Best Cargo Carrier for SUV, Trucks, and Other Cars

If you're going for a road trip or camping and are looking to increase the cargo carrying capacity for your car, there are a wide range of practical options for you. The best cargo carrier will help you maximize the storage space available on your vehicle without interfering with the number of passengers you can carry.

These carry bags are mostly attached to the roof of the car, making it easy to store your tent, suitcases, and sleeping bags. As a result, these cargo carriers should be made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand rain, wind, and snow.

When looking for a cargo carrier, you need to have in mind the type of cargo you will be carrying. To help you find the perfect one for your car, we have curated the five best cargo carriers, their pros, and cons, as well as the important factors you need to consider before getting one.

What Is a Cargo Carrier?

A cargo carrier is either a bag, box, or rack that is designed to be attached to the roof of a car. It is mostly used to carry bulky and extra items like bicycles, kayaks, skis, canoes, suitcases, or various types of loads.

With a car-top carrier, you get a huge amount of additional space that you can store sports equipment, vacation clothes, etc. when going for a vacation or road trip. In addition, rooftop cargo carriers are a great asset and will help you avoid the need to replace the car when traveling with family.

There are different types of cargo carriers, including baskets, bags, or boxes. So, here are some of the best cargo carriers you can find out there.

5 Best Cargo Carriers for SUV

1. Keeper 07203-1 Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag (15 Cubic Feet)

Sale
Keeper - Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag, 15 Cubic Feet
  • Protect Your Cargo: Keeper Roof Top Cargo Bag features 15 cubic...
  • Measurements: This cargo bag measures approximately 44 in x 34 in...
  • Features: Soft sides flex to fit odd-shaped loads and folds into...
  • Ideal Use: Fits most roof racks on standard vehicles and smaller...
  • Disclaimer: Please use extreme caution when not utilizing all...

The Keeper Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag features an impressive 15 cubic feet of space that have been designed to fit different types of roof racks. It comes with 8 tie-down points, two on each side of the bag, which means you will need to have crossbars on the vehicle to secure it fully.

These tie-downs have a buckle style clip with adjusters, but you can always purchase extra straps to go over the bag, but they are not always necessary. They easily clip together, and you can adjust them to ensure the load is secure and properly positioned.

The Keeper car roof bag measures 44 x 34 x 17 inches with a weight of only 5.25 pounds. When not in use, you can easily fold it and store it in your home. This roof bag also comes with a covering flap that helps you protect your belonging from different weather conditions.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Fits on all roof racks
  • Flexible to fit the odd-shaped loads
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Folds making it easy to store
  • Easy to remove and install
  • It can accommodate a lot

Cons

  • The zipper pulls are pretty small

2. RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, 15 Cubic Feet. Waterproof Car Top Carrier

Sale
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Original Roof Bag Made in USA for Any Car Size with or Without Roof...
  • FITS ALL CARS: With or without rack, sunroof, moonroof. The...
  • MOST SECURE DESIGN: Your belongings are safe at any highway speed...
  • TRULY WATERPROOF: RoofBag car topper keeps your valued contents...
  • HEAVY-DUTY: Whether you need a roof rack bag or a car top carrier...
  • QUIET, FUEL EFFICIENT, EASY TO INSTALL: RoofBag luggage carrier...

The RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier is another best cargo carrier for SUV cars that provides 15 cubic feet of space. It is made of stylish black color, and you can get this back in the 11 cubic option as well as a gray color.

This rooftop carrier is easy to fit into your vehicle, where you can fit it straight on your roof or use it with crossbars, roof bars, or a roof basket. Moreover, putting a liner below the bag will prevent movements while driving.

