Roof Rack Box: Best Picks Of 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
Image credit: Amazon.com

Through market research, the team of our professions on 10 roof rack box has collected about 21,075 of customer reviews praising the quality and service of the roof rack box. At that time, high-ranked companies of April 2024, such as Sportrack, Jegs, Xcar, Thule, Yakima, Roofbag, Mockins, Arksen, Meefar, Rightline gear, Tuffiom, will be listed here.

Our Top Picks

  • 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
  • Fits SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars and most factory racks (check fit guide)
  • Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
  • Made in USA, limited lifetime guarantee. The JEGS car top carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
  • Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiency
  • No tools required, easy assembly and installation. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly
  • Four universal U-bolts,accommodating square cross bars up to 4.6" wide x 1.35" thick or round bars up to 1.35" in diameter
  • Note - Please make sure your cross bar's distance is greater than 29.7 inch, if you want use the extension part
  • Extra large size: Overall Dimension w/ Extension: 64"(L) x 39"(W) x 6'(H); Perfect Car Top Luggage Holder for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more
  • External dimensions: 74.75 x 24.75 x 16.75 inches
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 32 lbs
  • Narrow design leaves space for other gear such as bikes, kayaks, skis, and more while providing 11 cubic feet of additional packing space
  • FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
  • Thule Comfort Key can only be removed when all locking points are securely closed
  • Fits 3-5 snowboards (max length: 155 cm)
  • We’ve got your back guarantee: Covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Convenient: A simple, economical way to attach gear-specific Yakima mounts to your factory car rack system; Sold in sets of 6
  • Easy installation: Quick and easy 4-step installation with no tools required
  • VERSATILE: Our vehicle cargo carriers offer more versatility than any other car roof cargo carrier. At the size of 48" L, 38" W, 11"-18" H and with 15 cubic feet of car roof storage, large enough to hold the contents of 5 medium-sized suitcases, you'll never run out of space. The RoofBag cargo bag is designed and made in the USA to fit any car roof 58" or longer (SUVs, vans, large sedans). Plus, our Large Set option includes Liner Bags for easier packing and upacking your car luggage carrier.
  • TRULY WATERPROOF: RoofBag car carrier keeps your rooftop cargo dry, offering the benefits of a rigid luggage carrier for car rooftop and the efficiency and economy of a cargo bag for top of car. Our roof bag waterproof carrier is made from a single piece of waterproof material to ensure total waterproofness. It also includes waterproof zippers, waterproof flaps, water-repellent straps, and no exposed stitching to optimally protect your car topper against water penetration
  • MOST SECURE DESIGN: Your roof cargo is safe with our roof cargo carrier offering the strongest seat-belt style straps. They are 1.5” wide and made of nylon for unsurpassed strength, and are not stitched to the roof top car cargo carrier for additional safety. Our straps secure your car carrier at any highway speed. The included protective and non-slip mat keeps the roof bag waterproof carrier in place and prevents scratching the roof of your car, SUV, van or truck
  • 🚙 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
  • 🚙 SECURE: The 6" high metal side rails of our roof rack baskets will keep all your belongings safe and in place throughout your drive. Our SUV roof racks are a great luggage rack for top of car use. ✅ CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Our customers are our #1 priority. If you have questions or concerns about your roof rack cargo carrier please contact us and we will resolve any issues you may have. Carry your cargo in style!
  • 🚙 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
  • [EXTRA SECURITY] Bottom metal bars and side rails keep your items secure during traveling. Features a steel wind fairing to protect cargo from wind damage and reduce wind resistance.
  • [EASY INSTALLATION] Easy to install on most vehicles. This cargo carrier utilizes your car's crossbars, easily mounting with four universal U-bolts.
  • [VERSTAILE CARGO BASKET] Suitable for carrying camping supplies, firewood, luggage, hunting and fishing gear, and more during camping, road trips, or when moving.
  • AERODYNAMIC - Features a wind shield that helps protect cargo from wind damage and keeps the vehicle more aerodynamic.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY- Easy to assemble and install on your vehicles cross bars and side rails, mounting with four universal U-bolts. you will need both side rails and cross bars to use this roof basket.
  • DURABLE BUILD - Tubular steel in black epoxy powder coating to promote high strength and a lightweight design. and covered in a rust free coating. It is rated for 200 lbs

Are There Necessary Things Customers Should Keep In Mind To Select The roof rack box?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of roof rack box will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of roof rack box you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with roof rack box issue.

The most helpful advice has been tested. Prior to shopping for the roof rack box, it is recommended that you do the research. Here are some questions you may see on some sale forums:

  • Where should you ask for support when having a problem with this product?
  • What to keep in mind to get the best one?
  • According to customers, what is the most popular type of this product on the market currently?
  • Does it make use to invest in this product?
  • What might be beneficial for you when buying this product?

With the flexibility of the market, all our staffs are able to solve clients’ inquiries. The practical review of information from many famous sources is preferred for everyone. We recommend well-known websites, sale forums, or even comments from users around you. As mentioned above spaces, our website use AI tool and Big Data to create buying guides. Thus, all our materials are accurate and reliable. 

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of roof rack box in April:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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%

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.

All in all, anything you need to acquire for your convenient purchase of roof rack box is presented above. Admittedly, this information is accurate, thanks to our product consulting experts with a wealth of experience. Furthermore, we keep roof rack box of 2024 data up-to-date at all times. It is helpful if you are a busy person. Try to check us as much as possible!

You are expected to contact us if any problems or inaccuracies with roof rack box occurs. With your feedback, we can improve our data better!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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