Comfort in your vehicle is one of the most important factors to consider when having long drives with your friends or family. You need to create extra space in the car to fit all of your belongings, especially if you have kids on board.

 

That is why having a rooftop cargo carrier on hand is a great choice. It plays a significant role in creating additional space to provide a more comfortable driving experience.

 

However, because of a wide range of options available out there, looking for the best rooftop cargo carrier can be a little tricky. So, to ease your burden, I’ve listed some of the best brands in the market below:

 

  1. Thule Force Cargo Box

 

If you’re only looking for short term storage for your belongings, the Thule Force Car Box is a great choice for you.

 

This unit is one of the fastest mounting systems that are also perfect for those who don’t have a lot of available space in their garage.

 

It comes with a diamond-textured shell with five layers of ABS plastic construction, making it very durable and long-lasting. It can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

 

When your car is moving at a speed over 70Mph, the drag and noise will be reduced because of its aerodynamic design.

 

Other than that, it is also ready to mount out of the box, thanks to its tool-free mounting capability. It can attach easily on the roof racks, too, because of its Quick-Grip Knob hardware. You can easily attach it under five minutes.

 

Your belongings will be adequately secured because of the lid’s excellent locking system. It also features an extreme rack capability that allows it to fit with various Thule rack systems and round bars.

 

Pros

 

  • Durable and secure lid
  • Easy storage
  • Has a tool-free mounting capability
  • Easy to install
  • Comes with durable diamond-textured shell

 

Cons

 

  • Not waterproof
  • Doesn’t come with a handle

 

  1. Rightline Gear Sport Jr.

 

For compact cars, this unit can be your best bet because it has a 9 cubic feet capacity to carry all of your belongings.

 

Rightline Gear Sport Jr. is made of PVC mesh construction and Hydrotuff material, making the design 100% durable.

 

You don’t have to worry about your belongings getting wet while traveling on a rainy day, too, because this carrier is water-resistant. The rainwater won’t enter the carrier because it has a ZipRight system with a concealed and coated zipper.

 

This product also comes with an aerodynamic design, so it produces less drag and noise when you’re driving.

 

The package also has car clips that can be attached to straps to firmly secure your bags. Straps are also included in the overall kit, which can be looped around the roof rack to make sure that everything will stay in place.

 

Pros

 

  • 9 cubic feet capacity
  • Durable and aerodynamic design
  • 100% waterproof
  • Features a ZipRight system to prevent rainwater from entering
  • The package comes with straps and car clips

 

Cons

 

  • The bag can flap loudly when you go beyond 50Mph

 

  1. Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box

 

Are you looking for a budget-friendly option? Then, the Yakima Skybox is one of your best options.

 

Buying this product will definitely be worth your money because of its sturdy construction. It comes fully-assembled and can be used right out of the box.

 

You can open and close it without a hassle because its handle features a dual-side opening system. It can be opened conveniently from the right or left side.

 

This product also comes with Quick-release mounting hardware that will allow you to mount it on the roof with ease. It can be attached to all Yakima crossbars.

 

Yakima Skybox is made of recycled ABS materials, making it sturdy and durable from inside out. It is also resistant to any harsh weather conditions, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings.

 

It features a Superlatch security system, too, which keeps the lid secure throughout your travel.

 

Pros


 

  • Sturdy construction
  • Budget-friendly
  • Ready-to-use
  • Has a Quick-release mounting feature for easy mounting
  • Secure lid because of the Superlatch security system

 

Cons

 

  • Not entirely waterproof

 

  1. Leader Accessories Roof Rack

 

This unit from Leader Accessories is the best rooftop cargo carrier for most vans, trucks, and SUVs. It is a basket-type carrier that offers versatility, durability, and increased capacity.

 

It features an overall measurement of 6″ high, 39″ wide, and 64″ in length, offering a wide space to fit all your belongings, including sporting equipment, camping gears, and cargo bags.

 

This product is made of heavy-duty steel construction, which comes with a black powder coating for added durability and resistance against scratches, rust, and other weather elements.

 

It has a straightforward and lightweight design that will allow you to mount it in as quickly as 20 minutes. Just secure all your load with a strap so they stay in place.

 

Pros

 

  • Best for trucks, vans, and SUVs
  • Provides wide capacity to fit extra-large items
  • Straightforward design
  • Lightweight
  • Resistant to rust and scratches

 

Cons

 

  • Not weatherproof

 

Choosing the Best Rooftop Cargo Carrier

 

There are a few factors that you need to consider when buying a rooftop cargo. Here are some of them:

 

  • Weight and Size

 

You should check the load capacity of your car to determine what weight and size of cargo are suitable for it. You will be able to see it in your car’s manual.

 

Once you’re done checking, make sure to look for a brand that offers a high-quality carrier with a high weight limit so that you can carry all your belongings with ease.

 

The soft bag or basket-type

is recommended for those who want to carry oddly-shaped cargos. They are also your best pick if you want to carry heavy and extra-large objects because they can be strapped easily on the sides.

 

  • Capacity

 

For small carriers, the ideal load capacity would be up to 140 lbs.

 

For medium to large cargos, on the other hand, you can load up to 150 lbs. But, with this capacity, you will be able to carry large items like surfboards, camping gear, and bikes.

 

  • Design

 

Look for a unit that offers great quality and design. It should feature an intuitive and ergonomic design that allows you to store the luggage securely.

 

If you want to cut down your gas mileage, finding a cargo with an aerodynamic design is a great option. Box and basket-type carriers usually offer this feature. They come with mounting hardware to make them easy to install and maintain.

 

  • Protection

 

Choose a cargo that offers 100% weather-proof protection so that you can still travel even in the rainy season.

 

Bag-type carriers are the best option if you want to protect all of your belongings against extreme weather.

 

  • Durability

 

Make sure to choose a unit that is durable and long-lasting. Box and bag-type cargos are your best bet for durability because they have sturdy construction.

 

The Verdict

 

In my opinion, the best unit would be the Rightline Gear Sport Jr.

 

It doesn’t just offer a wide space for your luggage, it is also waterproof and will keep your belongings protected against rainwater. The package also comes with car clips and straps, which are not offered by other units on the list.

 

Make sure to follow our quick guide above to find the best rooftop cargo carrier for your car.

 

Image Source: BigStock.com (Licensed)

 

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