Beast Auto

Automotive, Offroading, Guides and Resources

Vehicle Storage

The 5 Best Hitch Cargo Carriers with Baskets

by Leave a Comment

Adding a cargo carrier to your hitch is a quick way to improve your stowing capacity.

You can fold it up when not in use as well! Thankfully, there are many solid choices in this category.

Let’s take a look at the 5 best hitch cargo carriers with baskets:

1. MaxxHaul 70275 52-1/2" x 29" Aluminum Cargo Carrier with 60" Folding Ramp

Best Value if you Need a Ramp

If you are in need of a folding ramp option for your cargo carrier, MaxxHaul has a great option with this product.

This is suited for those who have mobility scooters or other needs where the ramp will come in handy. It’s rated to carry up to 500lbs. 

Check Price

Aluminum is highly resistant to the elements and will not rust. You can keep this on your vehicle year round without worrying about it wearing down. If you don’t like the look, it’s easy to detach and only weighs 30 lbs. 

They’ve even added some reflectors on it to help with visibility. You will have to assemble it yourself and a common gripe is that the instructions are lacking. So that may cause a slight headache.

Overall, this is a well made product that should last a long time. 

2. CURT 18153 500 lbs. Capacity Basket Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier, Fits 2-Inch Receiver

Best Value Overall

CURT has a black powder coated trailer hitch carrier that has a smaller profile than most. Yet, it’s also rated to hold a high weight!

The walls are only 6 inches in height. Like with any cargo basket, if you frequently haul things that are tall in height make sure to tie them down. 

Check Price

This is far heavier than most options on this list, because it’s made of steel. It weighs 70 lbs. If you are going to be approaching the 500 lb limit frequently in load weight, steel is going to be stronger than aluminum generally.

With the double coating you shouldn’t have to worry about rust. You are able to fold this up when not in use. This is a truly heavy-duty option, and it is the best selling in this category.  

3. MaxxHaul 70108 49" x 22.5" Hitch Mount Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails

Another option from MaxxHaul has made this list, and that’s for one very specific reason!

This is by far the most affordable option here. 

If you need something every once in a while that won’t undergo a heavy beating, then you probably don’t feel like spending 150 or more.

Check Price

In that case, this option is something that would suit you. Unlike some other choices, it will not fold up and it’s more of a bare-bones design. We mean that in a good way.

This is perfect to get you through weekend trips camping or other adventures.

4. ROLA 59502 Vortex Steel Cargo Carrier, Hitch-Mount, High-Capacity Basket (2-Inch Receivers)

ROLA’s vortex carrier is our second steel option we’ve shown. It’s slightly heavier than the first at 73 lbs.

Visually, you can tell it’s going to last a long time. It’s has multiple brace points with a tight mesh bottom.

Check Price

While other designs usually have reflectors as a shoe in, these are actually very bright and large enough to make a difference. They didn’t skimp on any material here. 

There is even a plate to attach your license plate to if you’d like to make this a long term addition to your vehicle. This will hold up to 600 lbs of weight. One thing you may be curious about is if it folds up, and this version does not.

ROLA even sells their own cargo bag that will fit perfectly within the dimensions of this carrier. 

5. Rear Hitch Cargo Carrier Folding Basket with High Sides

Rear Hitch Cargo carrier has made a sturdy design that folds up to save you space when not in use. 

The only gripe about this product is that the actual listing is a bit confusing. This brand seems to have(at least currently) featured several different TYPES of products all within one listing. 

Check Price

This carrier will suit a 2″ receiver. It attaches with a U mount pressure fit. This is rated at up to 360 lbs. Which is a bit less than most options, but for most applications a customer won’t reach that weight. 

If you do tend to haul heavy things, there are other options with higher ratings in this guide. 

FAQS

Cargo Carriers with a ramp vs without. Which is better?

Depending on your use you may want to purchase a cargo carrier that comes equipped with a ramp functionality. This is mainly for people who transport heavy things that they can roll into the cargo frame. Like scooters. 

If you don’t have something that fits that description, then a regular style cargo carrier is going to be your best bet. They also tend to be more affordable. 

What are some other good ways to haul cargo?

There are a few other popular ways to get some extra storage space for your car. One is a roof box, which mounts to the top of your vehicle. Another is a cargo bag, which can also be mounted to the top of your vehicle but is less secure.

The advantage of a hitch carrier is that it’s a steady heavy-duty setup for those who are carrying heavier items, but also need easy access to them. Many of these options even allow you to fold them up when not in use.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has helped you make up your mind on a carrier that suits your situation and price range! There are a few different options here, ones that have ramps, some that fold, and some that don’t.

