This helped us develop a picture of how much or little effort was required when using these boxes on a daily basis. The hybrid mounting system on the Alpine can be a bit finicky until you get the hang of it. In all these models, it is impossible to remove the key without the box being properly latched and secured, which we consider a crucial feature. But what size is best all depends on what youre packing. Digging that wood treatment on the walls. The only missing add-on, in our opinion, is a light inside the box, though this can easily be added aftermarket for a low price. This gives a definite boost for versatility and personalization. Well show you how to make sure the cargo box fits your car and how much you can pack inside the different cargo box sizes. Adjust the hand knobs to tighten the attachment to the crossbars for stability and security. Left: Yakima SkyBox, right: Thule Force. This is particularly useful if you are transporting skis or snowboards as it will protect their edges from chipping. Thule was founded in Sweden in 1942, and built their first roof rack system in the 1960s. We then picked out the most promising cargo carriers to purchase and test head-to-head. If you dont have roof racks yet, we have some great options! As for compromises, again, this cargo carrier is short compared to the other options. Our cargo box testing team is headed up by Lauren DeLaunay and David Wise. Large cargo boxes are of course great because they can fit tons of gear. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle. It also has the SlideLock system, a super handy feature which makes closing your box super simple. The U-bolt system makes installation easy and proficient. And how can you make sure it will fit all the things you want to pack? The Yakima RocketBox is also above-average regarding ease of use. The security key locks the lid firmly, keeping your cargo safe from itchy fingers and prevailing weather conditions. Our belongings were usually dry even after driving through heavy rainstorms or getting sprayed with a garden hose on full strength for 20 minutes, one of our rigorous simulated weather tests. It includes an exterior cover, an interior liner, and two motion-activated interior lights. Full-width boxes are up to 95 cm wide and provide more storage space. The Force features the same PowerClick mounting system as the more expensive Thule models but lacks the more convenient locking systems featured on those models. Manufactured by Thule. Thule designs and manufactures products for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and those that lead an active lifestyle. The quick clamps don't permanently mount into the box, but they are very user-friendly, making the installation process quick and easy. That said, though it lacks the bells and whistles of the premium contenders, it's more than adequate to haul your gear around for a more palatable price point. Thule Bike Carrier - Roof Mounted. The dual locks are solid, and the keys cannot come out of the lock system until the box is closed properly for added security. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Each box was left on for several weeks and driven for hundreds of miles. It also only weights 20 pounds, so it is a good consideration if you won't have help when wrangling your box on and off the car. It opens on both sides, is quite durable and secure, and looks good on most cars. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We weren't huge fans of the surface texture and finish on the shorter and stubbier cargo boxes. A matte finish also hides dead bugs well a problem we hadn't initially thought of. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. In general, we found that most of these products will offer adequate protection for your gear. The Horizon Alpine is a bare-bones product that can't compare to the top-tier products in terms of convenience features but retails at a fraction of the cost of the top models. Or sometimes you just have things to carry you dont really want inside your car: gas cannisters, muddy tires, or really anything thats going to make a mess. The Skyline XL offers you excellent value for money for an 18 cubic feet cargo box. The Skybox has a slightly more prominent handle than the Force but is not as easy to switch between vehicles. The overall size of this cargo carrier is a bit smaller than the premium models, meaning the maximum length of gear you can carry is around 170 cm. The lid only opens on one side with no way to reconfigure it and it lacks any integrated straps for securing your gear inside. The Yakima GrandTour also opens on both sides and is very easy to install and remove. Opening the SkyBox's sturdy lid with ease. However, all the featured products in the Subaru WRX Cargo Box Review are compatible with both WRX models from 2009-to 2022. Youve read in other posts that is your evidence of it will kill mileage? It's a great way to haul a lot without giving up the space though! Despite that, we would highly recommend this product to anyone who needs additional vehicular gear storage and doesn't want to make too many sacrifices with respect to quality and budget. Scratches and scuffs are more subtle on the matte finishes, a problem that glossy models struggled with after many miles. There is even integrated storage for the torque wrench inside the cargo box. Learn how your comment data is processed. These cargo boxes are the most premium of the lot. Want