It is made from durable double-coated vinyl that is made to withstand abrasions and different weather conditions. In addition, its design has been optimized to help improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle, where it reduces drag, fuel consumption, and noise.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Durable material to withstand different conditions
  • Great for larger vehicles
  • 100% waterproof
  • Strong straps to ensure your belongings are safe
  • Large enough
  • Two-year warranty

Cons

  • Not the best for rainy weather

3. ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack Cargo with Car Top Luggage Holder Carrier

ARKSEN Heavy Duty 43 Inch Universal Roof Rack Auto Top Luggage Carrier Basket Holder for SUV, Truck,...
  • [LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY] Free up space in your vehicle with this...
  • [RIGID CONSTRUCTION] Heavy-duty steel construction with black...
  • [EXTRA SECURITY] Bottom metal bars and side rails keep your items...
  • [EASY INSTALLATION] Easy to install on most vehicles. This cargo...
  • [VERSTAILE CARGO BASKET] Suitable for carrying camping supplies,...

The Arksen Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier features metal construction and a durable design that makes it one of the best roof racks in terms of durable design and ease of use. Even if it may look a bit retro, it is quite easy to use.

Its metal frame has measurements of 64 inches in length and 39 inches in width. Additionally, due to its compact size, the carrier is quite easy to store when not in use. However, this roof basket might require additional straps to ensure your belongings are secure.

This roof rack is also a great option for people who won't experience too much snow or rain. The basket can extend up to 23 inches to create additional cargo space. In addition, it includes steel wind fairing to reduce wind resistance and noise.

Pros

  • Good aerodynamic performance
  • Full-size metal construction for increased durability
  • Compact design
  • Large size to accommodate a large group
  • Compatible with most vehicles
  • Easy to assemble
  • Reduced noise and wind resistance

Cons

  • Cargo straps and nets are sold separately

4. Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Medium, Black

Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Medium
  • Functional rooftop cargo box provides 14 cubic feet of additional...
  • Rugged and durable design keep contents protected
  • FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
  • Passenger-side opening for easy loading and unloading
  • Central Locking system provides maximum safety

Thule is a popular brand and premium manufacturer of bike racks and cargo boxes. The Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box boasts a matt black finish with a shine that provides a stunning edge. In addition, it is made from an ABS material that is durable, rugged, and environmentally friendly.

The box ensures that all the belongings in the box are well protected even in harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, the bag provides 14 cubic feet of space, which is enough space to accommodate most needs. At the same time, the back is compact enough to be fitted in different vehicles.

It weighs about 34 pounds measuring 67 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, and can handle a maximum weight of about 110 pounds. The easy grip mounting knobs will secure the box in place, and the built-in lock secures the lid.

Pros

  • Durable material is long-lasting and protects contents
  • Passenger-side opening for simple loading and unloading
  • The Central Locking system provides maximum safety
  • Fast grip quick-mount system for easy installation
  • Different sizes available
  • Extreme rack compatibility
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Single-sided opening

5. YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons, and SUVs

Yakima Skybox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box
  • Perfect for hauling gear for up to 3 campers; Great for...
  • SuperLatch security ensures lid is secure to its base; Fits...
  • 16 cubic feet; Also available in 12, 18, 21 and Lo sizes;...
  • No assembly required; Includes SKS Locks; Approved crossbar...

The Yakima SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box is made of 80% carbonite, a material that is waterproof and extremely strong. It is also quite lightweight, making it an exceptionally great vehicle storage for the top of vehicles.

This Yakima box provides 100% waterproof protection for everything that is inside. Its upper section features a lip that extends the lid wider than the base to ensure that no water gets in. In addition, this box can be opened on both sides, meaning you can access the items no matter where you've parked.

It offers 18 cubic feet of space, which are big enough to store all you might need. The box measures 93-inch long, 36-inch wide, and 16-inch deep with a weight of 69 pounds. It has a high-tech locking and closing system that will provide additional safety.

Pros

  • SuperLatch security ensures the lid stays secure to its base
  • No assembly required
  • A great value of money
  • Good looking and attractive
  • Holds a lot of belongings with its big capacity
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • A bit difficult to close

What are The Different Types of Rooftop Cargo Carriers?

