Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, off-road adventure trip or an extended family vacation, we know you will appreciate the ability to bring all the luggage you need. Having the right cargo car box will provide the capacity you need to haul the suitcases and equipment you need to enjoy a perfect trip. By mounting a sturdy carrier on top of your vehicle, you can create more space to conveniently carry all the camping equipment you will need in the great outdoors and extra clothing for a fashionable journey. Not all carriers can be placed in the same category. Different manufacturers use different products to cater to a diverse set of users. Depending on your needs, every design has its flaws and strong points. You have to evaluate what those needs are and compare available choices to select the ultimate cargo car box.
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Contents
- Product Comparison – Top 7 Best Cargo Car Box Reviews
- Point of Interest
- Oanon 20 Cubic Car Cargo Roof Bag
- Thule Sidekick Cargo Car Box
- Thule Force Cargo Car Box
- Thule 614 Pulse Rack Car Box
- Yakima – SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space
- Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Car Box
- SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL Cargo Car Box
- BUYING GUIDE
- Final Verdict
Product Comparison – Top 7 Best Cargo Car Box Reviews
| No | Brand Name | Product Image | Best Feature | Rating |
| 1 | Oanon 20 Cubic Car Cargo Roof Bag |  | Most economical | 4.3 |
| 2 | Thule Sidekick Cargo Box |  | Space economy design allows ample room for extra items | 3.8 |
| 3 | Thule Force Cargo Box |  | Quick mounting system | 4.3 |
| 4 | Thule 614 Pulse Rack |  | Supreme safety with central locking system | 4.1 |
| 5 | Yakima - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space |  | No assembly required | 4.2 |
| 6 | Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier |  | Automatically locking lid | 4.5 |
| 7 | SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL Cargo Box |  | Opening from passenger side for access off traffic | 3 |
Point of Interest
Instead of asking who needs a cargo box, you should be asking who doesn’t need one. If your passengers ever had to carry their belongings on their lap or your trunk was so full it won’t shut, you needed a cargo box. You probably still do to prevent unpleasant occurrences like that from repeating. A sturdy roof cargo box will be a wise investment for you because they:
- Expand your luggage carrying capacity so you can bring more stuff on your trip without hassles.
- Give secure and safe storage for your luggage.
- Are excellent for carrying heavy equipment like camping or skiing gear.
- Can be purchased in different sizes and specifications to fit your exact need.
- Can enlarge your carrying volume by up to 75kg.
- Are compatible with nearly every car that has roof rails or a roof rack.
Oanon 20 Cubic Car Cargo Roof Bag
The Oanon 20 Cubic Car Cargo Roof Bag is your super-durable travel companion for short trips. It can easily be attached to your roof rack even if your rack has no railings. The sturdy clasps and easy-to-use straps make this possible.
Conveniently, this cargo bag can be used without railings. The straps could have been made longer and the straps secured with a stronger material than plastic, but it works well when the winds are low. The high-quality manufacture material is durable, and the bag has ample space to fit a lot of luggage. Because it is a soft bag, it is also lighter in weight than regular cargo boxes.
- Made with waterproof PVC material.
- Has six durable straps for extra security.
- 20 cubic feet carrying capacity.
- The softshell allows for flexibility.
- The sturdy material makes the bag durable.
- Can be used without railings.
- Very cost-friendly.
- Easy to stow away when out of service.
- Not completely waterproof.
- Flimsy buckles.
- No assembly directions included.
Final Thought
This rooftop cargo carrier bag is ideal if you’re going on a short trip and the wind isn’t too boisterous. You should take extra precaution to keep your luggage dry. Place your stuff in a vacuum bag before placing them in the cargo bag, because it is not entirely waterproof and might get wet if it rains. It is a good bargain for the price.
Thule Sidekick Cargo Car Box
The Sidekick Cargo Box from Thule is the ultimate salvation for travelers with small vehicles. It might take many hands and many hours to assembly the carrier, but once finished to perfection, this unit will provide a safe space for lots of your luggage to ride on your trip.
This is the perfect cargo box for a vacation or weekend getaway. If you drive a compact car, you want a carrier like this accompanying you on your trip. You get a lot of space for extra luggage, so your vehicle has more room for you to enjoy the journey. This probably won’t work for an off-road trip as the lock can get tricky in particular conditions.
