I’m looking to add some extra storage to my Dodge Journey for an upcoming family road trip, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by the options. Since the Journey has those specific side rails, I want to make sure I get something that fits perfectly without a lot of wind noise. I’ve been looking at brands like Thule and Yakima, but they’re pretty pricey. Are there any mid-range brands that offer a solid weight capacity for a cargo box? I’m mainly worried about the installation process and whether I need specific crossbars. For those of you who have outfitted your Journey, which roof rack systems have actually held up well over long distances?
Hi there! For your situation, I totally get the stress of picking the right rack. When we prepped our Journey for a cross-country trip, I was super cautious about safety and wind noise. I ended up going with the Brightlines Roof Rack Crossbars for 2011-2020 Dodge Journey because they fit those factory side rails perfectly. They're a solid mid-range choice, way cheaper than Thule, and they've held up great under my cargo box. Just double-check your rail type before buying, but honestly, I've been very satisfied!
Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, just watch out for the BougeRV Universal Anti-Theft Cross Bars weight limits because exceeding them can really mess with your Journey's side rails over time.
Late to the party but I totally get the struggle of finding mid-range gear that doesn't feel cheap. You might find this useful—check out CargoGear or eTrailer.com. Honestly, those sites are lifesavers for technical specs and fitment guides specifically for the Dodge Journey.
I'm still a bit of a beginner with this stuff, but I've been looking into the Apex RCB-3745-U Roof Rack Cross Bars. They usually run around $70-$90, which is way cheaper than Thule. They have a 150lb capacity, but honestly, make sure to double-check your Journey's manual because the roof rails themselves often have lower limits than the bars! I would suggest being careful with the installation too; sometimes these budget bars need a bit of extra tightening after the first few miles. FWIW, a solid mid-range cargo box like the JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier (18 cubic feet) is a beast for the price, usually under $250. Good luck! 🚗