Greatest Rooftop Cargo Bins of 2024

For those who love adventures in nature, the gear required to have a good time in various environments adds up pretty fast. A rooftop cargo box helps organize everything well and increases the comfort and space inside your vehicle while at the same time protecting the interior.

It’s nice to be able to stash damp, smelly, or sharp items up top, too. The longer the road trip, the more valuable rooftop storage will be.

A variety of box volumes and styles exist whether you steer a van, truck, hatchback, or SUV. Here, we highlight a handful of our team’s top choices for the best rooftop cargo boxes available for any size and budget.

For general questions about cargo box design features, use, and maintenance, check out the buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article. Otherwise, read on for our top picks.

Editor’s Note: For our May 13, 2024 update, we added the Yakima Skybox NX and the Thule Motion 3 XL rooftop cargo boxes.

Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

Steve Andrews has been adventuring in vehicles for 25 years. His main chariot has been alive almost as long: a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. As a go-anywhere 4×4, it can handle almost anything underneath it, taking Steve on adventures all around North America. With a growing family and a dog, though, more space was essential. So Steve set out to find the best rooftop cargo box to pack all the essentials for a family of four (and dog) to join the journey, while still allowing for space inside.

Steve has worked as a professional guide for both hiking and backcountry skiing/snowboarding, so he has a keen sense of packing for efficiency. Using this knowledge, he worked hard to pack every square inch of the boxes we tested to ensure that we knew how it worked under a full load.

Aside from Steve’s backcountry prowess, he also has studied statistics and math, and nerding out on the interior space and weight ratios was second nature. This combined with a penchant for getting off-road (with precious cargo both inside and on top of the vehicle) makes him an ideal tester for these rooftop boxes.

How We Tested Rooftop Cargo Boxes

Steve’s 4Runner is an ideal vehicle to test out rooftop cargo boxes. Being an older V8 vehicle, gas mileage is a large concern for attaching any extra accessories to a vehicle. So Steve set out a baseline for 50 miles on the highway and measured the gas consumption without any boxes compared to the boxes on top. In addition, since the vehicle has a higher roof, putting stuff in and out of the box is a bit more difficult than say, a Honda Civic.

To further add to that, Steve enlisted help from a tech-savvy, gadget-loving friend who has the latest Tesla model Y, where battery consumption can be measured by the minute. Combining this data allowed us to measure the efficiency of these boxes without having to trust the manufacturer’s word for it.

Additionally, we tested how easy or difficult it was to install these boxes. Can it be done single-handedly, or do you need help from a friend (or several friends)? Is the latching system secure? How easy or difficult is it to open the box with a bunch of gear in the other hand? And when it’s time to close it shut, do you need to fidget the handle to make sure it’s closed or is it one simple maneuver?

Then, we paid close attention to how secure the box was on the roof while driving. The last thing you’d want is any vibration or deafening noise to scare others around you. So, after ensuring we installed it correctly, we checked the box at speed with the windows and sunroof open to see how kind it was to those around us. 

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Rooftop Cargo Box

Roof Length Compatibility

It’s key to make sure the box can seamlessly pair with your vehicle’s roof and rack, especially if you have a top-hinged trunk. First, position the front crossbar as far forward as possible (some are not adjustable). Then open the hatch and measure from the back hatch to the center of the vehicle’s front crossbar.

That distance needs to exceed the hatch clearance of a cargo box, which is listed on the manufacturer’s website. You’ll also want to be sure the length doesn’t hinder visibility up front or hit any antennas.

Rack Setup

If you’ve never owned a rooftop setup, this is rack 101. The mount is a component that runs lengthwise (front to back) and attaches to the top of your vehicle. Generally, vehicles come with factory mounts like raised rails, tracks, or fixed points.

If you’re working with a bare roof, you can permanently mount a rack or opt for a setup that’s compatible with the door jamb. Two crossbars or load bars sit perpendicular to the roof and are attached to the mount via four compatible towers. Crossbars vary in size and shape.

