Best Roof Cargo Baskets – Buyer’s Guide

Are you planning a long road trip? Sometimes we need a lot of capacity, if we are traveling by car because the space inside the vehicle is limited. In this case, placing a roof cargo basket is essential, if you want to carry more things than your car can contain. Moreover, roof cargo baskets are very practical and easy-to-install. Check out a list of the 5 best roof cargo baskets for you to take into consideration.

Best Roof Cargo Baskets of 2023

Of course, roof cargo baskets differ one from another, depending on the price. However, there are more features to take into account when choosing the one. For instance, when buying a roof cargo basket, please do mind the dimensions of it. This is because not all the baskets can be attached to your vehicle. Also, rust resistance factor is important because it defines how long the roof cargo basket will last.

Image	Product
Editor’s Choice Read Our Review	Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket Dimensions (inches): 42.3 x 26.3 x 9.3 Item Weight (pounds): 36.2 Check on Amazon	Check on AmazonRead Our Review
Lightest Basket Read Our Review	Apex RB-1512 Black Stingray Dimensions (inches): 52.5 x 43.5 x 5.3 Item Weight (pounds): 33 Check on Amazon	Check on AmazonRead Our Review
Largest Dimensions Read Our Review	Tyger Super Duty Roof Cargo Basket Dimensions (inches): 67.6 x 41.4 x 8.4 Item Weight (pounds): 55 Check on Amazon	Check on AmazonRead Our Review
Easiest to Install Read Our Review	Go Rhino 59047T SR40 Series Dimensions (inches): 63 x 42 x 8 Item Weight (pounds): 37.9 Check on Amazon	Check on AmazonRead Our Review
Universal Mounting Read Our Review	ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Dimensions (inches): 48 x 37.5 x 4 Item Weight (pounds): 54.6 Check on Amazon	Check on AmazonRead Our Review

1. Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket – the Cheapest Roof Cargo Basket

Simplicity of Installation

The product is easily mounted with a help of 4 universal u-bolts. Nevertheless, note that before you begin to install the basket, mind the bar’s distance, which is supposed to be about 29.7 inches. Also, if you want to prevent the rusting issues, you may put some silicon on the bolt holes and the joints. All in all, you should work a little bit upon the prevention of the rust.

Superb Weight Capacity

Wonderful Wind Fairing

There is a steel wind fairing, which is meant to reduce wind resistance. Hence, you will not notice any wind noise when driving at slower or interstate speeds. It is worth mentioning that the steel construction is heavy-duty, strong, and of high quality. Besides, it accommodates black powder coating, helping to protect the basket from scratches and rust.

All things considered, the basket is recommended for those who do not like to waste their time, trying to attach the item to the car. Besides, those who want to save money are extremely welcome to purchase such a basket.

2. Apex RB-1512 Black Stingray – the Lightest Basket

Great Weight Capacity

The basket is easily attachable to the crossbars in order to provide you with more space on the roof of the vehicle. That means you can put a huge amount of luggage on the roof of your car. However, you should be aware that the maximum weight capacity is still 150 lbs, despite the fact the basket is larger than the previous one.

As Easy as a Bee Mounting

The mounting and assembly of this basket is simple. Anyway, when you begin to mount the basket, make sure the cross bars are rectangular, square, round, or oblong. Also, do mind 27.5” distance between crossbars to achieve cargo load support and also optimal stability.

Proper Wind Fairing

Thanks to impeccable wind fairing, the noise is reduced. However, the ride is not completely silent with this basket, but still it helps to avoid noise to some extent.

To sum up, this basket is made for those who appreciate good design and simplicity of attachment. What is more, this basket can be irreplaceable for those who like to transport heavy luggage often.

3. Tyger Super Duty Roof Cargo Basket – the Largest Dimensions Basket

Stylish Design

If you want to stand out on the road, choose this roof cargo basket. You can carry up to 150 lbs of weight in this basket, despite the fact it is a bit larger in comparison with others. The frame is a 1.5 inch steel. E-coating is matte black. Both of them target at rust protection and securing gear. Meaning, your basket will serve for a long time.

Comfy Mounting

All things, which are important for mounting, are included here. The simple 3-piece assembly combined with 2-sized options can be attached to any kind of a vehicle, no matter what size it is.

The process of mounting takes no more than thirty minutes. So if it is rather easy-to-attach, isn’t that fabulous?

All in all, this basket is ideal for those who appreciate good style and functionality. The product is dedicated to the ones who like comfort and simplicity of installation. However, as long as its price is rather high, it is not recommended for Mr. Cheapskate. Is your last name Cheapskate?;)

4. Go Rhino 59047T SR40 Series – the Easiest to Install

Great Size Abilities

The basket is rather large. Meaning, it is perfect for carrying huge straps or luggage bags. So if you are planning to take a lot of items, choose this basket, taking into account the fact that there is a 15 % discount for this thing now.

Well-done Wind Fairing

There is a front fairing, which is designed, to improve aerodynamics when driving. That means that the amount of noise will be minimized during the ride.

Excellent Mounting

The mounting of the basket is so easy that it will take you about 5 minutes to install. The first step will be taking it out of the box. Then you will need to set it on crossbars. Finally, you should tighten the mounting hardware by your hand. That’s it. Isn’t that a piece of cake?

