I'm looking for a trunk mounted luggage rack other than the factory one available. It could be an open rack or an enclosed one than can be locked. Preferably one that is a temporary mount as I don't want to mess up the trunk lid. I'm planning a cross country trip with my wife and we need room for something more than an overnight bag. Does anyone have any help/suggestions with what's available out there?
I have the second generation Kappasphere luggage rack. Their first generation was recalled because, I believe, the hold-down straps were scratching paint.
The second generation has had to be modified from original to keep it from scratching paint with a load on it. Their solution was simply to turn the rack around and use spacers with longer bolts. It works. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. You won't be putting the top up or down with luggage on the rack and it's even a bit tricky to do so with it empty. The trunk lid won't stay open with the rack installed. I also opted for longer bolts that hold the mounting straps together. This eliminates the need for vice grips to install it (as per their instructions).
I've been looking around for waterproof luggage. What I've found is very $$$$$
Just my 2 cents, but it's the best thing that I've found that's custom made for the Solstice.
Bob O.
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Last edited by thatbob2 : 12-26-2007 at 09:15 PM.
Reason: Spelling error
I have the second generation rack as well. With a couple of extra hands, it is simple to put the top down. One person holds the trunk open while the other stows the top. Or if you are very talented like me, you can manage to do both ...one hand for each. It ain't easy, but it is possible.
As for waterproof luggage, try using one of the larger drybags made for kayakers. A large one should be big enough to stow a couple of small carry-on type bags. The weight limit for the rack is only 50 pounds so that should be adequate.
Well I used the second generation rack as well, I drove this from Illinois to Hilton head
It worked fine, we lined the bags with plastic garbage bags, yes it did ran, even had roon for a boggy board on the bottom
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06 cool solstice, loaded with onstar, automatic, born 6/06, adopted March 17, 2007, vin#119409
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Man AR that is a rig, how many pounds can that hold
The hitch is good for 200 pounds. I've run a tent, two camp chairs, a big cooler full of food/drinks/ice and a portable fan back there with no problems. Somewhere in the 75-100 pound range.
BTW, if you go this way and need a 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapter, I've got an extra one.
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Man AR that is a rig, how many pounds can that hold
It's rated for 200 I think, although the heaviest I've hauled on it was 4 wheels, the box fully loaded on the trip to Texas couldn't been over 50 pounds, I was able to lift it on and off with no problems
The hitch is good for 200 pounds. I've run a tent, two camp chairs, a big cooler full of food/drinks/ice and a portable fan back there with no problems. Somewhere in the 75-100 pound range.
BTW, if you go this way and need a 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapter, I've got an extra one.
Hi, Looks like the way to go after reviewing the other options. Can you tell me or show me how the hitch is attached to the car?
Hi, Looks like the way to go after reviewing the other options. Can you tell me or show me how the hitch is attached to the car?
In the daylight, go crawl under the rear end-in the frame rails you'll see a pair of holes in each rail. the hitch bolts drop through the holes to hold the hitch.
Works well for the wife and me. 
Linear Mode
