How we researched this guide
We compared six cargo carriers against the question this keyword actually asks: what else carries the load when a hard roof box is not the right answer. Hard boxes, a soft roof bag, and a hitch basket are all covered, because each suits a different load, vehicle, and budget, and the wrong type is worse than no carrier at all.
Six products were investigated and all six verified with an Amazon listing each, including part numbers and capacities where the maker publishes them. Two cautions from research: one Yakima SkyBox 16 listing view showed currently unavailable at crawl time, so availability is time-sensitive, and a Thule Motion 3 listing showed conflicting ASINs in search text versus its page URL, so that model is excluded entirely.
The 30-second answer
For a permanent, lockable, weatherproof load, a hard box wins: the Thule Motion XT at 22 cubic feet or the Yakima SkyBox 16 for smaller roofs. For occasional use and easy storage, the Reese 22 cubic foot soft roof bag carries the same volume and folds away. For bulky gear that exceeds box volume or will not fit a roof, the WEIZE hitch basket carries 500 lb behind the vehicle. For larger loads, the Thule Force XT X-Large Rooftop Cargo Box (635801) exceeds a standard 22 cubic foot box, and the Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 Rooftop Cargo Box (8007370) adds dual-sided opening.
Best hard box overall
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box, 22 cu. ft. (629907)
A 22 cubic foot hard roof box from Thule’s Motion XT line, lockable, weatherproof, and sized for family trips.
Best large hard box
Thule Force XT X-Large Rooftop Cargo Box (635801)
The X-Large Force XT hard box, for owners whose loads exceed a standard 22 cubic foot box.
Best mid-size hard box
Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Box (8007335)
A 16 cubic foot Carbonite box at 81 by 36 by 15 inches, sized for smaller roofs and moderate loads.
Best dual-side hard box
Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 Rooftop Cargo Box (8007370)
An 18 cubic foot box with dual-sided opening and SKS locks, at 84 by 36 by 16.5 inches, for loading from either side of the car.
Best soft alternative
Reese Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 22 cu. ft. (59007)
A waterproof soft roof bag in 840D PVC with 22 cubic feet of space, the alternative for owners who carry loads occasionally.
Best hitch alternative
WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, 60 x 20 x 6 in. (CCB-1037)
A folding hitch basket at 60 by 20 by 6 inches with a 500 lb capacity, including a waterproof bag, net, and straps.
| Pick | Standout spec | Best if you | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion XT 22 | 22 cu. ft. hard box | you want a lockable everyday box | Check Price |
| Thule Force XT XL | X-Large Force XT box | you need the biggest hard box here | Check Price |
| Yakima SkyBox 16 | 16 cu. ft., 81 x 36 x 15 in. | you have a smaller roof | Check Price |
| Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 | 18 cu. ft., dual-sided opening | you load from either side | Check Price |
| Reese Rooftop Bag 22 | 22 cu. ft., 840D PVC, soft bag | you carry loads occasionally | Check Price |
| WEIZE Hitch Basket 60 in. | 500 lb capacity, includes bag | you carry bulky gear behind the car | Check Price |
Which cargo carrier matches your load?
Estimate the volume of luggage and gear for your biggest trip. If you enter zero or leave the field blank, the calculator asks for a value and shows the smallest-box pick.
How to choose cargo carriers for cars
Hard box, soft bag, or hitch basket
Hard boxes lock, resist weather, and stay mounted, but need bars and storage. Soft bags fold away and cost less, but do not lock. Hitch baskets carry heavy and bulky gear at bumper height, but need a hitch and block rear access. Choose the type by load, frequency, and vehicle, not by volume alone.
Roof load rating is a hard limit
Every car has a roof load rating, and the box plus contents must stay under it. A 22 cubic foot box full of dense gear can exceed a small car rating even when the volume fits. Check the vehicle manual rating before buying any roof carrier, and weigh dense loads rather than guessing. The roof rack for cargo guide covers rating checks.
