Are you planning a road trip and need extra space for your luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment? A rooftop cargo carrier may be just what you need to increase your vehicle’s storage capacity. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the top contenders for the title of “The Best Rooftop Cargo Carrier” and provide insights into what features to look for when making your decision. From aerodynamics to ease of installation, we’ll cover all the important aspects to help you find the perfect rooftop cargo carrier for your next adventure. So let’s get started and find the right carrier to suit your needs.
1. Easy Assembly with Zero Tools Required
This 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier provides secure and reliable protection for your gear during travel. With high-capacity interior dimensions of 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches, it can accommodate a large amount of luggage. The carrier’s aerodynamic design also contributes to fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for long trips.
One of the carrier’s key features is its waterproof storage capabilities, which are facilitated by a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal. These elements work together to provide ultimate car rooftop protection and security, ensuring that your gear stays dry and secure in all types of weather conditions.
Loading and unloading from either side of the car is made easy and convenient, allowing for smooth travel and hassle-free storage. Furthermore, the carrier can be assembled and installed without the need for tools. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to ensure a quick and safe installation.
The JEGS car top carrier is made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, giving you peace of mind that you are investing in a high-quality product. However, one potential drawback of this carrier is its large size, which may make it difficult to store when not in use. Additionally, its hard shell may be less flexible and may not fit irregularly shaped items as easily as soft shell carriers.
2. The Thule Force: The Secure and Spacious Cargo Box for Your Roof Rack
This roof-mounted cargo box is designed for everyday use and offers versatility. It provides an additional 16 cubic feet of packing space and is optimized for maximum space efficiency, fitting a wide range of vehicles. The quick-mount system ensures proper and secure installation with an audible “click” sound. The cargo box features dual-side opening for easy access from either side of the vehicle and allows full trunk access with no contact between the roof box and the trunk. It can accommodate up to 5-7 pairs of skis or 3-5 snowboards (up to 175 cm).
Advantages:
• Provides extra storage space for everyday use
• Fits a wide range of vehicles with maximum space efficiency
• Quick-mount system ensures proper and secure installation
• Dual-side opening for easy access from either side of the vehicle
• Full trunk access with no contact between the roof box and the trunk
• Can accommodate up to 5-7 pairs of skis or 3-5 snowboards (up to 175 cm)
Disadvantages:
• May add wind resistance and increase fuel consumption
• May increase the height of the vehicle and make it difficult to enter low-clearance areas
• May require a roof rack system for installation, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install.
3. Durable and Spacious – Goplus Cargo Box, Your Heavy Duty Roof Storage Solution
This cargo box is perfect for road trips as it can be taken to any destination, including the park, beach, or sports field, to securely store your belongings. It is compatible with all vehicles that have a rack, such as cars, vans, and SUVs, and its sleek aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise. The cargo box has a large capacity of 14 cubic feet, which can increase vehicle cargo space without compromising passenger comfort. Additionally, it comes with a trunk organizer that has three different size compartments and 12 side bags to help you easily organize your belongings.
The roof cargo box is designed to withstand heavy use in different weather conditions, with metal lid stiffeners that provide stability and safety. Its double-lock design also ensures the security of your valuables. Made from durable ABS and PC material, it can protect your belongings from exposure to the elements and can hold up to 165 lbs. It is compatible with round, square, factory, and most aerodynamic bars.
The Goplus roof box is easy to install, with four quick connect anchors and a super latch security system that ensures the lid is securely attached to the base. It has dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle, which increases efficiency and convenience. However, it is important to note that the key can only be removed after the cover is closed and locked, and it is not recommended to open both sides at the same time.
Advantages:
• Suitable for all vehicles with a rack
• Large capacity of 14 cubic feet and comes with a trunk organizer
• Sleek aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise
• Made from durable ABS and PC material
• Easy to install with quick connect anchors and super latch security system
• Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of the vehicle
• Compatible with round, square, factory, and most aerodynamic bars
Disadvantages:
• Not compatible with vehicles without a rack
• Opening both sides at the same time is not recommended
4. Maximize Your Vehicle’s Storage Capacity with DNA MOTORING Car Top Storage Case
This extra-long rooftop cargo carrier is specifically designed to fit vehicles with cross bars only, and does not require any tools for assembly and installation. It is an ideal solution to increase vehicle cargo space without affecting passenger comfort. The rooftop cargo box provides an impressive 11 cubic feet of additional storage space and can hold a maximum weight of 110lbs when evenly distributed. The cargo carrier can be opened up to 14 inches wide, making it perfect for storing bulky items.
The cargo carrier is made of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material, ensuring its long-lasting durability and ability to protect your contents from exposure to inclement weather. Additionally, the cargo carrier includes a key and lock system to secure valuables in the box, guaranteeing cargo safety and proper lid alignment. It also has the added feature of being able to open from the side and stay open until you close it.
The cargo carrier’s specifications include 11 cubic feet of internal storage and a 110lbs maximum capacity. The overall dimensions are 53″ L x 34″ W x 15″ H, and it has a black texture finish.
