When it comes to traveling, having enough space to store your belongings can be a challenge. This is where cargo boxes come in handy. A cargo box is a container attached to a vehicle’s roof to provide extra storage space. They are perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, skiing, or biking. Cargo boxes come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, so choosing the one that suits your needs is essential.
There are a few critical things to consider when looking for the best cargo box. Firstly, the cargo box size should be appropriate for your vehicle and the amount of luggage you need to carry. Secondly, the material of the cargo box should be durable and weather-resistant to protect your belongings during transportation. Lastly, the cargo box should be easy to install and remove, especially if you plan to use it occasionally.
After researching and testing various cargo boxes, we have identified the best cargo box for outdoor enthusiasts. Our top pick is the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This cargo box is available in various sizes, making it suitable for different vehicles and luggage needs. It is made of high-quality materials that are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring that your belongings stay safe and dry during transportation. The Thule Motion XT is also easy to install and remove, thanks to its quick-mount system.
In the next section, we will dive deeper into the features of the Thule Motion XT and why it stood out from the rest of the cargo boxes we tested.
Best Cargo Box
If you’re planning a road trip or an outdoor adventure, you may need extra space to store your gear. A cargo box can be a great solution to this problem. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cargo boxes on the market. Our team has researched and tested various models to bring you our top picks. Whether you need a small box for everyday use or a large one for family vacations, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list below to find the perfect cargo box for your needs.
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Xxl (US $1,049)
We highly recommend the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Xxl (22 Cu Ft) Black for anyone seeking a spacious and easy-to-use cargo box.
Pros
- Provides 22 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Quick-mount system “clicks” when roof box is secure and properly mounted
- Dual-side opening for quick access from either side of the car
Cons
- Expensive compared to other cargo boxes
- Heavy and difficult to install alone
- May cause wind noise and decreased gas mileage
We recently used the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Xxl (22 Cu Ft) Black on a family camping trip and were impressed with its spaciousness and ease of use. The quick-mount system made installation a breeze, and the dual-side opening allowed us to easily access our gear from either side of the car.
The cargo box was able to fit all of our camping gear, including sleeping bags, tents, and chairs, with room to spare. The lid-lifters and grip-friendly handles made it easy to open and close, and we appreciated the full trunk access and lack of roof box contact.
However, we did notice some wind noise and a slight decrease in gas mileage while driving with the cargo box attached. Additionally, the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Xxl (22 Cu Ft) Black is quite heavy and may be difficult to install alone. While it is more expensive than other cargo boxes on the market, we believe the quality and ease of use make it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Xxl (22 Cu Ft) Black for anyone in need of a spacious and reliable cargo box for their outdoor adventures.
Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box X-Large Matte Black (US $799)
We highly recommend the Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box X-Large Matte Black for anyone in need of additional packing space. It is a versatile roof-mounted cargo box that is perfect for everyday use.
Pros
- Provides 18 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Designed to fit a wide range of vehicles with maximum space efficiency
- Dual-side opening for easy access to all areas of the box, from either side of the vehicle
Cons
- Large size may be difficult to store when not in use
- May affect gas mileage on longer trips
- Higher price point compared to other cargo boxes on the market
We recently used the Thule Force XT on a road trip and were impressed with its solid AeroSkin surface and LockKnob that allowed us to open and close the box with ease. The quick-mount system “clicked” when the roof box was secure and properly mounted, giving us peace of mind while driving.
The Thule Force XT is designed to carry loads of all shapes and sizes easily and safely. We were able to fit 5-7 pairs of skis or 3-5 snowboards (up to 195 cm) with room to spare. The full trunk access with no roof box contact was a game-changer for us, as we were able to access our gear without having to remove the box from the roof.
The external dimensions of the Thule Force XT are 82.75 x 33.75 x 17.25 inches, while the internal dimensions are 77.5 x 29.5 x 15.25 inches. It has a load capacity of 165 lbs and weighs 47 lbs.
Overall, the Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box X-Large Matte Black is a great investment for anyone in need of additional packing space for their next road trip. Its solid construction, ease of use, and ample space make it a top contender in the cargo box market.
Asinking Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box (US $99)
We highly recommend the Asinking Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag for anyone looking for a reliable and spacious cargo carrier for their vehicle.
Pros
- Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric for durability
- Waterproof zipper with reinforced seams ensures zero leakage even in heavy rain
- Easy installation with anti-slip mat and 8 adjustable straps for secure fit
Cons
- Door hooks may not fit all car models
- Luggage lock not included
- Straps may not be as thick as some users prefer
This cargo carrier is perfect for long road trips or camping adventures, as it provides ample storage space for all your luggage, tents, and sleeping bags. The heavy-duty PVC fabric and triple-reinforced welded seams make it durable and resistant to tearing or ripping, even in harsh weather conditions.