Overall, we think the CURT design has the best value and the MaxxHaul design is great if you need a ramp. But, there are many other great products available in this category and on this list.

If you end up picking a cargo carrier from here or any option, come back and let us know how it worked out for you. We love hearing from our readers, and good look shopping!

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 Trunk Organizers with Coolers

by Leave a Comment

Keeping your trunk organized in your vehicle is a continuous task. But, it can be made much easier with an organizer!

There are a plethora of options in this category, but how many of them double as coolers? 

Having the option to keep your beverages cold while keeping your trunk organized is great. Which is why we found some great products for you to look at.

Here are the 4 best trunk organizers with coolers:

1. Tuff Viking Convertible Large SUV Trunk Organizer Built-in Leakproof Cooler Bag

If price is of no concern, the Tuff Viking organizer is our top pick. A well-made product that doesn’t have that cheap feel!

Canvas fabric with stitched straps and buckles make us confident that if Viking’s were actually still around, they might use this. 

Check Price

This is a modular design. It has three separate areas for storage, with dividers if you need more separation. Say you only need one compartment and the cooler bag. In that situation, you take the included buckles and collapse one side. 

After you do that, you now have one cooler compartment and one storage compartment. Because of its collapsible design, you can fold this neatly away when not in use. You could potentially use this instead of plastic for grocery if you love the earth and all that stuff!

The built-in included cooler bag is of decent quality and it zips up to keep moisture retained on a bumpy ride. Overall we think this is a great value for a long-term buy. But there are a few more affordable options we go over below. 

This has up to 80 lbs of load capacity. 

2. X-cosrack Car Trunk Organizer Storage with Insulation Cooler Bags

The X-Cosrack is another collapsible option with four separate compartments. And yes, it includes a cooler. 

The sides are made of a breathable mesh fabric. There are carrying straps and it holds a decent amount of items. 

About 93 liters of volume total, or about 6 to 8 regular sized grocery bags. The inserts will keep it sturdy when you’re loading it up. 

Check Price

The cooler bag is detachable from the main unit, but it’s not a long term solution. This company gives a conservative estimate which we really appreciate, of keeping things cool only for about an hour. 

In reality, the cooler bag is a great way to keep things cool for that amount of time. But, it’s not a heavy duty alternative to a dedicated cooler. It can hold more weight than you would think at first glance, up to 66 lbs!

3. LUXJA Collapsible Car Trunk Organizer with Extra Cooler Bag

Luxja has a nicely designed cooler bag included with their organizer, if you love purple that is. 

Unlike other options, you can’t “attach” the cooler bag to the organizer which might be a knock for some.

But, if you’re looking to save space then LUXJA is one of the most compact options available. It’s an extremely light setup as well, at under 3 lbs. 

Check Price

The cooler bag is on the smaller size. It’s pretty much a replica of your standard lunch box. So if you’re looking for something to keep a decent amount of groceries cold, this may not be for you. 

We like it for the color and compactness of the unit, but there are areas to improve!

4. COZYSWAN Car Trunk Organizer Multi 4 Compartments Storage Basket and Cooler & Warmer Set

COZYSWAN has the bargain value trunk organizer for vehicle owners. This storage unit is a steal!

Either side of the 4 compartments are insulated to keep your items cold on the way home. 

It is a fold down option as well and it comes in two colors. Besides the regular black, you can go for blue. 

Check Price

This is a compact option at under three pounds, and for the price point it really has no competitors. The other options we’ve gone over here are all a bit more expensive(at least at the time of this review). 

So, when you’re looking for a great value this is hard to beat!

FAQS

Are these built in cooler bags just as good as a real cooler?

The truth is that they are not! These are not meant to be a primary cooler or to replace a dedicated cooler. A canvas design with a stitched in water resistant space just can’t compete with a hard shell cooler. Many of which use thick insulation.

These are great in a pinch, to take some cold drinks to a soccer game or to keep your lunch cool for a few hours. As long as you keep practical about it, they’re great. 

What other ways can I use the cooler bag?

If you’ve ever brought groceries home in the summer, you know the feeling of your car turning into a hot oven before you make it back. 

If you’ve bought a cool drink in the store, or something susceptible to temperatures, then these bags are great! Many customers find themselves using it to keep drinks cold, or medicines from the pharmacy at an appropriate temperature during their ride home. 

If you find a more creative use for yours, let us know. 

Will these help me keep organized?

We know this is a straight forward answer, but to reiterate yes they will. It can be so easy to get bent out of shape when you are getting bombarded with papers and “things” during the work week that keeping organized is a chore. 

