customers experienced with crossbars/hitch carriers and able to follow printed carrier and vehicle manuals.
  • Suitable for small, lightweight loads where roof load limit and carrier capacity are well under limits (confirm both placard and carrier rating).
  • Allowed when branch explicitly authorizes self-fit and declines a staff install.
• Self-installation checklist (follow exactly)
  1. Read carrier and vehicle manuals for maximum roof load and hitch tongue weight; common roof limits range 75–165 lb–use the vehicle placard as authority.
  2. Dry-fit components on ground to verify all parts present; inspect for cracked plastic, bent metal, missing bolts.
  3. Mount crossbars perpendicular to vehicle centerline, center carrier fore/aft within vehicle roof rails, and keep at least 6–12 in clearance from sunroof and antenna.
  4. Tighten fasteners to manufacturer torque spec using a calibrated torque wrench; mark bolts with paint or tape to detect loosening.
  5. Use rated cam straps or ratchet straps with soft loops; route under crossbar and through anchor points; avoid sharp edges with protective sleeves.
  6. Install hitch carrier with correct hitch class adapter and secure with locking pin; verify pin size matches receiver class (e.g., 1.25″ vs 2″).
  7. Load cargo low and centered; secure items to prevent forward/rear movement; test by hand for shift before driving.
  8. Conduct a 5–10 minute test drive at slow speed, re-check all fasteners, then re-check again after first 10–25 miles.
• Liability and insurance notes
  • Improper customer-installed carriers that damage vehicle or cargo can void some coverage; ask counter staff which installations preserve rental coverage.
  • Document installation with photos and staff initials if they inspect–this helps claims processing.
  • For high-value items inside the carrier, verify if the rental insurer or your personal auto policy covers theft; consider supplemental umbrella coverage such as the best umbrella policy to have for landlords with multiple units for broader liability protection.
• Practical recommendations
  • Choose staff install for loads expected to exceed 100 lb or for rooftop boxes longer than 48 in.
  • Carry essential tools (torque wrench, locking hitch pin, spare straps) if you plan self-installation.
  • If packing light, consider a high-capacity internal bag instead–see best backpack with lots of compartments to reduce need for external carriers.

Alternatives when a rental agency can’t supply a roof or hitch carrier

Immediate action: reserve a third-party roof box or hitch-mounted carrier online for pickup or next-day delivery, print or save the confirmation, and bring vehicle specifics (make/model/year) to ensure fit; if time is short, opt for a soft rooftop bag with straps – it’s quickest to install and widely available at hardware stores.

Third-party rental sources: U-Haul (hitch cargo carriers, rooftop boxes), specialty dealers that rent Thule/Yakima boxes, outdoor retailers with gear rental desks, and local auto-accessory shops. Typical lead time: same-day to 48 hours. Fees usually run $20–$60/day for a hard shell box, $10–$30/day for soft bags, or $15–$40/day for hitch carriers; compare deposit and pickup/return locations.

Hard-shell roof boxes – selection advice: choose capacity by volume: 300–350 L for 1–2 people, 400–500 L for 3–4, 500–650+ L for skis/boards or full family packing. Common load ratings: 75–165 lb (34–75 kg) – verify both box rating and vehicle roof/crossbar rating before loading. Measure vehicle roof width and crossbar spread; confirm clamping range on the box; test trunk/rear hatch clearance before driving.

Hitch-mounted carriers – when to pick one: best when roof access is difficult or when transporting heavy, bulky items. Payloads vary 150–300 lb (68–136 kg) depending on carrier and hitch class. Check hitch receiver size (1.25″ vs 2″) and whether a drop hitch is needed for rear hatch clearance. Add a hitch extender only if it doesn’t exceed tongue weight limits listed in the vehicle manual.

Soft rooftop bags & car-top straps: inexpensive, foldable, waterproof bags (100–150 L to 400+ L) secured with straps are practical for tight timelines. Use wide cam straps or flat webbing with a minimum breaking strength of 1,500 lb; run straps through door jambs (protected with foam or rubber) or over crossbars; avoid thin cords. Recommended max highway speed: 65–70 mph; inspect straps after first 10–20 miles and at regular stops.

Fit checklist before departure: confirm vehicle roof static/dynamic load in owner’s manual; crossbar capacity (lb/kg); box/clamp compatibility with bar profile (round/elliptical/flush); distance from antenna and sunroof; rear hatch clearance for hitch-carriers. Take photos of installed gear and retain rental receipt for disputes.

If purchase is preferable to rental, consider buying a used or discounted box (brands: Thule, Yakima, Malone, Rhino-Rack) and reselling after the trip; search classifieds or check seasonal promos such as best deal for lawn mowers for examples of clearance pricing patterns at big-box retailers.