Roof top storage can get pricey, but it's much more cost-effective than leveling up to a bigger vehicle.
In theory, at least, station wagons, SUVs and minivans offer a lot of cargo space. But throw children, dogs and stuff into the mix, and holding all your gear can become difficult. A rooftop cargo box can be an excellent solution for adding storage capacity for skis, snowboards and camping gear. It can also be a more cost-effective option than leveling up to an expensive full-size SUV that may prove unwieldy in real life.
You can score a cheap cargo carrier, but if you travel frequently, investing in one of the best rooftop cargo boxes from brands like Yakima or Thule may make sense. Spending more can get you more durable, lightweight materials, a more aerodynamic design to reduce noise and improve fuel economy and a simpler, more secure setup process.
Rack Compatibility: Does the cargo carrier work with any roof rack, or does it require a brand-specific one? Buying crossbars or a rack from the same manufacturer as the cargo box can help ensure they are compatible. If your car does not have roof rails, have no fear. Multiple manufacturers have created adapters that allow for innovative mounting options for vehicles not made with roof rails.
Weight Capacity: Something to remember when shopping for roof racks or crossbars is how much weight you intend to transport. Crossbars will have lower weight limitations than a full rack, but depending on what you are carrying, they may work just fine. Getting a full platform rack will be more expensive and less modular, but they can carry a lot more weight. Remember that you do not want to load your roof beyond its limit, but I will touch on this later.
Size: Once you determine how much weight you plan on carrying in your cargo box, you'll need to consider the box size. Typically measured in cubic feet, which is helpful for volume, you will want to dive a bit deeper into the specs for the length as well. For example, if you are rolling in a hatchback, be mindful of how a box could hinder the trunk operation if it has to be mounted too far back on the car.
