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Getting ready to go on vacation? Do you have a bit more luggage than will fit in your trunk? Never fear! You can always use a rack or a trailer to increase your storage space so that you don't have to drive all the way to the beach with your luggage in your lap!

Many types of racks exist that can be mounted on the top or back end of your vehicle. Their purposes vary from general-purpose racks to ones that are designed to transport a specific item like a canoe. Many more are dual-purpose racks, and will carry a couple of bikes or skis in addition to some luggage.

• When selecting a rack, make sure that it is designed for your intended use, and that it can be securely mounted to your vehicle. Most important, make sure that you can secure your gear in such a manner that you will not have to worry about it all tumbling off when you pass your first semi.

There are two main types of luggage racks, a metal frame to which you tie down your bags and a molded plastic case. The cases can be locked to help prevent theft, and they offer weather protection.

• Roof mounted case's limit the amount of luggage you can carry, to what will fit inside.
• The open frame rack, in contrast, allows you to pile as much 'stuff' on top of your car and you can safely, and securely, manage.

Many top racks are designed to transport specialty items, in addition to luggage. Examples of specialty racks include:

• Ski and snowboard racks

• Bicycle racks.

• Canoe and kayak top mounted racks.

In addition to top racks, you can also add a hitch rack to the back of your vehicle. These back mounted racks normally do not carry luggage; rather they are designed to carry your toys – skis, bikes, snowboards, and the odd lounge chair.

Trailers provide the largest amount of extra room, but they also come with added liabilities. In addition to being costlier than a rack, they also require that you have a vehicle that has enough power to haul it. They will also make driving more difficult. You will need to have a trailer hitch mounted to vehicles' bumper or frame, so that you can mount the trailer. You may also need special side mirrors so that you can see the back end of the trailer.

• There are two main types of trailers available, enclosed models and open, wagon-like models.

There is no firm answer to this question. If you are just going to use the rack or trailer once or twice, it probably doesn't make sense to purchase one, unless of course you can get a good deal on a used model. However, if you plan to use this equipment on a regular basis, you may want to consider buying.

• Compare the rental and purchase prices of the item in question. Then do a simple cost analysis. Multiply the number of times you are likely to use the product by the rental cost. If that number is greater than the purchase price, then it might be more economical to buy.
• Don't forget to figure in the cost of taxes and any storage fees that might accrue if you have to store the item when not using it.

When renting a rack or trailer, make sure that you obtain a written contract detailing the conditions of the rental, including the costs, the days it is to be rented for, and be sure to get insurance coverage on the item in case it is damaged, lost, or stolen.

• Call the rental agency and make a reservation for the equipment, well in advance of your trip. If you wait until the last minute to make inquires, you may find that there are none available.
• To find a rental agency, look in the Yellow Pages under rental equipment, rental services, or truck rentals. In addition to companies like U-haul, Hertz and Ryder, many car dealerships and rental service centers also lease racks and trailers.
• Car rental agencies also offer rental cars with added luggage racks.
• Rates can vary greatly so be sure to shop around. Also, be sure to compare lease terms and your potential liability under the various contracts.