Roof cargo baskets are a must-have for anyone who loves to travel, camp, or engage in outdoor activities. These baskets are designed to provide extra storage space on the roof of your car, making it easier to transport bulky items that may not fit inside the vehicle. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be attached to most types of roof racks.
There are several factors to consider when looking for the best roof cargo basket. Firstly, you need to determine the size of the basket that will fit your car’s roof. You also want to ensure the basket is made of sturdy materials that can withstand weather conditions and heavy loads. Additionally, you want to consider the ease of installation, security features, and compatibility with your car’s roof rack.
After researching and testing different roof cargo baskets, we have identified the best options for anyone looking for extra storage space on their car’s roof. In this article, we will discuss the top-rated roof cargo baskets that offer the best balance of durability, functionality, and affordability. Whether you are planning a road trip, camping adventure, or just need extra storage space, our guide will help you find the perfect roof cargo basket for your needs.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can confidently choose the best roof cargo basket for your needs and ensure a safe and secure journey with all of your gear in tow.
Size and Capacity
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Ensure the basket fits your vehicle’s roof and can accommodate your gear |
| Capacity | Check the weight capacity to ensure it can support your gear without compromising safety |
Materials and Durability
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Look for durable materials like steel or aluminum with a weather-resistant finish |
| Durability | Consider the basket’s ability to withstand the elements and last for years to come |
Design and Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Choose a basket that fits your gear without compromising handling or fuel efficiency |
| Features | Consider additional features like lighting or locking mechanisms, and compatibility with your vehicle’s roof rack system |
Best Roof Cargo Baskets
We have researched and tested various roof cargo baskets to help you find the best option for your needs. Whether you’re planning a road trip or need extra storage space for your outdoor gear, a roof cargo basket can be a great investment. In this article, we will be sharing our top picks for the best roof cargo baskets available on Amazon. Our list includes a range of options based on size, weight capacity, durability, and price, so you can find the perfect fit for your vehicle and budget.
Thule Canyon XT Basket (US $499)
If you’re looking for a sturdy, versatile roof cargo basket, the Thule Canyon XT Basket is a great option.
Pros
- The wedge-shaped low profile design makes it easy to load and unload gear.
- The wind fairing helps improve airflow over your cargo, reducing wind noise and drag.
- The versatile mounting hardware and T-Track mounting make it easy to install on a wide range of vehicles.
Cons
- The instructions can be a bit confusing, with only photos and arrows to guide you.
- The accessory crossbars are sold separately, which can add to the overall cost.
- At 29 pounds, it’s not the lightest cargo basket on the market.
We recently used the Thule Canyon XT Basket on a road trip and were impressed with its durability and ease of use. The low profile design made it easy to load and unload gear, and the wind fairing helped reduce noise and drag on the highway.
Installation was fairly straightforward, although the instructions could have been more detailed. We ended up having to refer to online videos to figure out how to attach the basket to our roof rack.
One of the biggest advantages of the Thule Canyon XT Basket is its versatility. The accessory crossbars (sold separately) allow you to carry additional equipment or stabilize your cargo, and the T-Track mounting makes it easy to install on Thule aeroblade and Thule xsporter bars.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Thule Canyon XT Basket to anyone in need of a durable, versatile roof cargo basket.
TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket (US $89)
If you’re looking for a durable and rust-proof rooftop cargo carrier, the TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket is a great option for you.
Pros
- The thicker heavy-duty steel tubing and frame make this basket more solid and less likely to bend than other welded baskets.
- The all-around fluorescent powder spraying process makes this basket more rust-proof and wear-resistant than other cargo baskets.
- The front spoiler design reduces wind resistance and noise, protecting your cargo and ensuring driving security.
Cons
- The U-bolts may not be suitable for all vehicles with cross bars.
- Some customers have reported difficulty with assembly.
- The brackets included may not fit all roof racks.
We recently used this cargo basket on a road trip and were impressed with its large capacity, holding up to 150 lbs. The 4.7″ tall steel basket fence kept our items safe and secure during travel. The basket was also easy to install with clear assembly instructions and videos available for support.