This will save you from groaning while you reach in your back seat to grab something. Some people label each compartment for different tasks in their life. But, that’s highly dependent on your occupation. 

These organizers can become a tool chest for office types if you so wish. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide helped you make up your mind on buying a trunk organizer with the added bonus of a cooler. If it did and you pick one of these options, let us know in the comments how it worked out. We always love to hear from our readers. 

Our top choices were for the higher end of the price range the Viking organizer, and for the lower end the COZYSWAN organizer. They’re both great values in their own right! Found something better? Let us know and happy shopping. 

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 Folding Truck Ramps

by Leave a Comment

In need of a ramp but one that you can take with you? A folding truck ramp is the quick fix solution to your needs.

You can safely load in your cargo and stow it away without having to deal with finding a solution to hauling a one piece design. 

We found some options for you that should suit your needs. Many ramps are similar in design but the keys are in the details.

Let’s take a look at the 4 best folding truck ramps: 

1. Clevr 7.5' Set of 2 Folding Arched Aluminum Truck Ramps

Load Capacity: 1500 lbs(together) or 750 lbs each

Clevr is in the low to mid-range for prices in this category, and value wise they’re hard to compete with. 

Check Price

For a little more than most sellers are charging for a single folding-ramp, you get two with this purchase. Their combined load capacity is 1500 lbs, so you’ll be able to use these for most ATVs and motorcycles.

If you are in need of dual ramps up to 1500 lbs, then this is our top choice.

This ladder does have rubber tips to help give it some grip for your truck. They also include a pair of safety straps to help you tie down your load. 

 

2. Pit Posse Pp2755 Motorcycle Folding Loading Ramp

Load Capacity: 750 lbs

If all you need is one ramp, Pit Posse has a great option for you.

It’s a similar design to Clevr’s ramp with some small differences. But, the most important one is that it still holds a good amount.

Check Price

If you are looking to replace a ramp, or have a lighter motorcycle then this could be the one for you. Another similarity with Clevr is the two tie down straps for your gear.

They offer a 5-year guarantee for workmanship, and a money back guarantee if you don’t like it. It does arrive assembled. 

3. CASTOOL Twin Pack Foldable Loading Ramp

Load Capacity: 1000 lbs(together) or 550 lbs each. 

These are the light duty option of the lot, and at least right now they are the cheapest.

Castool has a pair of ramps that they fashioned from sheet metal. That means you get to save money. 

Check Price

It also means, don’t use these for loading anything too heavy. They’re affordable and a nice choice if you have something light you need to load in your truck.

We really dig the handles though, they were one of the few companies that thought to add something helpful like that to the design. They also have a bit of a textured surface to help your wheels grip better. 

A common gripe is that some assembly is required. If you want a ready made ramp, the options above may suit your needs better. 

4. Titan 10' HD 4-Beam Wide Aluminum Truck Load Ramp

Load Capacity: 2700 lbs as a unit

Titan is a fitting name for this 3 piece ramp system. They’re strong, and will be able to hold any ATV or motorcycle you throw at it.

By the way if you find an ATV that weighs more than 2700 lbs, let us see it out of pure curiosity. 

Check Price

We like the blacked out design, it’s a bit less conspicuous than silver. If you plan on carrying one of these in your truck bed long term it’s better to have something that doesn’t reflect light so much.

You will pay more for this, a lot more than anything else on this list.  It’s also pretty heavy at nearly 100 lbs. But, if you’re loading something heavy you probably find that comforting. This is a well-made piece of equipment. 

It has a long 10 foot leadup from one end to the other with a slight arch. Most motorcycle owners are able to just walk their bike up it with ease. 

FAQS

What do I need a folding truck ramp for? 

The most common use of these is for hauling motorcycles. But if you have a long bed truck you could also fit an ATV in there. Sometimes contractors need these for their one man operations.

Specifically for landscaping, a folding truck ramp can be a handy upgrade to get in and out quickly. 

What else do I need besides a folding ramp to secure my atv or motorcycle?

Several of these options include tie downs in your purchase. Our recommendation is to go out and grab a quality pair of tie downs separately.

Or at least, augment the included ones with others you bought. The peace of mind of keeping a heavy piece of machinery in one place is worth the extra twenty bucks. 

Tri-fold vs dual-fold ATV ramp, what’s better?

The clear benefit of a tri-fold ramp is that it’s going to take up less space in your truck bed length wise. But, it’s definitely going to make up for that in width. They also tend to be pricer than a regular folding ramp.