Volume is not the same as shape
A 22 cubic foot bag and a 22 cubic foot box hold the same volume, but long, rigid items fit a hard box better and soft, squashable items fit a bag better. Skis, boards, and poles need box length; duffels and clothes fill a bag well. Match the carrier shape to your longest item, not just to total volume.
Frequency decides hard versus soft
Weekly roof loads justify a hard box that stays mounted and ready. A few trips a year justify a soft bag that folds into a closet. Buying a hard box for annual use wastes storage and money, while buying a soft bag for weekly use wears it out fast.
Security matters for overnight loads
Hard boxes lock; soft bags and hitch baskets do not lock the same way. If loads stay on the car overnight in public places, a hard box is the secure answer, and valuables should still come inside. For day trips with the car in sight, a bag or basket is fine.
Rear access and lights with hitch baskets
A loaded hitch basket can block the tailgate, rear lights, and number plate. Check visibility and access before a trip, add a light board if lights are obscured, and confirm the hitch tongue weight rating covers the loaded basket.
Cargo carrier data: type, capacity, and use
Each row states the carrier type, its capacity, and the load it suits. Sources are the maker listings for the picks in this guide.
| Carrier type | Capacity | Best load | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard box, standard | 22 cu. ft. | Family luggage and gear | Motion XT listing |
| Hard box, X-Large | X-Large | Long trips, bulky loads | Force XT XL listing |
| Hard box, mid-size | 16 cu. ft. | Smaller roofs, couples | SkyBox 16 listing |
| Hard box, dual-side | 18 cu. ft. | Tight-space loading | SkyBox NX XL 18 listing |
| Soft roof bag | 22 cu. ft. | Occasional trips, easy storage | Reese bag listing |
| Hitch basket | 500 lb | Bulky, heavy, dirty gear | WEIZE basket listing |
Cargo carriers by budget
Budget here tracks type and frequency: soft bags cost least, hard boxes cost most but last longest, and hitch baskets sit between for bulky gear.
| Budget lane | Pick | Why it fits the lane | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional, easy storage | Reese Rooftop Bag 22 | Soft 22 cubic foot bag that folds away between trips. | Check Price |
| Smaller roofs | Yakima SkyBox 16 | 16 cubic foot hard box for cars that cannot take a large box. | Check Price |
| Dual-side loading | Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 | 18 cubic foot box with opening on both sides. | Check Price |
| Family standard | Thule Motion XT 22 | 22 cubic foot hard box for frequent family trips. | Check Price |
| Biggest hard box | Thule Force XT XL | X-Large hard box for long trips and bulky loads. | Check Price |
| Bulky and heavy gear | WEIZE Hitch Basket 60 in. | 500 lb hitch basket for gear that should not go on the roof. | Check Price |
Types of cargo carriers for cars
Cargo carriers differ by mounting and material. The right type depends on load, frequency, and vehicle fittings.
| Type | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hard roof box | A lockable shell on roof bars for weatherproof loads. | Needs bars, rating, and storage. |
| Soft roof bag | A waterproof fabric bag on bars or a rack. | Does not lock; shape follows the load. |
| Hitch basket | A steel basket on a hitch receiver for bulky gear. | Needs a hitch; blocks rear access. |
| Roof basket | An open steel basket on roof bars for odd shapes. | No weather protection without a bag. |
| Cargo net and straps | Nets and straps that secure loads on racks and baskets. | Not a carrier alone; a securing system. |
Detailed reviews of the six picks
Each review below uses only facts from that product's own listing and maker information. Where a figure is not published, the review says so instead of estimating it.
Best hard box overall: Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box, 22 cu. ft. (629907)
Best hard box overall
Why this pick
The Motion XT is the reference hard box: 22 cubic feet fits luggage for a family trip, skis and boards in season, and camping gear the rest of the year, while the hard shell locks and shrugs off rain, snow, and road spray. It mounts on roof bars, stays on the car between trips if you want, and keeps the load out of the cabin and out of sight. For owners who carry roof loads often, a hard box is the set-and-forget answer, and the Motion XT is the size most cars suit.
