Superliner Roomette - Storing bags on upper bunk

[user 683]

Hi all -

I'll be traveling solo on Capital Limited and Southwest Chief and was curious if the on-board staff would object to my using the Roomette upper bunk as a baggage rack? I'll probably have a well packed knapsack and duffel bag and didn't want to necessarily "hog" the space in the lower deck baggage area. I may end up checking bags on the Capital Limited (WAS-CHI), but I won't be able to check bags on the SWC since my destination station (Williams JCT, AZ) does not have baggage service.

Thanks!

Deimos

 

[Guest]

It's fine to do that on Superliners (i.e. the SWC) - in fact, there's a half-up notch on the upper bunk, so that it isn't looming directly over your head for the whole trip. Just make sure your bag is heavy enough to keep it weighted down, or it can bounce up and down and that can be disturbing to the neighbors. Also, there's an oversized luggage rack on the lower level, and since the door has an attendant by it every time it's open, there's little chance of anyone absconding with it. Also, you might want to get a padlock and short length of cable, so you can keep it locked closed (the duffel bag) when you're not with it.

 

[Trogdor]

Be careful with the "half-up" notch that the upper bunk has, as sometimes those beds don't lock securely in that position and can fall to the full-down position.

 

[RailBirder]

The roomettes have 2 sturdy hooks I found very handy to hang a backpack from. Kept the bag up and out of the way.

 

[RailBirder]

I found a picture of the roomette hooks..will try to add link to photo. First time trying this.

 

[Guest]

Folks -

Thanks for the great information I didn't know the upper bunk had a middle position. I am bit surprised the bunk doesn't lock into position, perse, and that it is held "down" by load. Perhaps I should have clarified the fact my knapsack is really a back pack that will be loaded for a multi-day hike. The duffel bag is also bit large, but within baggage guidelines. I estimate both bags together will weigh about 60-70 pounds, so I expect that will be sufficient to hold the bunk in place.

I should have also mentioned I considered simply placing the bags on the opposite seat, but that concept presents its own set of challenges

Of course, I knew about the lower level storage, but I didn't want to hog a sizeable volume of that space.

Thanks again!!

Deimos

 

[DaveKCMO]

thanks for the picture of the hook! my next trip will be a long one and i'm only taking a backpack, so that is perfect!

 

[1702]

Folks -
Thanks for the great information I am bit surprised the bunk doesn't lock into position, perse, and that it is held "down" by load.

Deimos

When the upper berth is in its fully-lowered position, it does lock in place & is released by a latch in the middle. In the "middle" position, it does not lock in place & IMHO isn't a very safe position to keep it in.

In the nice photo RailBirder posted, the upper is shown in its fully up & locked position. When completely down, it sits across the back of the seat.

All things considered, my recommendation is to store your backpack in the luggage rack on the lower level, as it certainly wouldn't take up an excessive amount of space. The luggage space consists of 2 shelves plus the floor underneath. Having the upper berth all or partway down greatly reduces an already small amount of room space.

Have a great trip!

 

[user 683]

Folks -

Thanks for the great information I am bit surprised the bunk doesn't lock into position, perse, and that it is held "down" by load.

Deimos

When the upper berth is in its fully-lowered position, it does lock in place & is released by a latch in the middle. In the "middle" position, it does not lock in place & IMHO isn't a very safe position to keep it in.

In the nice photo RailBirder posted, the upper is shown in its fully up & locked position. When completely down, it sits across the back of the seat.

All things considered, my recommendation is to store your backpack in the luggage rack on the lower level, as it certainly wouldn't take up an excessive amount of space. The luggage space consists of 2 shelves plus the floor underneath. Having the upper berth all or partway down greatly reduces an already small amount of room space.

Have a great trip!

Thanks Mate!

I figured there had to be some sort of latch to secure the upper bunk in its fully lowered position - afterall folks are expected to sleep on the bunk I was wondering how cramped I would feel sitting in the roomette with the upper bunk lowered, but conditions may be tolerable with the upper bunk positioned mid-way, as some have suggested.

I'll probably compromise by placing the duffel bag in the lower level storage, area and placing the back pack on the opposite seat during the day and on the upper bunk at night. I'm sure there will be some time to experiment - and I'll certainly let folks know what works out.

I travelled really light on my first and only other Superliner - Roomette trip - just a day pack and laptop computer bag. So this trip will be a bit different

I'm certainly excited about the trip - started a daily countdown yesterday.

Thanks again!