Hard Roof Top Cargo Carriers: A rich aftermarket of activity-specific vehicle racks and mounts has long helped bikers and skiers. However, those searching for more universal cargo-carrying solutions had to become creative. However, contemporary rooftop cargo carriers have more versatile designs that can hold everything from skateboards to climbing equipment, from duffel bags to skis.
Hard-side roof boxes roo,f baskets, and platform racks are the two main types of rooftop carriers. Hard-side cargo carriers will keep your equipment tidy, dry, and out of the way of curious eyes; roof baskets and platform racks are more adaptable options, but they expose your goods to the weather.
Hard rooftop cargo carriers shield your belongings from the weather and road filth and keep them out of sight. They sometimes have locking mechanisms for further protection. They can transport any kind of freight, including skis, and are available in various sizes and forms to match different sorts of vehicles. Rooftop platforms and baskets are the utility players, providing a free room to store your belongings; just be careful to tie everything down tightly.
The impact rooftop load carriers will have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is a drawback. Even if some are built with aerodynamics in mind, anything piled onto a car’s roof, including crossbars, can reduce the efficiency of the vehicle. To enhance the economy of your car, it is advised to unrack a roof box when it is empty.
We selected five complex rooftop cargo boxes based on their capacity for storage, general design, simplicity of installation, features, and cost. Here, we explore in-depth difficult universal rooftop cargo carriers that suit most vehicles, crossovers, and SUVs.
2023’s Top 5 Hard Rooftop Cargo Carriers
Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box
The best complex rooftop cargo carrier overall
In the world of car racks, Thule is a well-known brand. It produced the first rack explicitly designed for skiing in 1962. The robust and textured ABS used to make the Thule Pulse rooftop cargo box allows it to transport several skis or many camping supplies for wilderness excursions. The Thule Pulse rooftop cargo carrier opens with one hand and is 67 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 16 inches high, making it simple to load and unload. Security is increased via a central locking mechanism. This midsize unit offers 14 cubic feet of storage space and can accommodate three to four snowboards or pairs of skis (up to 155 cm) for wintertime excursions. A larger, 16-cubic-foot version is also available, as well as a smaller Alpine that has 11 cubic feet.
Cons & Pros
- made with high-quality materials
- Front and back load lifters keep the lid open.
- Carries up to 110 pounds of equipment
- Customer comments about expensive locks
- Just the passenger-side opening
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
ADVANTAGEOUS FOR HAULING LARGE LOADS
The Thule Force rooftop cargo carrier is 82.75 inches long, 33.75 inches wide, and 17.25 inches high, and it is designed to be as space-efficient as possible. The Thule Force easily tows heavy quantities of goods because of its big 165-pound weight capacity and 18 cubic feet of storage space. Its ingenious quick-mount method ensures a correct and secure fit—even at highway speeds—when the box is adjusted and secured because it loudly “clicks” into place. A dual-side opening design also makes it simple to empty when necessary. Up to seven pairs of skis or three to four snowboards up to 195 cm may be stored in the lockable Thule Force XT. It is designed to accommodate the majority of automobiles.
Cons & Pros
- 165-pound maximum weight
- enables complete trunk access
- Both sides open
- hefty; 47 pounds in weight
- Pricey Locking System Complaints
YAKIMA, SkyBox NX 16
FAVORITE SKI CARRIER
A large rooftop freight carrier with a small footprint is the Yakima Skybox Carbonite, which has a capacity of 16 cubic feet. It’s a reasonable size to put onto most cars at 81 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 15 inches high. The SkyBox is a good option for a winter sports-specific gear carrier since it is tall enough to transport most ski and snowboard sizes but short sufficient to lack height. It has a sleek, aerodynamic form and a dimple-textured lid to reduce wind drag and noise. It also has a tapering rear design that allows for unhindered hatch access. Yakima provides the SkyBox in 18- and 21-cubic foot sizes for heavy equipment transportation requirements.
Cons & Pros
- 80 percent recycled material content
- Eight snowboards or six pairs of skis with a 185 cm width can fit.
- Lid stiffeners lengthen and strengthen durability.
- The latch may be challenging to open, has a 15-inch maximum peak height, and is not ideal for storing tall objects.
- Pricey
660 INNO Wedge
The best rigid rooftop cargo carrier
An ultra-compact cargo carrier with a curved base that allows for a low profile without giving up much depth is the INNO Wedge 660. Its aerodynamic form, which is 80 inches long by 33 inches broad and 11 inches high, reduces wind drag while allowing access to the back hatch. The INNO Wedge can tow four 185 cm snowboards or six to eight pairs of skis. Its mounting gear is simple to replace and must only be set up once. This cargo box was made by INNO utilizing a solid polymer membrane injection method, resulting in a uniformly thick box with 50% more strength than a typical vacuum-formed box.