Regular ramps seem to average about 4 feet loaded up lengthwise. So, if you want something that doesn’t extend that far, then yeah a tri-fold is a great option for you. Especially if you’re trying to save room in a garage. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, we helped you make an informed decision about a folding truck ramp. There are plenty of happy customers with all of these options. 

The best value for most owners is most likely going to be Clevr’s ramp. But, that doesn’t mean the other options couldn’t suit your situation better.

If you end up picking something from this list, be sure to let us know how it worked out for you. 

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 Trailer Tongue Boxes

by Leave a Comment

If you have a trailer and you’re looking for easy access to tools or whatever else you may need, a tongue box is a great idea. 

It’s built to augment your storage, without getting in the way of whatever you’re hauling. 

There are several options out there. We all want to get the most bang for our buck, and that’s what this guide is about.

So, let’s look at the 4 best trailer tongue boxes:

1. Trailer Tongue Box Larger 2.75 Cu Ft. Safeguard

Haul Master has this blacked out trailer box that holds a decent amount of volume. 

And yes, it includes the mounting hardware.  

Check Price

It ranks high on our list in terms of price to value. It’s one of the most affordable options here. Although no users have reported rust, something to note is that it is made of steel. 

Aluminum will usually hold up better to water. If your trailer is painted black and you’d like to forgo a silver box glistening in the sun, this is a good choice.

It also has a piston hinge on one side to help you with retrieving your gear. It does have a lock as well to keep things safe.  

2. Lund 6134T 21-Inch Aluminum Trailer Tongue Truck Box

Aluminum construction is what we like to see for anything exposed to the outdoors, and Lund has chosen it for their heavy-duty design. 

They will almost always be more expensive though. 

Check Price

Lund’s locking trailer box includes a limited-lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. We’re not sure why there are two items pictured in their product photo, but only one will be included if you purchase.

Something you may be pleased to hear is it’s made right here in the USA. Something you may not be pleased to hear is it does not include mounting hardware. But, that’s common in this category. 

The seams are welded and the opening is about 11 inches. It’s pretty light too, at only about 25 lbs. 

3. Dee Zee DZ91717P Poly Triangle Trailer Box

Herein lies the most affordable option of all.

Dee Zee decided to make a box out of hard plastic instead of the usual metal choices. And people love it. 

Check Price

All products from Dee Zee are made in the USA, this one included. This does include a limited lifetime warranty. The hatch is lockable, but you will have to buy your own padlock for it.

Mounting hardware is provided, but the self-tapping screws are an issue for some. You may want to go out and get your own. For how affordable this is, it’s a great value with a couple things that you may want to improve on.

Our main recommendation is to add some weatherstripping along the top of the lid to create a better seal. 

4. Better Built 66212322 Utility Trailer Tongue Tool Box

Better Built has a black aluminum design for your eyes to feast on.

The seams are welded and there is a gasket to help keep out moisture. 

Check Price

This has a central hinge and opens to nearly 90 degrees. There is a mounting kit included with this purchase. This is going to be one of the pricier options available. But, it checks all the boxes of a long lasting design. 

FAQS

What do people use their trailer tongue for?

That depends on what you’re hauling in your trailer. For some it can be tools, tie downs, and for others it can be fishing gear. It’s a good place to store your bait or fish after a day on the water to save your ride from soaking up those smells. 

Will I have to drill into my trailer to mount my box?

Some trailers have pre-drilled holes, and you can avoid having to do the work. But, for most people you will have to drill into your trailer to attach these. 

Not all options include mounting kits, so making a quick run to buy some hardware may also be in your forecast. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, we helped you to inch your mind closer to an informed decision. The thing about tool boxes is you can go really light with aluminum or really heavy with steel. 

There are also a few options made of plastic nowadays. If you want something that feels heavy-duty and doesn’t dent easily, steel may be your best bet. 

A lot of concerns with aluminum products are that they dent easily, and that is usually true. The sheet metal for aluminum tends to be pretty thin. 

When it comes to overall value, we find it hard to beat Dee Zee’s option. With their warranty and price point, it’s our top pick. 

If you end up grabbing something from our guide, let us know how it worked out for you. Good luck on your hunt!

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.

Ski Rack vs Roof Box – Which is Better?

by Leave a Comment

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

by 2 Comments

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. 

Check Price

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. 

Check 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. 

Check Price

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. 

Check Price

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!

Other options for securing loads in your truck are cargo bars(for heavier items) and cargo netting.   

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.

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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. 

Check Price

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. 

Check Price

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. 

Check Price

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.

Check Price

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 quality 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 is 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.