15 Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2023

Whether you’re an experienced camper who likes to bring all the essentials, or a family of four who loves taking road trips together, you’ll want the best rooftop cargo boxes for your car.

With the right model, you’ll be able to hold more belongings while still being lightweight and secure. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best rooftop cargo boxes.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top 5 best rooftop cargo boxes on the market that are perfect for campers and adventurous families alike who want to carry their things with ease on top of their car. So if you’re ready for a new way to store and protect your belongings, read on!

Our Top 5 Rooftop Cargo Carriers Recommendations

1. Thule Motion XL

Overview

With up to 16 cubic feet of carrying capacity, the Motion XL gives campers the ability to bring along more gear without sacrificing their comfort or style. Featuring an aerodynamic shape and an easy-to-open lid, this rooftop cargo box can be installed in minutes and provides a secure place to store camping supplies.

Plus, its durable construction ensures that all your camping items are safe and sound no matter where you drive. So if you’re looking for the perfect way to carry your camping gear, Thule Motion XL is the ideal choice!

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The expansive interior space and the ability to attach various items makes it a great option for those who want to transport more than just luggage. However, some users may find the cost of the cargo box to be quite high compared with other brands.

Furthermore, while it comes with a lockable lid, it is not as secure or durable as some of the other models available.

All in all, the Thule Motion XL offers plenty of storage capacity, multiple attachment points and ease of use at a reasonable price – making it an ideal choice for anyone needing extra room on their adventure.

2. Thule Sidekick Cargo Box

Overview

With a storage capacity of 8 cubic feet, campers can easily fit all the essential gear they need in this rooftop cargo carrier. The aerodynamic design helps to reduce wind noise while driving and enhances fuel economy, giving campers peace of mind knowing that their belongings are stored safely and securely.

The Sidekick is also exceptionally easy to install with no drilling or tools required – just mount it on the roof rack, secure with straps and go! Make your next camping experience easy and comfortable with the Thule Sidekick Cargo Box.

Bottomline

The Thule Sidekick Cargo Box is a great addition to any road trip. Its sturdy construction and roomy interior make it perfect for carrying all sorts of items, from luggage to camping supplies. The unique design also makes it easy to store on your vehicle in a variety of ways, so you can make the most of your available space.

Additionally, the box itself is very affordable compared to other cargo boxes on the market. Despite its low cost, however, the quality may be slightly lower than more expensive models. It’s important to bear this in mind when considering its long-term durability.

Overall, the Thule Sidekick Cargo Box is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable cargo box that combines ease of storage with plenty of space. It’s ideal for both frequent and occasional road trips, offering generous capacity without sacrificing too much in terms of build quality.

3. INNO Wedge 660

Overview

This box offers plenty of space for larger items and is easy to install with the included universal mounting system. It also features a central lock system which allows you to open and close both sides of the box at once and keep your possessions secure.

The wedge 660 also has an extra-long mounting rail providing additional support and stability for heavier items.

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Its universal compatibility and construction make the device both easy to use and secure. It also comes with a variety of additional features like wireless fob, adjustable wedge, and automatic door unlocking.

When it comes to drawbacks, there are some issues with its size and design that can make it hard to store in some places. Additionally, the cost of replacing the batteries can be significant when done frequently, as many users find themselves doing after several months of usage.

In conclusion, although the INNO Wedge 660 has a few downsides, it remains an effective car entry tool that is compatible with almost all vehicles on the road today. When used correctly it provides a high level of security while being fast and reliable.

4. Yakima GrandTour 16

Overview

With a capacity of 16 cubic feet, this box gives you plenty of space to store camping equipment and other necessities for your trip. It is also designed to fit securely to most styles of roof rack systems, making it ideal for cars with smaller roof racks or roof rails.

Not only does GrandTour 16 offer great storage space, but it is also lightweight, durable and easy to install. So whether you’re planning an outdoor getaway or just looking for extra storage on your next road trip, the Yakima GrandTour 16 will make sure your things stay safe and secure.

Bottomline

It is spacious enough to fit multiple luggage items, durable enough to protect your belongings from the elements, and comes with an impressive array of features for added convenience.

