The Greatest Rooftop Cargo Packing containers of 2024

For individuals who love adventures in nature, the gear required to have a superb time in numerous environments provides up fairly quick. A rooftop cargo field helps arrange every thing properly, rising the consolation and area inside your car whereas defending the inside on the identical.

It’s good to have the ability to stash damp, smelly, or sharp gadgets up prime, too. The longer the highway journey and bulkier the gear, the extra helpful rooftop storage shall be.

Quite a lot of field volumes and kinds exist whether or not you steer a van, truck, hatchback, or SUV. Right here, we spotlight a handful of our staff’s prime decisions for the most effective rooftop cargo containers out there for any dimension and price range.

For basic questions on cargo field design options, use, and upkeep, take a look at the Purchaser’s Information, Comparability Chart, and Worth & Worth part on the finish of this text. In any other case, learn on for our prime picks.

Editor’s Notice: For our November 11, 2024 replace, we added a Worth & Worth part to elucidate what patrons get at completely different value factors.

Mannequin choices:
12, Lo (15 cu. ft.), 16, 18, 21

Quantity:
12-21 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165 lbs.

Weight:
41-62 lbs.

Locks included:
Sure

Straightforward to make use of, stout, snug deal with

Sturdy

Strong worth, but not as pricey as different premium decisions

Opens on each side

Not TOTALLY water/weatherproof

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
11, 12, 14

Quantity:
11, 12, 14 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165 lbs.

Weight:
30, 38, 40 lbs.

Locks included:
Sure

Sensible construct

Fairly simple to tug RocketBox on and off the roof

A extra financial value in comparison with priciest choices

Not the sturdiest building

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
L, XL, XL Low, XXL, XXL Low

Quantity:
16, 18, 14, 21, 18 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165 lbs.

Weight:
44, 51, 53, 57, 56 lbs.

Locks included:
Sure

Aerodynamic

Largest dimension has an enormous 21 cu. ft. capability

Straightforward to put in and uninstall

Strong construct

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
M, Alpine

Quantity:
13 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165 lbs.

Weight:
59, 66 lbs.

Locks included:
Sure

Felt-lined inside backside for gear safety

Built-in tiedown straps

White inside lid and built-in LED mild assist with loading and unloading at nighttime

Trendy aesthetic

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
NX 16, NX 18

Quantity:
16, 18 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165

Weight:
47, 53 lbs

Locks included:
Sure

Twin-sided entry

Flat ground optimizes storage

Plenty of headroom for taller gear

Straightforward set up

Deal with can stick when opening

Materials can get caught in latches

Not as aerodynamic as different fashions

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
Sport, L, XL, XXL

Quantity:
11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
165 lbs.

Weight:
32, 41, 47, 52 lbs.

Locks included:
Sure

Twin-sided entry

Voluminous form offers area for a spread and excessive amount of substances

Straightforward set up

Latch system isn’t the smoothest

Not as streamlined as different containers

Flimsy lock and key

Not the stiffest materials

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
BX55S, BX85S, BX90R, BX140R

Quantity:
4 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
50 lbs.

Weight:
35 lbs.

Lock included:
No (there’s an built-in padlock hasp)

Dustproof and wind-, water-, and weather-resistant

Burly handles snap right down to lie flat

Straightforward to mount

Enticing design

Linear design is much less adaptive to suit sure cargo in comparison with rectangular shapes

Steve Andrews

Mannequin choices:
Ridge 240 (there’s additionally a protracted Ridge 460 mannequin)

Quantity:
8 cu. ft.

Weight Capability:
110 lbs.

Weight:
20 lbs.

