Wallowa - my thoughts as well. For years I tried to carry things up top. First a ski box, then kayaks. Never could really find a solution that allowed me to easily get the kayaks up there. Lots of huffing, puffing, straining etc. I tried all sorts of loaders and carriers - ultimately I just came to accept that I am a weak old man lol. I also never really appreciated that even minimal shading would essentially shut down my 1 x 95 W solar panel to minimal output. With a 2-way fridge, I was constantly running out of power when camped and relied heavily on my generator.
So, I opted for the trailer route. Took off the yakima cross bars and kayak saddles and installed 300W of solar up top (with no shading). Now I have plenty of power for the fridge (and beer). I gained a bit more room in the back of the truck, since I don't need to take a ladder or the generator as often and can still carry the bikes on a rack off the hitch if I don't need to take a ton of gear. Duffel bags in the back of the truck or camper replaces the space I lost by removing the ski box. For longer trips, or if I want to take my kayaks, raft, paddle boards etc, or if I just have more gear I want to bring - firewood, extra toys etc, I now just use the trailer.
Very happy with the choice and no regrets not having to struggle to load stuff on the roof (or lift it for that matter)
Cheers
Jason