Best hard rooftop cargo carriers for cars

If you want to carry extra gear for outdoor activities like skiing, biking or camping, but don’t have room inside your vehicle to stow it or need to maximize interior space for passengers, loading cargo on the roof might be the right solution. Depending on the weight limit for your vehicle, a hard rooftop cargo carrier is an effective and versatile way to pack extra stuff.

Whereas certain rack systems are only meant for specific items like skis, bike or watercraft, hard-sided roof boxes can be mounted on most roofs with a set of factory or aftermarket crossbars (there are crossbars that can affix to raised or flushed roof rails as well as a naked roof). Roof baskets and platform racks can also transport items, but are not enclosed and are subject to wear and tear from the elements. A hard-shelled roof box will keep items from getting wet or sprinkled with road grime or debris.

In addition to protecting your items from the outdoors, hard rooftop cargo carriers keep valuables out of sight from inquisitive eyes and often come with locking mechanisms for extra security. They also come in different shapes and sizes to fit various vehicles and haul all types of cargo, including oversized equipment and gear with sharp edges with ease.

The one downside to hard rooftop cargo carriers is the effect they will have on your vehicle’s fuel economy. Some are designed to be more aerodynamic, but anything loaded on top of a vehicle’s roof, including crossbars, will create drag and impact mpgs. It’s recommended to un-rack a roof box when it’s empty to maximize your vehicle’s efficiency.

Regardless, a hard rooftop cargo carrier is still superior solution for hauling extra cargo.

The below five hard rooftop cargo boxes were chosen based on their features, storage capacity, overall design and price. We dive deeply into universal hard rooftop cargo carriers that fit most cars, crossovers and SUVs.

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Whereas certain rack

Regardless, a hard rooftop cargo carrier is still superior solution for hauling extra cargo.

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Best For Easy Access

SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

The 18-cubic-foot SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box fits square, round and most factory roof racks. With tool-free mounting opportunities, the SportRack Vista XL can be accessed via either side as well as the rear of a vehicle—making it easy to grab gear from most angles. The SportRack Vista XL is made from ABS construction, is UV-resistant and durable. Measuring 63-inch long by 38-inch wide by 19-inch high, the SportRack Vista XL can carry up to 100 pounds of cargo.

Pros & Cons

Easy to open
Fits most racks
Can access from most angles

Rear-opening design, opens less than side-openers
Plastic parts that could be metal

Best Rooftop Ski Carrier

Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Manufactured from rugged and textured ABS, the Thule Pulse Medium can haul multiple sets of skis or plenty of camping gear for backcountry adventures. Measuring 67-inch long by 33-inch wide by 16-inch high, the Thule Pulse Medium allows users to open the rooftop cargo carrier with one hand for easy loading and unloading. A central locking system adds security. This unit has 14 cubic feet of storage and can fit a few sets of skis (up to 155 centimeters) or three to four snowboards for snow-filled adventures.

Pros & Cons

High quality materials
One-handed operation
Fit multiple skis/snowboards

Expensive for some
A few customers stated lock issues.
Some stated functionality issues.

Most Aerodynamic

Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

The Thule Force XT rooftop cargo carrier incorporates a sleek design and measures 82.68-inch long by 33.86 wide by 17.32 inches high. Made from a durable finish, this versatile roof-mounted cargo box can hold up to 165 pounds. The Thule Force XT is designed to fit a wide array of vehicles. Its clever quick-mount system clicks into place when the box is secure and tightened, ensuring a proper fit. Additionally, a dual-sided lockable compartment allows for security and easy unloading when needed. The 18-cubic-foot Thule Force XT can hold up to five to seven pairs of skis or three to four snowboards.

Pros & Cons

165-pound weight capacity
Sleek design
Dual side opening

Weighs more than others
Expensive
Carrier too long for some

Longest Cargo Carrier

SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Measuring 75.5-inch long by 33-inch wide by 16.3-inch high, the SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box is perfect for large SUVs or wagons and is a skier or snowboarder’s best friend. Fitting square, round, and most factory racks, this rooftop cargo carrier is made from impact-resistant ABS material, has a centralized locking mechanism and a passenger side opening for cargo access that’s not impeding traffic. Holding various cargo or camping gear that stretches massively in length, the SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box can hold five to six pairs of skis (up to 180 centimeters) or three to four snowboards.