Lock included:
Sure

Key can solely be eliminated when the field is locked

Robust building

Compact and lightweight design

Financial value

Solely has a passenger-side opening versus a dual-sided opening

Can’t match skis or snowboards, which is a dealbreaker for some recreationists

Steve Andrews

Rooftop Cargo Field Comparability Chart

Rooftop Cargo BoxModel OptionsVolumeWeight Capability Weight Locks IncludedYakima SkyBox Carbonite12, Lo (15 cu. ft.), 16, 18, 2112, 15, 16, 18, 21 cu. ft.165 lbs.41-62 lbs.YesYakima RocketBox Pro11, 12, 1411, 12, 14 cu. ft.165 lbs.30, 38, 40 lbs.YesThule Movement 3 XLL, XL, XL Low, XXL, XXL Low16, 18, 14, 21, 18 cu. ft.165 lbs.44, 51, 53, 57, 56 lbs.YesThule VectorM, Alpine13 cu. ft.165 lbs.59, 66 lbs.YesYakima Skybox NXNX 16, NX 1816, 18 cu. ft.165 lbs.47, 53 lbs.YesThule Pressure XTSport, L, XL, XXL11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.165 lbs.32, 41, 47, 52 lbs.YesPelican BX140R Cargo CaseBX55S, BX85S, BX90R, BX140R4 cu. ft.50 lbs.35 lbs.35 lbs.Inno Ridge 240Ridge 240 (there’s additionally a protracted Ridge 460 mannequin)8 cu. ft.110 lbs.20 lbs.Sure

Why You Ought to Belief Us

Our Skilled Tester

Steve Andrews has been adventuring in automobiles for 25 years. His predominant chariot has been alive virtually as lengthy: a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. As a go-anywhere 4×4, it might deal with virtually something beneath it, taking Steve on adventures throughout North America. With a rising household and a canine, although, more room was important. So he got down to discover the most effective rooftop cargo field to pack all of the necessities for a household of 4 (and a canine) to hitch the journey whereas nonetheless permitting for area inside.

The Thule Movement 3 XL gives glorious climate resistance; (photograph/Will Porter)

Steve has additionally labored as knowledgeable information for each mountaineering and backcountry snowboarding/snowboarding, so he has a eager sense of packing for effectivity. Utilizing this data, he labored onerous to pack each sq. inch of the containers we examined to make sure that we knew the way it labored underneath a full load.

Other than Steve’s backcountry prowess, he additionally has studied statistics and math, and nerding out on the inside area and weight ratios was second nature. This mixed with a penchant for getting off-road (with treasured cargo each inside and on prime of the car) makes him a great tester for these rooftop containers.

Our Testing Course of

Steve’s 4Runner is a perfect car to check out rooftop cargo containers. Being an older V8 car, gasoline mileage is a big concern for attaching any further equipment to a car. So Steve set out a baseline for 50 miles on the freeway and measured the gasoline consumption with none containers in comparison with the containers on prime. As well as, for the reason that car has a better roof, placing stuff out and in of the field is a little more tough than say, a Honda Civic.

To additional add to that, Steve enlisted assist from a tech-savvy, gadget-loving buddy who has the newest Tesla mannequin Y, the place battery consumption might be measured by the minute. Combining this knowledge allowed us to measure the effectivity of those containers with out having to belief the producer’s phrase for it.

Moreover, we examined how simple or tough it was to put in these containers. Can or not it’s completed single-handedly, or do you want assist from a buddy (or a number of pals)? Is the latching system safe? How simple or tough is it to open the field with a bunch of substances within the different hand? And when it’s time to shut it shut, do you have to fidget the deal with to verify it’s closed or is it one easy maneuver?

The Yakima Skybox NX was extraordinarily secure on windy and bumpy roads; (photograph/Will Porter)

Then, we paid shut consideration to how safe the field was on the roof whereas driving. The very last thing you’d need is any vibration or deafening noise to scare others round you. So, after guaranteeing we put in it appropriately, we checked the field at pace with the home windows and sunroof open to see how form it was to these round us.

Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select a Rooftop Cargo Field

Roof Size Compatibility

It’s key to verify the field can seamlessly pair together with your car’s roof and rack, particularly when you’ve got a top-hinged trunk. First, place the entrance crossbar as far ahead as potential (some aren’t adjustable). Then, open the hatch and measure from the again hatch to the middle of the car’s entrance crossbar.

That distance must exceed the hatch clearance of a cargo field, which is listed on the producer’s web site. You’ll additionally need to be certain the size doesn’t hinder visibility up entrance or hit any antennas.

Rack Setup

In the event you’ve by no means owned a rooftop setup, that is rack 101. The mount is a part that runs lengthwise (entrance to again) and attaches to the highest of your car. Typically, automobiles include manufacturing facility mounts like raised rails, tracks, or mounted factors.

In the event you’re working with a naked roof, you’ll be able to completely mount a rack or go for a setup that’s suitable with the door jamb. Two crossbars or load bars sit perpendicular to the roof and are hooked up to the mount by way of 4 suitable towers. Crossbars differ in dimension and form.