One downside we noticed was that the U-bolts may not fit all vehicles with cross bars, so it’s important to double-check compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, some customers have reported difficulty with assembly, but we did not experience any issues ourselves.
Overall, if you’re in need of extra storage space for your vehicle during camping or traveling, the TOOENJOY Roof Rack Cargo Basket is a great option to consider. Its durable and rust-proof design, along with its front spoiler and large capacity, make it a reliable and practical choice.
MaxxHaul 70115 Steel Roof Rack Capacity (US $129)
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable roof cargo basket, MaxxHaul 70115 is the one to go for.
Pros
- Provides instant cargo space for vehicles with crossbars
- Easy to assemble and install with included mounting hardware
- Attaches to most crossbars with easy-to-use U-bolts for simple installation
Cons
- May rust if not properly coated
- The cargo basket is not foldable, which may be a problem for some users
- May produce some wind noise at high speeds
We recently used the MaxxHaul roof rack on a road trip, and it was a great addition to our SUV. The installation process was straightforward, and we had it up and running in no time. The U-bolts included in the package made it easy to attach the basket to our crossbars.
The cargo basket is quite spacious, providing ample room for our luggage and camping gear. We were also impressed with the sturdy construction of the rack, which held up well during our trip.
One downside to the MaxxHaul roof rack is that it may rust if not properly coated. We recommend applying a truck bed liner paint to make the entire rack rust-proof from harsh outside elements.
Overall, we highly recommend the MaxxHaul 70115 roof rack to anyone looking for an affordable and durable cargo basket for their vehicle. It’s easy to install, provides ample cargo space, and is built to last.
KAIZONPOT Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier (US $107)
We highly recommend the KAIZONPOT Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier for anyone in need of extra storage space for their vehicle.
Pros
- The cargo hitch carrier is constructed with heavy-duty steel which can haul up to 550 lbs and a black powder coat prevents it from scratching, rusting, or breaking down under the sun’s UV rays.
- The car hitch cargo carrier adds about 9 ft² of instant storage space to your vehicle, which is great for use for all occasions such as camping road trips, or tailgates.
- This hitch mount cargo carrier features a folding shank that allows the cargo hitch to be conveniently folded up to save your space when not in use. Works great with any vehicle car SUV van or truck that has a 2″ receiver.
Cons
- The hitch cargo basket is incompatible with van & golf cart!
- The cargo carrier may stick out too far for some vehicles.
- Some users have reported issues with the fold-up feature.
The KAIZONPOT Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier is a durable and reliable option for anyone in need of extra storage space. It is constructed with heavy-duty steel and can haul up to 550 lbs. The black powder coat prevents it from scratching, rusting, or breaking down under the sun’s UV rays. The cargo hitch carrier adds about 9 ft² of instant storage space to your vehicle, which is great for use for all occasions such as camping road trips, or tailgates.
One of the best features of this cargo hitch carrier is the folding shank. It allows the cargo hitch to be conveniently folded up to save your space when not in use. It works great with any vehicle car SUV van or truck that has a 2″ receiver. However, it is important to note that the hitch cargo basket is incompatible with van & golf cart!
While the cargo carrier is a great option for most vehicles, some users have reported that it may stick out too far for some vehicles. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the fold-up feature.
Overall, the KAIZONPOT Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier is a great investment for anyone in need of extra storage space for their vehicle. It is durable, reliable, and easy to use.
WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack (US $109)
If you’re looking for a reliable roof cargo basket that can handle a lot of gear, the WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack is worth considering.
Pros
- The steel construction is ultra-durable and can handle up to 150 lbs of gear.
- The included cargo net and tie-down straps make it easy to secure your gear.
- The adjustable size means it can fit a variety of different vehicles.
Cons
- The rack can be a bit noisy at high speeds.
- The installation process can be a bit tricky and time-consuming.
- The included waterproof bag may not be as durable as some users would like.
We recently took the WEIZE roof rack on a road trip and were impressed with its overall performance. The steel construction is definitely a standout feature, as it feels incredibly sturdy and can handle a lot of weight without any issues. We also appreciated the included cargo net and tie-down straps, which made it easy to secure our gear and ensure nothing flew off during transit.
