There are many practical choices available if you need greater baggage carrying capacity for your car. We’ve chosen the best among them for you.
If you need more baggage carrying capacity for your car, there are a variety of practical choices that can be fitted directly on the roof of your vehicle. When looking for the best cargo carrier / Cargo Box , you must first determine the type of cargo you will be transporting.
There are numerous goods for different uses, such as Cargo Carrier Bag, Luggage Carrier, and cargo boxes, and not all-cargo carriers are the same. They each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but they’re all mounted on roof racks or roof rails.
The cargo carriers, roof boxes, and roof baskets listed below are among the best on the market. Make certain you choose the proper one for your requirements.
Everything You Need to Know About Cargo Carriers
Luggage Carrier / Cargo carriers bags are a convenient way to transport your luggage and sporting equipment while also increasing your vehicle’s cargo capacity. They are mounted on roof racks or hitches and are available in a variety of sizes and forms.
The primary use of a cargo carrier is to increase the load capacity of your vehicle to accommodate items that may not fit inside.
You can choose a carrier that is tailored to your needs based on the sort of cargo you intend to transport. A roof bag, for example, can be all you need to transport lightweight items that can even be larger in volume, such as sleeping bags.
A rooftop basket can be used to transport bigger items that can be secured with bungee cords. A rooftop box would perform wonders if you need more carrying capacity for various things and sports equipment.
Rooftop boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the majority of high-quality alternatives including a built-in lock for further security. A hitch-mounted load carrier can be used instead of a roof rack if you don’t have one.
The following are the most common cargo carriers:
- Roof bags
- Rooftop baskets
- Rooftop boxes
- Hitch-mounted cargo carriers
Top Safety Tips when Traveling with Cargo Carriers
Using a load carrier necessitates a change in driving technique. With each type of carrier, the top driving speed is reduced, and car maneuverability is hampered in some cases.
Here are some things to think about when traveling with a cargo carrier.
1. Weight Ratio
In cases when you must make sharp bends, overloading the freight carrier will cause significant complications. The carrier’s weight is significant from two perspectives.
To begin, your car’s roof has a weight limit that can usually be discovered in the owner’s manual. Second, the weight of the cargo affects the car’s cornering maneuverability, and if the load is too heavy or uneven, it might cause an accident. This is why you must make sure that the weight of your load does not exceed the maximum weight allowed on your vehicle’s roof.
If you’re using a hitch-mounted rack, keep in mind that the extra weight can put a strain on the back suspension, so you’ll need to adjust the weight to ensure that the car’s performance isn’t harmed. The weight restriction varies between 70 and 250 pounds, depending on the type of car and cargo container used.
2. Equally Distributed Weight
Another crucial part of freight carrier safety is weight distribution. Rather than piling the entire weight onto one corner of the rack, attempt to distribute it equally so that it has less of an impact on car maneuverability.
The more evenly distributed your load is, the more evenly distributed the drive will be. Vehicles that are well-balanced are safer.
3. Secured Load
Another thing to keep in mind when using a freight carrier is to keep the load secure. There are several straps that can be employed to maintain the load in place, regardless of the design.
When cornering, you should avoid circumstances where the load can move, as this can result in accidents or goods falling out, creating a risk to other drivers.
If you have an open cargo basket, you’ll need to invest in a cargo net or stout straps to keep your belongings secure.
Many drivers believe that only roof baskets require load securement, however, this is not the case. Even inside a rooftop box, several of the main manufacturers offer out-of-the-box straps to secure heavy objects like sporting equipment.
4. Visibility
Some cargo transporters have a tendency to impede visibility. Hitch-mounted load carriers, for example, can block back window vision.
These carriers can also prevent reverse cameras from working.
This is why you must do all possible to load the cargo in such a way that the blockage is kept to a minimum.
5. Tire Pressure Adjustments
Tire pressure is considerably more crucial when moving bigger loads than usual. Before you drive away with the baggage carrier attached, make sure the tire pressure is set to the manufacturer’s suggested level.
Simultaneously, you must ensure that the load is spread as evenly as possible, as this will lessen the pressure on certain tires.
6. Load Height
It’s a whole different experience driving around with a rooftop cargo carrier.
You must be prepared for a variety of dangers that may arise. When the cargo carrier is mounted, you may not be able to enter a garage safely.
It’s also possible that you’ll have trouble getting into the parking lots of other buildings. That is why you must know the minimum height clearance required to park your car properly.
7. Using Extra Straps
The straps that come with the cargo carrier are frequently insufficient to secure your load.