Load the heaviest items at the bottom centre of the box, because a high or off-centre load affects handling more than the total weight suggests.
Key specs
- Brand: Thule
- Part number: 629907
- Line: Motion XT
- Capacity: 22 cu. ft.
- Type: hard rooftop cargo box
- Security: lockable per product family
- Weather: hard shell, weatherproof per family
- Mount: roof bars
- Warranty: Not published
- Availability: per listing at time of research
Fits and best for
Best for families, frequent travellers, and owners who carry roof loads often and want a lockable, weatherproof box that stays ready. It suits cars with roof bars and a roof load rating that covers the box plus contents.
Pros and watch-outs
- 22 cubic feet fits family luggage and gear
- Hard shell locks and resists weather
- Stays mounted between trips if wanted
- Keeps load out of the cabin
- Needs roof bars and a sufficient roof load rating
- Affects fuel use and wind noise at speed
- Needs storage space when removed
What owners report
- Owners report the box fits family trip luggage well (listing feedback)
- Owners report the hard shell keeps contents dry in rain (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if your car has no roof bars or a low roof load rating, or if you carry roof loads only once a year. A soft bag or hitch basket avoids the bar cost and the permanent roof hardware.
Pair it with
Pair it with ratchet straps inside the box to stop loads shifting, and check your roof load rating before loading.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Load heavy items low and centred. See best rooftop cargo box.
Best large hard box: Thule Force XT X-Large Rooftop Cargo Box (635801)
Best large hard box
Why this pick
The Force XT X-Large is the step up when 22 cubic feet is not enough: a larger hard box for long trips, big families, and bulky gear that smaller boxes force you to split or leave behind. It shares the hard-shell advantages of the Motion XT, lockable security and weather resistance, with more room for the loads that define a big trip. The trade is size: check roof dimensions and load rating carefully, because an X-Large box on a small roof is a mismatch.
Before the first trip, close the empty box and drive a short test loop, so wind noise and mounting issues appear near home rather than on the highway.
Key specs
- Brand: Thule
- Part number: 635801
- Line: Force XT
- Size: X-Large
- Type: hard rooftop cargo box
- Security: lockable per product family
- Weather: hard shell, weatherproof per family
- Mount: roof bars
- Capacity: Not published in figures used here
- Warranty: Not published
Fits and best for
Best for large families, long trips, and owners whose loads exceed standard boxes. It suits larger vehicles with the roof size and load rating for an X-Large box.
Pros and watch-outs
- Largest hard box in this guide
- Hard shell locks and resists weather
- Fits long-trip and bulky loads
- Same Thule mounting family as the Motion XT
- Needs a larger roof and a higher load rating
- More wind noise and fuel effect than smaller boxes
- Harder to store when removed
What owners report
- Owners report the extra space ends the packing argument on long trips (listing feedback)
- Owners report the box stays dry and secure in bad weather (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if your roof is small or your load rating is low. An oversized box on an undersized roof is unsafe and noisy; the Motion XT 22 or the SkyBox 16 fits smaller roofs better.
Pair it with
Pair it with internal straps and a roof load rating check before the first heavy trip.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Measure your roof before ordering an X-Large box. See rooftop cargo box for SUVs.
Best mid-size hard box: Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Box (8007335)
Best mid-size hard box
Why this pick
The SkyBox 16 is the smaller-roof answer: 16 cubic feet in an 81 by 36 by 15 inch shell that fits cars where a 22 cubic foot box would overhang or overload the roof. Sixteen cubic feet still covers luggage for a couple, ski gear, and camping essentials, and the Carbonite finish suits owners who prefer Yakima mounting and styling. One availability caution: a listing view showed currently unavailable at crawl time, so check stock before planning a trip around it.
Because availability varies, confirm stock and delivery time before a trip deadline, and keep the Reese bag as a backup plan for the same weekend.
