Those who have a passion for outdoor adventures and often carry heavy gear for trips should view cargo racks as indispensable. These racks offer a convenient way to haul items such as bikes, skis, kayaks, and other large items. Proper installation is vital, not only for safety but also to prolong your vehicle’s lifespan. To fully capitalize on the benefits of a cargo rack, it is recommended to invest in the best quality option on the market.
The best cargo racks should be sturdy, versatile, and easy to install. They should also have a weight and size capacity that fit your specific requirements and vehicle type. Using the incorrect cargo rack for your vehicle can lead to damage, instability and safety concerns.
When buying a cargo rack, it’s important to pay attention to the materials used, weight capacity, rack type, and compatibility with your vehicle. The cargo rack should be constructed from robust materials such as steel or aluminum to ensure its ability to carry heavy loads and withstand harsh weather conditions.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of choosing the best cargo racks for your needs. We have conducted extensive research, and have tested numerous cargo racks to provide you with the best selections. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to choose a cargo rack that best suits your lifestyle and your vehicle.
Best Cargo Racks
Choosing the right cargo rack for your vehicle is critical to the safety of your gear, vehicle, and ultimately, yourself. The cargo rack should be durable, capable of carrying your load, and compatible with your vehicle. With the plethora of options available on the market, deciding the best cargo rack may seem like a daunting task. But fear not. In this guide, we have collated a list of the best cargo racks that we have tried and tested, allowing you to choose confidently and precisely as per your requirements.
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 all your camping gear, the WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The basket has a capacity of 150 lbs, making it perfect for storing camping gear, kayaks, bikes, and other outdoor equipment.
- The rack is made of heavy-duty steel tubing, which makes it sturdy and durable.
- The rack is easy to install and can be installed by yourself without any professional help.
Cons
- The rack may not fit all car models, so it’s important to measure your car’s roof before purchasing.
- The rack may be too heavy for some car models, so it’s important to check your car’s weight capacity before purchasing.
- The rack may be difficult to remove, especially if you’ve loaded it with heavy gear.
The WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack is a great option for those who need extra storage space for their camping gear. The basket’s capacity of 150 lbs makes it perfect for storing kayaks, bikes, and other outdoor equipment. The rack is also made of heavy-duty steel tubing, which makes it sturdy and durable. However, it’s important to note that the rack may not fit all car models and may be too heavy for some. Overall, if you’re in need of a heavy-duty roof rack, the WEIZE 64 x 39 Inch Heavy Duty Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.
Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack, 52 inches, Pack of 2, Black
If you’re in the market for a new roof rack, the Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack is a solid choice.
Pros
- The crossbar set fits all rack styles and fits most cars with a factory rack.
- The integrated T-track design allows for easy attachment of accessories.
- The roof rack is built to last, with a powder-coated finish and reinforced mounting points.
Cons
- The installation process can be time-consuming and requires some trial and error.
- The rack may not fit all vehicle models, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.
- The crossbars may not be long enough for some vehicles, requiring additional purchases for a complete set.
We’ve used the Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its durability and ease of use. The integrated T-track design is a standout feature, allowing us to easily attach accessories like bike mounts and cargo carriers.
The rack’s powder-coated finish and reinforced mounting points give us confidence that it will withstand years of use, even in harsh weather conditions. Plus, the fact that it fits all rack styles and most factory racks means we don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
However, the installation process can be a bit tricky, requiring some trial and error to get the rack aligned properly. Additionally, it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing, as the rack may not fit all vehicle models.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a new roof rack and want a solid, durable option that’s easy to use, the Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack is definitely worth considering.
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 durable roof rack cargo carrier, the MaxxHaul 70115 is worth considering.
Pros
- The 46x36x4.5 inch cargo carrier is designed to fit 2004-2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and similar trucks, making it a great fit for truck owners.
- With a 150-pound weight capacity, this cargo carrier can hold a significant amount of gear and equipment.
- The powder-coated steel construction ensures that the cargo carrier is sturdy and durable, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cons
- The cargo carrier does not come with mounting hardware, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
- Some customers have reported that the carrier is difficult to assemble, although this seems to be a rare issue.