Purchasing more straps and ensuring that your luggage does not move, especially on steep turns, is a straightforward solution to this problem.
The Best 10 Cargo Roof Boxes and Luggage Carrier for Your Car
1. SportRack Vista XL Best Cargo Box
- Pros/ABS construction, rear opening lid, built-in lock, easy to install and remove, 18 cubic feet of storage
- Cons/Some buyers say the hinges feel weak, the box doesn’t open very wide
2. RoofBag Cargo Carrier Bag
- Pros/Made with soft covers with waterproofing, easy to secure to the roof rack, made with heavy-duty straps which resist forces of up to 3000lbs
- Cons/Not best for aerodynamics
The RoofBag Cargo Carrier Bag is designed in a simple but practical way. These roof cargo carriers, which are 100% waterproof and feature Triple-Seal technology for ultimate protection in adverse weather, are made in the United States.
This alternative, which provides 15 cubic feet of storage, fits any vehicle with side rails, crossbars, or even without a roof rack. It has a water-resistant strap system with buckles for convenient access.
This cargo carrier is made of heavy-duty polyester that has been liquid-coated with vinyl on both sides and is extremely resistant to heat and cold. This is a versatile alternative for individuals on a budget, with easy and rapid installation and plenty of storage.
3. ROOF MASTER Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- Pros/Can be used with or without roof racks, Nylon Cordura construction, Duraflex buckles, 16 cubic feet of storage
- Cons/Door hooks sold separately, provided straps may not be good enough
We recognize that not everyone’s vehicle has a roof rack, so if you’re one of those folks, consider our ROOF MASTER rooftop cargo carrier. As it can be used on all vehicles which are with or without roof racks.
However, if you wish to use it on a vehicle without a roof rack, you’ll need to purchase the door hooks separately.
It has extra-wide straps with Duraflex buckles and a high friction mat to keep it on your roof once it’s connected to your vehicle.
This is a soft-shell Cargo Carrier Bag made of military-grade Nylon Cordura fabric, which has five times the strength and wears resistance of high-grade PVC, which is commonly used on other cargo bags, according to the company. It is, of course, waterproof and has a waterproof zipper.
4. Thule Sidekick Cargo Box
- Pros/Made with a compact design, comes with an 8-cubic feet storage capacity, recommended for its lower weight at 19lbs, self-standing top design
- Cons/Small for sporting equipment
If you’re searching for a small freight carrier / Cargo Box, the Sidekick is an excellent choice.
This Cargo Box has eight-cubic-foot capacity. This cargo carrier is a good alternative for travelers who wish to avoid bulky Cargo Boxes without sacrificing the functionality.
With a length of 48 inches, it won’t cover the full roof surface of most mid-sized cars, but it won’t produce much wind resistance either.
The Cargo Box has a self-standing top lid for easy loading and a simple locking mechanism to keep your stuff secure. It’s also long-lasting, and it’s a remedy that can be utilized in any season. With a bodyweight of 18 pounds, one can easily install it. One of the best cargo box available right now.
5. Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
- Pros/Waterproof design, protects against the environment, 15 cubic feet of space, affordable price
- Cons/Fairly basic option isn’t made from heavy-duty materials
Amazon’s own brand, Amazon Basics, has penetrated various marketplaces in recent years by delivering high-quality products at a low price.
If you’re on a budget, we recommend its rooftop cargo carrier bag, which has a capacity of up to 15 cubic feet. It’s a basic option, but it’s made of 100 percent waterproof cloth and has a design that keeps the carrier safe from grit, sun, rain, and wind.
This alternative has a zip closure (wraps halfway around the bag) with a hook-and-loop flap to keep the interior contents totally dry, and the zipper is waterproof, according to the brand.
It has one-inch wide polypropylene straps that keep the bag securely linked to your carrier during shipment. Because you don’t always use a cargo carrier bag, it’s helpful to know that Amazon Basics’ version folds up little for simple storage.
6. Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box
- Pros/Available in different sizes to fit all cars, recommended for large amounts of cargo or sports gear, comes with an included SKS lock, opens on both sides, made with mostly recycled materials
- Cons/Keys aren’t the most durable
Yakima’s cargo carrier is one of their most flexible products. It comes in a variety of sizes, including 12-, 15-, 16-, 18-, and 21-cubic feet. One of the best features is that you don’t need any tools to put this Yakima roof box together.
The Skybox has a design that can open on both sides and is made with a functional design. The carrier is made with the Superlatch system and has a locked top to prevent theft.
