Cybervanner,
I do not know about carrying anything on the roof, but it sounds like a great idea. Just make sure your towing vehicle can handle it.
As far as the noise on the roof in rain; it's like nothing I've ever really heard before. The best way to describe it: tiny suction cups being pulled off the roof. In light rain I find it relaxing, heavier rain is loud, but I personally have no problem sleeping through it.
Our TrailManor survived a hurricane in the Outer Banks; it was an interesting experience. At about 60 MPH winds we decided to vacate because it was extremely loud and scary. We were half expecting to come back to a ruined TM, but the darn thing was in great shape.
If you can handle the noise the TM will handle the rest
Enjoy the storms!
Margie Mills