Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers in 2022 Reviews

Road vacations are a terrific way to travel and spend quality time with family and friends, but depending on the vehicle you’re riding in, fitting all of your requirements in the trunk might be tough. Sleeping bags, camping equipment, and any other trip-related items can take up a lot of room, especially when traveling with a large group. Though truck racks are a useful choice, for a safer experience, it’s ideal to match them with cargo carriers, and many people are turning to rooftop cargo carriers to assist reduce the stress of road journeys.

A rooftop freight carrier can be in the form of bags, boxes, baskets, or rigid containers, among other things. They can be strapped to the roof of a car or secured to the aforementioned roof racks or roof rails with straps and door hooks.

List of Top 10 Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers in 2022 Reviews

1. RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the best roof bag.

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The robustness and longevity of the RoofBag rooftop freight carrier make it one of the best roof bags. This bag includes two heavy-duty nylon straps that can be used to secure the bag to vehicles without a roof rack, side rails, or cross roof bars. Installation on every car type is simple thanks to the user-friendly owner’s manual.

The high-quality straps, as well as the supplied protective mat, provide a more safe automobile ride by preventing slippage while on the road. As a result, any stored things are safe, and the vehicle’s surface is scratch-free. “The straps provided were solid and held the bag in place,” one reviewer confirmed.

Specifications

• 15 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• 48″ L x 38″ W x 11″-18″ H Dimensions: 48″ L x 38″ W x 11″-18″ H

2. The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box is the most user-friendly cargo carrier.

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Any vehicle with a roof rack will benefit from the Thule Force XT rooftop cargo box. With a quick-mount mechanism, these baggage carriers make road journeys much less stressful with simple installation that takes only five minutes. The technique was described as “absurdly simple” by one user.

Not only is installation simple, but the space within and around the product is also convenient. “It was unexpectedly roomy and access is quite straightforward, especially because it is hinged to open from either side,” one customer said. The unique feature of this roof box is that it does not obstruct trunk access, allowing customers to fully utilize that space as well.

Specifications

• 11 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• L x24.75″ W x16.75″ H Dimensions:74.75″ L x24.75″ W x16.75″ H

3. ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack—Best Cargo Carrier for Sporting Equipment

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The cargo capacity of most hard shell carriers and roof bags is limited, making it difficult to store bulkier or irregularly shaped things. The basket design of the ARKSEN universal roof rack, on the other hand, provides space and flexibility for athletic equipment that wouldn’t fit in a regular cargo box. This roof rack is made of robust steel and has a 150-pound weight capacity, making it ideal for tents, snowboards, and even kayaks.

“You can fit a ton of gear and big stuff on this rack,” one buyer said. It also includes a waterproof cargo bag with plenty of space for any luggage or gear that needs to be protected from water infiltration. “The bag has more than enough room to manage everything we couldn’t get in the car,” one satisfied buyer said. Everything within the backpack remained dry as we travelled through rain and snow storms.”

Specifications

• 21.5 cu. ft. storage capacity
• 64 Dimensions “6” H x 39″ L x 39″ W

4. Auto Dynasty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Cargo Carrier—Best Car Top Carriers for High Speeds

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There are a few concerns that can develop when going at highway speeds with a cargo box fitted on the car’s roof. Wind resistance can cause a loud whistling sound and drag the vehicle down. The loosening of straps and jostling of the container is another issue. Users of the Auto Dynasty cargo carrier, on the other hand, do not have to be concerned about any of these issues.

Owners of one of these carrier systems may enjoy a nice and safe ride knowing their stuff is protected, thanks to an aerodynamic design and a secure mounting mechanism that is relatively easy to install. “It survived 114 mph on the highway and didn’t budge,” one buyer affirmed. The long-lasting carrier is also resistant to wear and protects against the elements, as one buyer confirmed, “despite strong rain, winds, and snow, everything stayed dry.”

Specifications

11 cu. ft. of storage capacity

Dimensions: 53 inches “Dimensions: L x 34″ W x 15” H

5. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box—Best Car Top Carriers with Extra Security

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The SportRack Vista XL is distinguished by its rear opening function. This ensures that the box remains secure throughout the journey and does not open unexpectedly. “You may rest your mind knowing that the wind alone will keep this box sealed when travelling 80 mph down the highway,” one customer claimed. When accessing cargo, rear loading is also safer because it keeps people away from traffic and makes it easier to reach while parked.

This equipment “opens up high enough to input cargo from the sides,” according to one buyer, for higher and larger vehicles where the roof isn’t as accessible from the rear. The integrated lock and key also protects against the wind and even burglars, giving consumers peace of mind that their belongings will be safe if they need to leave their cargo on top of their vehicle overnight to stay at a hotel.

Specifications

• 18 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• L x38″ W x19″ H Dimensions “H.

6. Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier—Best Car Top Carriers for Good Gas Mileage

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The Thule Motion XT has a big storage capacity of 22 cubic feet and a 165-pound weight capability for heavy goods. This cargo box is incredibly aerodynamic and streamlined, allowing it to have less of a negative influence on gas fuel mileage despite its enormous size and ability to store heavy stuff. Some customers said that the cargo box only reduced their mileage by two miles per gallon, while others reported no effect.

“It does affect your gas mileage somewhat, as will anything that you strap onto your car that adds any weight,” one of the many satisfied customers said, “but its aerodynamic shape seems to be limiting this to a minimum.” According to one buyer, this model generates “just a very faint hum/whistle that can’t be heard over the radio.”