Key specs
- Brand: Yakima
- Part number: 8007335
- Line: SkyBox 16 Carbonite
- Capacity: 16 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 81 x 36 x 15 in.
- Type: hard rooftop cargo box
- Mount: roof bars
- Security: lockable per product family
- Availability note: one listing view showed currently unavailable at crawl time
- Warranty: Not published
Fits and best for
Best for smaller cars, couples, and moderate loads that do not need 22 cubic feet. It suits roofs where a larger box would overhang or exceed the load rating.
Pros and watch-outs
- 16 cubic feet fits smaller roofs well
- 81 inch length suits many cars without overhang
- Hard shell locks and resists weather
- Good size for couples and moderate trips
- Smaller than family-size boxes for big trips
- Availability has varied; check stock first
- Still needs roof bars and load rating checks
What owners report
- Owners report the size fits smaller cars without overhang (listing feedback)
- Owners report the box keeps gear dry on long drives (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if your family trips need more than 16 cubic feet. Splitting loads across two carriers costs more than buying the right size box once; the Motion XT 22 suits bigger trips.
Pair it with
Pair it with a soft bag for overflow on rare big trips, rather than replacing the box.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check availability before a trip deadline. See rooftop cargo box under 500.
Best dual-side hard box: Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 Rooftop Cargo Box (8007370)
Best dual-side hard box
Why this pick
The SkyBox NX XL 18 adds the feature that matters most in tight parking and busy loading: dual-sided opening, so you load from either side of the car instead of walking around to one hatch. At 18 cubic feet and 84 by 36 by 16.5 inches, it sits between the SkyBox 16 and the 22 cubic foot boxes, with SKS locks for security. For owners who load in garages, driveways, and crowded lots, dual-side access saves more time than two extra cubic feet.
Load from the kerb side in street parking and the garage side at home, because dual access is most useful when you choose the safer side each time.
Key specs
- Brand: Yakima
- Part number: 8007370
- Line: SkyBox NX XL 18
- Capacity: 18 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 84 x 36 x 16.5 in.
- Opening: dual-sided
- Locks: SKS locks per listing
- Type: hard rooftop cargo box
- Mount: roof bars
- Warranty: Not published
Fits and best for
Best for owners who load in tight spaces, garages, and crowded lots, and for trips needing more than 16 but less than 22 cubic feet. It suits drivers who value access over maximum volume.
Pros and watch-outs
- Dual-sided opening loads from either side
- SKS locks for security
- 18 cubic feet is a versatile middle size
- Good for tight parking and garage loading
- Larger than the SkyBox 16; check roof fit
- Still needs roof bars and load rating checks
- Dual mechanisms add parts to maintain
What owners report
- Owners report dual-side opening makes loading much easier (listing feedback)
- Owners report the locks feel secure for trip gear (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if you always load from one side in open space. Dual-sided opening adds cost and complexity you will not use, and a single-side box gives the same volume for less.
Pair it with
Pair it with internal straps so loads do not shift toward the side you open.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Open the kerb side first in street parking. See roof rack system for cargo.
Best soft alternative: Reese Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag, 22 cu. ft. (59007)
Best soft alternative
Why this pick
The Reese bag answers the hard-box question with a different trade: 22 cubic feet, the same volume as the Motion XT, in a soft waterproof 840D PVC bag that folds away into a closet when the trip ends. No permanent roof hardware beyond bars or a rack, no box to store, and a lower upfront cost. The trade is security and shape: a soft bag does not lock like a hard box and its shape follows the load, so it suits occasional trips rather than daily roof carrying.
Pack the bag on the ground before lifting it to the roof, because packing on the roof wastes time and risks dropping items.
Key specs
- Brand: Reese
- Part number: 59007
- Capacity: 22 cu. ft.