To conclude, this basket allows to carry heavy luggage. Also, the simplicity of its installation deserves applause. What is more, its engineering is very good, which is a great advantage, although the price is rather high.

5. ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop – the One with the Most Universal Mounting

Perfect Resistance from Scratches

Actually, the basket consists of two pieces for further convenience. There is a rough-coat finish, protecting against the elements. Besides, another function of it is prevention of scratches.

Universal Mounting

To be more precise, the mounting hardware is universal, which means, that any kind of luggage is possible to be attached to it, if only its dimensions were 48 x 37.5 x 5 inches. What is more, the basket can be mounted to either round, square, or the vast majority of OEM racks. Consequently, you are mostly unlimited in placing the luggage on the roof of your vehicle.

Great Quality of the Material

The basket is durable. Furthermore, its construction is made of a heavy steel.

All things considered, this is such a kind of a roof cargo basket that is very simple when operating. Moreover, your car will be protected from any kind of scratches with this cool thing. Besides, the protection will last for a long time. Consequently, this basket is designed for those who value time and money.

Best Roof Cargo Baskets – Buyer’s Guide

When purchasing a roof cargo basket, it is important to mind several aspects apart from the price. Here are some of the notions you need to be aware of what they mean.

• Mounting is setting of the whole hardware of the cargo basket. There are several mounting styles for you to choose: front, rear, and roof. Depending on the style of the mounting, the cargo is being attached. If the mounting is easy, you will spend a couple of minutes to attach the basket to the vehicle and save a lot of time. Therefore, this factor is important.
• Weight Capacity is the actual amount of weight you can put into the roof cargo basket. For instance, it may be 150 lbs, meaning, you are limited to place not more than 150 lbs to your basket. The more the weight capacity, the more luggage you can transport.
• Protrusion is something, which pushes up from some material. For example, rust may be considered to be a protrusion. The better the material of the basket is, the lesser the risk of rust protrusion is.
• Wind Fairing is such a structure, which deflects wind and rain. If it’s present in the roof cargo basket, you will be protected from unwanted noise. So if you like quiet rides, you should choose the roof cargo basket with the best wind fairing structure.
• Rust Resistance is the factor, depending on which, the time of the basket serving is determined. Most of the cargo baskets are made of the metal. Hence, the corrosion can be avoided. Consequently, a proper roof cargo basket must have a good rust resistance in order to last long.
• Dimensions – The vehicles are different, so the cargo baskets are. It means that they should correspond to each other. Also, depending on the dimensions of the roof cargo basket, the size of the cargo and the depth of the fitting are determined. For example, if the cargo basket is deep, you can put more luggage there.

There are many roof cargo basket options available on the market, but it will be better for you to do a little research before you purchase the one.

Note that the price is not supposed to be the most important factor when buying the basket. Additionally, you will have to take other factors into consideration like the ones mentioned above.

To tell the truth, not all of the roof cargo baskets go with warranty. So if anything goes wrong, you will not have an opportunity to get the refund.

Therefore, it is recommended for you to choose the basket, which attaches securely to the car and is very sturdy. Actually, you can secure the luggage with a help of ropes in a variety of ways, but the basket is to have reliable securing hardware.

Most of the roof cargo baskets are made out of steel. They are preferable because they are stable, well-built, and sturdy.

Note that they are heavy, adding extra weight strain on the car tires apart from the luggage itself. If you want your basket to be lighter, choose the one which is smaller or made out of aluminum.

Make sure your steel basket is coated. As long as it is rust prone, it must be covered with a rust-resistant material.
If you are planning to ride to the mountings, it will be perfect for you to read the installation guide and make sure the screws are not coming loose.

How to Install Roof Cargo Basket

As it was mentioned above, the process of mounting of the roof cargo baskets is very simple and will take you only several minutes. If you still have any questions like how to install the basket on the roof of your car, have a look at this short guide video.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the hitch bar?
  The biggest distance is 5.5 inch the top of the basket, if folded, and the tube’s hole center. It is necessary to measure the distance in order to make sure whether there is the clearance ability for the cargo carrier to contain a spare tire on the vehicles.
• Are the locks included with this item?
  No, you will have to buy them separately. The price is only for the basket alone.
• Is there anything, which can help to prevent rust?
  There is a thin paint, which is rather good, unless you keep on using it quite often. Also, if you need to make sure there won’t be any rust, you may put some silicone on the holes.
• Is there a possibility to use the second extension?
  Yes, there is. There is no reason it is impossible. The extension is sliding into the rack with female/male fittings and then is being secured by a screw. The second extension will be connected the same way.
• How easy can the water get to the internals of the tubing?
  As long as the internals of the tubing are sealed well, the water cannot intrude during rain, snow, or washing so there is no need to worry about that.
• Does the wind deflector work?
  Yes, it does. Thanks to that, you won’t experience any wind noise and will have a comfortable quiet ride.
• How to lock the rack to the car so that nobody will steal it?
  It is impossible to lock the basket to the car, however, the bolts need a special hexagonal tool to remove. Consequently, even a professional thief will not be able to take it away easily.

Conclusion

All things considered, when you decide to buy a roof cargo basket, consider the pros and cons then do some research by yourself to find the best fit. Make sure there is a warranty, if you need it for peace of mind.

Nothing should make you disappointed during the trip. So choose the best cargo basket with a feature set that matches your needs. . To add value, try to focus more on the quality of the basket, and less on the price.