The downsides are that it is on the pricier side and can be tricky to assemble. However, considering its quality, features and versatility, the Yakima GrandTour 16 is definitely worth the investment.

5. RoofBag Car Top Carrier

Overview

Enjoy the convenience of packing more items like tents, sleeping bags, and other gear without worrying about limited space inside your vehicle. Our top-rated carriers offer superior protection with 100% waterproof fabric that shields your belongings from rain, dirt, and dust while preventing any shift in position during transit.

Plus, our easy installation system ensures that you can quickly attach and secure your RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier onto the roof of your car in minutes – no tools required!

Bottomline

The RoofBag Car Top Carrier is an ideal product for any family looking to travel with their extra gear. It is rugged and durable, easy to install and remove, water-proof and dust proof, has a load capacity of up to 200 lbs., and comes with a two-year warranty. The straps are adjustable which makes it a great fit for almost every vehicle.

The biggest downside to this product could be the cost. At approximately $250USD, it does require a hefty investment. However, it should also be noted that due to its durability, the RoofBag Car Top Carrier may last years and thus make it a sound long-term investment.

Overall, the RoofBag Car Top Carrier is an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable car top carrier storage. Its convenience and affordability are hard to beat and make it an ideal selection for any family or individual on the go.

Special Mentions

6. Yakima Skybox 12 Carbonite

Overview

The Yakima Skybox 12 Carbonite is a great choice for campers looking for a reliable, secure storage option for their equipment. Its 12 cubic feet of space makes it perfect for storing camping gear, bikes, skis and other bulky items.

The lid opens extra wide to allow easy access and it comes with a SuperLoft interior that increases storage capacity while providing cushioning for delicate items.

Bottomline

Its lightweight carbonite construction and easy-to-use installation make it ideal for adventurers who don’t want to sacrifice storage space when packing their gear.

The generous interior size is large enough to fit most mid-sized items, while the aerodynamic design minimizes drag and wind noise.

On the downside, it can be difficult to access the contents with the lid open, and some users have reported that it takes a little longer than expected to install. All in all, this product is an excellent option if you’re in need of extra storage space on top of your vehicle.

7. SportRack Vista XL

Overview

Its extra-large capacity makes it ideal for larger families or groups of campers who need reliable storage space for their camping and outdoor supplies. T

he heavy-duty construction can withstand heavy loads, and its adjustable design makes it easy to customize for different sizes and shapes of items. The SportRack Vista XL also comes with a convenient carrying case, so you can easily take it wherever your adventure takes you.

With its sturdy frame and reliable construction, the SportRack Vista XL provides secure storage that will last through even the most rugged camping trips.

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The SportRack Vista XL is a great option for any parent looking to safely transport their kids and their gear. It’s easy to install, with adjustable straps that make it compatible with most cars. The steel construction also makes it highly durable, so you can be sure your kids will be safe.

It does have its drawbacks, however. The price point is a little higher than some other roof racks, and the bulky size makes it difficult to store when not in use. Additionally, there are reports of rust developing on the metal surface over time.

Overall, the SportRack Vista XL is an effective choice for anyone who needs to carry a lot of gear reliably and safely. Its construction and design make it sturdy and durable, though some people might be put off by the higher price tag or worry about potential rusting.

8. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

Overview

With its aerodynamic shape and stylish design, the cargo box fits perfectly on most roof racks while giving your vehicle a sleek silhouette.

Built with tough ABS plastic construction, this box provides an extra 15 cubic feet of secure storage space – enough to store camping equipment, outdoor gear, and even bulky luggage. And with easy access from both sides and secure locks, you can get to your things quickly with no hassle.

Bottomline

Its durable construction and secure mounting system make it an ideal choice for long-distance journeys or for daily commutes. It also has enough room to fit all of your belongings, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to transport larger items.

The downsides are that the box is fairly pricey and it can be difficult to install without help from another person.

9. Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box

Overview

With a capacity of up to 11 cubic feet, the box can easily store items like tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and much more. Featuring an aerodynamic design and large side openings, it’s easy to access your stored items quickly and conveniently.

