Abstract: An article carrier system for use on a roof of a motor vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The system includes a housing within which cross bar components may be stowed when not in use, and which also includes one or more stowage compartments or stowage bins for stowing vehicle article carrier accessories. In one embodiment the cross bar components are detached from the housing and reattached to the housing such that they extend width-wise along the roof of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the cross bar components are pivotally supported and may be pivoted between stowed and deployed positions. A removable cover allows the cross bar components to be locked within the housing.