- 75lbs loading capacity.
- Space-saving design.
- Reinforcement plates and strong U-bolts for secure mounting.
- Has two locks for extra security.
- So much space available for excess luggage.
- Problems with secure closing.
- Poor weather-stripping.
- Wobbly side supports.
Final Thought
Do you have a tiny car but need to pack a lot of luggage for your road trip? This is the perfect car top cargo box for you! The space economy design makes for so much room so you can pack all your luggage without wasting car space. However, you should be very careful when assembling this unit. A mistake in drilling the lock holes will set you on a path of struggling to align the carrier, so it locks securely. Weather-stripping is also quite inadequate so you might consider securing your luggage in waterproof material before placing them in this carrier on a rainy day.
Thule Force Cargo Car Box
The Thule Force Cargo Box is a great cargo box option for drivers who want zero stress with setting up and assembling carriers. The mounting mechanism is tool-free, and the fast grip helps cut down installation time to bare minutes. This cargo box boasts plenty of space, and it is very durable.
It takes five minutes or less to mount this amazing cargo box on your roof rack. The mounting system quick-grip, the tool-free mounting system is one of the best things about this carrier. Beware that it is weatherproof but not waterproof and so items stored are liable to get wet in a storm.
- Aerodynamic shape.
- Durable body.
- Dual side opening.
- Quick-grip, tool-free mounting system.
- Very quiet.
- Ample room.
- The fast and easy mounting system.
- Not waterproof.
- There is some difficulty locking with the key.
Final Thought
This excellent car roof box might be weather-resistant, but it is not waterproof so you can skip it if you live in a wet, rainy area. If you don’t mind getting your belongings wet or securing them twice, this is an excellent easy to use option that has enough space to carry large equipment.
Thule 614 Pulse Rack Car Box
This is a very rugged and durable cargo box from Thule that provides ample luggage space and extra security for your belongings. You can only remove the key after all locks are securely fastened on this cargo box. It only opens on the passenger side, which means you are always loading and unloading off traffic.
This cargo box has ample space for road trips. It only weighs 30 pounds so a single person can install it with minimal issues. It will keep all your stuff nice and dry with its potent waterproof abilities. The central locking system provides sure security for your luggage throughout your trip.
- Passenger-side opening.
- Rugged material.
- Central locking mechanism.
- Relatively easy to install by one person.
- Waterproof.
- Holds a lot of luggage.
- Edges are not well sealed.
- The locking system is vulnerable to jamming.
- Flimsy keys break easily.
Final Thought
With almost effortless installation, easy takedown and an automatic lock system, this is an excellent choice if you need an excellent cargo box for easy living. The futuristic locking mechanism on this car roof box might have been over-engineered. It takes quite some time and significant effort to align the edges properly so the automatic lock can work securely. You also have to be super careful with the keys, or they will break in the keyhole.
Yakima – SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space
Transform your regular road trip experience into a first-class delight with this smooth carbonite cargo box design from Yakima. The aerodynamic design and internal stiffeners make for near-silent efficiency. The lightweight carbonate material ensures your car isn’t weighed down, and the tool-free installation makes for zero assembly time.
Are you a travel enthusiast with a small vehicle always wondering what is the best roof cargo box? This super impressive cargo box does not only look good attached on your car, but it also has so much space inside and a dependable hatch system to ensure pleasurable use. It is very easy and fast to put in place since the installation is tool-free. Keep in mind that this unit isn’t compatible with some OEM roof racks. This means you might need a rack replacement if it doesn’t match your vehicle.
- Has internal lid stiffeners.
- Smooth aerodynamic design.
- Dual side opening.
- Looks good.
- Very good gas mileage effect.
- Super easy to install.
- Sturdy, roomy and secure.
- Keys can snap in the lock.
- Not compatible with some roof racks.
Final Thought
The exquisite tapered design of this cargo box makes it an excellent option for travelers who don’t want to deal with flimsy hatch mechanisms. It is also very ideal for a small car owner who needs a lot of space and doesn’t want to spend forever assembling a cargo box. Take extra care with your keys as they have been known to break during use and cause problems.