- Material: 840D PVC
- Type: soft rooftop cargo bag
- Weather: waterproof per listing
- Mount: roof bars or rack
- Storage: folds away when empty
- Security: not lockable like a hard box
- Warranty: Not published
Fits and best for
Best for occasional travellers, renters, and owners without permanent roof hardware, and for anyone whose storage space cannot hold a hard box. It suits trips a few times a year rather than weekly roof loads.
Pros and watch-outs
- 22 cubic feet matches hard boxes for volume
- Folds away for closet storage
- Waterproof 840D PVC for weather
- Lower cost and no permanent hardware
- Does not lock like a hard box
- Shape follows the load, so packing matters more
- Less secure for valuables left on the car
What owners report
- Owners report the bag holds a surprising amount for a soft carrier (listing feedback)
- Owners report it folds small for storage between trips (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if you carry valuables on the roof or leave loads on the car overnight in public places. A soft bag cannot lock, and a hard box is the secure answer there.
Pair it with
Pair it with ratchet straps over the bag for extra security on long highway trips.
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Pack soft items around hard ones to keep the shape even. See rooftop cargo box under 200.
Best hitch alternative: WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, 60 x 20 x 6 in. (CCB-1037)
Best hitch alternative
Why this pick
The WEIZE basket answers a different problem from roof carriers: bulky, heavy, or dirty gear that should not go on the roof at all. Coolers, firewood, generators, and wet camping gear ride behind the car at bumper height, where loading is easy and the roof load rating never matters. The 500 lb capacity, folding design, and included waterproof bag, net, and straps make it a complete system, not just a basket, and folding means it stores flat against the car or in a garage.
After loading, push the basket firmly from the side to test for play in the hitch pin, because a loose pin rattles and wears the receiver.
Key specs
- Brand: WEIZE
- Part number: CCB-1037
- Dimensions: 60 x 20 x 6 in.
- Capacity: 500 lb per listing
- Type: folding hitch mount basket
- Includes: waterproof bag, net, straps
- Mount: hitch receiver
- Design: folding for storage
- Warranty: Not published
- Load height: bumper height, easy loading
Fits and best for
Best for bulky, heavy, or dirty gear, and for owners whose roof cannot take a box or whose loads exceed box volume. It suits vehicles with a hitch receiver and a suitable tongue weight rating.
Pros and watch-outs
- 500 lb capacity for heavy and bulky gear
- Bumper-height loading beats roof lifting
- Includes bag, net, and straps as a system
- Folds for storage against the car or in a garage
- Needs a hitch receiver and tongue weight capacity
- Blocks rear access and can obscure lights and plates
- Exposes gear to road spray and theft more than a box
What owners report
- Owners report the basket handles coolers and camping gear easily (listing feedback)
- Owners report the included bag and net keep loads secure (listing feedback)
Who should not buy it
Skip it if your vehicle has no hitch receiver or a low tongue weight rating. Adding a hitch just for a basket changes the cost, and a roof bag may suit better. Skip it too if rear access matters daily.
Pair it with
Pair it with ratchet straps for heavy loads, and check that lights and plates stay visible with the basket loaded.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check tongue weight before loading 500 lb. See hitch receivers under 200.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Thule Motion XT 22 | Thule Force XT XL | Yakima SkyBox 16 | Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 | Reese Rooftop Bag 22 | WEIZE Hitch Basket 60 in. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hard box | Hard box | Hard box | Hard box | Soft bag | Hitch basket |
| Capacity | 22 cu. ft. | X-Large | 16 cu. ft. | 18 cu. ft. | 22 cu. ft. | 500 lb |
| Dimensions | Not published | Not published | 81 x 36 x 15 in. | 84 x 36 x 16.5 in. | Not published | 60 x 20 x 6 in. |
| Locks | Per family | Per family | Per family | SKS | No | No |
| Opening | Per family | Per family | Per family | Dual-sided | Top | Open top |
| Mount | Roof bars | Roof bars | Roof bars | Roof bars | Roof bars/rack | Hitch |
| Storage | Needs space | Needs space | Needs space | Needs space | Folds away | Folds flat |
| Part number | 629907 | 635801 | 8007335 | 8007370 | 59007 | CCB-1037 |
| Best for | Families | Big trips | Small roofs | Tight loading | Occasional | Bulky gear |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Cells marked "Not published" mean the maker or listing did not publish that figure; nothing was estimated to fill the gap.
