Best Cargo Roof Racks: Carry More Cargo Wherever the Road May Take You
Learn all about the best roof-mounted cargo carriers
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Though interior space has become greater and greater as cars become larger and larger, especially with the advent of the electric car, space is always at a premium when it comes to road trips. Everyone just has too much stuff to fit comfortably within the confines of your ride. And that’s why a roof rack to store all your extra cargo can be such a useful tool.
Designed to move all your cargo above the fray of children fighting, parents exasperated, and pets slobbering, a roof rack is the perfect companion piece to any long-distance road trip. But because it’s such a lovely tool, there are about 10,000 knock-offs of quality systems available. How do you weed through that? Easy, you read the below and follow The Drive’s advice. Let’s get you on the road.
Thule Canyon XT
- Name-brand quality
- Large capacity
- Expandable for further capacity
- Doesn’t come with crossbars
- Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp.
Haul-Master Cargo Carrier
- Inexpensive
- Strong
- Solid warranty for price
- Doesn’t come with crossbars
- Not expandable
- Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp.
Yakima Off-Grid
- Ruggedness
- Large weight and storage capacity
- Expandable for further capacity
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come with crossbars
- Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp.
Summary List
Our Methodology
I’ve used a number of different brand-name roof racks in my time crisscrossing the country, as well as those attached to my Can-Am side-by-side. Through the years, I’ve seen good roof racks and bad, bent bars, damaged gear, and more. I’ve also picked a number of traditional roof baskets and boxes. However, I also threw in two pieces of cargo storage that attach to already installed roof racks to give your more options to fit your potential needs.
Suffice it to say, I used all that experience to pick the best-of-the-best cargo roof racks available right now, that way you don’t have to worry when you set off. So let’s get into my picks and find an open road.
Best Rooftop Cargo Carrier Reviews and Recommendations
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Dimensions: L 41 in x W 39 in x H 5 in
Pros
Name-brand quality
Large capacity
Expandable for further capacity
Cons
Doesn’t come with crossbars
Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Dimensions: L 46 in x W 36 in x H 4.5 in
Pros
Inexpensive
Strong
Solid warranty for price
Cons
Doesn’t come with crossbars
Not expandable
Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Dimensions: L 53 in x W 49 in x H 7 in
Pros
Ruggedness
Large weight and storage capacity
Expandable for further capacity
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t come with crossbars
Still requires weather-resistant baggage or tarp
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 165 pounds
- Dimensions: L 84.5 in x W 36 in x H 17 in
Pros
Complete system
Large storage capacity
Aerodynamic
Cons
Expensive
Large
Requires tall garage or short vehicle
Specs
- Weight Capacity: As much as you can carry.
- Dimensions: L 20.1 in x W 15.7 in x H 9.1 in
Pros
Rugged
Waterproof
Pack of four
Cons
Not super big per box
Securing can sometimes be annoying
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 50-liters
- Dimensions: L 23.75 in x W 9.75 in x H 14.75 in
Pros
Waterproof
Large capacity
Removable and be used as a backpack
Cons
Expensive
Not hardened
Our Verdict
While there are a ton of copycats around the web, the Thule Canyon XT is the best around. From the name-brand quality to the expandable capacity, it’s a great buy. But if that’s not what you’re looking for, each of the other picks here will get you going and your gear protected.
Features To Look Out For
Types
There are a couple types of rooftop cargo carriers available to you, including baskets, bags, and enclosed boxes. Each has its own pros and cons, and you’ll decide which works best for your application and setup.
Most people choose the basket-type cargo carrier, as it’s one of the most versatile options. However, you’ll then need something that’s weather-resistant to throw into it in order to use it properly. So make sure you think about what you’re going to do with your cargo carrier.
Features
As with everything these days, these rooftop cargo carriers come with their own set of features. Some boxes come with bespoke attachment points, while others have expandable sections like the cargo baskets. Those same cargo baskets also might have the option to install accessory lighting. Check out which works best for you and again, what you want to do with it.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Are rooftop cargo carriers waterproof?
Some are. Some, like the baskets, aren’t as they’re more cargo space and you’ll need to add waterproof storage with it.
How fast can you drive with rooftop cargo carriers?
That depends on the manufacturer’s specifications. You’ll need to consult them, but hard boxes like the Thule can reach highway speeds without issue due to its more aerodynamic design.
Can you overload a rooftop cargo carrier?
Yes, you can. Like anything, you can overload the cargo carrier and it could snap its mounting hardware and fall off, resulting in a dangerous situation for those behind you.
Does a cargo carrier work with a sunroof?
So long as you have a roof rack, you can throw a rooftop cargo carrier onto your car. You’ll just lose the ability to stick your head out of the sunroof.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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