Sometimes, you might run out of space inside your car, truck, or SUV when you have a lot of gear to transport. In such cases, a rooftop cargo carrier can be an excellent solution for adding extra storage.
There are various ways to carry your gear. While there are specific carriers for bikes, kayaks, and skis/snowboards, those looking to carry other items typically have three main options: roof rack baskets, car roof bags, or roof rack basket trays.
Each cargo-carrying method has its advantages and disadvantages, and we'll explore the pros and cons of each one.
Roof Rack Baskets: Wide Availability; Good Versatility; Doesn’t Keep Gear Dry
A roof rack basket is the most common rooftop cargo-carrying device. And you can make your purchase easily here at Enowl.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and they easily attach to a roof rack’s crossbars, whether factory-installed or aftermarket versions.
Typically made from steel or aluminum bars welded or bolted together, roof rack baskets have raised sides to keep cargo contained. This multi-bar construction makes them ideal for use with ratchet straps, bungee cords, cargo nets, or a combination of these, as the bars serve as natural tie-down points.
Roof rack baskets can carry a wide range of gear, from firewood or wet diving equipment to extra luggage or auxiliary fuel. You can stack a lot on them, but make sure to use straps to secure your cargo since the sides alone won’t suffice.
Sometimes, their open-to-the-elements design is advantageous. For instance, when transporting wet gear that you don’t want inside the vehicle — it might even dry up there! Just remember, everything needs to be properly secured.
Baskets are the simplest in terms of features, though their prices vary significantly. Tip: You get what you pay for. Low-cost units are made from thinner materials, have low-grade paint or powder coating that is prone to rusting, and lack sturdiness. Choosing a quality product, such as the Roof Rack Basket at Enowl, which is cost-effective, is more cost-effective in the long run.
Roof rack systems can negatively impact your vehicle’s fuel economy due to aerodynamics. However, some baskets include a fairing to improve aerodynamics and reduce noise at high speeds. Among the three cargo-carrying methods discussed, baskets tend to generate the most wind noise due to their high profiles.
Roof rack baskets are not ideal for protecting items from the elements. To keep firewood dry, it's better to store it inside the vehicle if it’s raining. If you’re transporting luggage, ensure that the weather will be clear of rain or snow.
Additionally, their raised rails can limit the size and shape of the cargo you can carry. For example, skis or snowboards may not fit well in a roof rack basket.
So, if you need extra space and want to keep your cargo dry, consider using a roof-mounted car roof bag.
Car Roof Bags: Shielding from Weather and Curious Glances; Possibly Pricy
Like the roof rack basket, a car roof bag offers a great way to carry various items while keeping them protected from the elements and out of sight from onlookers. Many of these bags are designed to be aerodynamic, helping to maintain fuel economy and reduce wind noise. Some of the sleek, low-profile versions are primarily suited for carrying skis, but others excel at covered cargo carrying.
If you need to transport gear on your roof and want to keep it dry, a car roof bag is an excellent choice. However, not all bags are watertight; some provide better sealing than others. Be sure to check each bag’s features before purchasing.
High-end car roof bags, such as Waterproof Car Roof Bag Heavy Duty for All Vehicle from Enowl, which is made with heavy-duty abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this ultra-durable car roof cargo stands up to any rough treatment or harsh weather, making it hard to tear or rip for years to come.
Car roof bags come in a wide range of shapes. There are ultra-sleek models that look wind-tunnel tested, as well as shorter, taller, and often cheaper units that might reduce fuel economy but can accommodate bulkier items. Most carriers are designed to be somewhat aerodynamic, making them the best option for maintaining fuel efficiency.
While sleek car roof bags are great for keeping items dry and secure, they may not be durable enough for off-road adventures. For those who enjoy off-road activities, the preferred choices are often roof rack baskets or our next option — the roof rack basket tray.
Roof Rack Basket Trays: Versatile Spaces; A Little Bit Challenging to Install; Accessories May Be Needed
While roof rack baskets have raised sides, roof rack basket trays do not and are sometimes referred to as flat racks. These trays have a low profile and are constructed from durable steel or lightweight aluminum, consisting of welded bars, or slats and rails. They are highly modular, allowing for various attachment methods.
Additionally, roof rack basket trays offer numerous accessories, such as brackets for awnings, showers, shovels, storage boxes, tiedowns, and more. This versatility makes them particularly popular with the overlanding and adventure travel crowd. You’ll often find them on 4WD SUVs, vans, and even some pickups.
Roof rack basket trays also differ from roof rack baskets and car roof bags in how they attach to the vehicle. Most do not utilize crossbars; instead, they attach to a vehicle’s rain gutters or factory side rails. They are often vehicle-specific or require custom fitting for proper installation, which is one reason they are less common than roof rack baskets or boxes. However, they are typically the most durable option for off-road situations.
While you can often find roof rack baskets at low prices (and sometimes low quality), roof rack basket trays are usually more expensive but also better made. Many times, the accessories are proprietary to these racks, meaning you’ll need to invest in that brand’s system to access all the features. As a general rule, you’ll need accessories (at least eyelet tiedown points) to securely carry almost anything.
Which One Is Right for You?
Roof rack baskets are readily available and easy to install, but they lack waterproofing for gear protection. Car roof bags offer aerodynamic, quiet, and secure storage options, but they can be costly and may not be as versatile for cargo. Roof rack basket trays provide a customizable cargo-carrying solution, though they often require additional accessories for optimal use and can be challenging to install on vehicles.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific gear-hauling requirements. Regardless of your choice, always ensure that your cargo is properly secured and that your roof attachment method is suitable for the load.
Moreover, understanding the weight capacity of your rack system and the weight rating limits of your vehicle can ensure safe and reliable cargo transportation for years to come.