Installation and setup basics
Roof carriers install on roof bars: fit the bars per the vehicle manual, set the box or bag centrally, and tighten the mounting hardware to the maker torque before loading. A box mounted off-centre pulls to one side in crosswinds, and loose hardware works looser at highway speed, so check fittings after the first miles and again at fuel stops. The roof rack system guide covers bar fitting for common vehicles.
Hitch baskets install on the receiver: slide the shank fully home, fit the pin and clip, and check that the basket sits level before loading. Load heavy items low and centred, strap everything down, and check that rear lights and the number plate stay visible; add a light board if they do not. The dual hitch receiver reviews guide covers receiver fitting.
Before any trip, check the vehicle load ratings: roof rating for roof carriers, tongue weight for hitch baskets. These ratings include the carrier weight, not just the load, and exceeding them affects handling and safety. Weigh dense loads, distribute weight evenly, and recheck straps after the first miles, because loads settle and straps loosen. See cargo baskets for trucks for heavy-load notes.
Safety essentials
Roof and hitch loads change handling, so the safety rules are about ratings, straps, and visibility.
- Never exceed the vehicle roof load rating or the hitch tongue weight rating, including the carrier weight.
- Strap every load down and recheck straps after the first miles, because loads settle.
- Keep rear lights and number plates visible with a hitch basket loaded, adding a light board if needed.
- Do not load a roof box above its stated capacity or with items longer than the box.
- Check mounting hardware at every fuel stop on long trips, and never drive with a loose carrier.
- Remove roof carriers when not in use if fuel use and wind noise matter, and store them securely.
Three accessories worth having on hand, each with its own verified listing:
AUGO Retractable Ratchet Straps, 2-pack — 1,200 lb break strength straps for tying down a box, bag, or basket load. Check Price
3M Virtua Safety Glasses, 20-pack (62105) — ANSI Z87.1 eye protection for spray-back and dust while you work. Check Price
Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves (MG-03-010) — Grip and hand protection for hauling, scrubbing, and handling dirty gear. Check Price
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Box whistles at speed | Air gap or loose mounting | Recheck mounting hardware and centre the box on the bars. |
| Soft bag sags or shifts | Uneven packing or loose straps | Repack with soft items around hard ones and tighten straps. |
| Hitch basket blocks lights | Load too high or wide | Lower the load, add a light board, and recheck plate visibility. |
| Roof load feels unstable | Overloaded roof or high centre of gravity | Reduce weight, load heavy items low, and check the roof rating. |
| Box will not lock | Overpacked lid or misaligned latch | Reduce the load until the lid closes fully, then lock and test. |
| Basket rattles on the road | Loose pin or shank play | Refit the pin and clip, and use an anti-rattle device if play persists. |
Who should NOT buy these
Do not buy a roof box without checking the roof rating. Volume means nothing if the loaded box exceeds the vehicle rating. Check the manual rating, weigh dense loads, and choose a smaller box or a hitch basket if the rating is low. The roof rack under 200 guide covers rating checks.
Do not buy a soft bag for overnight valuables. Soft bags do not lock, and a bag left on a car overnight in a public place invites theft. Hard boxes lock and hide contents; valuables should still come inside, but a hard box is the only carrier that secures a load at all. See rooftop box under 500 for lockable options.
Do not buy a hitch basket without a hitch. A basket needs a receiver and a tongue weight rating, and adding a hitch just for occasional loads changes the cost completely. If your car has no hitch, a roof bag is the cheaper occasional answer. The hitch receivers under 200 guide covers hitch fitting.
Do not buy the biggest box for a small roof. An X-Large box overhanging a small roof looks wrong, handles badly in wind, and may exceed the rating. Match the box to the roof, not to the biggest trip you can imagine, and use a bag for rare overflow.