Thule’s clamp-style system makes set up a snap; (photograph/Will Porter)

Every cargo field is suitable with particular crossbars, so ensure that these crossbars work together with your car and mount or if an adapter is required.

Carrying Function and Capability

Earlier than you begin purchasing for a rooftop cargo field, check out your gear. What do you want and intend to hold on journeys? Shorter or packable gadgets like camp chairs or sleeping luggage typically match properly in rooftop cargo containers.

Lengthier gadgets like skis, paddles, golf golf equipment, and strollers would require an extended field just like the Yakima Skybox Carbonite — ensure that the field’s inside dimensions match the size of your gear.

Learn the width and top of every field to assist conceptualize the general quantity. Packing containers additionally checklist the gear capability in cubic ft (or inches or liters). The extra individuals in your group, the more room you’ll want for every particular person’s gear.

Yakima’s Skybox NX gives loads of area for numerous sorts of cargo; (photograph/Will Porter)

Weight

There are two weight elements to keep in mind: the cargo field weight and the burden capability of the field. The cargo containers listed right here vary from 20 to 66 kilos with none cargo. Nearly all of these carriers safely maintain a weight capability of as much as 165 kilos, however others are decrease, round 110 and even 50 kilos.

Don’t sacrifice the price for a much less structural cargo field if you have to transport heavier gadgets. Your heftiest cargo, like a loaded cooler, is less complicated and safer to retailer contained in the car.

Examine with every field producer for a particular field’s weight limits. Likewise, verify your car’s proprietor’s handbook for the beneficial most load. You’ll must subtract the burden of the field, aftermarket towers, and crossbars, in addition to the utmost weight of the cargo saved contained in the field.

Supplies

Cargo containers are constructed with sturdy plastic, and a handful have further reinforcements, such because the metal alongside the bottom of the Thule Vector. Others are coated with a further end for further sturdiness and climate resistance. For instance, the Pelican BX140R Cargo Case has a corrosion-resistant coat.

The {hardware}, just like the latches and lock programs, varies in high quality, which is mirrored within the value. Total, the dimensions and supplies affect the field’s weight, too.

Water Resistance

Most rooftop cargo field designs are extraordinarily weather-resistant, because of a water-proof shell and climate sealing, so that they’ll typically do a terrific job of blocking snow and rain. Some even characteristic a liner for water resistance, just like the built-in rubber gasket of the Pelican BX140R Cargo Case.

Nevertheless, none of those cargo containers declare to be utterly waterproof. We advocate you retailer any water-sensitive, treasured cargo in a dry bag or contained in the rig.

A handful of the top-shelf designs have further options for consolation, utility, and ease of use. As an illustration, we admire the inside LED lights of the Thule Vector, in addition to its lengthy deal with strap.

Set up and Ease of Use

Putting in a rooftop cargo field can differ from mannequin to mannequin, however there are a couple of basic steps and ideas to make sure a easy setup. First, at all times begin by rigorously studying the producer’s set up directions. Most cargo containers are designed for straightforward set up, typically requiring no instruments, because of hand-tightening knobs and pre-installed mounting {hardware}.

For ease of use, search for containers with dual-side opening options. This lets you entry your gear from both aspect of the car, which is especially useful in crowded parking heaps or when parked on busy streets. Moreover, verify if the field has a quick-release system which makes it simple to connect and take away with out a lot effort.

The Thule Movement 3 XL’s deal with is simple to succeed in, even on taller SUVs; (photograph/Will Porter)

Upkeep Ideas

Sustaining your rooftop cargo field is essential to make sure its longevity and efficiency. Usually verify and tighten the mounting {hardware}, as vibrations from the highway can loosen connections over time. Clear the field with delicate cleaning soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners that may injury the end or weaken plastic elements. In the event you discover any cracks or injury, deal with them instantly to forestall additional points.

Safety Options

Safety is a paramount concern when storing helpful gear atop your car. Go for cargo containers with strong locking mechanisms. Many high-quality fashions include locks that safe the contents and latch the field to the bottom rack, making it tough to take away and not using a key.

