Wayne i would gladly leave the cargo rack at home if possible. Unfortunately i absolutely need it due to the length of our trip and its contents. Just no where else to store the water hose, gen set,battery charger,coleman stove,small gas can,etc. We will be on the road about 3 months in about as diverse settings you can imagine. Our travels will include LV,DV,SF,Yosemite,etc.
Thanks all for the tips. It appears that our time in SF will begin with the Ferry and go from there. Thanks again everyone,much food for thought and it appears lots of planning and research will be on tap.