Best Rooftop Cargo Box – Our Top 3

Top 3-5

Introduction

No matter how big your car is, sometimes you feel like you’d like a little more space. Especially if you have a family and you need to carry various things from one place to another. Usually, when something doesn’t fit in the trunk, you compromise the comfort of the passengers from the backseat and put it there. This is why a lot of car owners invest in rooftop storage boxes.

Rooftop storage boxes are exactly that, a box that you can mount on the roof of your vehicle and store various items inside it. This makes moving a lot easier as you can fit a lot of things inside a decent rooftop box. They also come in various sizes and they’re usually perfectly shaped to increase your car’s aerodynamics.

Best Rooftop Cargo Box

Just like most products, when it comes to rooftop boxes prices, you get what you pay for. And since most families use a rooftop box for a number of years, it’s very important to invest in a model that can last as long as possible.

The average price of a rooftop storage box is $170 and you will notice the difference between those under this price and those above, very quickly. Cheaper models are designed with thinner material and don’t have enough security features. And the difference between an average box and a decent one is around $50, while the difference between an average box and a high-end quality one is around $100.

One of the best security features is having a central locking system. However, this can also make the roof storage box a little harder to close. It’s also very important to load the box correctly to reduce closing problems.

Best Rooftop Cargo Box – Advantages

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Best Rooftop Cargo Box

You can find various types of rooftop cargo boxes and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. But they all help you carry various items that otherwise would make the ride uncomfortable for someone. This makes them perfect for family road trips and camping. And since they come in a wide range of sizes, you can fit almost anything inside them.

If you’re the type of family that goes on various vacations and road trips a year, you might want to take into consideration a narrow roof box. These are the smallest size, however, they offer you the possibility to attach a kayak or two bike carriers. This makes your car ready for anything you have in mind and any last-minute vacation plans.

On the other hand, if you’d happily sacrifice the bike space for a little more rooftop storage box space, you can opt for a medium-size box. These boxes are the most popular choice on the market for families. This is because they’re much easier than a full-size rooftop cargo box, and they also offer enough room to attach one or even two bikes. They’re the most flexible choice available.

But if you’re sure you’ll need all the space you can get, you might want to look for a full-size rooftop cargo box. They’re very big and some of them can even be longer than your rooftop. However, you don’t have to worry as you won’t see it from inside your car and it won’t obstruct your view in any way.

The downside of these boxes is that they often take all the space on the roof, and you can only fit one bike.

Best Rooftop Cargo Box – How to choose

Best Rooftop Cargo Box

Buying a car rooftop cargo box seems pretty easy. However, there are still various things you should keep in mind before making the purchase. This is especially important if you plan on using this box for a long time. And since there aren’t any boxes made specifically for a certain type of vehicle, finding one that fits your needs requires a little bit of research.

The first thing you should keep in mind is the length of your vehicle. While a bigger box that’s longer than your rooftop might not obstruct your view, it could stop you from opening your trunk properly. So you have to make sure that when you open the tailgate, the rooftop box won’t stay in your way.

No matter where you buy your rooftop cargo box, you need to ask the safety questions. This includes whether the box meets the ISO standards, or not. It’s also important for the cargo box to have gone through a good crash-testing process.

And if you might carry skis, opt for a box that has a safety nose. This is an additional internal energy-absorbing barrier that can stop the skis from bursting through the box in case of a high-energy collision.

The items you have in your trunk are heavily protected by your car’s security features. However, the items stored inside the rooftop box can be easily stolen when you leave your car parked. This is why a high-quality security system is also a must.

You should also make sure the box is made from high-quality materials. This will ensure that it can withstand any harsh weather conditions. This includes rain, snow, and more.

In this article, we’ll talk about our Top 3 Best Rooftop Cargo Box.

