Swain Auto

Your vehicle’s capacity for storage may be significantly increased by installing a cargo box. We’ve all been there: attempting to fill and pack a vehicle full of goods for a road trip to the point where it’s difficult to shut the doors. It’s a challenge that we’ve all faced. If you have one of the top cargo boxes on the market, you will be able to get the most out of every ounce and inch of space that you have for storing things.

In order to provide you with an insider’s perspective on the installation procedure and to assist you in determining whether or not the manufacturer’s carrying capacity claims are accurate, our team of specialists has conducted physical tests on numerous of these cargo boxes. Following the list of cargo boxes that we believe are the best on the market is a buyers guide that goes into the information that you should be aware of prior to hitting the “add to cart” button.

Out Top Picks:

• Best Overall: Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box
• Runner-up: YAKIMA, SkyBox Carbonite Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box
• Best Feature: Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
• Highest Quality: JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
• Highly Rated: RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier

1. Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box

The Thule SideKick rooftop cargo carrier allows you to transport extra gear. The waterproof polyethylene exterior of this luggage box safeguards your belongings from the elements. The cam locking mechanism guarantees the safety of your possessions. This rooftop storage box may be fastened firmly to the horizontal crossbars of any aftermarket or factory-installed roof rack. The Thule SideKick is the ideal size for carrying your camping kit and golf equipment, and its small form provides space for additional roof mounted accessories.

Feature

• Dimensions of the item are 54 x 25 x 15.5 inches.
• Item Weight ‎19.85 Pounds
• Material ‎Plastic
• ASIN B0921CPD15

Pros

• Compact design
• Less to consider when contemplating your roof’s load rating

Cons

• Installation does not appear to be as straightforward as other options on this list.
• Can’t handle larger quantities

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2. YAKIMA, SkyBox Carbonite Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box

The 16-cubic-foot Skybox was selected as Good Housekeeping’s Best Overall Rooftop Cargo Carrier due to its reliability, efficiency, and user-friendliness. It also helped that it was stylish and flirtatious looking. In particular, GHI praised the Skybox’s dual-sided entrance, which provides for easy access from either side of the vehicle, as well as the box’s tapering rear, which enables space for hatchbacks to tilt up without problem.

The lockable lid ensures that your belongings remain safe, and the adaptable mounting technique means it will work with almost any roof rack. The three available sizes provide a snug fit for a wide variety of vehicles and cargo.

Feature

• The item’s dimensions are 94 by 29 by 18 inches.
• Item Weight ‎41 Pounds
• Material ‎Carbonite
• ASIN B00JQWHZM4

Pros

• Solid construction, robust and long-lasting
• Reputable corporate moniker
• Sizes include 12, 16, and 21 cubic feet.

Cons

• Expensive, but “the best” is often the case

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3. Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag

It may cost a lot of money to buy a roof rack and a cargo box. However, the Amazon rooftop bag may be an appealing option for people on a strict budget or who just want the storage space for a single journey. It may store as much as 15 cubic feet of equipment. Putting baggage on top of the car is a great idea for many different types of road travels, and this bag makes it easy to do so. When there is more space in a confined car, I find that everyone’s disposition improves. On top of that, it keeps everything dry and safe from rain and snow.

Feature

• The dimensions of the product are 43.50 x 16.84 x 33.50 inches.
• Weight of Item: 6.85 pounds
• Amazon.com Inc.’s Amazon Basics
• ASIN B072ZHRDMZ

Pros

• Easy to install and provides additional roof space for your vehicle
• Waterproof
• Affordable
• Can be coiled up for storage when not in use

Cons

• Minima in soft-sided protection
• This option is not the most secure because it cannot be locked or even latched.
• As less aerodynamic

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4. JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier

You might do worse than the JEGS if you’re in the market for a cheap, practical, rooftop pod. It’s one of the biggest cargo carriers here and has many of the same characteristics as more expensive ones, like dual-sided access and a waterproof construction. Its boxy shape makes it inappropriate for transporting lengthy objects like skis and golf equipment, but it works well as a suitcase.

Its lightweight structure was criticized by GHI’s engineers. In addition, the U-bolt mounting technique necessitates that the distance between your crossbars be precisely 24 inches, which may necessitate the purchase of an extra aftermarket crossbar (or some ingenious jerry-rigging on your part).

Feature

• Dimensions of the product are 61.25 x 39 x 12 inches
• Product Weight: 35 pounds
• Manufacturer ‎JEGS
• ASIN B09BR8W93V

Pros

• Elegant and lightweight
• Waterproof
• Simple access

Cons

• Not suitable for overly-long items
• Non-versatile mounting system

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5. RoofBag Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The RoofBag is an inexpensive, flexible, and short-term alternative to a hard-shell cargo box. This cargo bag is created in the USA and comes in four different sizes ranging from 13 to 34 cubic feet. It is watertight, tear-resistant, and has triple heat-sealed seams (instead of stitching) and a 3-inch flap to cover the zipper.

Installation is a breeze on any big vehicle or SUV, roof racks or not. Plus, it’s hundreds cheaper than the rest of the cargo pods here.

Feature

• Dimensions of the item are 48 by 38 by 12 inches.
• Weight of Item: 8 Pounds
• Capacity to Carry 3000 Pounds
• ASIN B0042H6BA0

Pros

• Straps resembling seatbelts and rated for 3000 pounds
• Included is a nonslip roof protection mat
• Four sizes available

Cons

• Not as durable as a hard-shell, but considerably less expensive

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Think about the nature of the goods you are transporting.

When shopping for a roof carrier, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts should prioritize finding one that can accommodate the length of their equipment. Make sure your cargo carrier is tall and broad enough to accommodate your baggage or camping supplies.

Safety and security are paramount.

The most significant consideration when selecting a carrier is that its contents remain secure during the journey. The top carriers will shield your belongings from the wrath of the wind and rain. Travelers can also keep an eye out for carriers that lock for added security.

Q. Can I use a car top carrier if my vehicle doesn’t have a roof rack?

A roof rack with crossbars is required to safely attach most cargo carriers to a vehicle. It’s important to double-check, although certain cargo bags may be able to be secured to a roof without a rack or rails. Make sure the cargo carrier you’re interested in fits the make and model of your vehicle.

Q. How much can I safely load onto my car’s roof?

Keep in mind that the load capacity of your specific carrier is specified in the manufacturer’s manual. The typical maximum weight for cargo crates is 165 pounds, although this must be verified for safety reasons.

Q. Are cargo lockers on the roof worthwhile?

And of course. More expensive than rooftop cargo bags or racks, hard-shell boxes and pods provide significantly more security for your belongings and are often weather-resistant if not watertight. They’re simple to set up and operate, but more difficult to take down when they’re no longer required.

Q. Do I need a roof rack to utilize a vehicle top carrier?

Yes, bags. However, a roof rack, or crossbars linked to a rack, is necessary for secure attachment of hard-shell pods and rooftop boxes. Find out what your options are for transporting your goods and make an informed decision.