The box also comes with TSA-approved locks that provide extra peace of mind. Make sure your camping trip is stress-free with the Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box!

Bottomline

It’s spacious enough to fit a lot of luggage, yet its aerodynamic design ensures that there is minimal wind drag while driving. Installing the box is a breeze and requires only basic tools.

The Pulse also features dual-side opening for easy access to the cargo area, as well as integrated locks which provide extra peace of mind when leaving your belongings in the car unattended.

Overall, we can conclude that the Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box offers great value for money. Its impressive build quality and user-friendly features make it ideal for those with an active lifestyle who need more storage space on their cars’ rooftops.

10. Rhino Rack MasterFit Roof Box

Overview

It has an aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag, making it particularly useful for long distance travel. Its exterior is built with thick polyethylene, giving it superior weather resistance and durability.

The roof box also features an adjustable mounting system so you can easily set it up on any vehicle roof rack in minutes. With its large capacity of up to 450 liters, you’ll be able to fit all your camping gear and more!

Bottomline

It has superior durability and robust construction that will last for years of use. The box is also easy to install, providing convenience to the user. As far as cons are concerned, the box can be relatively expensive compared to other similar products on the market and its size may not be suitable for all car models.

All in all, the Rhino Rack MasterFit Roof Box is a great choice for those needing extra storage space, with few drawbacks.

11. Thule Vector Alpine

Overview

It features a lightweight yet durable design that will keep you warm in even the coldest temperatures. The Vector Alpine’s large interior offers plenty of space for your gear, while its waterproof construction keeps out rain and snow.

Its adjustable mesh top vent allows for easy ventilation, letting you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting wet or too cold. Whether you’re setting up camp in the backcountry or trekking on a long-distance journey, the Thule Vector Alpine will be an invaluable part of your equipment.

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It is both lightweight and durable, making transporting your skis during a ski holiday a breeze. The included key lock ensures that your skis are safe and secure, even if you leave them in the car for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, the box itself is aerodynamic and has an attractive design, making it look nice on top of your car.

On the downside, the Thule Vector Alpine is relatively expensive compared to other ski boxes from other brands and does not include any mounting hardware. This means that you will have to purchase the necessary hardware separately in order for it to fit your vehicle correctly.

Overall, the Thule Vector Alpine is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and secure way to transport their skis while traveling on ski holidays.

The included key lock adds extra security while its aerodynamic design makes it look great on top of your car. However, you will need to buy mounting hardware separately in order for it to fit correctly with your vehicle.

12. GoPlus Rooftop Carrier

Overview

With a GoPlus Carrier, you can easily bring all the camping supplies you need with you on your road trip. You can store additional cargo and not have to worry about packing everything inside your vehicle.

The carrier also allows you to travel light and carry bulky items such as tents, sleeping bags, extra coolers, and more! GoPlus Carriers come in a variety of sizes to make sure you get the capacity you need from your rooftop carrier.

Bottomline

It’s a lightweight, waterproof bag that easily straps onto your car’s roof rack or crossbars. The installation process is straightforward and easy to do. With the GoPlus Rooftop Carrier, you can quickly and safely store more items in the extra space without sacrificing your car’s performance.

On the other hand, the price tag for the GoPlus Rooftop Carrier might be a bit too steep for some people. Also, it has no pockets which means that you need to find another way to organize your things inside of it if you want an effortless loading experience.

13. Yakima CBX Solar 16

Overview

It holds up to 16 cubic feet of camping gear, so there’s plenty of storage space for all your essentials. The top is made from strong yet lightweight aluminum, and it comes with integrated handles and locks for security.

Plus, the included solar panel will keep your gear cool during hot summer days. Get ready for your next camping adventure with the Yakima CBX Solar 16!

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Its sturdy construction, simple installation and secure attachment mechanisms make it the go-to option for bike enthusiasts of all kinds.

On the other hand, its weight and bulkiness might be prohibitive depending on the size and type of vehicle you are using. All in all, the Yakima CBX Solar 16 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable roof rack system that can keep up with your outdoor adventures.