Specifications

• 22 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• 91.5 inches in length “Dimensions: L x 37.5″ W x 18” H

7.DESIGNB Rooftop Cargo Carrier—Best Expandable Roof Bag

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This handy roof bag is incredibly versatile thanks to the attached zipper that expands the DESIGNB rooftop cargo bag from 15 to 21 cubic feet. The customizable area allows larger families or traveling parties to pack all of their belongings into it, but it can also be collapsed to fit a single traveler’s luggage. This small size easily fits into the included storage bag, allowing it to be kept in the car for the next trip.

This bag is not only adaptable to a wide range of demands, but it is also compatible with the majority of automobiles. This box will fit on any car, whether it has side rails, roof racks, or none at all. Users may rest certain that their belongings will be secure thanks to an anti-slip mat and six door hooks. “My SUV doesn’t have a roof rail, so we utilized the offered door hooks to secure the baggage and it works great,” one buyer explained. They discovered that the bag didn’t move after five hours on the highway.

Specifications

• 15–21 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• 41.4″ L x 33.85″ W x 22.8″ H Dimensions “H.

8. Adakiit Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is the best high-grade PVC roof bag.

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Many consumers are concerned that if they choose a roof bag over a hard shell carrier, the product would acquire tears and rips in its material over time due to harsh winds or ordinary wear and tear. Nonetheless, the Adakiit rooftop cargo model’s heavy-duty wear resistance alleviates such concerns. This bag is made of three layers of 700D PVC fabric with double reinforced seams to keep it from tearing on the road.

“No matter how much movement from within the bag, the bag itself is incredibly strong and has not exhibited any symptoms of breaking or wearing out,” one satisfied consumer said. “There was no ripping of the bag; it really held up,” another customer said after driving 85-90 mph on a trip. Despite the fact that the material is waterproof, many reviewers found that the bag barely kept water out, so one commentator advised “securing anything you don’t want to get wet just in case.”

Specifications

• 15 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• 41″ L x 35″ W x 17″ H Dimensions: 41″ L x 35″ W x 17″ H

9. Asani Waterproof Car Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag is the best roof bag for the money.

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Some of the greatest cargo carriers on the market cost well over $800, but the Asani cargo bag fulfills the standard of some of the best cargo carriers on the market for a fraction of the cost. Users may keep their bags for a large family vacation with 15 cubic feet of storage space and a weight capacity of 99 pounds and still have money left over to enjoy their trip. “We easily fit luggage and boots in this backpack for seven persons,” one customer stated.

This bag not only has the same storage space as other cargo carriers, but it also “has good stitching and the material is of exceptional quality,” according to one delighted buyer. “The velcro double seam is to prevent water from going through the seams,” another buyer explained. “We got rained out during our camping trip,” one reviewer commented, “and several others corroborated the bag’s capacity to keep gear dry.” I can attest to the fact that it’s completely waterproof.”

Specifications

• 15 cu. ft. of storage capacity
• 44″ L x 34″ W x 17″ H Dimensions: 44″ L x 34″ W x 17″ H

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Buying a Car Top Carrier

Cargo carriers are useful not just for road trips, but also for everyday storage, sporting equipment storage, and camping gear storage. Despite the fact that all freight carriers serve the same fundamental objective, there are numerous diverse types. Our purchase guide will assist you in selecting the model that best suits your vehicle and your belongings.

Car top cargo boxes are useful for freeing up room in the trunk or purchasing items that are too large to fit in your vehicle. Having said that, there’s more to some of the greatest rooftop freight carriers than meets the eye. When looking for rooftop storage, it’s critical to know what to look for and what will work with your vehicle.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier Types

There are a few different sorts of cargo boxes on the market, and the type of container will frequently determine what type of roof configuration is required for installation as well as the type of goods it can hold.

Cargo Net Cargo Net

Cargo baskets are a sort of open-top carrier with short side rails for securing items. Because the area isn’t constrained by a hard top, they’re perfect for athletic equipment and other bulky items. These carrier styles are not suitable for luggage or other goods that may be damaged by rain since the basket shape does not provide protection from harsh weather conditions. Most luggage baskets, particularly cross bars, must be fastened to a roof rack.

Carrier with a Hard Shell

This variant has excellent water and wind resistance, making it ideal for storing goods such as suitcases and sleeping bags. These sorts of carriers are also more secure, as they usually come with a lock and key. This sort of storage container, like the cargo basket, must be attached to a roof rack.

Cargo on the Roof

The roof bag is extremely adaptable and may be used on a variety of cars. Its flexible texture makes it ideal for storing oddly shaped things. It may also be folded and stowed in a little amount of space. Strong and waterproof material is an important attribute to seek for in roof bags. Tears and rips, as well as water infiltration, are common problems with storage bags. This sort of carrier can be attached not only to roof racks, but also to side roof rails or to a roof without a roof rack.

Other Factors to Consider When Hiring a Cargo Carrier

Aside from vehicle compatibility and cargo box kinds, there are a few more things to consider when purchasing a cargo carrier. Because the volume that a box can carry varies widely, the most crucial consideration while buying should be storage capacity. This capacity is measured in cubic feet and tells consumers if a container will hold what they need, whereas the dimensions tell purchasers if the product will fit on the roof of their vehicle.

Large roof top cargo carriers can reduce the number of miles per gallon a car obtains by dragging it down. Aerodynamic models, on the other hand, prevent this by lowering wind resistance. Wind noise is also reduced by these designs.

It’s also crucial to consider how the cargo transporters will reach the equipment. If you require constant access, hard carriers or baskets are the ideal option, whereas a roof bag may be more difficult to unpack.

Some cargo carriers might be difficult to set up or remove, so if a quick-mount system is necessary for particular parking clearances or overnight stays, choose one with a quick-mount system. This technique uses a knob to secure the carrier to roof racks or roof rails, eliminating the need for tools.