The main types of cargo carriers include;

a). Roof bags

Roof bags are made of heavy-duty waterproof textiles. They can easily be mounted because they are very lightweight and have a carrying capacity of around 15 cubic feet.

b). Rooftop baskets

Rooftop baskets boast a metal profile and great versatility for different objects that can be secured with different straps.

c). Rooftop boxes

Rooftop boxes are one of the leading options when it comes to storage space, and they come with multiple designs to choose from. They also have anti-theft protection and great aerodynamic performance.

d). Hitch-mounted cargo carriers

Hitch-mounted cargo carriers have a design that will be mounted behind the car and also feature reduced wind resistance compared to the rooftop cargo carriers.

What Do You Consider Before Buying the Best Cargo Carrier for SUV?

1. Size

You need to consider how many people will be traveling in the car. For example, if you're only two of you, then the rooftop carrier box doesn't have to be very large, and the boot might be enough.

However, if you're 4 or 5 people, the boot might not be enough and might require a larger box. This is because it will provide you with the best chance of getting enough space to accommodate everything.

2. Aerodynamics

It is worth considering the items that you're carrying and how they will affect the miles per gallon of your car. This is why rooftop carrier box manufacturers tend to consider the aerodynamics of their boxes.

Cargo bags are less aerodynamic since they can be molded into a variety of shapes. However, with these bags, the better they connect to the car, the less noise you'll hear while driving, and the more streamlined the car will be.

A rooftop box is considered a better option compared to a roof bag because it boasts better aerodynamics, security and looks attractive. However, it is a more expensive rooftop cargo carrier.

3. Durability

The material of your car roof rack, bag, or box is quite important. Ensure that it is durable and waterproof to provide you with a good number of years of service, especially if you're concerned about the environment or weather.

Furthermore, you need to ensure the car roof rack, box, or bag is abrasion-resistant, whichever option you select. This is because it will prevent it from getting damaged when you accidentally drag it on the ground or when it falls.

4. Ease of Installation and Assembly

While some people might choose to leave their best cargo carrier for SUV on the roof all the time, which means that you won't have to worry about how you can easily put it on, other people prefer removing it after use.

This is why it is important to get a car roof rack or bag that is easy to fit in and easy to remove from your vehicle. In addition, some options come with easy-grip knobs to make mounting even easier.

5. Safety Features

Cargo boxes are more secure because they have locks on them that can be locked to the roof rails. The car top carrier bags can also be locked when they come with the dual zip feature. However, it is also possible to cut the straps or slash the bag, to reach the contents.

When it comes to safety, you also want to consider where you'll be driving and how often you will need to leave the cars packed with the bag or box on. If you leave it on often, then a box is probably the best option.

6. Storage

While a bag can easily be stored and stored in a small space, this isn't true for a car-top roof rack or carrier box. Therefore, you need to consider if you have enough storage space before you can buy one. If storage is an issue, then a carrier bag is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cargo Carriers for SUV

1. Are rooftop cargo carriers safe?

A rooftop cargo carrier is generally safe when it is not overloaded, has snuggles strapped to the cars, and has soft side luggage. This is because a loosely attached carrier may slide, causing damage to the bag and contents inside the bag.

2. How do you pack a roof soft car top carrier?

You need to place the bag on the roof of the car then start to load the bag before strapping. Since the bag is flexible, it will adjust to the shape and size of the load. Ensure you distribute the weight evenly, pack compactly and avoid overloading the bag. Once done, you can strap it to the vehicle and begin your trip.

3. Do cargo bags scratch your roof?

Most of the time, car boxes are the ones that tend to scratch the roof of the cars, but also cargo bags do. When the vehicle is moving fast, the cargo bag can easily scratch the car's roof and even cause even more damage than just a scratch. This is why it is important to ensure that the bag is soft and fully secured to the bars or roof of the vehicle.

4. What is the difference between roof rails and roof racks?

The main difference between a roof rack and a roof rail is the direction that they are mounted on the roof of your vehicle. A roof rack is mounted across the roof, while roof rails are mounted along the length of the roof of the vehicle and are attached by feet or other mounts.