Each cargo box is compatible with specific crossbars, so make sure those crossbars work with your vehicle and mount or if an adapter is required.

Carrying Purpose and Capacity

Before you start shopping for a rooftop cargo box, take a look at your gear. What do you need and intend to carry on trips? Shorter or packable items like camp chairs or sleeping bags generally fit well in rooftop cargo boxes.

Lengthier items like skis, paddles, golf clubs, and strollers will require a longer box like the Yakima Skybox Carbonite — make sure the box’s internal dimensions fit the length of your equipment.

Read the width and height of each box to help conceptualize the overall volume. Boxes also list the gear capacity in cubic feet (or inches or liters). The more people in your group, the more space you’ll need for each individual’s gear.

Weight

There are two weight factors to take into account: the cargo box weight and the weight capacity of the box. The cargo boxes listed here range from 20 to 66 pounds without any cargo. The majority of these carriers safely hold a weight capacity of up to 165 pounds, but others are lower, around 110 or even 50 pounds.

Don’t sacrifice the cost for a less structural cargo box if you need to transport heavier items. Your heftiest cargo, like a loaded cooler, is easier and safer to store inside the vehicle.

Check with each box manufacturer for a specific box’s weight limits. Likewise, check the owner’s manual of your vehicle for the recommended maximum load. You’ll need to subtract the weight of the box, aftermarket towers, and crossbars, as well as the max weight of the cargo stored inside the box.

Materials

Cargo boxes are built with durable plastic, and a handful have additional reinforcements, such as the steel along the base of the Thule Vector. Others are coated with an additional finish for extra durability and weather resistance. For example, the Pelican BX140R Cargo Case has a corrosion-resistant coat.

The hardware, like the latches and lock systems, vary in quality, which is reflected in the price. Overall, the size and materials influence the box’s weight, too.

Water Resistance

Most rooftop cargo box designs are extremely weather-resistant, thanks to a waterproof shell and weather sealing, so they’ll generally do a great job of blocking snow and rain. Some even feature a liner for water resistance, like the integrated rubber gasket of the Pelican BX140R Cargo Case.

However, none of these cargo boxes claim to be completely waterproof. We recommend you store any water-sensitive, precious cargo in a dry bag or inside the rig.

Extra Features

A handful of the top-shelf designs have extra features for comfort, utility, and ease of use. For instance, we appreciate the interior LED lights of the Thule Vector, as well as its long handle strap.

Installation and Ease of Use

Installing a rooftop cargo box can vary from model to model, but there are a few general steps and tips to ensure a smooth setup. First, always start by reading the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. Most cargo boxes are designed for easy installation, often requiring no tools, thanks to hand-tightening knobs and pre-installed mounting hardware.

For ease of use, look for boxes with dual-side opening features. This allows you to access your gear from either side of the vehicle, which is particularly handy in crowded parking lots or when parked on busy streets. Additionally, check if the box has a quick-release system which makes it easy to attach and remove without much effort.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your rooftop cargo box is crucial to ensure its longevity and performance. Regularly check and tighten the mounting hardware, as vibrations from the road can loosen connections over time. Clean the box with mild soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish or weaken plastic components. If you notice any cracks or damage, address them immediately to prevent further issues.

Security Features

Security is a paramount concern when storing valuable gear atop your vehicle. Opt for cargo boxes with robust locking mechanisms. Many high-quality models come with locks that secure the contents and latch the box to the base rack, making it difficult to remove without a key.

Keyed locks are a convenient feature, allowing you to use the same key for the cargo box and your rack system, reducing the number of keys you need to carry. Some premium models include advanced security features like reinforced locking points and tamper-resistant locks, providing peace of mind when your vehicle is out of sight.

Choosing the right rooftop cargo box involves considering how it complements your vehicle, the type of gear you plan to carry, and the features that enhance usability and security. By focusing on compatibility, capacity, weight, materials, water resistance, and additional features like easy installation and robust security, you can select a model that meets your needs and ensures safe and efficient travel with all your essential equipment.

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