- While the cargo carrier is weather-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, so you’ll need to cover your gear if you expect rain.
Overall, the MaxxHaul 70115 is a solid choice for anyone in need of a roof rack cargo carrier. It’s well-designed, sturdy, and can hold a significant amount of gear. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase mounting hardware separately, and the carrier is not completely waterproof.
TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket
If you’re looking for a spacious and durable roof cargo carrier, the TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The 43”x 35”x 4.7” cargo space can hold two large suitcases, making it perfect for long road trips.
- The upgraded anti-rust design ensures long-lasting durability and safety, even in harsh weather conditions.
- The wind fairing can be easily removed and installed to block wind noise, making your ride more comfortable.
Cons
- The assembly process may require some time and effort, but it’s worth it for the end result.
- The carrier may not fit all car models, so make sure to measure your roof before purchasing.
- The cargo basket may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions, so use it at your own risk.
We’ve used the TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The cargo space is spacious enough to hold all our camping gear, and the upgraded anti-rust design ensures that the carrier will last for years to come.
The wind fairing is also a great addition, as it blocks out most of the wind noise during long drives. The installation process was straightforward, and the carrier fits securely on top of our SUV.
One thing to keep in mind is that the assembly process may take some time, but it’s worth it for the end result. Also, make sure to measure your roof before purchasing, as the carrier may not fit all car models.
Overall, we highly recommend the TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket for anyone in need of a spacious and durable roof cargo carrier.
ECOTRIC 64″ x 38″ x 4” Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension Heavy Duty Steel Car SUV Top Luggage Storage Holder Basket for Travel 250LBS Weight Capacity
If you’re looking for a cargo carrier basket that can handle heavy loads, the ECOTRIC 64″ x 38″ x 4” Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 48″ x 32″ x 5″ cargo carrier platform provides a large capacity to carry various loads, such as luggage, camping gear, and other items.
- The heavy-duty steel construction ensures maximum durability and strength to bear a total weight of 250 lbs.
- The upgraded design features 4 adjustable extension bars and 4 side struts, allowing you to expand the cargo basket size according to your needs.
Cons
- The assembly process can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with putting together metal pieces.
- The cargo basket is quite heavy, so you’ll need to make sure your vehicle can handle the additional weight.
- The side struts can be a bit flimsy and may not provide as much support as the rest of the basket.
We’ve used the ECOTRIC cargo carrier basket on several camping trips and it has held up well despite the heavy loads we’ve put on it. The adjustable extension bars and side struts make it easy to customize the size of the basket to fit your needs, and the heavy-duty steel construction ensures that it can handle even the toughest loads.
One thing to keep in mind is that the assembly process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not used to putting together metal pieces. It may take some time and patience to get everything aligned correctly, but the end result is worth it.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the ECOTRIC 64″ x 38″ x 4” Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension to anyone in need of a heavy-duty cargo carrier basket for their vehicle.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best cargo racks, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various cargo racks, and we can confidently say that the following factors are crucial when making a purchase.
Capacity
The first factor to consider is the capacity of the cargo rack. The capacity refers to the weight and size of the items that the rack can carry. It is essential to choose a cargo rack with a capacity that can accommodate your needs. If you plan to carry heavy items, you should opt for a rack with a high weight capacity.
Compatibility
The second factor to consider is the compatibility of the cargo rack with your vehicle. Not all cargo racks are compatible with all vehicles, so it is crucial to choose a rack that fits your car’s make and model. Additionally, you should ensure that the rack is installed correctly and securely to prevent any accidents.
Durability
The third factor to consider is the durability of the cargo rack. You want a rack that can withstand the elements and last for a long time. Look for racks made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand wear and tear.
Ease of Use
The fourth factor to consider is the ease of use of the cargo rack. You want a rack that is easy to install and remove, and one that is easy to load and unload items from. Look for racks that have features like adjustable straps and tie-downs to keep your items secure.
Price
The fifth factor to consider is the price of the cargo rack. Cargo racks can range in price from under $50 to over $500. Consider your budget and choose a rack that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality.
In conclusion, when choosing the best cargo rack, consider the capacity, compatibility, durability, ease of use, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a cargo rack that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