to go there? We spent more time trying to locate where the manufacturer had taped the key than actually mounting it the first time. All rights reserved. GearLab is reader-supported. At Thule, sizes include S, M, L, XL and XXL. To put a Cargo Rack on your Subaru you will need roof rack cross bars (bars running across your roof, door to door). The Vector feels very sturdy and secure and has the look to complement almost any vehicle. Last update on 2022-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. The RocketBox Pro is a great value option for those shopping on a budget. This cargo box fit guide helps you choose the right cargo box for everything youre packing. That said, Thule roof boxes are designed to be some of the most aerodynamic boxes on the market, especially the more low-profile Alpine sizes. We awarded the most points to carriers that have simple and easy-to-operate security systems that seem durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough that we would entrust them with our beloved gear. We drove each box around for weeks without any signs of wear and tear, so this category is primarily concerned with structural integrity and weather resistance. The M is nice looking. It isn't too much of a hassle to take on and off a car once you get the hang of it, and it can hold skis/snowboards up to 210 cm in length a rarity for budget cargo carriers. If you are a fan of the outdoors, a roof box becomes necessary to complement the Subarus 12 cubic feet cargo space. You can efficiently load, unload or find gear under dark conditions. Everyone wants to be confident that a roof box will keep their gear as safe as possible, though a determined thief could probably get into any of these products with enough motivation and the right tools. Testing for this metric was fairly subjective and based upon a group consensus. Thule provides vinyl covers to seal off any unutilized holes, which will prevent any form of precipitation from seeping into the cargo box. to stay up-to-date on our promotions, discounts, sales, special offers and more. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite 16, Goplus Rooftop Carrier, and the Thule Force XT XL are next regarding ease of use. Thule roof boxes are mounted on the roof racks of your car. An aerodynamical design and a low profile reduce wind noise drag and noise, making your trip more fuel-efficient. Your email address will not be published. I've read in other posts/forums about milage taking a dive with cargo boxes. Our gear junkies have driven thousands of miles with these boxes on different vehicles, filled to the brim with all manner of gear, passing through deserts, mountains, and many landscapes in between. These stickers performed fine in our test, but we could see their effectiveness at keeping water out degrading over time. This roof box is very quick and easy to install on most vehicles and convenient and easy to use. Are These Going To Kill My Gas Mileage or Ruin Handling? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. The interior is painted white and lined with motion sensor subtle gray LED lights that automatically switch on as you open the lid. If you're going for a more muted aesthetic, the Thule Force, Horizon Alpine, and Yakima Skybox Carbonite might be better options. Compare this number to the "Front Clearance" dimensions that are specified in the roof boxs user manual. It is neither inferred nor implied that any item sold by CARiD.com is a product authorized by or in any way connected with any vehicle manufacturers displayed on this page. These are all large boxes that go on top of your car and increase the wind resistance and drag while you are driving, but they are all pretty much comparable, especially if you drive a larger SUV or truck that isn't particularly aerodynamic in the first place. When choosing a cargo box, double check that it will fit your vehicle. While most Subarus have a decent amount of carrying capacity on their own, if youre into the outdoors then chances are youre going to find yourself with more gear than room. However, the clamps don't have an indicator to tell you when you have tightened them sufficiently. While empty, the box weighs 30 pounds and has a 110-pound load limit. The lock indicates when the box has been shut correctly with a red indication button. We hope our assessments and recommendations help you land the right purchase decision for your needs. Your email address will not be published. The integrated torque indicator clicks when its properly mounted, ensuring fast and secure fitting, Full trunk access with minimal risk of contact with the cargo box, thanks to its forward position on the vehicle roof, Including Thule Box Lid Cover to protect the box from scratches and dust during storage, Thule Tepui & Tepui Rooftop Tents & Accessories. They have factory-installed locks but lack any extra indicators or ergonomic handles. The GoPlus Carrier also features quick clamps and opens on both sides. The clamps also have a wider range than most, allowing this box to secure to more sizes and shapes of crossbars. serious question from someone considering a roof box for occasional use on an OBW.could mounting closer to the roof minimize the mpg impact? SPM injection technology is used to fortify further the base of the box for heavy-duty functionality. If your vehicle measures greater than the number listed, that cargo box will fit your vehicle without contacting your