Keyed locks are a handy characteristic, permitting you to make use of the identical key for the cargo field and your rack system, lowering the variety of keys you have to carry. Some premium fashions embrace superior safety features like bolstered locking factors and tamper-resistant locks, offering peace of thoughts when your car is out of sight.

Choosing the proper rooftop cargo field entails contemplating the way it enhances your car, the kind of gear you propose to hold, and the options that improve usability and safety. By specializing in compatibility, capability, weight, supplies, water resistance, and extra options like simple set up and strong safety, you’ll be able to choose a mannequin that meets your wants and ensures protected and environment friendly journey with all of your important gear.

Worth & Worth

Let’s face it — cargo containers are dear. Relying on the field, you’ll be able to spend anyplace from $200 to $300 for a no-frills cargo provider to properly over $1,000 for a safe, aerodynamic spaceship-looking roof pod. Extra inexpensive choices will depart extra money in your checking account however could depart you lacking some choices. However, the higher-end cargo containers could have you ever shelling out cash for perks you don’t want. Listed below are some choices in several value ranges that will help you resolve what options you’re (and aren’t) keen to pay for.

Funds

If all you want is a few further cupboard space, you may get by with one thing just like the Pelican BX140R Cargo Case ($300-450). Though it’s half the value of a few of the different gadgets on our checklist, the weatherproof containers are available 4 sizes and are made with powerful rotomolded plastic and corrosion-resistant metal latches. You gained’t have the ability to match a pair of skis in these, and so they don’t provide fancy particulars like dual-side opening and an inside mild, however for those who merely need to add a couple of extra sq. ft of storage, it is a budget-friendly possibility.

Mid-Tier

For $500-$1,500, you’ll discover greater storage choices, extra streamlined, aerodynamic exteriors and extra comfort than you would possibly from a price range cargo field. As an illustration, the Thule Movement 3 XL ($999) gives one-handed entry for fast loading, an aerodynamic profile, and a cool strap that allows you to pull it shut from the bottom.

Premium

Going over $1,500 places you within the luxurious class right here. The Thule Vector ($2,400) is a superb instance of what you get at this value vary, with inside tie-down straps to maintain issues in place throughout transit, a felt-lined ground to forestall your gear from getting scratched, and an LED mild built-in into the lid that allows you to see the field’s contents at evening. Do you want all these options? In all probability not. However are they handy for those who’ve received the dough? Completely.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Rooftop cargo containers aren’t all created equal. The designs differ by weight, dimensions, gear capability, and rigidity. You’ll want to think about what kind of substances you have to haul in addition to your car size and roof capability.

The most effective rooftop cargo field will match properly with satisfactory hatch clearance. Additionally, observe sure cargo containers are suitable with particular crossbar or load bar fashions, shapes, and dimension ranges. You should definitely get the right setup to your car.

A bigger rooftop cargo field may not be the only option to your car and goal. If a field size exceeds the rooftop clearance, it might hinder the hatchback when it swings up, or it might probably grasp over the roof within the entrance, impeding windshield visibility.

Greater designs are more difficult to maneuver and retailer, have a better impression on gasoline effectivity, are costlier, and are noisier whereas on the highway. Be certain to not exceed the utmost size and weight your car’s roof can carry.

Place the heaviest and the vast majority of the cargo within the middle of the field and the lightest gadgets towards the nostril and tail. Use tiedown straps, that are included in some designs, to safe unfastened items if the field isn’t full.

Although many cargo containers are weatherproof, most producers recommend placing electronics and valuables in a dry bag for further safety.

With out further weight, empty cargo containers can get barely jostled round by the wind, which might trigger audible drag. In the event you don’t thoughts the potential noise, then it’s technically fantastic to drive with an empty rooftop cargo field. That mentioned, the lifespan of the field shall be prolonged for those who retailer it safely away from the weather between lengthy intervals of nonuse.

Additionally, eradicating the cargo field might result in better gasoline economic system within the lengthy haul. However for weekend warriors who commute 20 minutes to work a number of days every week, the repeated mount time may not be worthwhile, particularly in a gentle local weather.

When your rooftop cargo field isn’t mounted in your car, it’s good to retailer it in a cool, dry indoor area like a storage, attic, or basement. It’s best to maintain it out of direct daylight and intensely sizzling or chilly temperatures.

You’ll be able to set the field flat on the bottom — or atop a few 2x4s — or rig it to hold on a wall by way of the bottom aspect.