Best Ski Cargo Box Of 2024: Top Models & Buying Guide

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport

The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport is a versatile roof-mounted cargo box with 16 cu. ft. of additional packing space. Designed for vehicles with maximum space efficiency, this cargo box provides the flexibility to fit a wide range of vehicles and offers easy installation without the use of tools. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

Get your gear to and from the car in safety with SportRack's Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box. This cargo box is made to handle the most rigorous off-road adventures. The included key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack. You can also add a built-in LED light or an accessory tray if you need extra storage space. Read Review

3. Best Realiable: Yakima Skybox 12 Carbonite Cargo Box

Yakima Skybox 12 Carbonite Cargo Boxes are the perfect companion for your outdoor excursions. This 12-cubic-foot box fits all kinds of bars and includes crossbars to ensure a tight fit. It is also available in five sizes, depending on your needs and will accommodate up to three campers with their gear. Read Review

4. Best Easy Set Up: SportRack SR7017 Horizon Cargo Box, 17-Cubic Feet, Black

SportRack's Horizon Cargo Box offers a streamlined, aerodynamic design that fits any roof rack type and offers a quick release attachment kit for easy installation and removal. The SR7017 has an opening on the passenger side to provide easy access away from traffic, while it still remains sleek with its class A aerodynamics. The SR7017 is compatible with most standard square, round and factory racks. Read Review

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, there are few things more essential than a reliable vehicle. While some people prefer taking to trails or exploring forests and valleys, others prefer the great wide open spaces of highways and byways. Whatever your preferred method of getting around, you’ll need an appropriate vehicle in order to enjoy it.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of reliable vehicles that happen to be suitable for driving when enjoying the great outdoors as well. If you’ve got an eye for detail and a passion for the great outdoors at the same time, this might just be the perfect piece of equipment for you! In this article, we will cover everything from choosing the best ski cargo box to tips on how to choose one and much more.

Our team had to focus on researching for 21 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Sport
Our Score:
9.9
Thule
  • Narrow design leaves space for other gear such as bikes, kayaks, skis, and more while providing 11 cubic feet of additional packing space
  • A versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 32 lbs
TOP Choice #2 SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.7
SportRack
  • Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
  • Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal
  • Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
TOP Choice #3 Yakima Skybox 12 Carbonite Cargo Box
Our Score:
9.5
YAKIMA
  • SuperLatch security ensures lid is secure to its base; Fits Yakima round, factory, aerodynamic and square bars
  • Fits Yakima round, square, factory, and aerodynamic bars
  • No assembly required; Includes SKS Locks; Approved crossbar spread: 24-36 inches
  • Passenger side opening for access away from traffic
  • Fits SportRack Roof Rack Systems, square, round and most factory racks (Check Fit Guide)
  • Holds 4-6 pairs of skis (up to 216 cm) or 3-4 snowboards
  • ▶️ Overall Dimensions: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H | Capacity: 11 Cubic Feet and up to 110 LBS
  • ▶️ Opens on the passenger side to 14 inches wide to store bulky items from the side and stays open till you close it, and it is very easy to install without any tool required to assembly.
  • ▶️ This roof top storage box is universal fit for mounting to max 13 inches wide cross bar, please check the dimension before purchase.
  • Durable 3-layer sheet
  • Dual side opening
  • Innovate spm injection molding
  • FAIR CAPACITY: With 14.85 cubic feet maximum storage capacity and 150lbs loading capacity, the roof cargo carrier can allow for more space in your car. What’s more, its streamlined design will reduce drag and noise during driving.
  • QUALITY MATERIAL FOR DURABILITY & BETTER PROTECTION: Made from ABS material for long-lasting use. And it can protect your luggage or equipment from being exposed to sun, rain or dust. And it is protected with 3-Year Warranty. Any problem, please feel free to contact us.
  • LOCKING SYSTEM FOR SAFETY: It is designed with locks on both sides and comes with keys for protecting your valuables. And the stiffeners at the bottom of the roof cargo box strengthen its stability.
  • INNO designed and made in Japan
  • Limited Life Time Warranty
  • Safety lock system key can only be removed once box is locked
  • FITMENT - Fits most elliptical and aerodynamic bars. Fits directly to Rhino-Rack Vortex and Euro bars and will require the RUBK-MF fitting kit to attach onto your Heavy Duty bars. MasterFit Technology allows for quick and easy setup.
  • LARGE CAPACITY - With the 400 liters / 14.13 cubic feet / 106 gallon capacity of room, the Rhino Rack RMFT440 is large enough to fit most gear, luggage, and equipment from golf clubs to camping gear, ski's to travel gear, free up space inside.
  • CROSSBAR SPACING - The minimum crossbar spacing required is 24.5" Inches (62cm) and the maximum is 36.5" Inches (93cm).
  • Thule SlideLock system automatically locks the lid in place and shows that the box is closed securely
  • Fits 3-5 pairs of skis (up to 200 cm in length)/3-4 snowboards
  • A sleek, aerodynamic cargo box with premium features that compliments the styling of modern vehicles

What should you know before purchasing best ski cargo box?

Our website is an online source that provides clients with a diverse selection of best ski cargo box. Many items on the site perfectly suit the demands of clients and serve their intended function.

So, how can you determine which of the best ski cargo box is the best fit for your needs? Don't be concerned! This article will walk you through all you need to know about the best ski cargo box before you buy it.

 

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

 

FAQs

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

Conclusion

In short, you have just been shown all the things related to best ski cargo box, including the top models, buyer’s guides, and the comparison between products as well. At this moment, it’s obvious that you acquire the mentioned information and are ready to pick one among the list of best ski cargo box above. In case there is no model that suits your needs, then TACTIK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Box, X-Large - Made in USA will be the best to pay attention to. Hopefully, our sharing today will help you choose the best item for your requirement. 


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio