Road trips can be an exciting way to explore new places and make unforgettable memories. However, with limited space in your vehicle, it can be a challenge to pack everything you need. That’s where rooftop cargo carriers come in handy. These practical accessories provide additional storage space for your gear and can help free up space inside your vehicle. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders for the title of “The Best Rooftop Cargo Carrier” and provide insights into what features to look for when selecting the perfect one for your needs. So let’s get started and discover the best way to transport your gear on your next adventure!
1. Experience Unmatched Durability with the Heavy Duty Materials
The JEGS car top carrier is an 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell that provides secure and protective storage for your gear. Its high-capacity interior dimensions of 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches and aerodynamic design make it fuel-efficient. It features a four-corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal that ensures waterproof storage for your luggage, offering ultimate protection and security for your rooftop cargo.
Additionally, the carrier’s easy and convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car make for smooth travel and hassle-free storage. The assembly and installation process is simple and requires no tools, as all mounting hardware and instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly. The JEGS car top carrier is proudly made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, providing peace of mind with its high-quality construction and performance.
Advantages:
• Provides secure and protective storage for your gear
• High-capacity interior dimensions and aerodynamic design make it fuel-efficient
• Four-corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal ensures waterproof storage and ultimate protection and security for your rooftop cargo
• Easy and convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car
• Simple assembly and installation process that requires no tools
• Comes with a limited lifetime guarantee
Disadvantages:
• None mentioned
2. The Thule Force: The Secure and Spacious Cargo Box for Your Roof Rack
A multi-functional cargo box that can be mounted on the roof for daily use. It offers an extra 16 cubic feet of storage capacity and has been designed to fit a wide variety of vehicles with maximum space utilization. The roof box features a quick-mount system that “clicks” to indicate when it is secure and properly mounted. It has dual-side openings, making it easy to access all parts of the box from either side of the vehicle. The box also allows for full trunk access without any contact with the roof box. Additionally, it can hold 5-7 pairs of skis or 3-5 snowboards (up to 175 cm).
Advantages:
• The versatile design allows the cargo box to be used for various purposes, such as carrying sports equipment, camping gear, or luggage.
• With 16 cubic feet of extra space, it can accommodate a significant amount of additional cargo, making it an excellent option for family trips or moving.
• The quick-mount system is easy to use and ensures a secure attachment to the vehicle, providing peace of mind while driving.
• The dual-side opening feature allows easy access to all parts of the box, regardless of where it is mounted on the roof.
• It can hold multiple pairs of skis or snowboards, making it an ideal option for winter sports enthusiasts.
Disadvantages:
• The added height and weight of the cargo box may affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and handling, particularly in strong winds or while driving at high speeds.
• Roof-mounted cargo boxes may make it difficult to drive through low-clearance areas such as parking garages or drive-throughs.
• The box may increase wind resistance and create additional noise while driving, potentially causing driver fatigue on long trips.
3. Effortless Installation and Removal – Goplus Cargo Box for Hassle-Free Travel
The cargo box is perfect for road trips and can be taken to various locations such as parks, beaches, and sports fields, providing a convenient storage solution. It can be used on all vehicles with a rack, including cars, vans, and SUVs. The sleek and aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise, making it suitable for long drives.
With a capacity of 14 cubic feet, the roof cargo box can securely hold and transport a large amount of essential items without compromising passenger comfort. It also comes with a trunk organizer that has 3 different size compartments and 12 side bags, making it easy to organize your belongings.
The roof cargo box is built to withstand heavy use in different weather conditions. The metal lid stiffeners at the bottom provide stability and security. It also has a double-lock design to protect your valuables from theft.
The roof box is made from sturdy ABS and PC materials, ensuring durability and protection from the elements. It can carry up to 165 lbs and is suitable for round, square, factory, and most aerodynamic bars.
Installation is easy, thanks to the four quick connect anchors and super latch security. The dual-sided opening allows for easy access from either side of the vehicle, increasing efficiency and convenience. It is important to note that both sides should not be opened simultaneously, and the key can only be removed once the cover is closed and locked.
Advantages:
• Provides convenient storage solution for road trips and other activities.
• Compatible with various types of vehicles and rack sizes.
• Sleek and aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise.
• Large capacity with trunk organizer for easy organization of items.
• Sturdy and secure design with double-lock for protection against theft.
• Made from durable materials and can carry up to 165 lbs.
• Easy to install with quick connect anchors and dual-sided opening.
Disadvantages:
• Only compatible with vehicles that have a rack.
• The width of the crossbar should be less than 3.1 inches and the thickness less than 1.0 inches.
• The key can only be removed after the cover is closed and locked.
• Both sides should not be opened simultaneously.
