Traveling by air is the best any time, any day. It is fast, safe and convenient. But there is a lot it takes away from the joy that comes with traveling, especially when doing that in a group. Nothing compares to an expedition by road from one end of your country to another.
Along the way to your destinations, you get to see places you do not see regularly. Apart from that, you are set to enjoy fun and meaningful interactions with other passengers, while your favorite music is playing in the background.
What about stop overs? They give you a sense of adventure that traveling by air will not. Rather than complete the journey in a few hours, going on a road trip takes several hours or days, meaning the fun will be an elongated one.
However, getting the right amount of space to accommodate both passengers and their massive cargo can be a challenge. No matter the size of your car or its boot, there can hardly be enough space to take all.
Rooftop cargo carriers help to solve this challenge. While the boot is already full of cargo, a good rooftop cargo carrier affords you the chance of taking as much as you can without having to worry about space.
With the market already saturated with many rooftop cargo carriers that leaves not much to be desired, it could be herculean laying your hands on a quality one. We have taken the time to select and reviewed some of the Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers that will satisfy your needs. You can make a pick from any of them.
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10 Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers
#01. RoofBag Waterproof Cargo Carrier
No products found.To get your load, however heavy they are, along with you on a trip requires reliable luggage. RoofBag Waterproof cargo carrier is one that seems to check all the little dots required of a regular cargo carrier. The model is perfect for regular cars, vans, SUVs, and sedans.
It comes with 2 heavy-duty straps that ensure that your load is secure atop your vehicle even if you move at a relatively high speed. The straps are 3000 lbs strong. So, you need not worry that the carrier might fall off.
RoofBag Waterproof cargo carrier has qualities that make it stand tough against strong elements such as water and extreme heat. No matter the weather, your load will be given adequate protection.
It can be frustrating for one to buy a rooftop carrier only to see tears after only being used a few times. This rooftop carrier bag is built to resist abrasion and tears.
Normally, heavy loads can constitute drag for vehicles and consume fuel faster than you can imagine. But this bag’s aerodynamic shape gives it lightness and compactness that makes for fuel-efficient trips.
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#02. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
No products found.SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box is large enough to provide sufficient extra space for your long road trips. You may go ahead to plan extra bodies for your journeys as long as you have this item.
Built with strong ultraviolet rays resistant plastic, it does not only provide strong resistance against impact strikes such as stones and heavy rain. It also ensures that your cargo is safely locked.
Another great feature of this item is the allowance it gives to you to use the rear bumper as a stilt to open and access the box. This ensures that you do not need to take a down box before loading your cargo.
The strapping of the rooftop cargo carrier box to your vehicle is done via the use of U-bolts. This means that you do not have to stress yourself attaching this stuff to your vehicle.
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#03. FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
No products found.If you are keen on increasing your vehicle’s cargo space without impedance to the comfort of passengers, FIVKLEMNZ car roof bag cargo carrier is perhaps an item to give some consideration. It actually provides a large capacity that is capable of holding as much as 6 suitcases, mat, sleeping bags, tents and many more. This really is all you need!
One of the materials used to manufacture this item is 600D Oxford fabric, as well as velcro and double-stitched seams that provide it with strength against rainstorms. The zipper, which is waterproof as well, is protected by a double flap.
The item comes with 4 door hooks, 8 reinforced straps, an anti-slip mat and storage back. This will give you the necessary protection for your cargo.
Many rooftop carrier bags demand racks upon which they can be fastened. FIVKLEMNZ car roof bag cargo carrier requires no such paraphernalia.
All you need to do, in the absence of a rack, is open your car door, pullback its weather stripping seal, place one of the 4 door hooks around it, apply gentle force, pop the weather stripping seal back in place and close the door. You should then do the same process for the other doors.
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#04. RoofPax Car Roof Bag and Rooftop Cargo Carrier
No products found.The manufacturer of RoofPax car roof bag and rooftop cargo carrier have an obvious preference for door hooks over straps that could end up being clumsy. Hooks are expected to provide better security than straps because of their noninterference with airbags.
The size of this cargo carrier is massive enough to free up space in your car and sure that you take along just about everything you need on your next road trip. Its large cargo storage space is one of the best you can get from the market.
RoofPax car roof bag and rooftop cargo carrier come with 10 velcro strap restrainers that are elastic and made to prevent the 10 straps from flapping. In addition, the roof bag also features an inbuilt protective mat and an SBS Zipper to make your luggage compact.
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#05. LED KINGDOMUS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
No products found.This is another ideal rooftop cargo bag for a long journey out of your place of residence. It is made from quality materials one of which is 600D Oxford fabric with the inner layers having PVC coating to prevent water from trickling in the bag.
Interestingly, the cargo carrier is dual purpose, meaning you can use it primarily for cars, SUVs, and vans while it can also function effectively with pickup trucks. All these vehicles do not need to have a rack for this item to work well.
LEDKINGDOMUS rooftop cargo carrier also features an extra lock that gives it extra security and a protective mat which provides a cushion for the contact between the car roof and the cargo bag. If not in use, the heavy-duty bag is also foldable. You can simply place safely in its storage bag and put it away.
Finally, the item is easy to install and use. In fact, the manual provides details on 3 different methods for its installation. You can easily pick whichever is good for your type of vehicle or convenient for you.
