Best Roof Rack For Suv: Top Picks 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
MaxxHaul Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: MaxxHaul Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket

The MaxxHaul Roof Rack is the perfect attachment for your truck or SUV. Install your cargo carrier on your roof rack in less than a minute with ease. The MaxxHaul Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket is designed to attach to most cross bars with easy-to-use u-bolts for simple installation. With a powder coat finish, it'll look great for years. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: ARKSEN 84 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo

The ARKSEN 84 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Net is ideal for securing loose luggage items on your vehicle. This heavy-duty cargo net includes two tie down bungee nets and a rigid construction that can resist a tensile force without breakage. With a black epoxy coating, it's resistant to weather elements and corrosion. Read Review

3. Best Convenient: Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket

The Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket is the perfect accessory to carry your cargo. Whether you're carrying groceries, camping gear, luggage or even extra bags, this roof rack is built to withstand the elements. With a roof rack extension for added cargo capacity, it's easy to transport your items anywhere you need. Read Review

4. Best Safety: Mockins Extendable Rooftop Steel Cargo Rack Basket Luggage Carrier

The Mockins Extendable Rooftop Steel Cargo Rack Basket Luggage Carrier is an amazing, lightweight, expandable and collapsible cargo carrier that offers both a bag and carrier. With its ratchet straps that help secure your load, it can carry up to 44 pounds of luggage. Read Review

When you buy a suv, you need to provide it with all the necessary gear for going off-road. Roofs are ideal for that. You can get a number of different roof racks to secure your gear, but not all of them work well with suvs. The best roof rack for suvs are those that fit your vehicle’s footprint and give you access to storage space. Make sure you also check the weight rating of any roof rack before buying one.

After investing in research hours, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: MaxxHaul Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, ARKSEN 84 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo. It could better suit your needs.
Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 MaxxHaul Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket
Our Score:
9.9
MAXXHAUL
  • Attaches to most cross bars with easy to use u-bolts for simple installation
  • Includes rubber caps to cover the U-bolts and protect the cargo
TOP Choice #2 ARKSEN 84 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo
Our Score:
9.8
ARKSEN
  • [EXTRA SECURITY] Bottom metal bars and side rails keep your items secure during traveling. Features a steel wind fairing to protect cargo from wind damage and reduce wind resistance.
  • [LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY] Free up space in your vehicle with this roof rack cargo basket that can hold up to 150 lbs. Overall dimensions include: 84 x 39 x 6 inches.
TOP Choice #3 Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket
Our Score:
9.7
Leader Accessories
  • ADJUSTABLE FIT: It utilizes your vehicle's cross bars, easily mounting roff rack with four universal U-bolts, accommodating square cross bars less than 4.6" wide x 1.375" thick or round bars  less than 1.375" in diameter.
  • EXTRA LARGE SIZE:Overall Dimension w/ Extension: 64"(L) x 39"(W) x 6'(H); Perfect Car Top Luggage Holder for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more
  • NOTE: Please make sure your cross bar's distance is greater than 29.7 inch, if you want use the roof rack extension part.
  • INCLUDED: Rooftop carrier, cargo bag, 2 ratchet straps, mounting hardware, and a strong cargo net
  • DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): Basket: 64 x 39 x 6 inches; Cargo bag full: 44 x 34 x 18 inches; Protective mat (L x W): 39.0 x 36.0 inches; Weight: 41 pounds
  • CHOICE OF USE: Bag and carrier can be used together or separately; Both made to be mounted to the crossbars; Ratchet straps help secure your load
  • [VERSTAILE CARGO BASKET] Suitable for carrying camping supplies, firewood, luggage, hunting and fishing gear, and more during camping, road trips, or when moving.
  • [LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY] Free up space in your vehicle with this roof rack cargo basket that can hold up to 150 lbs. Overall dimensions include: 64"(L) x 39"(W) x 6"(H).
  • Extra Storage Capacity: Get an extra roomy 11 or 17 square ft. of space on top of your vehicle with this roof-mounted cargo carrier! There is a removable rack extension that can be used to adjust it from 43x39x6” to 64x39x6” to fit different cars.
  • Useful Attached Tools: The SUV roof rack is equipped with 2pcs 12ft 2200lbs tie-down straps and 1pcs 36"x60" cargo net to provide more strength and protection when stretched over larger cargo items such as tents, luggage, storage boxes, and more.
  • Ultra-Durable: The rooftop cargo carrier is constructed from tubular steel which is lightweight but high in strength, it can haul up to 150 lbs of cargo, gear, and equipment. It features sleek fairing that helps to minimize drag and noise, the powder coat is also rust and corrosion-resistant, BUT it is still recommended to park your car indoors and use Truck Bedliner Paint to make the entire rack rustproof.
  • [RIGID CONSTRUCTION] Heavy-duty steel construction with black powder coating resists weather elements and corrosion, offering several years of long-lasting use.
  • [EXTRA SECURITY] Bottom metal bars and side rails keep your items secure during traveling. Features a steel wind fairing to protect cargo from wind damage and reduce wind resistance.
  • [VERSTAILE CARGO BASKET] Suitable for carrying camping supplies, firewood, luggage, hunting and fishing gear, and more during camping, road trips, or when moving.
  • 150LBS Capacity: Free up space in your vehicle with a roof rack cargo basket that safely and securely holds up to 150 lbs of cargo, gear and equipment.
  • Four universal U-bolts,accommodating square cross bars up to 4.6" wide x 1.35" thick or round bars up to 1.35" in diameter
  • Extra large size: Overall Dimension w/ Extension: 64"(L) x 39"(W) x 6'(H); Perfect Car Top Luggage Holder for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more
  • Holds cargo travel bags, equipment, or other gear
  • Universal Fit: Accommodates square cross bars up to 4-3/4 inch wide x 2-1/2 inch thick or round bars up to 2-1/2 inch in diameter.
  • 【Enhanced Security Design】Coming with 6-inch high side rails around the cargo basket and bottom cross bar, our roof rack can keep your luggage secure during a long drive. The front steel wind fairing is designed to reduce the wind resistance to protect cargos from wind damge and noise.
  • 【Sturdy & Durable Construction】The roof rack is made of heavy duty steel material with powder coating to promote high durability and helps protect from easily rust and scratches. Because of the tightly connected frame, our cargo basket can safely hold up cargos, gears and equipments within 150 lbs.

For a Practical Purchase of best roof rack for suv, What Should You Think About?

Actually, when you decide to invest in best roof rack for suv for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item. 

You are supposed to rest assured because we are here to support you with that. Our article here is conducted with the support of high-tech tools, including AI tools and Big Data. As a result, the authority and precision of the information are substantial. 

We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best roof rack for suv below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%

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.

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.

After knowing the suitable kinds of best roof rack for suv and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy. 

Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best roof rack for suv perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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