Best Rooftop Cargo Box – Comparison Table

Product Name
Thule Force
SPORTRACK
DNA Motoring
Image
Thule Force
SPORTRACK
DNA Motoring
Easy to Install
Yes
No
Yes
Versatile
Yes
Yes
No
Dual-Side Opening
Yes
No
No
Durable
Yes
No
No
UV-Resistant
Yes
Yes
Yes
Waterproof
Yes
Yes
Yes
Storage Space
18 Cubic FT
18 Cubic FT
10 Cubic FT
Link

1 Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

Description

The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box has a versatile design that makes it perfect for everyday use. It can fit various bags, shoes, child toys, tents, and everything you need whenever you go on a road trip. You won’t have to worry about not having enough space for your favorite sleeping bag. And you won’t have to sacrifice anything just to make the ride comfier.

Thule is the best car racy system manufacturer in the world. No matter what type of family you are and what needs you have, this company has everything you need. This includes a range of three different boxes. One is for economy and you’ll like the Ocean, Pacific, and Touring models.

Another type is mid-to-top quality and the best model is the Motion XT. And the third type is a high-end quality line that includes the Dynamic and Excellence models. The mid-to-top and high-end quality boxes feature engineering features that are very similar.

Thanks to its well-thought-out and efficient design, this box offers 18 cubic feet of extra storage space. This means you can finally carry everything you need without cramping them in the trunk or in the backseat over other passengers. You can also find various Thule packing bags that are designed to fit perfectly inside this rooftop cargo box. This way, you won’t have to worry about not being able to close the box properly because of the size of your bag.

The box itself weighs 47 lbs and has a load capacity of 165 lbs. And its external dimensions are 82. 75 x 33. 75 x 17. 25 inches, and the internal dimensions are 77. 5 x 29. 5 x 15. 25 inches. This makes it ideal for most families.

Features

Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box is designed to fit a wide range of automobiles. And more than that, it doesn’t require any special additions as it’s made to work with most factory and aftermarket roof racks. It also has a tool-free installation process. The moment this rooftop cargo box is secure and mounted properly it clicks. This is due to its quick-mount system.

Thanks to the dual-side opening system, you will have easy access to open the box from either side of the vehicle. This makes unloading the rooftop box easier, especially if you park somewhere that doesn’t give you enough space to get to the box easily. You should keep in mind that soft fabrics might get in the way of closing the box properly.

With its LockKnob system, you will benefit from a comfortable way to open and close the box. It also helps to prevent any damage to the Thule Comfort Key. You won’t need any extreme force to open it or close it, making it usable by anyone in the family.

You will be able to open your trunk without any interference from the roof box. It has a forward position on your vehicle’s roof. This means that every time you open the trunk you won’t have to worry about space or damaging the box. And you can fit inside the box up to 7 pairs of skis or 5 snowboards.

This rooftop storage box is also designed from waterproof materials and you won’t have to worry about your cargo getting wet. You can use it during heavy snow and any weather. The box has also been through various rigorous crashing tests and it meets or exceeds the ISO standards.

Pros

  • Very Easy to Install
  • Easy to Use
  • Versatile Design
  • Dual-Side Opening
  • LockKnob System
  • Fits a Wide Range of Vehicles
  • PowerClick Quick-Mount System
  • Full Trunk Access With No Box Contact
  • Can Fit 5-7 Pairs of Skis or 5 Snowboards
  • Offers 18 Cubic Feet of Extra Storing Space

Cons

  • When the box is loaded to its full capacity, it can be slightly hard to close.
  • The closing mechanism is plastic and it’s not very sturdy.
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2 SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline SL Cargo Box

SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline SL Cargo Box

Description

The SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline SL Cargo Box is constructed out of high-density material for enhanced stability. You can mount it on the rooftop of your vehicle and store various items inside of it. This includes heavy bags, skis, snowboards, tents, sleeping bags, children’s toys, and a lot more. Its job is to carry everything that doesn’t fit inside your car while you go on a road trip.

