Best Car Cargo Carrier: Buying Guide 2024

Jane Brown By, Jane Brown
Updated
FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier

Fivklemnz car roof bag has been designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. With a 15 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag, it can hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more. It's also designed with an innovative design that is easy to install and remove. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier

RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier is great for your next camping trip, sporting event, or drive to the beach. This waterproof car roof bag fits virtually any car, truck, or SUV and installs in just a few minutes with no risk of damage to your car’s sealed door and window. You can also size it down to fit on top of your roof rack with ease. Read Review

3. Best Quality: TOOLGUARDS Roof Cargo Bag 15 or 20 Cubic for Cars

This heavy-duty cartop cargo carrier is specifically designed to withstand all climates and weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, snow, and salt. It's made from durable military-grade tarpaulin and features a waterproof design that keeps your items secure by keeping out the water. This vehicle roof storage system fits any car, with or without a roof rack. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Vetoos 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag

Vetoos 21 Cubic Feet Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is a durable, waterproof and lightweight carrier bag that can fit anything you want to carry. It has 4 door hooks for easy attaching to your car's roof and 8 strong straps for extra security. With its anti-slip mat, the cargo bag will stay in place even on the road, and protect your car from scratches and damage. Read Review

When you’re getting ready to take your car with you on a trip, the last thing you want to think about is how to transport all of your stuff. Car carriers come with so many different features that it can be hard to know which one is right for your needs. Some are designed for smaller cars and sedans, while others are meant for larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans.

Let’s take a look at some of the best car cargo carriers that will help you get your car safely from point A to point B, whether you have multiple trips planned or just need something for when you’re going on a road trip.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier - our favorite one. We also provide you with RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier model that you may consider if that product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
Our Score:
9.9
FIVKLEMNZ
  • 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 8 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in place even in high speed road or bump road, no slip, no scratch to your car.
  • 【100% Refund or Replacement】:7x24 online customer support, ask us anything at any time. Backed by 30 days money-back guarantee and 12 months limited warranty.
TOP Choice #2 RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Our Score:
9.7
RoofPax
  • ✅ EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS INCLUDED: Our set includes the 19 cft. rooftop cargo carrier, 6 patented door hook straps/clips, a TSA approved lock, and a sturdy storage bag, offering you a better and safer solution for safely storing your car top luggage when traveling.
  • ✅ SAFETY COMES FIRST: RoofPax is the ONLY brand that produces its Car Roof Carriers for maximum safety with the Patented 4+2 extra free door hook straps (included), instead of using straps that go inside the car. Tying down any car top luggage involving straps going through the inside of the car is HIGHLY dangerous as they interfere with air bags in case of emergency and are illegal to use in some states. RoofPax is the safest and most secure Car Roof Cargo Bag on the market today.
TOP Choice #3 TOOLGUARDS Roof Cargo Bag 15 or 20 Cubic for Cars
Our Score:
9.6
TOOLGUARDS
  • TOP QUALITY BAG | Our lockable zips have been developed and improved over the years to ensure your luggage arrives just as you packed it – dry, safe, and secure. The softshell car roof box also features double-layer welded components as well as freeze-resistant clips & straps, for a roof bag that will last.
  • NO ROOF RACK, NO PROBLEM | we’ve got you covered because every Tool Guards car roof bag comes with straps for every type of installation and set up. We include both sets of straps for installation on cars with roof racks and those which have no overhead roof racks.
  • 【REINFORCED STRAP SEAM】We notice that the straps of other cargo bags can easily rip from the seam, so we doubly reinforced the strap seam. And all seams of this cargo bag are heat welded and stitched to ensure they are watertight.
  • 【UPGRADED WATERPROOF ZIP】While other rooftop carrier bags let in water through the normal zipper, we've upgraded it to a waterproof zipper and fitted it with a widened 4.7" zipper flap that helps keep your items 100% dry.
  • LARGE STORAGE SPACE - 20 cubic feet 51” (L) X 40” (W) X 17” (H) rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more.
  • MORE SECURITY - Come with BONUS combination lock, it will not only prevent the zippers from slipping, but also adds security to luggage;
  • Waterproof - PVC Materials - The torrential downpour will test merely water resistant materials to their limit and likely result in damp or soaked contents. But our car top carrier is coated with PVC to aid in waterproofing ( inside and out ),NOT ONLY WATER RESISTANT like other brand.
  • Easy Mounting & Storage Design - Design with 6 short tie straps & 2 long straps, make it easy to attaches in only a matter of minutes. Our Carrier is purely malleable, more simple to store than the carrier with stiff inner-lining ( storage bag included ).
  • 100% WATERPROOF &TEARPROOF MATERIAL - Made of 100% waterproof material,600D PVC tarpaulin, Grid material with High frequency voltage technology, durable and heavy duty style bag;
  • MORE SECURITY - Come with BONUS combination lock, it will not only prevent the zippers from slipping, but also adds security to luggage;
  • 💯 THE ONLY XXL WATERPROOF CAR ROOF BAG TO OFFER A COMPLETE GUARANTEE: This is the ONLY and LAST cargo roof bag you’ll ever need to buy! Made with the highest quality water proof triple-layer 600d material and market leading fixtures and fasteners this roof rack cargo carrier stands up to all weather, all year round!
  • 🏕️ THE #1 CHOICE FOR FAMILY CAMPERS: Whether you're moving camping gear, boating supplies, fishing gear, hunting or survival kit, our car rooftop cargo carrier provides 19 Cubic Feet of car roof storage. The Wild Xplorer Rooftop Cargo Bag carries up to 6 suitcases for clothes, family tent, air mattress, and pillows. Pack all your car camping accessories, outdoor gear, road trip essentials and glamping items
  • 【MORE THAN WATERPROOF】 Featuring waterproof zipper wrapped with 6 inches widened velcro zipper flaps, our vehicle cargo carriers will exceed your expectations with the waterproof effet. The reinforced seams will make it possible "zero leakage" even in downpours.
  • 【EASY INSTALLATION】 Our roof rack cargo carrier comes with an anti-slip mat and 8 thickened adjustable straps that will keep the cargo bag in place. The smooth zipper, adjustable straps, door hooks and robust buckles allows you to effortlessly secure it to any car.
  • 【UPGRADED WATERPROOF ZIP】While other rooftop carrier bags let in water through the normal zipper, we've upgraded it to a waterproof zipper and fitted it with a widened zipper flap that helps keep your items 100% dry.
  • 【HIGH DENSITY 1000D PVC】Features triple-layer high density 1000D PVC fabric. This material is 2 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric, which most other rooftop bags adopts and can easily rip. The coated surface can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind and sun on the road.

What Are the Key Factors for Customers to Follow to Pick best car cargo carrier?

A range of influences contributes to the best car cargo carrier. Depending on the product, there are several ways to study it. As a result, we've come to lend a hand, offer advice, and offer answers to these issues.

A thorough search of trustworthy websites should be conducted using as many resources as feasible. Our experts use high-tech tools and a well-tuned product listing system to provide a sort of service.

It'd also be fascinating to go more into the development and analysis of these aspects. Consider the following tips in mind:

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

FAQs

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

We decide facts since we are product consulting professionals with extensive expertise. Even so, we maintain and update the list of best car cargo carrier so the information is correct and up to date.

After reading this article, you should discover that selecting a best car cargo carrier that is both handy and economical to you is not difficult. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require assistance.


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