14. Jegs Rooftop Carrier

Overview

The Jegs Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the perfect companion for campers – its lightweight design and adjustable straps make it easy to attach and secure to the roof of any vehicle. The carrier offers enough space to store camping gear, from tents and sleeping bags to folding chairs and coolers. Plus, its rust-resistant construction ensures years of use without worry. With Jegs Rooftop Carrier, campers can easily transport their camping gear while they explore the great outdoors.

Bottomline

The Jegs Rooftop Carrier is a great way to maximize the capacity of your vehicle’s roof. It can easily be mounted and securely strapped down compared to most cargo boxes, and its size is great for carrying large items such as camping equipment or skis. On the other hand, its wide profile means that it may not fit on all vehicles – especially lower-profile sports cars.

Overall, the Jegs Rooftop Carrier offers great convenience when you need to do some serious hauling without taking up too much space in your car. The price is also quite reasonable given the features it has to offer.

15. Yakima Skybox 16

Overview

A Yakima Skybox 16 is a car top cargo box designed to provide additional storage space while you’re traveling. It can accommodate camping gear, clothing, and other items needed for a campout. The Skybox 16 features an aerodynamic shape that reduces drag and noise, making it ideal for long trips. It also offers quick release mounting hardware and provides access from either side of the vehicle, so loading and unloading gear is easy. With its large storage capacity and its lightweight construction, it’s perfect for campers wanting extra space on their next adventure!

Bottomline

The Yakima Skybox 16 is an excellent rooftop cargo box that offers a large amount of storage space and good security. It’s easy to install and is built from durable materials, so it should last many years. The aerodynamic design helps reduce drag while driving, improving fuel economy. On the downside, the Yakima Skybox 16 isn’t as affordable as some other cargo boxes on the market and its bulky size makes it difficult to store inside a garage or shed. But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to the Yakima Skybox 16 – you get a lot of great features for an acceptable price.

Conclusion

Camping can be a great way to get away from it all, but for some campers, the best way to make the most of their trip is to invest in a rooftop cargo box. Rooftop cargo boxes provide security, peace of mind and easy access to your camping supplies. By finding the right roof box for your vehicle, you can turn any car or truck into an adventure vehicle ready for the open road.

When searching for the best rooftop cargo box, consider size, capacity and overall durability; this will help ensure that your gear is protected throughout your entire journey. Investing in a quality product with superior construction gives you maximum benefit and use over time.

If you are looking for reliable options when it comes to rooftop cargo boxes, then our list of the 5 best rooftop cargo boxes for campers should help you choose the perfect option for your needs. Choose wisely and enjoy all the benefits that a quality rooftop cargo box has to offer!

So make sure you’re prepared before embarking on your next outdoor adventure by investing in one of these great products – they won’t let you down! And don’t forget to leave us a comment about which one was perfect for your needs; we’d love hear about it!

FAQs

Q: What is a rooftop cargo box?

A: A rooftop cargo box is an enclosed storage container that attaches to the roof of a vehicle and provides additional secure space for transporting cargo. They come in many different sizes and styles, and can be used to store items such as camping gear, luggage, sports equipment, or any other item you need to transport.

Q: What are the best rooftop cargo boxes?

A: The best rooftop cargo boxes depend on your individual needs. If you plan on carrying a lot of weight, look for a model with reinforced construction and heavy-duty locks. If you want convenience and easy access to your goods, opt for a model with quick release mounts and internal dividers. Some of the best brands include Thule, Yakima, Kuat, Rhino Rack, INNO and SportRack.

Q: What types of vehicles can I use a rooftop cargo box on?

A: Rooftop cargo boxes are designed to fit most vehicles with roof racks installed already; however, it’s best to double check compatibility before purchasing one. Generally speaking they are compatible with SUVs, minivans, hatchbacks or sedans.

Q: How much weight can these containers carry?

A: Most rooftop cargo boxes have a maximum weight capacity between 110-165 lbs depending on the make and model. Make sure to choose one that is rated for at least 10% more than the total weight of all items you intend to put inside it.

Q: Is installation difficult?

A: Depending on the model chosen most rooftop cargo boxes require only basic tools for installation which usually take about half an hour or less to complete.