The company designs and manufactures various types of rooftop storage boxes. Regardless if you want a full-size box or a smaller one that leaves space for a bike or two, you can find anything at them. They make products for both high-quality enthusiasts and those that would like a rooftop storage box on a budget. But no matter the product, they stand proud behind their creations and they’re ready to help you whenever you need anything.

When it comes to the installation process, it can be easily done without the need for any tools. The box can also be removed from your vehicle just as easy. This means you won’t have to carry the rooftop box around when you don’t need it, just because you find it hard to take it down. And when it’s installed, it won’t block your view in any way or limit your access to the trunk.

The package will include a U-bolt mounting hardware kit that is made for the installation of this rooftop cargo box on most vehicles. As long as your car has factory-installed or aftermarket roof racks that are rated at 150 lbs, you can use this box.

One thing you should keep in mind is that after you receive this product, it will require a significant amount of assembling.

Features

SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline SL Cargo Box

The SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline SL Cargo Box is designed with passenger side opening. This is very helpful in the event you need something from the box when you pulled over. You won’t have to worry about the traffic and take your time unloading the box. And once the lid is opened it automatically stays open.

Thanks to the integrated locks, you can confidently leave your vehicle park without worrying about getting the contents of the box stolen. The locks are pretty decent and can keep the box closed and secured throughout the journey. And the box is made of UV-resistant material which makes it ideal for summer vacations.

With the provided 18 cubic feet of additional storage space, you can avoid cramming up your trunk and store everything in the box. You will also enjoy the high profile of the box. This will allow you to store larger and taller items that can’t be compressed to fit inside your vehicle. However, it still sports a stylish look on virtually any vehicle.

The box is compatible with most racks installed on a vehicle from the factory or aftermarket models. This includes all SPORTRACK roof rack systems, square, round, etc. It’s also 100% waterproof and you can use it no matter the weather. The rain, snow, or dust won’t make their way inside the box and ruin the contents. This makes it ideal for skiing, beach, and other vacation plans.

Thanks to the two integrated lock cylinders, the contents of the box are kept safe. The cylinders are designed along the edge of the box opening. And the latches at the front and rear of the box ensures that the box will stay put and closed in high-wind conditions.

Pros

  • Passenger Side Opening
  • Includes Security Locks
  • Extra Large Design
  • Made Of UV-Resistant Material
  • Compatible With Most Racks
  • Offer 18 Cubic Feet of Extra Storage Space
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Cons

  • The Quality Isn’t Too Great
  • The Installation Can Be Difficult
  • Not Made For Heavy-Duty Usage

3 DNA Motoring PT-ZTL-8166-BK Car Rooftop Storage Box

DNA Motoring PT-ZTL-8166-BK Car Rooftop Storage Box

Description

The DNA Motoring PT-ZTL-8166-BK Car Rooftop Storage Box has a heavy-duty ABS plastic construction. It can carry various items that don’t fit inside your vehicle. This includes luggage, camping tents, sleeping bags, and a lot more. It also offers a stylish look to any vehicle as it isn’t too bulky yet it can store a lot of items.

Thanks to the 10 cubic feet of extra storage space, you can get ready for a vacation without over-loading your trunk. The dimensions of the box are 53″ L x 34″ W x 15″ H. And if you need to store any bulky items, don’t worry, the box opens to 14 inches wide.

This box also opens from the passenger side and it stays open until you close it. You will be able to unload it safely and away from traffic.

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Easy to Remove
  • Useful Lock
  • Lightweight Design
  • Opens to 14 Inches Wide
  • Stays Open Until You Close It
  • Opens From The Passenger Side
  • Offers 10 Cubic Feet of Extra Space
  • Heavy-Duty ABS Plastic Construction

Cons

  • Not Very Durable
  • Not Very Spacious
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Conclusion

Rooftop Cargo Boxes are the perfect investment for families that love going on adventures together. They can store various items and enhance the quality of the time you spend in the car.

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