A vehicle article carrier apparatus includes a pair of side-rails adapted to be secured in fixed position to the outer top surface of the vehicle in a spaced apart relation to one another and generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle; at least one cross-member spanning generally transversely between the side-rails, the at least one cross-member having opposing ends; and a bracket assembly at the end of each cross member and being slidably connected to the side rails and including a plurality of pivotally connected components configured so that the cross-member has a first lowered position, and the cross-member is moved to a second position that is elevated from outer top surface of the vehicle above the first position, by pivoting about greater than four generally transversely oriented pivotal axes. Methods of use of the article carrier are also disclosed.