For drivers in need of more stowage than is offered by a vehicle’s interior, a rooftop cargo carrier can solve common overflow challenges that occur when packing for a camping trip, cross-country travels
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For drivers in need of more stowage than is offered by a vehicle’s interior, a rooftop cargo carrier can solve common overflow challenges that occur when packing for a camping trip, cross-country travels or even when moving. Both hard-shelled cargo and soft rooftop bags are built to protect belongings from harsh weather and road grime as well as keep cargo shielded from curious thieves.
A soft rooftop cargo carrier is lighter in weight, can easily be mounted to a vehicle’s roof and can be quickly stowed when not in use. Most don’t require rack systems and can be loaded on top the top of even a naked roof using simple tie-down systems with adjustable straps, sturdy hooks and zippered compartments. Many soft cargo carriers boast welded or taped seams, ensuring they are water tight.
A hard rooftop cargo carrier, or roof cargo box, requires a set of crossbars and will come with a roof rack system. Though they are more expensive and a bit more complex to use, they offer more security for high-value items such as skis, snowboards or other equipment used for outdoor activities such as camping or biking. Most have locking mechanisms and the hard outer shells are not at risk of being damaged by packing items that have sharp edges or oblong shapes.
Soft roof bags are lighter weight, easier to load and store and don’t require crossbars, but they a limited in what they can safely carry and despite many of the top-rated product using durable and weatherproof material, they can still tear or come apart at the seams. Roof boxes are heavier and require more equipment, which will affect a vehicle’s performance. The bulky shape of both types will still cut against fuel economy. Some roof boxes are built to be more aerodynamic than others.
When shopping for the right roof-top storage solution, it’s important to consider all the options, including the dynamic weight limit of your vehicle as well as its fuel economy.
Here are our top ten choices of rooftop cargo carrier, which include five from our Best Hard Rooftop Cargo Carrier list and five from our Best Soft Rooftop Cargo Carrier list. They were chosen based on their features, storage capacity, overall design and price as well as their ability to fit most cars, crossovers and SUVs.
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