While most cars provide ample space for passengers and cargo, there are times when a bit more room is necessary. Roof racks offer a solution by adding storage to a vehicle's roof, securely staying in place even at high speeds. There are various types of roof rack systems available, including baskets, straps, and traditional racks. Most roof racks are easy to install and compatible with a wide range of vehicles. Here are some of the best car roof racks currently available on Amazon.
1. JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage
Key Features:
- #1 best-selling vehicle hard-shell carrier
- Weight capacity: 110 pounds
- Waterproof
- Four-corner locking system
- Aerodynamic crossbar design
The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage is a straightforward and efficient roof box for vehicles. As the #1 best-selling hard-shell carrier, it boasts a waterproof construction and a four-corner locking system to secure your cargo. Its aerodynamic design also enhances fuel economy.
2. Heavy Duty Car Roof Rack Basket with Full Set of Attachment
Key Features:
- Uses heavy-duty powder coated and galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion for can’t be beaten quality.
- Front part is designed to be slant to reduce wind resistance and wind noise.
- With an easy-to-read instruction and mounting hardware included, installation can be finished in minutes.
- Ideal for loading irregularly shaped items such as camping equipment, luggage, cargo bags, bikes, kayaking gear and other outdoor equipment.
This heavy duty roof rack basket from Enowl adopts high quality steel after powder coating and galvanizing treatment. It features an aerodynamic design in its front part that can reduce wind noise and wind resistance even when the vehicle is running at high speed. It is also designed with curved corners to avoid any potential scratches and injuries when loading and unloading cargo.
Coming with the item, there is an easy-to-read instruction and mounting hardware. With these, the installation can be quickly finished in minutes. It can be used on most roof bars for loading irregularly shaped items such as camping equipment, luggage, cargo bags, bikes, kayaking gear and other outdoor equipment.
3. MaxxHaul 70115 46" x 36" x 4-1/2" Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Key Features:
- #1 best-selling roof rack on Amazon
- Weight capacity: 150 pounds
- Easy installation
- Powder-coated finish
- Constructed with rugged steel
- Compatible with most crossbars
The MaxxHaul Roof Rack Cargo Carrier is Amazon's top-selling roof rack. It includes all necessary mounting gear for easy installation. Made from rugged steel and featuring a durable powder-coated finish, this cargo carrier supports up to 150 pounds and attaches to most crossbars.
4. Waterproof Car Roof Bag Heavy Duty Large Volume Cargo Carrier Bag for All Vehicle
Key Features:
- Made with heavy-duty abrasion-resistant PVC fabric to make stand up to any rough treatment or harsh weather.
- Features a 15 cubic feet space that can hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- The attached 10 anti-slip bandages can keep the bag in place even at high speed or bump road without any slipping or scratching to your car.
- Can be used onto any sized car or SUVs.
Adopting heavy-duty abrasion-resistant PVC fabric for production, this ultra-durable car roof cargo carrier bag is ready to face any rough treatment or harsh weather. Its tough structure makes it hard to tear or rip for several years. Designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in vehicle, it has a 15 cubic feet space that can hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
It can be used onto any sized car or vehicle. Coming with the item, there are 10 anti-slip bandages. It can be used to keep the bag in space even without any slipping or scratching to the vehicle when the vehicle is running at high speed.
5. MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System
Key Features:
- Compatible with cars with or without roof rails
- Built-in non-slip mat
- Ideal for kayaks, surfboards, canoes, skis, and snowboards
- Tool-free installation
- Top-grade EVA foam padding
The Universal Car Soft Roof Racks Carrier System from MeeFar is a versatile option for rooftop storage. Constructed with top-grade EVA foam padding, this system ensures your cargo is protected. It features an easy, tool-free installation and is compatible with vehicles both with and without roof rails or gutters. This carrier system is especially suited for transporting kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards, and surfboards.
6. Universal Aluminum Alloy Roof Rack Basket Tray Heavy Duty Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Key Features:
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories, it is a modular and versatile rooftop solution.
- The improvement of the carrying capacity of the vehicle makes long distance travel, hiking and family relocation more convenient.
- Adopts strong, durable, lightweight aluminum that is powder coated in production to achieve a maximum loading capacity up to 330 lbs. (150kg).
- Features a low profile design and uses rounded pipes to redirect airflow, reducing wind noise and drag and improving fuel economy.
- Its large flat surface can carry more diverse loads than traditional crossbars, roof baskets, or cargo boxes, making it perfect for road trips, overlanding, off-roading, or hauling sporting goods to the trail, water, beach, or mountain.
This roof rack basket is compatible with a wide range of accessories, making it one of the most modular and versatile rooftop solution. It enhances the carrying capacity of the vehicle, making it more convenient to support long-distance travel, hiking, and family relocation. It is made with strong, durable, lightweight aluminum that is powder-coated to achieves a maximum loading capacity of up to 330 lbs. (150 kg).
It also features a low-profile design and rounded pipes to redirect airflow, reducing wind noise and drag while improving fuel economy. Its large flat surface can carry more diverse loads than traditional crossbars, roof baskets, or cargo boxes, making it perfect for road trips, overlanding, off-roading, or hauling sporting goods to the trail, water, beach, or mountain.
How to Choose the Right Car Roof Rack?
Selecting the best car roof rack involves several important considerations. First and foremost, ensure compatibility with your vehicle type. Additionally, evaluate the weight and size of the gear you plan to carry to determine the appropriate weight capacity.
How to Install a Car Roof Rack?
Installation varies by brand and vehicle type, but most roof racks can be mounted using basic tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers. Specialized tools are rarely required.
Compatibility with Vans and Trucks
Yes, these roof racks are suitable for pickup trucks and vans. They are particularly useful for vans needing extra storage. However, for many trucks, the rear bed may already provide sufficient cargo space.
More Top Picks
In addition to the above cargo carriers, roof rack basket, cargo carrier bag for properly wrapping and carrying your items on the top of your vehicle, if you need to include a bike ride in your outdoor journey and provide you with a shelter from the sun and rain, you may also need the following: