Just because you may be able to fit everything into your car doesn’t mean that you should do it. Roof Cargo boxes are going to provide you with just some additional space so that you can store your items while ensuring both safety and comfort.
Just think, when you are driving, you always want to make sure that you have the maximum visibility in every direction, but if you overload your vehicle with luggage and other stuff, then it could block your vision through the rear windshield and most probably some other windows.
If you are going on a trip with more than one person or even pets, you will not want to block the seating places by keeping luggage either. Usually, Long car rides can be uncomfortable in general, but if you make them more uncomfortable by keeping luggage in their seating place, then it will nothing but just a pretty miserable ride.
1. Thule Motion XT
Thule is a very famous manufacturer of hard-bodied cargo boxes, and if you ever look for the best quality roof mount cargo carrier, at least one of their products will likely appear on any list that you will check out.
The Thule Motion XT is one of the best quality roof cargo boxes that you can buy today. Moreover, currently, it is a best seller on Amazon.
This roof cargo box exceeds in almost all sections that also includes space efficiency, aerodynamics, and vehicle fit, though some of the users reported that a handle is a little tricky to use.
The thing that makes this cargo box special from others is that it’s placed more on the front end of your vehicle so that you will be able to open your rear trunk door fully without any interruption.
This Thule cargo box comes with a pre-installed PowerClick mount system that makes installing the cargo box more straightforward, and the SlideLock system automatically secures the lid in place. It also comes with a torque indicator that informs you whether or not your cargo box is locked and secured correctly, which ensures not only security but also peace of mind as well.
The Motion XT is famous for its refined design that increases space efficiency and aerodynamics most. You will be able to get access to it from both sides of the vehicle, and the same as other Thule products, the Motion XT also comes with a sleek, slim, and attractive design.
Features:
- Simple process to open and shut all told circumstances because of grip-friendly outer handles and protecting lid lifters.
- Improved design for best space effectiveness, aerodynamics, and vehicle fit
- Easy to install with the help of its extra-space, pre-mount Power Click quick-install system. The integrated torque pointer clicks when it’s correctly mounted, ensuring fast and solid fitting.
- Full box entrance with low risk of contact with the cargo box because of its front position on the car roof
- A system called Sideclock, including locking and opening functions, automatically lock the lid in situ and shows when the box is locked securely.
- Comparatively lightweight, only 55 pounds, but it has a large weight capacity of 165 pounds.
- Thule T-track Adapter needed for fitting to Thule Sidebars. Thule WingBar Evo, SquareBar, ProBar and WingBar Edge are perfect for it.
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier, XXL , Black
- External dimensions: 91.5 x 37.5 x 18 inches | Internal dimensions: 84.5 x 33 x 16 inches
- Roof-mounted cargo box provides 22 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Fits 5-7 pairs of skis / 3-5 snowboards
- Load capacity: 165 pounds | Product Weight: 55 pounds
- Designed for optimal space efficiency, aerodynamics, and vehicle fit
2. Yakima Skybox Carbonite
This is a top-rated cargo box from Yakima. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite comes with a sturdy latching device and great durability. It also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer to ensure peace of mind.
With this Yakima cargo box, you will be able to enjoy a ride to the fullest with peace of mind understanding that your cargo box is secured on top of your car and protected from uneven terrain and harsh weather situations.
As with the Thule Motion, the Skybox also comes with features that inform you whether or not the box is settled properly, and there’s also a pleasant clicking sound that ensures that you have put the cargo box in the right place while installing this on top of your car.
This is another big cargo box, and you will be able to carry snowboards, skis, and all kinds of other gear with it. What makes it a perfect choice for sportier customers. Obviously, this also indicates that the Yakima will create an outstanding roof cargo box for luggage.
With great space, you can assuredly put luggage and luggage for the whole family. The Yakima roof cargo box comes in various sizes that go as large as 21 cubic feet. There is no assembly needed for the Yakima Skybox, though some people have told a less than easy mounting system.
The complexity you face may depend on the kind of car that you drive. Once after installing it on top of your car, you should not have to bother about it for the whole ride, and the aerodynamic design guarantees that you manage fuel economy.
Pros:
- Design hits the suitable spot for all-season use: it is a flexible size that matches most vehicles while maintaining sufficient capacity for skis and ponderous camping gear.
- Both side opening conveniently enables the box to be opened from either the right or left side. You can access it from both the driver and traveler sides.
- SuperLatch security guarantees your lid is safe to its base and your property is safe. It applies SKS lock cores so that you can use one set of keys for various Yakima products.
- Quick-release mounting hardware fits aerodynamic crossbars, square, factory, and Yakima round.
- The rear of the cargo box is reduced for enhanced hatch allowance.
Cons:
- Its stiff latches will be challenging to open.
- Aerodynamic shape and comparatively slight 15-inch peak height limit what you’ll bring to fairly low-profile items.
- The top-end surface of the box isn’t smooth, just like the other roof boxes.
YAKIMA – SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons and SUVs
- Sleek aerodynamic Carbonite textured lid; Designed with internal lid stiffeners for durability and easy open and close
- SuperLatch security ensures your lid is secure to its base, and your gear is safe; Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle; Tapered design reduces hatch interference
- No assembly required; Tool-free installation/removal from vehicle; SKS Locks included
3. SportRack Vista XL
The SportRack Vista is a very easy to mount roof cargo box. And you will be able to buy it at a more reasonable price than other roof cargo boxes on this list. It is also compatible with many factory roof racks.
The SportRack Vista XL comes with a durable, UV-resistant outer shell that helps this roof cargo box to keep your stuff safe and secure inside of the cargo box. And it comes with the U-bolt hardware mounting kit to install this roof box on top of your car that ensures that your cargo box will always stay in place during the trip.
Many people might recognize this as a “basic” cargo box because of its lower price, basic design, and integrity, but that doesn’t mean that it is any less capable. One of the most significant strains of cargo boxes is purchasing something that doesn’t simply attach to your car but with a high versatility rating; you should not face so many difficulties.
If you compare it to other roof cargo boxes, the Vista XL is comparably lightweight and very easy to mount. It comes with a secure enough locking system, and you can rest assured that all your stuff is safe inside the box.
Remember that the Vista will give you access from the rear end instead of an opening on the sides; depending on your choice, this may be more relaxed for you. The quick-release mechanism is very useful in terms of unloading your items, so if you are interested in an affordable but good-quality cargo box option, this could be the perfect one for you.
Pros:
- SportRack Vista cargo box could be a large cupboard space for your car, and also, the loading capacity is 100 lbs.
- You can instantly construct it on top of your car within minutes without any difficulty because the roof box fits most factory crossbars.
- This box could be a compound of high-quality ABS materials, and it’s durable, waterproof, UV-resistant, and sturdy.
- When required with a rare and unique rear-opening feature, straightforward access enables you to open the roof box from its rear.
Cons:
- The locks appear not the most effective quality; they provide a reliable and safe lock.
- It can create whistling at high speeds, but its noise levels are quiet compared to other cargo boxes within the market.
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (Black, 18 Cubic Feet)
- Fits SportRack Roof Rack Systems, square, round and most factory racks (Check fit guide)
- Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal included
- Rear opening for easy access away from traffic includes a key lock to secure contents in the box
- ABS construction that is durable and UV-resistant; Easy to clean with mild soap and water
- Min-max crossbars spacing: 23 5/8″ – 29 3/4″; Max weight capacity: 100 pounds