That being said, we did notice that the rack can be a bit noisy at high speeds. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a long trip on the highway. Additionally, the installation process can be a bit tricky and time-consuming, so be prepared to set aside some time to get everything set up properly.
Overall, we think the WEIZE roof rack is a solid option for anyone in need of some extra storage space on their vehicle. Just be aware of the potential noise and installation issues before making your final decision.
Tyger Auto Heavy Duty Cargo Basket Rack (US $99)
We highly recommend the Tyger Auto Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack for anyone looking for extra storage capacity on their vehicle.
Pros
- The stylish design makes your vehicle stand out on the road.
- The heavy-duty 1 inch steel frame tube with black E-Coating provides rust resistance and many tie-down point locations for securing gear with cargo nets.
- The easy two-piece assembly and all mounting hardware included make installation a breeze.
Cons
- The plastic side X plates may fly off during freeway driving.
- The bolts for the mounting hardware have hex heads that can strip easily.
- The cargo basket must be removed before going through an auto car wash.
This cargo basket is a great addition to any vehicle with roof rails and cross bars. It is easy to install and provides ample storage space for all your gear. The heavy-duty construction ensures that your items will be safe and secure during transport.
The stylish design of the Tyger Auto Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack adds a touch of flair to your vehicle and makes it stand out on the road. The black E-Coating provides rust resistance and the many tie-down point locations make it easy to secure your gear with cargo nets.
The two-piece assembly and included mounting hardware make installation a breeze. However, the plastic side X plates may fly off during freeway driving and the bolts for the mounting hardware have hex heads that can strip easily. Additionally, the cargo basket must be removed before going through an auto car wash.
Overall, the Tyger Auto Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack is a great investment for anyone in need of extra storage space on their vehicle.
Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket (US $159)
If you’re looking for a sturdy and spacious roof cargo basket, the Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The extra-large size of the basket allows you to haul extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage, and more.
- With a 150lbs capacity, this roof rack cargo basket can safely and securely hold up to 150 lbs of cargo, gear, and equipment.
- The adjustable fit makes it easy to mount the roof rack with four universal U-bolts, accommodating square crossbars less than 4.6″ wide x 1.375″ thick or round bars less than 1.375″ in diameter.
Cons
- Please make sure your crossbar’s distance is greater than 29.7 inches if you want to use the roof rack extension part.
- The roof rack is not suitable for Highlander with a fixed distance roof crossbars, please consult customer service in advance for other fixed distance roof crossbars.
- The wind fairing is not adjustable and may not fit all vehicles.
We recently used the Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket on a road trip, and it exceeded our expectations. The installation process was straightforward, and we were able to mount it on our SUV’s crossbars in less than 30 minutes.
The extra-large size of the basket allowed us to store all of our camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bags, and chairs, without compromising interior space. The basket’s 150lbs capacity gave us peace of mind, knowing that our gear was safely secured on top of our vehicle.
While the wind fairing reduced wind resistance and noise, we did notice some slight movement of the basket during high-speed winds. However, this was easily resolved by tightening the U-bolts.
Overall, we highly recommend the Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket for anyone in need of extra storage space on their vehicle.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best roof cargo basket, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the right product for your needs.
First and foremost, consider the size of the cargo basket. You’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all of your gear, but not so large that it’s difficult to install or creates too much drag while driving. Measure your vehicle’s roof and take note of its weight capacity to ensure you select a basket that fits properly and can support the weight of your gear.
Next, consider the shape and design of the basket. Some baskets are designed to be low-profile and aerodynamic, while others are bulkier and offer more storage space. Think about the type of gear you’ll be carrying and choose a basket that can accommodate it without compromising your vehicle’s handling or fuel efficiency.
Another important feature to consider is the materials used to construct the basket. Look for a product made from durable materials like steel or aluminum, with a weather-resistant finish to ensure it can withstand the elements and last for years to come.
Other factors to keep in mind include the ease of installation, compatibility with your vehicle’s roof rack system, and any additional features or accessories that may be included. Some baskets come with built-in lighting or locking mechanisms, while others may require additional purchases to get the most out of the product.
