Roof rack cargo carriers are a must-have accessory for those who love adventures and travel frequently. These carriers are highly useful for outdoor activities such as camping and cycling, helping to enhance the storage capacity of your vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s vital to pick the appropriate cargo carrier to ensure that your goods are safeguarded and secure during your trip.
The best roof rack cargo carrier should be sturdy, spacious, and weather-resistant. Also, it should offer easy loading and unloading, fit securely to your roof rack, and most importantly, not compromise your safety. Using an unsuitable cargo carrier can result in damage to your belongings, vehicle, and even risk safety.
When purchasing a roof rack cargo carrier, consider the build quality, carrying capacity, durability, and user reviews. The carrier should ideally be constructed from strong, yet lightweight materials like aluminum or reinforced plastic, and it should be fully assembled for user convenience.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best roof rack cargo carrier. We’ve carried out comprehensive research, tested various carriers, and even received feedback from active users to identify the models that offer the best performance, durability, and value for money. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the necessary information to select a carrier that perfectly suits your requirements.
Best Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
Choosing the appropriate roof rack cargo carrier is critical for ensuring a stress-free and safe travel experience. The carrier should offer ample space for your equipment, be durable, weather-resistant, easy to install, and not hinder vehicle handling. With so many options available on the market, selecting the most suitable one can be a daunting task. To help you, we have compiled a list of the best roof rack cargo carriers based on our thorough testing and performance analysis. This list will offer valuable insight into the various options and arm you with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase.
WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack, 150Lbs Capacity Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, Car, Truck, Traveling, Steel Construction
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty roof rack that can handle your outdoor gear and camping equipment, the WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack is worth considering.
Pros
- The 150Lbs capacity cargo basket is large enough to hold all your gear, and the two side extenders provide extra space.
- The anti-rust and anti-corrosion treatment ensures long-lasting durability, even in harsh weather conditions.
- The installation process is straightforward, and the rack is compatible with most roof rails.
Cons
- The assembly process can be time-consuming, and some users have reported difficulty with the screws.
- The rack is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The price point is higher than some other roof racks on the market.
We’ve used the WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack for several camping trips, and it has performed well. The cargo basket is spacious and sturdy, and the extension sides are a nice bonus. We appreciate the powder-coated finish, which not only looks great but also provides protection against the elements.
The installation process was straightforward, and the rack fits securely on our vehicle’s roof rails. However, the assembly process can be time-consuming, and some users have reported difficulty with the screws. Additionally, the rack is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
Overall, we think the WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack is a solid choice for anyone in need of a heavy-duty roof rack. While it may be a bit pricey and require some patience during assembly, its durability and spaciousness make it worth the investment.
MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag 20 Cubic feet Waterproof for All Cars with/Without Rack, Includes Anti-Slip Mat, 10 Reinforced Straps, 6 Door Hooks, Luggage Lock
If you’re looking for a spacious and durable cargo carrier bag for your car, the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK might be worth considering.
Pros
- With a capacity of 20 cubic feet, this cargo carrier bag is one of the largest in the market, making it perfect for long trips and outdoor adventures.
- Made of 100% Oxford Cloth, this bag is waterproof and tear-resistant, ensuring your cargo stays dry and safe during rain or snow.
- Equipped with 10 reinforced straps, 6 door hooks, and 2 luggage locks, this cargo carrier bag is easy to install and provides secure storage for your belongings.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the straps are not long enough to go around some car models, which can make the bag difficult to secure.
- The bag’s weight is 8.8 lbs, which might be too heavy for some users to carry around.
- While the bag is waterproof, some users have reported that it’s not completely airtight, which can cause moisture buildup inside the bag.
Overall, the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is a great option for those who need a spacious and durable cargo carrier bag for their car. Its waterproof and tear-resistant material, along with its secure storage features, make it a reliable choice for any outdoor adventure.
MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks – 150 lb. Capacity
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable rooftop cargo carrier, the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The carrier’s heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
- The integrated tailgate design allows for easy access to the cargo area.
- The 150 lb. weight capacity is sufficient for carrying a variety of gear and equipment.
Cons
- The carrier may be difficult to install for those who are not experienced with roof rack systems.
- The carrier’s dimensions may not be suitable for those with limited cargo space needs.
- The carrier’s black finish may show scratches and scuffs over time.
We’ve used the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket to transport a variety of gear, including camping equipment, sports equipment, and even a small dog. The carrier’s heavy-duty steel construction has held up well over time, and the integrated tailgate design has made it easy to load and unload gear.
One potential downside to the carrier is its installation process. While the included hardware and instructions make it relatively straightforward, those who are not experienced with roof rack systems may find it challenging. Additionally, the carrier’s dimensions may not be suitable for those with limited cargo space needs.