Pros & Cons

Longest best rooftop carrier
Quick release attachment kit
Holds up to 110 pounds

Holds only 11 cubic-feet of cargo
Only has single-sided opening
Is too large for subcompact cars

Bestselling Vehicle Cargo Carriers on Amazon

Sponsored

SaleBestseller No. 1

KING BIRD Upgraded 60" x 24" x 6" Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier Fits to 2'' Receiver,500LBS Capacity Cargo Basket with Trailer Hitch Lock,Hitch Stabilizer,Net and Straps

【GREAT DURABILITY】 - Upgraded cargo rack is made of heavy-duty HD FULL TUBULAR and CARBIDE BLACK POWDER COAT. Greatly enhanced rust resistance and durability, can HAUL UP TO 500 LBS of cargo, gear, or equipment
【UPGRADED SHANK 】- This cargo hitch carrier is equipped with a folding, angled shank. When use, the angled shank provides additional ground clearance. And ALLOWS FOLDING when not in use
【MORE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT】- Two large reflectors on the rear side provide higher night visibility, and there are also 3 reflectors at the BOTTOM OF THE FOLD FRAME, The reflectors add visibility to the cargo carrier and your vehicle in different situations

SaleBestseller No. 2

1,527 Reviews

Mockins Steel Cargo Basket | 60" L X 20" W X 6" H Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier with Cargo Bag and Net | with a Hauling Weight of 500 lbs & a Folding Arm to Preserve Space When Not in Use

Includes a Waterproof Cargo Bag & an extra 2 ratchet straps & cargo net with bonus hitch stabilizer the car trailer hitch carrier is constructed with heavy duty steel and has the capacity to hold up to a hefty 500 Lbs of cargo such as luggage carrier or camping gear and any construction material
The product comes in a box packaging 31.5*9.5*23.5; however, After assembly the tray is 60" | The 60” long x 20” wide x 6” tall cargo basket car rack makes it convenient to haul anything you may need and provides multiple easy access tie down points. Hitch storage rack comes with a simple to clean mesh floor as well and great to us for all occasions such as camping road trips or tailgates
Hitch hauler with 2" rise for improved ground clearance and the fold-able basket folding trailer for when not in use this hitch basket will work great with any vehicle car SUV van or truck that has a 2" receiver. This cargo carrier is not compatible with cars that have a tire on the back as your side swing door will not open.

SaleBestseller No. 3

MaxxHaul 70108 49" x 22.5" Hitch Mount Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails For RV's, Trucks, SUV's, Vans, Cars With 2" Hitch Receiver - 500-lb Load Capacity , Grey

Basket-style cargo carrier is constructed from extruded aluminum material that is durable, sturdy, lightweight and easy to install. Will not rust and is easy to clean and easy to maintain
Features a heavy duty steel under support frame with a 2" x 2" hitch shaft to fit standard Class III and IV hitch receivers.
It comes with reflector lens and red colored corners to provide extra visibility for safety. High side rails help keep cargo in place and provide multiple tie down points

Bestseller No. 4

MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Mount Compact Cargo Carrier - 53" x 19-1/2" - 500 lb. Maximum Capacity for 2" Hitch Receiver

Capacity: 500 pounds distributed weight
Outer basket size: 53 x 19 x 5 inch
Inner basket size: 51 x 17-1/2 x 4 -1/2 inch

Bestseller No. 5

USSerenaY Hitch Cargo Carrier - Trailer Hitch Luggage Rack with Net, Waterproof Cargo Bag and 2 Reinforced Straps - Folding Car Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier L60" X W20" X H6" 550lbs Capacity

[Luxurious Foldable Cargo Trailer Set ]: The basket trailer hitch cargo carrier overall size is 60" X 20" X 6". Hitch mount cargo carrier comes with everything you need. 4 pcs red reflectors provide a safe driving experience at night or smog situation. Cargo rack hitch also with a waterproof storage bag with a supportive net, 2 yellow ratchet straps for fixing the goods. 1 hitch tightener to prevent wobbling&noise.; Perfect for hauling cargo, camping equipment, luggage or use as a rear bike rack.
[550LBS Capacity & Stable Metal Support Poles]: The cargo trailer is constructed from heavy duty steel to promote high strength and a lightweight mesh design. Stable steel frames support this hitch cargo boxes' max load bearing to 550lbs. 2 steady metal support poles on each side of the basket and an extra-thick folding receiver tube to fasten all extra camping gear in the vehicle cargo basket.
[6" Tall Side Rails&More; Features]: Cargo racks for trailer hitch's heavy duty steel mesh bottom construction keeps the luggage more secure. Black powder coated cargo baskets with open platform design increase the durability. 6" tall side rails to prevent the small objects from falling off. This vehicle cargo baskets will work well with any vehicle; a car, van, jeep, pickup truck, or SUV that has a 2" receiver hitch.

SaleBestseller No. 6

80 Reviews

Waterproof Heavy Duty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Cargo Carrier with Security Keys, 53 (L) x 34 (W) x 15 (H) Inches, Capacity 110 Pounds, 11 Cubic Feet (Tool-Free Install)

▶️ Heavy Duty ABS Plastic Construction
▶️ Overall Dimensions: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H
▶️ Opens to 14" Wide to Store Bulky Items

Bestseller No. 7

MAXXHAUL 80779 Aluminum Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier with 47" Long Ramp, 1 Pack , Grey

Fits all 2" x 2" Class III and IV hitch receivers
Inside carrier size: 47" long x 27-3/4" x 7-1/2" deep; Overall carrier size: 50" x 29. 5" x 7. 5"
Maximum distributed weight capacity: 500 lbs