4. DNA MOTORING PT-ZTL-8166-BK: The Versatile and Durable Rooftop Cargo Box Carrier
This rooftop cargo carrier is designed to fit vehicles with cross bars only and can be installed without the use of tools. It adds extra storage space to your vehicle without compromising on passenger comfort. With a capacity of 11 cubic feet and a maximum weight capacity of 110lbs when evenly distributed, it can accommodate bulky items up to 14″ wide. The carrier is made of impact-resistant ABS material that protects your belongings from harsh weather conditions. It also features a security locking system with a key and lock to keep your valuables safe and ensure proper lid alignment. The carrier can be opened from the side and stays open until you close it. The carrier’s overall dimensions are 53″ L x 34″ W x 15″ H, and it has a black texture finish.
Advantages:
• The rooftop cargo carrier adds extra storage space to your vehicle without compromising on passenger comfort.
• The carrier’s capacity of 11 cubic feet and maximum weight capacity of 110lbs when evenly distributed make it suitable for carrying bulky items up to 14″ wide.
• The carrier is made of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• The security locking system with a key and lock ensures that your valuables are safe and that the lid is properly aligned.
• The carrier can be opened from the side and stays open until you close it, making it easy to load and unload items.
Disadvantages:
• The rooftop cargo carrier can only be installed on vehicles with cross bars, limiting its compatibility with some vehicles.
• The carrier’s size may not be suitable for larger items that cannot fit within the 11 cubic feet capacity.
• The carrier may increase wind resistance and affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
5. Expand Your Car’s Storage Space with Vetoos 21 Cubic Feet Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
The 100% Waterproof feature of this carrier bag is guaranteed to keep your items dry. It features a premium waterproof zipper and a widened velcro zipper flap to ensure maximum protection from water. You’ll never have to worry about opening your carrier bag to find your belongings wet and ruined again.
Constructed with heavy-duty 900D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this carrier is ultra-durable and can withstand harsh weather and rough treatment. The triple-reinforced welded seams add an extra layer of strength to resist tears or rips, making this carrier bag anti-tear and long-lasting.
The Universal Fit feature of this carrier bag allows you to securely fasten it to the rooftop of your car with 8 strong adjustable straps and 4 door hooks. It can be easily folded into the included storage bag to save space while not in use, making it a versatile and convenient addition to your travels.
The equipped anti-slip mat ensures that this bag stays in place even when driving at high speeds. It also protects your car roof from scratches and damage, providing additional protection and peace of mind.
With a massive 21 cubic feet of space (L52″ x W39.5″ x H17.5″), this roof cargo carrier can easily hold all the bags of a family of 5-6. It provides ample room for everything you need, making your road trip or vacation a breeze.
Advantages:
• 100% Waterproof feature ensures that your belongings stay dry
• Heavy-duty 900D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric is durable and long-lasting
• Universal Fit feature allows for use on a variety of cars
• Equipped with an anti-slip mat to keep the carrier in place and protect your car roof from scratches
• Large 21 cubic feet of space provides ample storage for a family of 5-6
Disadvantages:
• The carrier bag may not be suitable for use on smaller cars or cars without a roof rack
• The price point may be higher than some budget-conscious consumers are willing to pay
• While the bag is anti-tear, it may not be completely resistant to sharp objects or rough handling.
In conclusion, a rooftop cargo carrier is an excellent addition to any vehicle, offering extra storage space for long road trips, camping, or any other outdoor activity. With the right rooftop cargo carrier, you can transport extra gear and luggage with ease, without sacrificing interior space or passenger comfort. When selecting a rooftop cargo carrier, it is essential to consider factors such as size, weight capacity, aerodynamics, and ease of installation. With the right rooftop cargo carrier, you can safely and securely transport your gear and equipment, no matter where your adventure takes you. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a family on a road trip, or a business owner transporting goods, a rooftop cargo carrier is an indispensable accessory for any vehicle.
FAQs
What is a rooftop cargo carrier?
A rooftop cargo carrier is a type of storage container that is designed to be mounted on the roof of a car or SUV. It is used to transport extra luggage or equipment on road trips or outdoor adventures.
What should you consider when choosing the best rooftop cargo carrier?
When choosing the best rooftop cargo carrier, consider factors such as the size and shape of the carrier, its weight capacity, the material it’s made from, and its compatibility with your car’s roof rack.
What are some of the best rooftop cargo carriers on the market?
Some of the best rooftop cargo carriers on the market include the Thule Motion XT, Yakima SkyBox Carbonite, SportRack Vista XL, INNO Shadow 16, and Rhino Rack Master Fit.
How do you install a rooftop cargo carrier?
To install a rooftop cargo carrier, first, ensure that your car’s roof rack is securely mounted and able to support the weight of the carrier. Then, place the carrier onto the roof rack and adjust its position until it’s centered and balanced. Finally, use the provided clamps or fasteners to secure the carrier to the roof rack.
How do you maintain and care for a rooftop cargo carrier?
To maintain and care for a rooftop cargo carrier, clean it regularly with mild soap and water and store it in a dry, protected location when not in use. It’s also important to avoid overloading the carrier and to check its attachment to the roof rack periodically during use.