Beast Auto

Automotive, Offroading, Guides and Resources

Vehicle Storage

Ski Rack vs Roof Box – Which is Better?

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The main benefit of getting a ski rack over a roof box is price. 

Outside of that, it’s generally agreed across forums and purchasers of the two themselves, that a roofbox is more handy. But it does come at an increase cost of usually 300-600 dollars. 

You can get a ski rack for 100-200 and if you look around on craigslist or offerup you might score one for even less.

But you could get used cargo boxes on those platforms as well. 

So the real question comes down to, how much are you going to spend? And, will you ever need storage for anything else? Let’s do a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each to give you the quick answers. 

Pros of a Ski Rack

Cons of a Ski Rack

  1. Costs slightly less
  2. Smaller form factor
  3. Easier to store when not being used
  4. Or leave it on all year, it won’t impact your MPG as much as a roof box
  1. Very limited purpose
  2. Exposes your Skis to the elements
  3. If you’re somewhere with heavily salted roads you could expose them to it. (salt can be corrosive, especially for metal and bindings)

Pros of a Roof Box

Cons of a Roof Box

  1. Broad Purpose
  2. Keep everything safe from the elements
  3. Keep wet clothing and items out of your car after a day of skiing or boarding.
  4. Top competitors offer really well-made products
  1. Costs more(but you can find good deals on used one)
  2. Impacts your MPG
  3. Takes up a lot of room if you’re not using it
  4. Takes a bit more time to access items than a rack would

Let's take a look at one of each

Rhino Rack Ski Carrier

This is the Rhino Ski Rack Carrier.

It has the things we’ve talked about. A low profile, a relatively low price(compared to roof boxes), and it’s easily removable. 

Of course all ski racks are going to have a more limited capacity for storage and in this case, it can fit up to two pairs of skis. This is the ten inch version and they go all they up to 27 inches. 

YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space for Cars, Wagons and SUVs

And here we have one of the best sellers in the roof cargo box category. 

It’s about double the price, but it’s also an aerodynamic weatherproof option with many happy customers. 

This attaches to your pre-existing roof rack. If you don’t have one of those, you’d have to go out and buy them separately which adds more cost. It can add up, so on a budget the ski carriers make sense. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of discussions on the web about this topic, and the general advice is to go with a roof box.

But, it’s not the perfect solution for everyone. Hopefully, this helped you sum up the pros and cons of each!

Good luck and be sure before your purchase to make sure the roof rack or skis is compatible with your vehicle. There are usually downloadable sizing guides available from manufacturers. 

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 4 Best Waterproof Truck Cargo Bags

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Trucks are incredible utility vehicles with a great amount of space in the bed of the truck.

But, sometimes the cabins are lacking or we want to keep something shielded from the elements. 

Truck cargo bags address this concern, keep your valuables covered and safe from rain or shine with these options.

Here are the 4 best waterproof truck cargo bags:

MODOKIT Truck Bed Cargo Bag with Cargo Net

Capacity: 26 Cubic Feet

MODOKIT is here to help you safely store your goods with this waterproof option. 

They even include a cargo net to help you keep it secure and save it from shifting during your rie. 

You can fit about 3 full size suitcases in here if you’re planning on a roadtrip. It is accompanied by a 2-year warranty with this purchase to help give you peace of mind. This is made of polyester and it attaches using 4 carabiner clips along with 12 S-Hooks. 

It’s an overall good product that has plenty of happy customers to attest to it being waterproof. One caveat is that this only opens from one end. Which can lead to you “stuffing” the bag as opposed to some designs that open more widely. 

Consider a ratcheting strap over the top to keep your load secure if you’re carrying especially heavy items. 

Whistler Truck Cargo Bag with Net- 100% Waterproof

Capacity: 26 Cubic Feet

Here is a more budget friendly option from Whistler.

You still get the same carrying capacity and netting that other brands offer, but at a more affordable price. 

This uses a velcro strapping system to cover the zippers and save them from the elements. It’s hard to find a competitor in this price bracket that offers the same storage capacity.

