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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.
Summary List
- Thule Canyon XT
- Haul-Master Cargo Carrier
- Yakima Off-Grid
- Thule Motion XT Storage Bundle
- Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro Storage Box
- Mystery Ranch High Water Duffel
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
Best Overall
Thule Canyon XT
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 41 in x W 39 in x H 5 in
Best Value
Haul-Master Cargo Carrier
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 46 in x W 36 in x H 4.5 in
Best Premium
Yakima Off-Grid
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 150 pounds
- Dimensions L 53 in x W 49 in x H 7 in
Best Roof Box System
Thule Motion XT Storage Bundle
Pros
- Complete system
- Large storage capacity
- Aerodynamic
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
- Requires tall garage or short vehicle
Specs
- Weight Capacity 165 pounds
- Dimensions L 84.5 in x W 36 in x H 17 in
Best Waterproof Boxes
Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro Storage Box
Pros
- Rugged
- Waterproof
- Pack of four
Cons
- Not super big per box
- Securing can sometimes be annoying
Specs
- Weight Capacity As much as you can carry.
- Dimensions L 20.1 in x W 15.7 in x H 9.1 in
Best Luggage Bag
Mystery Ranch High Water Duffel
Pros
- Waterproof
- Large capacity
- Removable and be used as a backpack
Cons
- Expensive
- Not hardened
Specs
- Weight Capacity 50-liters
- Dimensions L 23.75 in x W 9.75 in x H 14.75 in
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.
Some are. Some, like the baskets, aren’t as they’re more cargo space and you’ll need to add waterproof storage with it.
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.
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.
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.
