It doesn’t matter how hard we try, we always have too much stuff that we need to take when we go away on holiday or head off on our next sporting adventure.
It doesn’t fit in the car, yet we “need” to take it all. In addition to that, we need to fit 5 people in our vehicle.
How do you manage all this? Answer: A rooftop cargo box with masses of space.
The roof box can fit in all your sporting equipment and your luggage. It sits nicely on the roof of your car, freeing up space in the truck for even more items.
Also, it means your passengers don’t need to hold on to anything during the journey, so it will make your travels safer.
In this article, we review the largest roof cargo boxes of 2023 so you can take everything you want along with you on your next adventure.
- Best Hard Rooftop Cargo Carrier - Thule Motion XT XXL
- Best Carrier for Pickup Trucks - Marksign Truck Cargo Bag
Table of Contents
Overview of the Largest Roof Cargo Boxes
Last update on 2023-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 Thule Motion XT XXL Cargo Box
These premium cargo solutions have been tested by GearLab and ranked among the best cargo boxes on the market. The Thule Motion XT XXL offers a ginormous 610L volume, fitting up to 22 cubic feet of gear, making it a top choice for carrying different cargo items, including 3 to 5 snowboards, and it’s designed for both small cars and large roof models like the Yakima GrandTour.
With their large handles and easy-to-use design, these cargo boxes make rooftop storage a breeze. The dual-sided opening ensures that your gear is easily accessible, while the hard-shell cargo construction offers added protection for your bulky cargo. Plus, you can open the box from either side, making it the best overall rooftop cargo box solution.
Not only are these cargo boxes stylish, but they are also incredibly functional. The Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector cargo boxes are your perfect rooftop cargo carriers, providing ample storage, easy access, and exceptional convenience. Whether you’re loading up camping gear or golf clubs, these cargo boxes have you covered.
- Tested by GearLab and rated among the best cargo boxes
- Large handles for easy use
- Dual-sided opening for quick access
- Hard-shell construction for protection
- Suitable for both small cars and large roof models like the Yakima GrandTour
- Best overall rooftop cargo box solution
#2 Thule Force XT: 21 Cubic Feet
This is another winning product from Thule that looks great and performs well. But we have placed this at number 2 because of how you need to mount it.
The cargo box needs you to open the mounting hardware first, then set the box on the roof bars centrally. It is a little more fiddly and requires more precision. However, installation still only took less than 5 minutes. And this was the only downside.
The install was again totally tool-free, as the box does have a pre-installed quick-grip mounting system. The durable lid is a diamond-textured AeroSkin one. The aerodynamic shape allows the reduction of drag and reduced noise.
The big SecureLock ensures the box is closed securely. The dual-sided opening makes your gear easily accessible from either side of the vehicle.
- Secure clicking mounting systems
- Exclusive diamond-textured AeroSkin surface
- Load capacity remaining about 110 lbs
#3 Yakima Skybox: Sleek Storage
This impressive 21 cubic feet cargo box carries a substantial weight of 75 lbs. Although its weight capacity of 28 kg is relatively lower for its size when compared to Thule models with the same volume, it doesn’t compromise on features.
The cargo box boasts a dual-sided opening and a user-friendly super latch for easy access. Its sleek tapered exterior design minimizes drag and noise, contributing to a smoother ride. Plus, the tool-free installation process is straightforward:
- Open the lid.
- Release the clamps.
- Loosen the thumbwheels.
- Place the cargo box on your roof rack crossbars.
- Slide it back to engage the load bars with the clamps.
- Tighten the thumbwheels.
- Secure it by engaging the lever clamps.
It’s a hassle-free process, and once installed, the cargo box stays securely in place. If there’s any slippage, simply open the cargo box and tighten the levers to ensure it’s snug.
With a price comparable to Thule, the Yakima Carbonite Skybox offers its own advantages. The lid stiffeners enhance durability, and the mounting is notably more straightforward, taking only a matter of minutes.
#4 Modula Racks Twin 650: Rooftop Solution
This cargo box has an internal capacity of 650 liters or nearly 23 cubic feet. It also comes with a 5 Year Warranty, which is assuring as it is a little more expensive than the previous products reviewed here.
It will fit most aftermarket and factory roof-rack cross-bars including makes like Rhino-Rack, Modula, Thule, Sport-Rack, and Yakima. This big cargo box features many of the goodies you need in a cargo box.
Let’s start with the dual-opening lid, which has a lock and allows loading from either side of your vehicle. Modular Rack also boasts their patented quick-release legs which make installation or removal quick and easy without the need for an additional person.
The unit opens and closes smoothly each time thanks to the premium hinge hardware. The durable, upgraded acrylic lid is tough. You can treat this with standard car care products, so your box looks new for many years.
- 3 Point Central Locking System
- Load capacity of 650 liters
- 5 Year Warranty
#5 Marksign Truck Cargo Bag: Versatile Carrier
While it’s not a typical cargo box, the Marksign Truck Cargo Bag offers a substantial 26 cubic feet of storage space, making it a massive option for your cargo needs. Measuring 51 x 40 x 22 inches (130 x 100 x 55cm), it’s spacious enough to accommodate all your travel essentials. Truck owners will find it fits snugly onto their truck beds.
For easy transport, this product features four heavy-duty rubber handles, ensuring a more manageable solution compared to other designs. It’s waterproof and includes a heavy-duty 4 feet x 6 feet bungee net to secure your cargo. The net can stretch up to 8 feet x 12 feet, effectively preventing your cargo from shifting during your road trip. Marksign also provides 12 sturdy metal carabiners for added security.
To guarantee waterproofing, the cargo bag is constructed from 500D tarpaulin, with electric welding to eliminate any potential tiny holes. The zipper is coated with vinyl, and the seals employ Velcro flaps, effectively keeping rain at bay. The material is UV resistant, ensuring durability over time. As an extra bonus, the cargo bag comes with additional drawstring bags for storing both the cargo bag and the net.
This versatile cargo bag is an excellent choice for truck owners seeking extra space. Its attractive price point makes it an enticing option, although it’s worth noting that the product is still pending patent approval.
- Fits various truck sizes
- Waterproof design (500D tarpaulin material)
- Includes a heavy-duty cargo net
Conclusion
Here are your best options for the largest rooftop cargo boxes that ensure you have ample space for your next journey. When making your choice, think about whether you’ll have an extra set of hands to help with installation or removal. Also, take into account the weight of the gear you plan to carry.
Lastly, always check the weight limits of your roof rack and your car’s roof, and use the lower of the two when loading your cargo box onto your vehicle. This precaution ensures you won’t risk any damage to your car during your adventures.