The waterproof zipper with widened velcro zipper flaps and reinforced seams ensure that your belongings stay dry and protected from water damage. The carrier is also easy to install, with an anti-slip mat and 8 adjustable straps that keep it securely in place on your vehicle.
While the door hooks may not fit all car models, the carrier is compatible with vehicles with or without roof racks. The package also includes an extra luggage strap and a storage bag for easy transport and storage.
Overall, the Asinking Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is a reliable and spacious option for anyone in need of a durable and waterproof cargo carrier for their vehicle.
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage (US $299)
If you’re looking for a reliable cargo box to transport your gear, the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a great option. With a high-capacity interior of 18 cubic feet, this cargo carrier is perfect for long road trips or outdoor adventures.
Pros
- The four corner locking system and weather-tight seal provide ultimate protection and security for your luggage.
- The aerodynamic design of the cargo carrier ensures fuel efficiency while driving.
- With no tools required for assembly and installation, it’s easy to get on the road quickly.
Cons
- The locks and bars to hold the top open can be a bit of a hassle to deal with.
- The pre-drilled holes on the box require a roof rack to be 24 inches apart. If your roof rack is not this size, you may need to drill your own holes.
- Although the JEGS cargo carrier is made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, it is a bit on the pricier side compared to other cargo boxes on the market.
We recently took the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier on a road trip from the east coast to the west coast and were impressed with its performance. The cargo carrier kept our luggage dry and secure, even during a heavy rainstorm. We also noticed that our gas mileage wasn’t affected too much, thanks to the aerodynamic design of the cargo carrier.
Assembly and installation of the JEGS cargo carrier was a breeze, with no tools required. However, we did find that the locks and bars to hold the top open were a bit difficult to deal with, especially when we needed to access our luggage quickly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality cargo carrier that’s made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a great option. Just be prepared to deal with the locks and bars to hold the top open.
MeeFar Car Roof Bag Rooftop top Cargo Carrier (US $109)
If you’re looking for a cargo box that is waterproof, easy to use, and has a large storage space, then the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag is a great option.
Pros
- The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag is made of 100% waterproof and tearproof material, which makes it durable and heavy-duty.
- It is easy to use and can be quickly and easily installed in minutes. It comes with 1x anti-slip mats, 1x luggage lock, 6x security hooks, and 1x storage box. Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into the storage bag to save space while not in use.
- The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag can be used with any sized car or SUV, work both with car with or without roof rack.
Cons
- The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag may not be as sturdy as a hard-shell cargo box.
- The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag may not be able to hold as much weight as a hard-shell cargo box.
We recently used the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag on a road trip and were impressed with its performance. The bag is made of 100% waterproof and tearproof material, which made us feel confident that our belongings would stay dry even in the event of rain. It was also easy to install and came with everything we needed, including anti-slip mats, a luggage lock, security hooks, and a storage box. We were able to fit 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags, and more in the bag, which gave us plenty of extra space in our car.
One thing to keep in mind is that the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it may not be as sturdy as a hard-shell cargo box and may not be able to hold as much weight. However, for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use cargo box with a large storage space, the MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag is a great option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cargo box, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for a cargo box:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the cargo box are two of the most important factors to consider. You’ll want to make sure that the box you choose is large enough to hold all of your gear, but not so large that it’s difficult to store or transport. Consider the size of your vehicle and the amount of gear you typically carry when choosing a cargo box.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the cargo box are also important factors to consider. Look for a box that is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and protect your gear. Hardshell cargo boxes are typically more durable than softshell options, but they can also be heavier and more difficult to install.
Security
Security is another important consideration when choosing a cargo box. Look for a box that has a secure locking system to protect your gear from theft. Some boxes also have additional security features, such as reinforced hinges or tamper-proof locks.
Compatibility
Make sure that the cargo box you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack system. Most cargo boxes are designed to work with a variety of roof rack systems, but it’s important to double-check before making a purchase.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use when choosing a cargo box. Look for a box that is easy to install and remove, and that has features like dual-side opening or quick-release mounting hardware for added convenience.
In summary, when choosing a cargo box, consider the size and capacity, material and durability, security, compatibility, and ease of use. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the best cargo box for your needs and ensure that your gear stays safe and secure during transport.