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Car Box
Thule did a great job with this super cargo box, the Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box. The overall classy design and ease of use make it a perfect gift to family and friends who love to travel. The lid locks automatically and has an indicator light, so you’re sure your luggage is secure.
This is a perfect looking carrier box. Mounting is effortless and straightforward, and there is ample space for loading your extra luggage. You can conveniently use this car top cargo box on long-distance trips without seeing a significant difference in your mileage. The aerodynamic design makes for quiet travel. You can access the carrier from both sides, and the grip-friendly handles make this easy.
- Made with fibreglass.
- Aerodynamic.
- Low profile design.
- Grip friendly handles.
- Automatically locking lid.
- Amazing design.
- Lightweight and quiet.
- Straightforward installation.
- Conveniently opens from either side.
- The shell is susceptible to scratching and cracking.
- Quite heavy.
Final Thought
This is a great rooftop cargo carrier if you want a lot of space and a quiet cargo box. Beware that the product is about 70lbs which is quite heavy for mounting on your car. You will need at least two sets of hands to ensure it is carefully handled so there will be no scratching and cracking damage to your cargo box.
SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL Cargo Car Box
The SportRack SR7095 Skyline XL Cargo Box is a great option for occasional travelers who need lots of space. It will be very beneficial for large families going on a short trip. Once assembly is securely accomplished, this is a solid cargo box that will keep your luggage safe and dry through any weather.
This is a genuinely extra-large cargo box, and it will be great if you have a lot of luggage to deal with on your trip. Because it opens from the passenger’s side, it is very safe for roadside use since you will be operating the carrier off traffic. Assembly is quite tricky, and the instructions are written in very tiny font. We advise you to get help while assembling this product.
- Passenger-side opening.
- Made from very dense materials.
- U-bolt mounting kit included.
- Huge space.
- Very functional once assembled.
- Keeps your luggage dry in the rain.
- Opening and closing can be a hassle.
- You might need a lashing strap or extra rope to keep it closed.
- You might need a pole to keep it propped open when the weather is too hot.
Final Thought
This is a very practical cargo box for occasional users who don’t go on long-distance trips. More frequent users are better off getting a carrier made from sturdier materials. This cargo box tends to squish under pressure and has a significant effect on your gas mileage. The lid and locking system are quite flimsy, requiring extra attention or tying with a lashing strap to ensure it is secure.
BUYING GUIDE
Buying a cargo box is an excellent way to increase your vehicles carrying capacity without purchasing a larger vehicle. You can carry everything from conventional luggage to skiing equipment in a good cargo box. Before you go out and purchase a carrier, there are different things to keep in mind.
What to consider
- Does it fit my car? Depending on the type of roof rack your vehicle has and the overall size of your vehicle, some cargo boxes will not sit right and have free range of movement. Make sure your vehicle is compatible with the carrier you purchase, or it will be a complete waste of money.
- How many bags do you want to take on your trip? When you know the specific type of load, you will be taking, and how much it could be, you will make a more informed decision when deciding how big, small, long, short or wide your cargo box needs to be.
- How frequently will I need it? Do you go camping with your buddies every month or do you have one big family vacation in a year? You won’t need a durable, high-quality model if you seldom use your cargo box.
What features are important?
- Size: as we said earlier, the amount of luggage you have to carry will determine the size of the cargo box that you need. It might be hard to compare different capacities over the internet, but you can do this with a simple estimate.
- Durability: construction techniques and materials vary from one cargo box manufacturer to another. The stiffer the box, the more durable and long-lasting it will be. Also, stronger boxes made from stiff plastic are more comfortable to open and close.
- Kind of mounting tools: easy assembly and installation of a roof box will depend on the type of mounting tools included. You can opt for simple mounting options if you don’t want to be bothered with the technical stuff.
- Dual or single side opening: some cargo boxes can only be accessed from the passenger’s side. Although this is safe as the passenger’s side is off traffic, it can be frustrating to have this limited option instead of dual opening, especially in bad weather.
Final Verdict
Still have the question what is the best roof cargo box? Simply look through our post again to determine what is best suited for you. Our top seven picks and buying guide will always help you make the right choice.
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