hatch. Related: How to Choose the Right Cargo Box for Your Vehicle. While most boxes feature a waterproof shell and weather sealing, they are weather-resistant but not completely waterproof. The Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector have a red indicator, and the Yakima Skybox and Yakima GrandTour have nice large handles that make closing everything up securely easy and obvious. Maybe you only need to pack your skis, or camping gear, or a little bit of both? When it comes to ease of use, the Yakima GrandTour, Thule Motion XT XL, and Thule Vector all rose to the top in our tests. We also looked at the construction and design of the clamps and locking systems, as well as the amount of potential water intrusion. If youre using a roof box for everyday chores like packing your kids stroller, groceries, or a suitcase to the airport, a smaller size roof box will do. We love matte black. It has a dual-opening lid so you can access your gear from both sides of the car, and the quick clamps make installation and removal a breeze. We divided our testing process into four weighted rating metrics: Ease of Use, Security, Quality, and Appearance. No ads. We would love to know what you like or dislike about the product. No more guessing how much tightening the attachments require as the lock will click when the optimum tension is reached. No, not really. We love that all three of these cargo carriers come close to fully assembled, just requiring you to place the clamps into position and thread the straps through no inserting locking cores or attaching lids. We may earn a commission when you buy with our links. No I don't. Top Choice Thule Vector M Rooftop Cargo BoxBest Runners-Up Yakima RocketBox Pro 12 Cargo BoxBudget-Friendly SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL Cargo BoxHonorable Mention INNO BRA240BK Ridge Cargo Box. Summing up all these impressive features of the Thule Vector M justifies the significantly higher price tag. Free ground shipping on rooftop tents and orders over $99. Were we able to notice the difference, especially comparative differences between each box? These boxes can go up to XXL sizes, the largest Thule cargo box size. The automatic anti-theft lock is accessible by a customized key that keeps the lid firmly shut and secures your luggage. The outer shell has a black metallic or a titan matte finishing with fast-looking, sporty lines which accentuate sporty and executive attributes. Best Roof Box is supported by readers. The clamps on the Yakima Skybox fit around a variety of different crossbars with ease. It has a maximum ski/board length of around 140 cm, meaning most adult skis will not fit. This cargo carrier has a solid handle and is dual-opening, making it very easy to load or unload with gear. Thule cargo box sizes: what can you fit inside your roof cargo box? It measures 55 x 41 x 14 inches, ideal for the Subaru WRX roofline. Narrow boxes supersede if you want to leave extra room on the roof to mount other gear such as kayaks. Copyright 2003-2022 CARiD.com. 2018 Outback 3.6r touring //// 2004 Wrx wagon 5mt SOLD. Looks really good. It is hard to tie down a spare wheel inside a roof box, even with straps. The Motion clamps barely fit around the bars, almost giving us cause for concern, compared to the clamps on the GrandTour that easily fit around them. For the smoothest possible ride, try to pack your cargo box with the proper weight distribution. It uses a slightly different system with a single-piece clamp that requires a tool to install (included) but has the benefit of being much flatter on the inside than other Thule. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well, so you can probably negate any loss in fuel economy by driving just a bit slower and you don't really want to be speeding all that much with a fully loaded cargo box on top of your car anyway. But with all the different types of cargo boxes and cargo box sizes, how do you know it will fit your car? The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting, and we think this provides a better seal than the vinyl stickers but not as good as the top-tier models with quick clamps that have a sliding seal. We are a bit more concerned about water resistance regarding the SportRack Vista XL and SportRack Horizon Alpine. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. Overall, we found this metric to be the biggest factor when selecting a cargo box, so it is weighted the most heavily regarding each product's overall score. However, these do show dirt and scrapes a bit more readily. If the mound remains unscathed, internal struts reinforce both the lid and bottom of the box. They absolutely affect gas mileage. This makes the box weigh a bit, but it is more stable, durable, and has a 165-pound weight rating. From left to right: Yakima SkyBox, Yakima ShowCase, Thule Motion XT, Thule Force, SportRack Vista, Thule Sidekick. 