6 Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers of 2024, According to Testing

Our analysts start by surveying the current marketplace to identify top-selling rooftop carriers that you’re most likely to find at stores and online. We then work with our product experts to identify brands that have performed the best and proved the most reliable through years of auto-related product testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We also consider newer brands with unique features or innovations.

Based on an extensive preliminary review of technical data for 15 rooftop cargo carriers, including dimensions, claimed capacity and installation method, our team selected various models for hands-on testing, which took place at Institute staffers’ homes, allowing for real-world evaluations involving actual vehicles. Testers first assessed the ease of installation, capturing how long the carriers took to mount and how intuitive the process was. We also considered storage capacity, since cubic-foot volumes claimed by manufacturers can be less usable based on the interior design of the carrier. Next, we measured overall usability, evaluating how easy the pods were to open and close, the utility of any included accessories and the ease and efficacy of locking mechanisms. Finally, our experts assessed durability, noting the quality of materials and construction, as well as how weatherproof each carrier is likely to remain over time.

Testers installed rooftop pods on their personal vehicles before loading them up and driving around on the open road.

Though the job of a rooftop carrier is basic — hauling a bunch of gear from one point to another — you’ll need to balance the following factors to find the perfect model for your needs.

✔️ Types of carriers
There are three main styles of cargo carriers to choose from.

• Box: This hard-sided pod is the most common type of rooftop carrier, providing the most secure storage for assorted cargo, from luggage to sporting equipment. It typically comes pre-assembled, so you’ll just need to attach it to your vehicle with clamps, U-bolts or some other mounting hardware. Box carriers usually include a lock, making them good for transporting valuables. The downside to this type of pod is they tend to be expensive and their boxy shape causes wind drag that can be noisy and impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
• Bag: A soft-sided carrier attaches directly to the roof of your car with straps, eliminating the need for a roof rack. That makes it much easier to put on and take off, plus it folds up for compact storage when not in use. Bag carriers are also more affordable, often selling for $100 or less. But even when the bags are made of weather-proof material, they don’t provide the same protection as hard-sided pods. Their straps can also put more wear and tear on your car.
• Basket: This big metal basket mounts to the roof of your car, providing a stable storage area for bulky items that you then secure with cam straps, bungee cords or rope. It's affordable, easy to use and, when empty, doesn’t create a lot of wind drag on your car. But objects stored in a basket are exposed to the weather and they're easy pickings for thieves.
  
  ✔️ Carrier specs
  Once you settle on the type of carrier, here are the most important specifications to consider.
• Dimensions: Start by checking the length of the carrier relative to your vehicle to make sure it isn’t too long. If it extends out past your windshield, it could block your view and become a driving hazard. If it extends past the back of your roof, it might prevent your hatch from opening. Also consider height, especially if you plan to park in a garage with the carrier in place. A low-profile model that's 11 inches or less, might be better than the more typical 15 to 18 inches.
• Storage capacity: This tells you how much the carrier will haul. Check the volume, expressed in cubic feet — carriers range from 8 to 22 cubic feet. For an average haul, you’ll likely want to be somewhere in the middle. Then, look at the interior length to make sure the carrier will fit any longer gear you might want to transport, like skis or golf clubs.
• Weight: First, consider the weight of the carrier itself since this will impact the ease of installation. Lightweight models are as little as 15 pounds, while the heaviest weigh more than 60 pounds. Then check the weight capacity of the carrier and your car’s dynamic load limit, which you can find in your owner’s manual (if you're using a roof rack system, be sure to include it in the total load calculation). While some high-end carriers can handle as much as 165 pounds, your car's roof may not be able to hold that much weight.

✔️ Carrier features
Based on our tests, these features matter most.

• Mounting hardware: Confirm that the carrier is compatible with your current rooftop configuration. In some cases, additional mounting systems will be required, especially if your vehicle doesn’t come with a factory-installed roof rack.
• Lock: This is especially important if you plan to haul expensive gear, like skis or valuable luggage. Our experts note, however, that all carrier locks are rated as theft-deterrent, not theft-proof, meaning an experienced burglar will probably be able to pick them. If there are valuables inside, don’t leave the vehicle unattended in an insecure location.
• Open/close mechanism: The access on box carriers can be one-sided, dual-sided or rear. Dual-sided is the most versatile, allowing the box to be opened from either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle. This might be helpful for city dwellers who park on the street. One-sided and rear access is the norm on budget models.
• Interior storage: The least expensive carriers tend be empty shells. As you go up in price point, however, you’ll start to see more useful storage features. Our experts say integrated tie-down points are helpful for securing loads, while felt liners preventing scratches and built-in LEDs are convenient if you plan to do a lot of loading and unloading at night.

The short answer is yes, with the obvious caveat that carrier safety is contingent on proper usage. Here are three key reminders:

✔️ Size it correctly. If the pod is too long for your vehicle, it could extend out over the windshield, blocking your view or creating a distraction. Also, make sure the carrier’s load capacity doesn’t exceed that of your car.

✔️ Install it securely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Loose bolts, unsecured straps and over-torqued clamps can all create hazards on the open road.

✔️ Load it evenly. The even weight distribution of gear will keep your carrier stable. Our experts also recommend tying down stowed items to keep them from sliding around, since excessive movement could make the carrier less secure.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home- and auto-related, including rooftop carriers. In his role as Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings 25 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House.

For this report, Dan worked closely with Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement and autos space.