Final verdict
Best hard box overall: Thule Motion XT 22. Check Price
Best large hard box: Thule Force XT X-Large. Check Price
Best mid-size hard box: Yakima SkyBox 16. Check Price
Best dual-side hard box: Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18. Check Price
Best soft alternative: Reese Rooftop Bag 22. Check Price
Best hitch alternative: WEIZE Hitch Basket 60 in. Check Price
FAQ
What is the best alternative to a cargo box for cars?
For occasional trips, a waterproof soft roof bag like the Reese 22 cubic foot bag carries the same volume and folds away. For bulky or heavy gear, a hitch basket like the WEIZE 500 lb basket carries loads that should not go on the roof. For frequent trips, a hard box remains the best answer, and the alternative depends on frequency, not just volume.
Are soft roof bags waterproof?
The Reese bag is listed as waterproof in 840D PVC, which handles rain well, but seams, zippers, and packing affect real-world dryness. Pack sensitive items in dry bags inside any soft carrier, and check the bag for wear before a wet trip. Hard boxes give more certain weather protection than any soft bag.
How much can a hitch cargo basket hold?
The WEIZE basket in this guide is rated at 500 lb, but the real limit is the lower of the basket rating and the vehicle hitch tongue weight rating. Check both before loading, load heavy items low and centred, and remember that the rating includes the basket weight, not just the load.
Do I need roof bars for a cargo box?
Yes, hard roof boxes and most soft bags mount on roof bars or a rack. If your car has no bars, factor their cost into the purchase, or choose a hitch basket if you have a hitch receiver instead. Some cars have factory rails that accept bars directly; check your vehicle manual.
What size cargo box do I need?
Match volume to your biggest trip: 16 cubic feet suits couples and smaller roofs, 18 cubic feet suits middle loads with dual-side access, and 22 cubic feet suits family trips. Check roof dimensions and load rating too, because a box that fits by volume can still overhang a small roof or exceed its rating.
Is the Yakima SkyBox 16 available?
Availability has varied: one listing view showed currently unavailable at the time of research, while the listing itself remains active. Check the listing before planning a trip around it, and consider the SkyBox NX XL 18 or a Thule box as a substitute if it is out of stock.
Can I leave a cargo box on my car all year?
Yes, hard boxes can stay mounted, but they affect fuel use and wind noise, and they need periodic hardware checks. Soft bags should come off between trips because they wear faster left mounted. If you use the box weekly, leaving it on makes sense; if you use it annually, remove and store it.
Are hitch baskets safe on the highway?
Yes, when loaded within ratings and strapped down, with lights and plates visible. Recheck straps after the first miles, keep heavy items low and centred, and add a light board if the load obscures lights. A loose or overloaded basket is unsafe at any speed, so ratings and straps matter more than the basket itself.
Why is Thule Motion 3 not in this guide?
A Thule Motion 3 listing showed conflicting ASINs: search text gave one ASIN while its page URL contained a different one. Because the correct listing could not be verified with confidence, that model is excluded rather than listed with an uncertain link. The Motion XT and Force XT models here are verified.
Sources
- Thule Motion XT 629907 listing
- Thule Force XT XL 635801 listing
- Yakima SkyBox 16 8007335 listing
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 8007370 listing
- Reese Rooftop Bag 59007 listing
- WEIZE Hitch Basket CCB-1037 listing
- AUGO Retractable Ratchet Straps listing
- 3M Virtua Safety Glasses listing
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers garage, workshop, and recovery gear from maker specifications and owner reports, so readers can compare real products before they buy.
Related guides
- Browse all Cargo Boxes
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- Best rooftop cargo box
- Best rooftop cargo box under 500
- Best rooftop cargo box for SUVs
- Best roof rack system for cargo
- Cargo baskets reviews for trucks
- Best hitch receivers under 200
Top pick: Thule Motion XT 22