Top Best Roof Rack Cargo Box: Guides & Ranking 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier

JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage is a safe and easy way to transport your cargo. No tools are required, the carrier is easy to assemble and simple instructions come with it. This carrier is designed to give you peace of mind while on the road knowing that your cargo will be secured and safe. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Rooftop Cargo Carrier, PI Store Waterproof Car Roof Bag with Protective Mat

The Rooftop Cargo Carrier transforms your car's roof into a lightweight cargo platform. The 4 sturdy, heavy duty straps help to secure your rooftop carrier bag in place. A free anti-slip mat keeps the cargo bag in place even at high-speeds, protecting car roofs from scratches and damage. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Install: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport

Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport. Thule's new gravity-defying rooftop cargo box is designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, and works with most factory and aftermarket roof racks. This high-performance roof box sports a secure locking latch system that provides a safe and reliable way to transport your gear. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Mockins Roof Cargo Basket 64x39x6 Extendable Cargo Roof Rack Cargo Carrier

The Mockins Roof Cargo Basket is the best and most secure way to carry your luggage while driving. Our roof rack cargo baskets are made from heavy duty steel, and come in a rust preventive coating. Our SUV roof racks with 6" high metal side rails will keep all your belongings safe and in place throughout your drive. Read Review

Car- owners tend to fill their cars and SUVs with lots of stuff. Things like sports equipment, suitcases, backpacks, and anything else you can possibly think of that you don’t want to carry in your hands all the time. If you own a car or an SUV, you might be wondering whether there’s even a need to get something as simple and inexpensive as a roof rack cargo box.

After all, adding one will only cost you some money and some time. However, if you own an off-road vehicle or have any children who always come along with you on your outings (whether it’s in the car or not), getting a roof rack cargo box is practically a must-have accessory.

We think JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Rooftop Cargo Carrier, PI Store Waterproof Car Roof Bag with Protective Mat as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

  • Made in USA, limited lifetime guarantee. The JEGS car top carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
  • Waterproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and security
  • No tools required, easy assembly and installation. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly
  • 【LARGE STORAGE】Our Car Rooftop Carrier provides an extra 16 cubic feet of space, offering another trunk space to your vehicle for road trip travels. The Cargo Bag is ideal for family trips, camping, adventures and anywhere extra roof storage is needed on the car top for suitcases, luggages, tents and sleeping bags.
  • 【WEATHER PROOF】The waterproof Cartop Carrier keeps your cargo dry by applying 100% waterproof Nylon fiber. Robust Kevlar threads, heat-welded seams and reliable zipper together provide triple waterproof protection to your luggage on a road trip through rain, wind, sand and snow.
  • 【EASY TO INSTALL】Place the roof rack cargo carrier and mat on top of your vehicle. Mount the Cargo Carrier Bag to the top, close the zipper, and secure the straps with fasteners for extra car roof storage.
TOP Choice #3 Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport
Our Score:
9.4
Thule
  • Dual-side opening for easy access to all areas of the box, from either side of the vehicle
  • Full trunk access with no roof box contact
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 32 lbs
  • 🚙 EASY ASSEMBLY - The Car & SUV Roof Rack Car Top Carrier is easy to assemble and install on your vehicle's cross bars and side rails (you will need both side rails and cross bars to use this roof basket ). The Roof Rack Carrier is extendable from 43" to 64" in length
  • 🚙 HEAVY DUTY - The roof cargo carrier is built from heavy duty steel, and we cover our cargo racks in a rust preventive coating to keep your roof top carrier in great shape for any future journeys
  • 🚙 Nuestro Portaequipaje de Techo con Bolsa Impermeable y Red Elastica de Carga es un accesorio muy útil para viajes largos. Los accesorios incluyen 1 Bolsa de Techo Impermeable, 2 correas de trinquete y 1 Red elástica de carga. Este Portaequipaje de Techo no es compatible sin carriles laterales y barras transversales y recomendamos medir antes de comprar nuestro producto. Lim: 200 lbs Dim. 1092 - 1626 mm de largo, 914 mm de ancho, 152 mm de altura (457 mm con la Bolsa Impermeable)
5 Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Medium
Our Score:
9.2
Thule
  • FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
  • Fits 3-5 snowboards (max length: 155 cm)
  • Central Locking system provides maximum safety
  • Heavy Duty Construction - with a durable black powder coating. Features a wind shield that helps protect cargo from wind damage and keeps the vehicle more aerodynamic
  • 150LBS CAPACITY: Free up space in your vehicle with a roof rack cargo basket that safely and securely holds up to 150 lbs of cargo, gear and equipment.
  • Note - Please make sure your cross bar's distance is greater than 29.7 inch, if you want use the extension part
  • 【Easy Installation】Rooftop cargo bag can be used for any size car, attach the vehicle's seat belt to the vehicle's roof rack, or pass the seat belt through the car. You can easily install it in minutes.
  • 【Large Capacity】The oversized roof bag can easily accommodate all travel luggage for 4-6 people, increase the load space of the vehicle,15 cubic feet of storage, 38 x 38 x 18 inches, designed for SUVs, minivans and crossovers.
  • 【Preminum Material】- WUPP rooftop cargo carrier is made of 500D PVC tarpaulin to make the bag both waterproof and durable. The coated surface can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind, and sun on the road. Despite using a soft surface design, the cargo bag is pretty tough when it comes to outside weather and impacts. Please feel free to email us at first if there is any problem when you receive or use your cargo bag. We would settle your issues in no time.
  • 【Universal Compatibility】- Whether your car is with a roof rack or not, the 4 door hooks and 8 strong straps can always secure your rooftop carrier bag on the top of your car. Using a cargo bag is more flexible in positioning and use, they can be easily mounted by a single person since they are not too heavy. Besides, a huge benefit of having a roof bag and not a hard top solution is storage — it’s easy to fold flat and won’t take up a lot of space in your garage when you’re not using it.
  • NOTE: Attaches to Vehicles with Cross Bars Only
  • OVERALL DIMENSION: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H; Opens to 14" Wide to Store Bulky Items
  • CAPACITY: 110 lbs and 11 cu. ft.
  • SECURE LOCKING SYSTEM - this car top carrier secures your luggage with a four-corner cam locking system to ensure that the lid won't blow open while you're on the road with a keyed theft-resistant lock for peace of mind at stops. Includes 2 keys
  • WATERPROOF & UV RESISTANT - proudly made in the USA, this waterproof rooftop cargo box is manufactured from durable, all weather high-density polyethylene material that includes a built-in UV stabilizer that resists cracking and fading

Think about these tips for better purchase of best roof rack cargo box

Merchandise is much more than a physical item. It's the result of someone having an idea, working on it, and making it a reality. When you go out to buy, these would be the factors you should know once looking for best roof rack cargo box.

In fact, this is not about how much it costs and what other people think of it, but whether it will suit your requirements and last long enough even for users to have your money's worth out of it. This article will inform consumers about how and why you buy best roof rack cargo box.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

FAQs

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%

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Conclusion

best roof rack cargo box are usually made of high-quality materials, come with a warranty in case something goes wrong, and have a lot of positive customer feedback. If you want to buy the best commodity for your necessities, you must first understand what characteristics or qualities constitute an "ideal" item.

You can also look into TACTIK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box, X-Large - Made in USA - Patent-Pending as an alternative to the options listed above. We hope that this list of excuses why investing in the best is worthwhile will assist you in making an informed decision when shopping online.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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