Overall, we would recommend the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket to anyone in need of a reliable and sturdy rooftop cargo carrier.
Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 21 Cubic Feet 100% Waterproof Heavy Duty 840D Car Roof Bag for All Vehicle with/Without Racks – Anti-Slip Mat, 6 Door Hooks, Storage Bag, 2 Extra Straps
If you’re looking for a spacious and waterproof cargo bag for your car, the Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag might be worth considering.
Pros
- The 21 cubic feet capacity of this cargo bag is spacious enough to accommodate a lot of items, making it ideal for long trips.
- Made of 840D heavy-duty fabric, this cargo bag is built to last and can withstand different weather conditions.
- The anti-slip mat at the bottom of the cargo bag prevents it from sliding around on your car’s roof, ensuring a secure fit.
Cons
- The Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is relatively heavy, weighing 18.7 pounds, which may make it difficult to handle for some people.
- The zippers of the cargo bag are not of the best quality, which may cause issues over time.
- The bag is not as easy to install as some other cargo bags on the market.
This cargo bag is a great option for those who need extra storage space for their car trips. Its spacious design and waterproof material make it a reliable choice for any weather condition. However, it may not be the best option for those who are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle cargo bag.
If you’re willing to put in some effort to install the bag and don’t mind its weight, the Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is a solid choice that can provide you with a lot of storage space for your car trips.
Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Upgrade Waterproof Design Luggage Roof Rack Cargo Bag 15 Cubic feet for All Cars with/Without Rack, Includes Anti-Slip Mat, 2 Reinforced Straps
If you’re looking for a spacious and waterproof cargo carrier for your car, the Upgrade Waterproof Design Luggage Roof Rack Cargo Bag by Lifewit is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With a total capacity of 15 cubic feet, this cargo carrier is spacious enough to accommodate all your outdoor gear, camping equipment, and other large items.
- Made with 600D Oxford Cloth and coated with 2 layers of waterproof coating, this cargo carrier is built to last and will keep your items dry even in heavy rain.
- The cargo bag comes with an anti-slip mat and 2 reinforced straps to ensure a secure fit on your car’s roof. The straps are also long enough to wrap around your car’s cargo carrier to keep everything in place.
Cons
- The cargo bag’s reflective logo may not be to everyone’s liking.
- Some users have reported that the cargo carrier’s zippers can be a bit finicky.
- The cargo carrier’s carrying handle may not be as sturdy as some users would like.
We’ve used the Upgrade Waterproof Design Luggage Roof Rack Cargo Bag to transport a variety of items, from camping gear to groceries, and we’ve been impressed with its durability and waterproofing capabilities. The cargo carrier’s spacious design and sturdy construction make it a great choice for anyone looking to maximize their car’s cargo space.
One of the standout features of this cargo carrier is its waterproof design. The 600D Oxford Cloth material is tough and durable, while the 2 layers of waterproof coating ensure that your items stay dry even in the rain. We’ve tested the cargo carrier in various weather conditions, and we’re confident that it can withstand even the most extreme conditions.
In addition to its waterproofing capabilities, the Upgrade Waterproof Design Luggage Roof Rack Cargo Bag also comes with a number of convenient features. The anti-slip mat helps to keep your items in place during transit, while the 2 reinforced straps ensure a secure fit on your car’s roof. We’ve also found the cargo carrier’s reflective logo to be a helpful safety feature, as it makes the carrier more visible in low-light conditions.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Upgrade Waterproof Design Luggage Roof Rack Cargo Bag to anyone in the market for a spacious and durable cargo carrier. With its waterproof design, convenient features, and sturdy construction, this cargo carrier is sure to make your next road trip a success.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best roof rack cargo carrier, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the cargo carrier are important considerations. Make sure to choose a carrier that is large enough to accommodate your gear, but not so large that it becomes difficult to install or handles poorly on the road. Consider the weight capacity as well, especially if you plan to carry heavy items.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the cargo carrier are also important factors. Look for carriers made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and the rigors of road travel. Consider the warranty as well, as a good warranty can give you peace of mind in case of defects or other issues.
Ease of Installation
The ease of installation is another important consideration. Look for carriers that are easy to install and remove, and that can be secured to the roof rack tightly and securely. Some carriers may require additional hardware or tools for installation, so be sure to check what is included in the package.
Compatibility
Make sure to choose a cargo carrier that is compatible with your vehicle and roof rack. Some carriers may be designed specifically for certain makes and models, while others may be more universal. Be sure to check the dimensions and weight capacity of your roof rack as well, to ensure that the carrier is a good fit.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some carriers may come with built-in tie-down points or adjustable straps for securing your gear, while others may have additional compartments or pockets for storage. Think about what features are most important to you, and choose a carrier that meets your needs.