2887 people have looked at this part recently. That being said, some of the boxes we tested have useful indicators to let you know if the box is latched properly or not before trying to remove the key. The matte finish does a better job of hiding blemishes than the glossy finish on the base, maintaining the elevated style of the Thule Vector. If your bar spread is the right size according to the roof boxs user manual, then youll have full access to the trunk. It opens from the passengers side, enabling you to access all your gear very easily without worrying about oncoming traffic. We found the Motion XT to be one of the more secure offerings in our lineup. Cargo boxes provide you additional space to store your luggage while on the go, as well as protect the car roof from scratches. Cargo box sizes range from S to XXL. The Goplus is a great option if you want to save some cash and don't need to carry extra-long items. Yakima also has a holder for the tool inside the cargo box, so it can live safely and conveniently inside. These boxes function best as ski boxes and not bulky cargo. Unsure if youll be able to open your cars rear door with your new box? The matte finish and dimpled texture also do an excellent job of hiding scrapes and scuffs. To rank and score these products and see which cargo-carrying box is truly worthy of being crowned the best, we began by doing extensive research, looking at the best products currently on the market. We know you want to invest in a long-lasting roof box that you can count on for countless future adventures, so we assessed this metric with a critical eye. The single-piece clamp of the Yakima GrandTour can fit a variety of different crossbars. The 54.5 x 28.5 x 14-inch chassis comprises 3 layers of high-grade ABS material, which is lightweight, shock-absorbent, and blocks ultraviolet light. Some are just better than others. The GoPlus is a great bargain option, but its installation process is not as smooth as the premium cargo boxes. This roof box is one of the most expensive options that we have tested and is likely outside the budget for many people. This depends entirely on the electric car itself. I've used roof boxes for years, varying models and cars. To ensure objectivity, we purchase all the products we test and never accept any free products or incentives from manufacturers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A cargo box like no other that perfectly pairs performance styling with premium features. Thule rooftop cargo boxes are a leader in car storage solutions. But that doesnt mean you have to spend your days box-less! Thule roof boxes are designed specifically so that you can open your hatch without a problem. Any luck finding any discounts on it? We looked for fairly rigid lids that aligned the latching mechanisms without issue. Also, have a look at the maximum bar spread. Today Thule leads the market with innovative products for transporting, bicycles, watercraft, snowsport equipment and other gear on the roof, with the trailer hitch, on the trunk or hatch, or in the pickup bed. The Skyline requires assembling before installation, but the instruction manual provides step-by-step visual and text instructions on how to do it with a minimum of fuss. Cargo boxes are a great way to increase the packing capacity of your car. Throughout testing, we kept track of any visible wear and tried to find flaws in durability. For the most part, every box in this review passed the rain and wind tests, which were easy to account for in the Eastern Sierra in springtime, but some had more questionable design features than others. Thule roof boxes have a load capacity of about 75kg/165lbs and most vehicles have the same maximum capacity. racks While these boxes all have locking mechanisms, we are sure that each model could be broken into without too much effort if someone really wanted and had the proper tools, so you might want to think twice about leaving particularly pricey gear in your unsupervised cargo box for extended periods. Made from ABS injection-molded plastic, this roof box is tough UV-resistant with a flat bottom strong enough to support up to 165 pounds heavy loads. While we originally had an entire metric devoted to this, we found after testing each of these boxes that there wasn't a significant impact on how a variety of different test cars handled, regardless if we were traveling on the freeway at high speeds, over windy mountain passes, or over potholes and bumps on rough roads. The crossbars should be spread between 24 to 32 inches, and the clamps properly fastened for a perfect fit. Whether you plan to use your cargo box occasionally or throw it on your roof and leave it there for months, there are a few ways in which some products are considerably easier to use than others. We found the components on the Thule Motion XT to be very well-made and of high quality. The Thule Vector is one of the best boxes we have seen but it might blow your budget. The security of each cargo box was our next concern. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. We find the futuristic look of the Thule Vector and the gloss black appearance of the Yakima GrandTour appealing. Cargo boxes are also perfect for vans and trucks. These features inspire extra confidence that your belongings are safe, so we boosted their scores in this metric accordingly. In all honesty, all the products in our lineup are relatively equal, and we were never worried about security. That said, we found the Thule Vector and Yakima GrandTour a bit easier to install than the Motion when using aftermarket, larger square cross bars. Regardless, it could be a good option if you don't care much about the appearance of your cargo box or if you like how the textured surface matches your vehicle and are trying to save some money. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for years now and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review.

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