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#06. JUSTINCASE Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
No products found.JUSTINCASE rooftop cargo carrier bag is one of the best in the market. It is heavy-duty with a large capacity that would allow you free up space conveniently in your car. It appears to be a great deal indeed.
Made from materials that guarantee durability such as 600D PVC fabric, JUSTINCASE rooftop cargo carrier bag promises to protect your stuff from harsh weather conditions, especially severe rainfall. It is 100% waterproof.
If you have doubted getting a rooftop cargo bag for fear of it falling off, this one should erase the doubt. It comes with 4 door hooks and 8 Velcro straps, with both providing enough strength and security for your load even if you are on top speed.
The cargo carrier bag also promises extra gear fastening by extension loop. This will provide additional security for the bag. Additionally, the car roof paint is protected from peeling and lugged securely from sliding by an inbuilt protective mat that comes with the cargo carrier.
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#07. JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier
No products found.This is a cargo carrier that provides similar functions like your average cargo carrier bag. It comes in black and a shape that makes it look ready for business. Perhaps the most exciting feature is its large storage capacity that gives you the assurance that no important item for your trips is left behind.
Installation of some of the carriers out there can be tricky. But this one is quite different as it requires no tool for assemblage and installation. This carrier can, therefore, be installed by just about anyone.
The required specifications for it to work well are a roof rack and a cross rail system that is rated 150 lbs and above. Navigation fins, rear hatchback, and roof-mounted antennas must be clear before the carrier box can be used.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this cargo carrier box comes with mounting hardware and 2 keys for security. It also has 3 clips for keeping it firmly latched on the road (one on each side, one upfront) and a lock at the back to secure it.
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#08. BougeRV Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
No products found.BougeRV rooftop cargo carrier bag was built to be strong and durable with 1000 PVC fabric, 8 straps and buckles with reinforced patches to prevent tearing and waterproof rain flaps and zippers. Even as you try to create extra space in your car, you are sure of achieving this with a durable rooftop cargo carrier bag.
Its design is such that water, road grit, wind, and heat do not affect your cargo. The installation manual that comes with the package after purchase provides all the details on the dos and don’t.
One of the important precautions is that you do not overload the 15 cubic feet capacity bag. The recommended luggage are two medium-sized suitcases, a tent, a cooler and two sleeping back.
The straps of this item will ensure that your luggage is held firmly on the vehicle. You can move your car through any type of undulating topography without fear of it coming off.
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#09. Asani Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
No products found.Whenever you are planning a long expedition with family, friends or both, you no longer have to worry about not having enough room for your luggage or creating space for all the folks. Asani car rooftop cargo carrier bag has got you covered.
This carrier bag has a relatively roomy storage capacity which can accommodate about 5 medium-sized suitcases. The bulk after it is loaded can be strapped with 8 reinforced straps with heavy-duty buckles. These ensure that the bag is secure atop your car irrespective of your speed.
Another great feature of this bag is that it is waterproof and dust-proof. This is made possible by the triple-layer tarpaulin, a layer of mesh cloth and Velcro cover with which it was designed. No matter the weather, your trip is guaranteed to be loaded!
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#10. PI AUTOSTORE ROOFMASTER Rooftop Cargo Carrier
No products found.Durability is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a rooftop cargo carrier for purchase. This cargo carrier is made from Cordura Nylon fabric, a material that has been proven to provide resistance to wear and tear. It also has straps and buckles that are stronger than the standards plastic buckles that are used for most rooftop carriers.
The straps of this bag are equally strong and guided through the top of the carrier to prevent tear and water leaks. They can be used with rails or door hooks. Besides, the zippers of this item can be likened to those that are used for extreme sports.
Another feature of this bag is that it is highly water-resistant. So, you have nothing to worry about the rain if it is going to pour while you are on your trip. The carrier bag also assures protection against ultraviolet rays and heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can this cargo carrier bag hold?
This is often stated in the manuals. Sometimes you can read reviews from some of those that might have used it before to get an idea.
Will it work without roof racks or cross rails?
It depends. Advertisers are often honest about this. You get to know from product reviews that some work with or without rails or racks.
Is this cargo carrier really waterproof?
Having resistance for water is a basic requirement of every rooftop cargo carrier. This is why most manufacturers ensure that they advertise that their products are Waterproof. However, not all rooftop cargo carriers are 100% waterproof.
Do straps leave scratches or scuffs if attached to the side rails of my car?
It depends on the brand. You can avoid this by being careful while using it or refrain from overspeeding.
Is there a speed limit to observe if I use this cargo carrier?
Many of the bags out there will withstand the speed of 70-100km per hour. But it is advisable that you keep an average speed. Some brands, however, are built with straps and hooks that can survive higher speed.
Do I really need a protective mat when using this cargo carrier?
Not really. That’s if the weather is kind to you all through the trip. If the weather reports predict a rainy day, then the onus is on you to use the protective mat. It will preserve the longevity of your rooftop carrier bag.
Final Verdict
From the foregoing, you can see clearly that rooftop cargo carriers actually solve a problem. It has become quite a necessity for those who no longer have to worry about the challenge of managing space whenever they wish to travel long distances.
All they have to do is find the right brand of the rooftop cargo carrier. We have meticulously selected 10 of the best ones out there on the market and provided a detailed review of them. We have also identified some of the crucial things to look out for in a rooftop cargo carrier, as illustrated in the reviews. So, it’s up to you now.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