One advantage of this rooftop cargo carrier is that it is easy to install without requiring any tools, and it provides a significant amount of additional storage space for your vehicle. Its robust design ensures that it can protect your belongings from exposure to inclement weather. The cargo carrier also includes a security locking system, adding an extra layer of protection.
However, one potential drawback of this cargo carrier is that it is designed only to fit vehicles with cross bars, limiting its versatility. Additionally, the cargo carrier’s size and weight limit may not be suitable for everyone’s needs.
5. Soft Roof Top Luggage Bag for All Vehicles SUV with/Without Racks
The 100% Waterproof feature of this carrier ensures that your items will stay completely dry, thanks to the upgraded premium waterproof zipper and widened velcro zipper flap. This prevents the frustration of opening your carrier bag only to find your belongings wet and ruined.
Constructed with heavy-duty 900D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this carrier is Anti-Tear and ultra-durable, able to withstand harsh weather and rough handling. Additionally, the triple-reinforced welded seams provide an extra layer of strength to resist tears or rips.
With 8 strong adjustable straps and 4 door hooks, this carrier has a Universal Fit, allowing you to securely fasten it to your rooftop whether your car has a roof rack or not. It can be easily folded into the included storage bag to save space when not in use.
This carrier also offers More Protection with an anti-slip mat that ensures it stays in place even when driving at high speeds. Additionally, the mat protects your car roof from scratches and damage.
With a massive 21 cubic feet of space (L52″ x W39.5″ x H17.5″), this roof cargo carrier provides Large Space to easily hold all the bags for a family of 5-6, making your road trip or vacation a breeze.
Advantages:
• 100% Waterproof feature keeps items dry
• Heavy-duty 900D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric and triple-reinforced welded seams provide durability and Anti-Tear strength
• Universal Fit with adjustable straps and door hooks allows for easy and secure attachment to the rooftop
• Included anti-slip mat protects car roof from scratches and damage
• Large Space of 21 cubic feet easily holds all the bags for a family of 5-6
Disadvantages:
• The carrier may be too large for some vehicles, limiting its usability
• Depending on the height of your vehicle, loading and unloading the carrier may be difficult
• The carrier may cause additional wind resistance, potentially increasing fuel consumption
• The price point may be higher than some budget-conscious consumers are willing to pay.
In conclusion, a rooftop cargo box is an excellent addition to any vehicle, providing additional storage space for road trips, outdoor adventures, or everyday use. In our review of top products, we’ve highlighted the key features and benefits of some of the best rooftop cargo boxes available in the market.
These cargo boxes offer ample storage capacity, durable construction, and ease of installation, making them a convenient solution for transporting gear, luggage, and other items on the roof of your vehicle. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions and provide secure storage, protecting your belongings from the elements and theft.
When selecting a rooftop cargo box, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight capacity, aerodynamics, opening/closing mechanisms, and compatibility with your vehicle’s roof rack system. Additionally, user reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into real-world performance and reliability.
Investing in a top-quality rooftop cargo box can greatly enhance your vehicle’s storage capabilities and enable you to transport bulky or awkwardly shaped items with ease. Whether you’re going on a road trip, camping, skiing, or simply need extra storage space for everyday use, a rooftop cargo box can be a valuable addition to your vehicle.
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, loading, and securing the cargo box to ensure safe and reliable transportation. Properly securing the cargo inside the box is also essential to prevent any shifting or damage during transit.
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, having ample storage space for your belongings while on the go is essential. By choosing one of the top products we’ve reviewed, you can confidently invest in a high-quality rooftop cargo box and enjoy the convenience and versatility it brings to your outdoor adventures or everyday use. Upgrade your vehicle’s storage capacity with a reliable rooftop cargo box and travel with peace of mind knowing your gear is safe, secure, and easily accessible.
FAQs
What is a rooftop cargo box?
A rooftop cargo box is a type of storage container that is mounted on top of a vehicle’s roof. It is designed to provide extra storage space for outdoor gear, luggage, or other items, and can be used for road trips, camping, or other outdoor activities.
What should I consider when choosing the best rooftop cargo box?
When choosing the best rooftop cargo box, consider factors such as size, capacity, ease of installation, durability, and price. Look for a box that is compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack system and offers enough space to store your desired items.
What are some of the best rooftop cargo boxes on the market?
Some of the best rooftop cargo boxes on the market include the Thule Motion XT, the Yakima Skybox Carbonite, and the SportRack Vista XL. These models offer features such as aerodynamic design, easy installation, and durable construction.
Can a rooftop cargo box affect my vehicle’s performance?
Yes, a rooftop cargo box can affect your vehicle’s performance, particularly its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. To minimize the impact, choose a box with an aerodynamic design and avoid overloading it with heavy items.
How do I maintain my rooftop cargo box?
To maintain your rooftop cargo box, it is important to clean it regularly with mild soap and water, and store it in a dry, protected location when not in use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can damage the box’s surface, and check the mounting hardware periodically to ensure it is secure.