Best Cargo Box 2024: Expert’s Choice & Buyer’s Guide

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Box
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: JEGS Rooftop Cargo Box

Get ready to hit the road with the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Box! With its high-capacity interior dimensions and aerodynamic design, your next adventure is sure to be a breeze. It features waterproof storage, easy and convenient loading and unloading, no tools required for assembly and installation. Read Review

2. Runner Up: SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

The SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box is the perfect solution for all your storage needs. With an 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity, this box is made from durable UV-resistant ABS material for long lasting protection. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box

Looking for a way to maximize your car's storage capacity? Introducing the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box. This versatile roof-mounted cargo box is perfect for everyday use and provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space. Read Review

4. Best Performance: Last Boks Cargo Box

Get organized on the go with Last Boks Cargo Box. This mid-size truck bed cargo box is made of a sturdy and durable material, making it the perfect truck bed accessory. It's water resistant and waterproof, so you can be sure your items stay safe and dry while you drive. Read Review

5. Best Flexible: Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box

Get your adventure going with the Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box. Its rugged and durable design keeps your valuables protected, while its FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes. Read Review

Whether you're a frequent road trip taker, a weekend camper, or just a regular commuter, having the best cargo box is a must. It can help you keep all your important items safe and secure during your travels. A cargo box is a great way to store and transport your luggage, camping supplies, and other items conveniently.

It's also an excellent way to protect your belongings from the elements and keep them organized. With its versatility and convenience, it's no surprise why the best cargo boxes have become a popular choice for travelers around the world. The market for cargo boxes is vast and there are various features and designs available to choose from. From hardshell to softshell, from locks to dividers, from low-profile to aerodynamic designs, there's sure to be a cargo box that fits your needs and budget.

We think the best cargo box available now is JEGS Rooftop Cargo Box. This rooftop storage solution offers a high-capacity interior, and an aerodynamic design, and is waterproof to ensure all your belongings stay safe and dry. If you were wanting another option, you can check the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 JEGS Rooftop Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.7
JEGS
  • MADE IN USA, LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
  • SECURE & PROTECT YOUR GEAR in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell car top cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiency
TOP Choice #2 SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.6
SportRack
  • Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack
  • Fits SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars and most factory racks (check fit guide)
TOP Choice #3 Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.4
Thule
  • External dimensions: 74.75 x 24.75 x 16.75 inches
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 32 lbs
4 Last Boks Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.2
Last Boks
  • STURDY AND DURABLE CARGO BOX ORGANIZER - Made in the USA and constructed of high molecular weight polyethylene with a skid resistant cap. Lightweight and durable, this truck bed organizer only weighs 17lbs. Last Boks is water resistant and waterproof to protect your truck bed from spills, or messy cargo. If something happens, simply hose it off and your Last Boks is good as new.
  • LASTBOKS MID-SIZE TRUCK BED - Secure your cargo, protect your truck bed, and keep things in reach with the innovative Last Boks cargo box. This versatile truck bed accessory pulls out through the opening onto your tailgate, almost like a large utility drawer. Last Boks is not a stationary bed liner, this cargo box slides in and out at your convenience.
5 Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.0
Thule
  • Height off crossbar: 16 inches
  • FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
6 Goplus Cargo Box
Our Score:
8.8
Goplus
  • Perfect for Road Trip---Take the cargo box to the park, the beach, the sports field, or any place you need to store. Works on all vehicles with rack, suitable for cars, vans, SUVs, etc. Sleek aerodynamic design to reduce drag and has less noise.
  • Easy to Install---The Goplus roof box equipped with 4 quick connect anchors for easy install and super latch security ensures your lid secure to its base, and your gear is safe. Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle to increased efficiency and convenience.
7 Auto Dynasty Box Cargo
Our Score:
8.7
Auto Dynasty
  • ▶️ This roof top storage box is universal fit for mounting to max 13 inches wide cross bar, please check the dimension before purchase.
  • ▶️ It is constructed of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material to ensure a long lasting life in outdoor conditions. More, it can open from the side and stay open till you close it with the strong support arm.
8 ECOTRIC Cargo Carrier Box
Our Score:
8.5
ECOTRIC
  • -Tightly clamp the cargo carrier arms to 4” square RV bumper will totally eliminate shaking, rattling,
  • -This pair fits 4" x 4" Square Bumper. Carry your cargo all the way on your trip sturdily and without any worries that it might fall off during in transit.
  • 【SPECIFICATION】Size: 17 Cubic Feet Internal Storage, 110lbs Max Capacity | Overall Dimensions: 78" L X 31" W X 15" H | Weighs: 37Lbs | Surface Finish: Black Textured Finish
  • 【ROBUST DESIGN】Constructed of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material for long-lasting durability, able to protect your contents from exposure to the inclement weather.
  • INNO designed and made in Japan
  • Limited Life Time Warranty

Tips for choosing the most appropriate model among the list of best cargo box

Perhaps as a customer, you may be looking for a best cargo box that may provide you with just what you want, such as being environmentally friendly, freely selected, and so on.

In this section, we will discuss with you the buying guides and main factors to consider when planning to buy the product from e-commerce websites, so that when the time comes to make your final selection, everything would be laid out in front of you.

The best cargo box has many characteristics that purchasers adore, and due to its affordable rate, more people may enjoy this optimum quality without needing to pay quite so much money.

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

FAQs

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

Conclusion

In summary, the best cargo box is the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Provided that you are not satisfied with the models listed above, we propose Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box for you. 

If you are unclear about how to select an item for yourself or someone else at any time in this post, please let us know! Our team of professionals is always pleased to help you find the best match.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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