The carrier is genuinely adaptable at its longest length, serving as a solution for both summer and winter demands. Full-size snowboards can even be stored in this roof box.
But Yakima is continually pushing the envelope with their goods, as evidenced by the cargo carrier’s environmental attitude. It is built primarily of recycled materials to have a low environmental impact.
7. EGO BIKE Universal Roof Rack
- Pros/Durable metal construction, extended design for extra carrying capacity, easy to mount with just 4 locks for the crossbars, good aerodynamic performance
- Cons/Works best with a cargo net
If you like roof baskets but require a more spacious design, the EGO BIKE rack is one of the best options. It is a practical alternative for hauling many types of material, with a sturdy metal design and a simple mounting method requiring only four bolts.
To secure your cargo, you’ll still need a cargo net and straps.
It is extremely sturdy when compared to other similar roof freight carriers because there are no moving parts. The cargo carrier can be fitted up to handle bags, motorcycles, and skiing equipment thanks to its 6-1/2-inch height.
8. Thule Pulse Cargo Box
- Pros/Great solution for skis or snowboards, available in 11, 14, and 15 cubic feet options, made with an anti-theft lock, durable ABS plastic construction, stand-up lid
- Cons/The locking mechanism can be improved
The Pulse Cargo has a taller profile than the Force Cargo, making it one of the finest options for increased carrying space.
It comes in three sizes: 11, 14, and 15 cubic feet. In all incarnations, it can support weights of up to 110 pounds and can even hold ski equipment. You can put between four and eight pairs of skis in your Cargo Box, depending on its size.
It is a practical solution for adventurous drivers who need a safe location to keep their ski equipment, with a self-standing lid design and an incorporated anti-theft locking system with keys.
The Pulse Cargo Box, which is made of ABS plastic, is another durable option to consider in inclement weather.
9. ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack
- Pros/Made with a compact design, good aerodynamic performance, only 43” in length, full metal construction for added durability
- Cons/Cargo nets and straps sold separately
This luggage carrier is one of the simplest and most durable designs on the market, with a universal design and metal construction. It’s an easy-to-use solution that even has a retro appearance to it.
The carrier has a small metal frame with a length of 43 inches and a width of 39 inches, making it easy to store when not in use.
This roof basket is an excellent alternative for transporting stuff, but it will require additional straps and cargo nets to keep your cargo safe. This is a fantastic alternative for drivers who don’t have to deal with a lot of rain or snow.
10. Thule Force Cargo Box
- Pros/Designed with a modern profile with better aerodynamics, made in different sizes, recommended for anti-theft protection, made with the Quick-Grip mounting system
- Cons/Impacts mpg performance
Thule’s Cargo Box is one of the most adaptable premium cargo loading solutions available. With its Alpine variant for winter sports equipment, it comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 13 cubic feet to over 21 cubic feet.
The Quick-Grip mounting hardware, like all modern Thule products, makes it simple to use.
It’s a terrific choice for active persons who need to transport camping goods or athletic equipment because it has a design that opens on both sides. You don’t need a Thule roof rack to mount the box; it works with all types of roof racks from any manufacturer.
The cargo carrier is simple to assemble, and it retains the manufacturer’s built-in lock to keep your valuables safe from theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put luggage in a cargo box?
Yes, and its safe. Cargo boxes are perfect for suitcases, so if you have many carry-on bags, you can put them into the box at the beginning of packing. However, you have to pay attention to its load capacity
Can you use a cargo bag without crossbars?
Yes, Cargo bag can be attached to the roof safely even without crossbars or rails. Make sure that the bottom of the bag and the top of the roof are clean and free of any debris to avoid scratches on the roof.
Are cargo boxes universal?
Cargo boxes are great for road trips, camping, families, ski trips, and a lot more. ... Cargo boxes come with universal mounting hardware . This means they can attach to any type of crossbar - round, square, aerodynamic, or factory. Make sure your rear hatch will be able to open all the way without hitting the cargo box.
Are roof cargo boxes safe?
In short, yes, they are quite safe, and manufacturers design them to specifically handle high speeds and rough terrains. Their aerodynamic shape allows them to cut through the air, which also dramatically reduces the drag on your vehicle.
How long do cargo boxes last?
We'd estimate that under normal circumstances, an average shipping container lifespan is closer to 25 years. In order for a shipping container to be of use to you, it needs to be secure and watertight — otherwise it endangers the valuable cargo you're keeping inside.