SaleBestseller No. 8

415 Reviews

KING BIRD Upgraded 60" x 24" x 6" Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier, 500LBS Capacity Luggage Basket Fits to 2”Receiver with Elastic Net,Hitch Stabilizer and Packing Straps

【GREAT DURABILITY】 - Upgraded cargo rack is made of heavy-duty HD FULL TUBULAR and CARBIDE BLACK POWDER COAT. Greatly enhanced rust resistance and durability, can HAUL UP TO 500 LBS of cargo, gear, or equipment
【UPGRADED SHANK 】- This cargo hitch carrier is equipped with a folding, angled shank. When use, the angled shank provides additional ground clearance. And ALLOWS FOLDING when not in use
【MORE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT】- Two large reflectors on the rear side provide higher night visibility, and there are also 3 reflectors at the BOTTOM OF THE FOLD FRAME, The reflectors add visibility to the cargo carrier and your vehicle in different situations

Bestseller No. 9

SECURE & PROTECT YOUR GEAR in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell car top cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiency
WATERPROOF STORAGE FOR YOUR LUGGAGE with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and security
EASY & CONVENIENT LOADING AND UNLOADING from either side of the car make for smooth travel and hassle-free storage

SaleBestseller No. 10

2,415 Reviews

RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier. 19 Cubic Feet. 100% Waterproof Excellent Military Quality Car Top Carrier. Heavy Duty RoofBag. Fits All Vehicle With/Without Rack. 4+2 Door Hooks Included

✅ SAFETY COMES FIRST: RoofPax is the ONLY brand that produces its Car Roof Bag for maximum safety with 4+2 free door hooks (included), instead of using straps that go inside the car. Tying down any car top luggage involving straps going through the inside of the car is HIGHLY dangerous as they interfere with air bags in case they open and are illegal to use in some states. RoofPax is the safest and most secure Car Roof Cargo Bag on the market today.
✅ MILITARY QUALITY WATERPROOF: This premium quality car top bag is made of military grade materials with waterproof dual seam technology and water repellent double coating. This roof bag features include a built-in protective mat and 10 elastic velcro strap restrainers to prevent strap flapping. Security features also include a heavy duty SBS zipper, 10 strong straps with NIFCO buckles and double strap covers with 8 Velcro stripes.
✅ WORKS WITH or WITHOUT ROOF RACK: Use RoofPax car roof top luggage carrier with any sized car or SUV. It can be quickly and easily installed in minutes whether your vehicle has a rack installed or not.

METHODOLOGY

In order to determine the best hard rooftop cargo carrier that’s right for you, we considered products widely available in the marketplace. We reviewed price, material construction, features and cargo-carrying capacity.

Forbes Wheels reviewed five hard rooftop cargo carriers for this list. Each product was evaluated on price, durability, material selection, size and carrying capacity measured in cubic-feet. Ease of use or installation and storage as well as versatility were also top considerations. We also chose roof bags that will work for a variety of users since elements like the vehicle type or cargo play a deciding

Do I need a roof rack for a rooftop cargo carrier?

Many of today’s vehicles come with either factory roof side rails or roof side rails and crossbars. Conversely, many aftermarket roof rack manufacturers sell non-factory roof crossbars and feet that grab securely onto a vehicle’s side rails to support a hard-sided cargo carrier. It’s important to make sure a rooftop cargo carrier fits within your vehicle’s length and width and will work with your crossbar system before purchase.

Can you attach a cargo carrier without a roof rack?

You can attach soft-sided cargo carrier bags without a roof rack or crossbars. However, hard-sided rooftop carriers must use factory or aftermarket crossbars or a roof rack system (aftermarket systems sold separately). Roof crossbars can be also used to house ski, kayak, or bike attachments. They are a versatile upgrade for cargo carriers.

Are rooftop cargo boxes worth it?

Yes, rooftop cargo boxes are worth it. They cost more that rooftop cargo bags, but… Hard rooftop cargo boxes are easy to install, secure, weather resistant and simple to use. They are a convenient way to transport extra gear when traveling. I’d say they biggest reason they are “worth it” is because they provide locking mechanisms for increased security and they are more versatile in what you can load inside compared with rooftop bags

How much does a roof cargo box affect gas mileage?

Rooftop cargo carriers can negatively affect gas mileage, no matter if it’s empty or full of cargo. That’s because its bulky shape creates drag on the top of your roof, which changes the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Some roof boxes are designed with a lower profile meant to cut through wind, but fuel economy will always degrade at least slightly. For optimal use, it’s recommended that you unload your rooftop cargo carrier when not in use. Drivers that consistently need to use their roof box may want to consider a larger vehicle. A hitch-mounted carrier will have less effect on fuel efficiency and might be a better option for long trips.

Do rooftop cargo carriers include mounting hardware?

Yes, most hard rooftop cargo carriers include mounting hardware and keys if it’s a lockable carrier. Review the rooftop carto carrier’s kit before purchase to ensure mounting hardware is included.

Best Hard Rooftop Cargo Carriers For 2021

METHODOLOGY