Overall this is a bargain in terms of value and you can use it on a car eventually if you need to. 

Some use this for roof cargo storage and have had issues with the quality of the attachment strapping. Since you’re using it in a truck, you’ll be alright with the hook system. 

MARKSIGN 100% Waterproof Truck Cargo Bag with Net

Capacity: 26 Cubic Feet

Marksign has thrown their hat into the ring with this quality made cargo bag. 

They use 4 rubber handles for loading this into or out of your truck. 

The included cargo net it has 12 carabiners to keep it secure and to keep your bag from moving. Whether it’s half full or weighted up, it’s going to stay secure. The construction material is called tarpaulin(a heavy-duty waterproof fabric), which will keep all your belongings dry and stand up to abuse.

This brand also offers two more designs that you can load onto your hitch. They come in 15 and 20 cubic foot options.

Marksign includes a storage bag so while you’re not using this you don’t have extra clutter. 

Tuff Truck Bag Waterproof Heavy Duty

Capacity: 26 Cubic Feet

Perhaps the most popular design and brand in the category is from Tuff Truck. 

Their waterproof bag has tons of happy customers, despite them costing a bit more than most of the competition. 

The bag attaches to your bed with a hook and clip system, anchored by 4 d rings on the bag itself. The main reason customers love this so much is that it goes a long way in preventing the bag from shifting around.

There is nothing more uncomfortable when driving a truck and hearing a random clank after a turn, so they’ve hit a pain point for a lot of people. The cords themselves are adjustable as well.

When you’re not using this, it folds up and they’ve included a storage bag to keep it contained nicely. There is no cargo bag in this option, but with their secure design you won’t need any additional things to keep it in place. 

It comes in two color options, black and white. If you’re looking for a long term heavy-duty bag, this is the one. Something additional to note is that the company has excellent customer service, they have intervened with several customers personally when an issue arises. 

FAQS

Are all these cargo bags waterproof?

Yes, all items listed on this page will prevent your valuables from getting soaked. They use a combination of materials along with ways to shield the zipper from moisture. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, we were able to guide you in your decision. The more budget friendly option is Whistler’s cargo bag and if price isn’t as big as a factor then the winner for us is TuffTruck mainly due to their customer service and attachment system. 

If you end up picking one of these options, make sure to let us know how it worked out for you. We love to hear from our readers!

Good luck on your shopping journey.  

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

How big is a cubic foot? – Picking the right size roof box for you.

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It can be difficult for us to visualize just how much space we need when looking for a roof box.

So we found a visual comparison that will help! If you see the picture. That is a 3 foot cubic box. 

this image shows what 3 cubic feet look like

Now of course a roof rack is going to have curvature so it isn’t going to look the same, but the volume will be the same. 

1 cubic foot = 7.48052 US Liquid Gallon. Pretty much any cargo box over 10 cubic feet will be able to fit 3 snowboards or more if you’re looking for a comparison.

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 4 Best Soft Top Car Carriers – For Those Without a Roof Rack

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Everyone can use a little extra space in their vehicle! But at the same time, everyone doesn’t need a roof rack. 

If you’re looking for extra space for your ride, without the hassle of installing additional components, a soft carrier is for you. 

We looked at car carriers by value, quality, and customer feedback to give you the best choices for your money.

Here are the 4 best soft top carriers:

1. Rightline Gear Sport 3 Car Top Carrier

This cargo top carrier by Rightline is 100% waterproof.

You do not need a roof rack to attach any products in our review, including this one! But, it also works with a roof rack if you have one.

They come in varying sizes, depending on your needs. They are 9 cubic feet, 12, 15, and finally 18. 

If you go for the largest size, it’s best to have a larger vehicle. Yes, this can carry your golf clubs with ease. It provides some peace of mind as it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can check that out here. 

They’ll fix any defects or replace the product for you if something happens within the 1-year time span. 