Cons & Pros
- 9.6-inch elevation over the crossbars of the vehicle
- allows for a rear antenna and access to the hatchback
- less noisy and more fuel-efficient than traditional roof boxes
- Unsuitable for transporting heavy equipment
- Pricey
- Not suitable for hauling tall items
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
TOP VALUE
Fits most factory rack tube designs and racks constructed with square, round, and 18 cubic feet SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box. Installation and removal are simple, with tool-free mounting. Access to SportRack Vista XL is possible from both sides and the back of a vehicle, making retrieving equipment from most positions simple. The sturdy and UV-resistant ABS material is used to build the SportRack Vista XL. The SportRack Vista XL is 63 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 19 inches high and can hold up to 100 pounds of goods.
Cons & Pros
- light; 28 pounds in weight
- Most stock and aftermarket roof racks are compatible
- access equipment from a variety of angles
- The box only has a back opening,
- and the lid doesn’t open as far as with side openers.
- People claim that the hinges seem flimsy.
How to Attach a Cargo Carrier to a Roof Rack
Attaching a rigid box carrier or basket to the standard or aftermarket crossbars on your car’s roof rack is not difficult. Almost all cargo carriers include a universal clamping attachment that can accommodate square, round, aerodynamic, or similar crossbars. You should measure the top of your car to ensure the box or basket will fit between the crossbars and sidebars. Otherwise, you only need to elevate the carrier to the roof, release the clamps, and tighten them over the crossbars. Secondary latches, such as those made by Yakima, are often included in carriers to secure the connecting points.
5 Best Jumper Cables for 2023: Buyer’s Guide
Evaluation
A roof cargo box, a rigid rooftop freight carrier, comes with a roof rack system and needs a set of crossbars. Although they cost more and require more skill, they provide more protection for pricey objects like skis, snowboards, or other outdoor recreation gear. Most feature locking mechanisms; thus, things with sharp edges or oblong and unusual forms won’t put the hard exterior shells at risk of breakage. It’s crucial to consider your vehicle’s dynamic weight restriction and fuel efficiency while looking for rooftop storage options.
We assess each rooftop carrier using the following weighted metrics:
- Price (20%)
- Materials’ quality (20%)
- Reputation of a brand (15%)
- Installation simplicity: 15%
- Can it be locked? (10%)
- Versatility: When installed on the roof, does it open entirely for access? (10%)
- Return/Warranty Policy Materials for Installation (10%)
FAQs
Do I need a roof rack for a rooftop cargo carrier?
You may not need to worry about it, considering how many automobiles are offered with factory roof side rails or roof side rails and crossbars. However, if you need a rack, many aftermarket roof rack producers provide crossbars and feet that firmly latch into the side rails of a vehicle to hold a hard-sided cargo carrier. Before purchasing, ensure the rooftop cargo carrier is compatible with your crossbar system and fits within your car’s length and width restrictions.
Can a freight carrier be attached without a roof rack?
Soft-sided cargo carrier bags may be mounted without a roof rack or crossbars. However, Hard-sided rooftop carriers need roof rack systems, crossbars, or both (aftermarket systems are available separately). It is also possible to store ski, kayak, or bike accessories on roof crossbars. They are a flexible improvement for cargo ships.
Are rooftop cargo boxes worth it?
Yes, using a rooftop freight box is worthwhile. Rigid rooftop cargo boxes are more expensive than rooftop cargo bags but are simpler to set up and secure. Additionally, they are easy to use and weatherproof. They make it easy to bring along additional luggage while traveling. To improve security, they also include locking mechanisms. In contrast to bags, you may carry a wider variety of items while still fitting anything and everything.
How much does the fuel efficiency of a roof cargo box change?
Rooftop freight carriers may reduce gas and electric vehicle mileage, whether empty or loaded with goods. That’s because its hefty design causes drag on the top of your roof, altering the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Although certain roof boxes are made with a lower profile to cut through the wind, the fuel efficiency will always be marginally reduced. Your rooftop freight carrier should be empty when not in use for optimum usage. Drivers who often need to utilize their roof box may want to think about getting a bigger car. A hitch-mounted carrier can be a better choice for lengthy journeys since it will less impact fuel economy.
Does installation hardware come with rooftop freight carriers?
Yes, most hard rooftop freight carriers come with mounting hardware and keys if they can be locked. But as usual, be sure to double-check the rooftop cargo carrier kit’s inclusion of mounting hardware before making a purchase.
Are soft car top carriers waterproof?
The majority of weatherproof soft roofing freight carriers. They often have taped or welded seams and are simple to zip shut. When not in use, they are also simple to store.
How secure are rooftop cargo bags?
If correctly set up and closed, soft rooftop freight containers are secure. They simplify transporting more luggage to your camping spot or expedition. Before driving, be sure to read all product specs and installation guidelines.
Are roof bags noisy?
Rooftop freight containers may be loud if not securely closed or fastened down.
Cargo bags may damage your roof.?
Many soft rooftop cargo carriers include an integrated base or anti-slip mat to protect your vehicle’s roof from damage. Before making a purchase, look at each manufacturer’s design.
Rooftop cargo bags: Are they worth it?
If you’re watching your budget, a soft rooftop cargo carrier may move your stuff securely and conveniently. They are simple to store, quick to install on top of a car, and often watertight when not in use.