It attaches with a strap and clip system easily under your car gap. Tighten it using the straps and you’re good to go after closing your car door. Some customers have complained of water seeping through over time. This can be to not pulling the flap down over the zippers or due to driving with it attached backward. 

Overall this is a highly rated product for a reason. It’s a good value that won’t break the bank.

 

2. Car Top Carrier Roof Bag + Protective Mat

This waterproof offering from Toolguards is an extremely well-made product. They even included a mat to protect your roof from scratches.

The durable fabric is called Tarpaulin, which has a canvas feel and the benefit of being waterproof. 

A storage capacity of 15 cubic feet is great for most everyone and you are able to attach this with or without a roof rack. In terms of overall quality, and going the extra mile, this is our top pick.

They include 8 straps to keep things extra tight if you feel four aren’t enough and one of the best warranties in the category. A 2-year 100% money-back guarantee.

 

3. Standard Waterproof Carrier by RoofBag

This waterproof carrier by RoofBag will hold 15 cubic feet for its standard size.

Their warranty is a little confusing, in their title it says 1-year and in the description, it says 2. So, at the bare minimum, you’ll get a one year warranty. 

A big differentiating factor for them is that it’s made in the USA. If you’re someone who wants products made here, this could be an option for you. 

It’s attached using a strap system that securely slides all the way underneath your vehicle. There is no clipping to the sides, you can be 100% sure it’s going to stay in place with how they’ve set it up. You just close your door on the straps when you’re set up!

 

4. RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier

RoofPax has a roof bag that will hold nearly everything you need. It uses a hooking system to stay attached under your car door’s frame.

This is the big kahuna in terms of volume, or at least the largest we’ve reviewed at 19 cubic feet.

 

They offer a lifetime warranty on zipper and buckle breaks, but only if you activate your warranty on their website. Something to keep in mind, a bit of a meh. 

We like the design/coloring, and the volume it can hold. But, it is at the top end of the price range. Value-wise it’s a “decent” from us. 

FAQs

Do I need a roof rack?

That depends on how you plan on using your vehicle. Roof racks work best for owners who want to mount things like a bike, kayaks, or other outdoor equipment. Most cargo boxes are also going to mount onto roof racks, unless they’re specifically designed for your vehicle.

The combination of a roof rack + other storage components can be over budget for many people. A hard shell cargo box can easily run 500 dollars, or more in this case. You get the benefit of having a secured load that is going to be more aerodynamic, but it’s also not as easy to remove as a soft cargo carrier.

You can even mount bikes on the back of your vehicle if you want and use a soft top cargo carrier on top. There are plenty of hitch bike lock designs. In our opinion, a soft top cargo carrier is by far the most economical option for additional carrying space. 

What are the pros and cons of a soft cargo box compared to a hard shell?

The most obvious con for most is that they will, with heavy use deteriorate over time. Fabric is fabric, and we’ve all worn backpacks throughout our youth. The heavier mine was loaded with books, the more it frayed.

Fabric is also going to be a bit more susceptible to the elements than something with a hard shell seal. One thing you should always keep in mind is to not leave something like this out in the sun. “UV Proofing” with materials can only go so far. The way to extend the life of any product is to put it away when you’re not using it. 

Will a soft cargo box leave my roof susceptible to scratches?

This is definitely something to think about! Some products in this category offer protective mats. A securely tied down rack isn’t going to scratch anything, but if it has a little bit of give and say you have a pointy hard product sitting on the bottom, it could happen. 

So you should be very aware of how tight it is and how you pack it. No one wants scratched paint. 

Conclusion

We hope we’ve helped you make an informed decision about your buying journey! If you need enough storage for a cargo box, perhaps a big adventure is ahead?

If it is and you choose one of these options, make sure to let us know how it went in the comments. Our top choice was Toolguards waterproof cargo bag as we think it’s perfect in terms of value and quality. 

Cargo boxes are great, economical options for those who need extra carrying space and many of these are extremely well-made while being affordable at the same time. 

Good luck on your adventure and buying journey!

 

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.