If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. And, you are confident it will last the same amount of time as Thule Force. Available with 14, 15 or 16 cubic feet capacityideal for skis, surboards or camping equipment. For most, these versatile carriers offer a great storage solution for bulky outdoor equipment, including skis and poles, fishing rods, and camping and backpacking supplies. peak height), but that design makes compromises in both vehicle hatch compatibility and gear storage (more in "The Competition" below). But regardless of the cargo box, its a good idea to assume that its not fully waterproof. $399.99 + shipping. Although limited on power, its a well-designed unit and hopefully a sign of where the rooftop cargo box market is headed.See the Yakima CBX Solar 16. There are also a few ways to hush this whistling without spending up for a techy box design, including both DIY solutions and after-market purchases. Price aside, the most glaring weakness is the Vistas rear openingwe strongly prefer a box that opens at the side for more complete access to all of our gear. Product review. The Skybox 16 is the perfect size for small and medium-sized items. In general, manufacturers recommend situating about half of the load (weight-wise) overtop and in between the two crossbars, with a quarter in the front and the remaining quarter in the rear. With its superior durability, easiness of use, and excellent functionality, this would be a perfect cargo box for your next outdoor adventure. But its hard to beat Thules fantastic tool-free installation and reliable build quality, and the Force XT is undeniably a well-made box.See the Thule Force XT L. Dimensions: 74 x 33 x 16 in.Capacity: 14 cu. Its nice to have an alternative to the name brands above, but the Goplus unfortunately doesnt stand out much anymore unless you can find it on sale.See the Goplus Rooftop Carrier. Yakima is practically synonymous with roof boxes, and the RocketBox is the brands entry-level model. In terms of installation, simple U-bolt mounts attach via pre-drilled holes rather than adjustable tracks, meaning youll probably have to adjust your crossbars or drill new holes to get a good fit. Share | Add to Watchlist. Most manufacturers recommend that you dont drive with an empty cargo box on your roof, for reasons much more practical than safety-oriented. Shuttle gear across snow-covered passes with the quiet and durable INNO Wedge 624 roof box atop your ride. However, it's a great match for skisits rated to handle six to eight pairs (or four to six snowboards)and its incredibly well made throughout. Before opting for a design with one-sided or rear access, make sure you consider the limitations, as these styles are less convenient for organizing and reaching your gear (and in the case of a rear opening, youll probably have to close your hatch to toggle the handle). What we dont: Only comes in one size and does not fit skis. If I had a wider box, I couldn't keep the ski racks, and would have to put skis in the car (They wouldn't fit in a 58" box). Most of the time, that equation will leave you with about 100 pounds left over for gear. We love rooftop boxes for their ease of use (just throw in your gear and close the lid), weather resistance, and security, but there are a number of other solutions, including rooftop baskets and bags and hitch-mounted options. This is also where its worth considering if you need a low-profile design (for low-clearance areas) or half-width box (to make room for a bike or kayak, for example). The Yakima SkyBox Carbonite cargo box has a sleek design that makes it look like a high-end box, but it is designed for rugged trips in the great outdoors. Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. Allow us to introduce you to the Vector, Thules top-end offering that breaks all the rules defined by utilitarian rooftop boxes. At $679, the SkyBox 16 falls at the upper end of mid-range offerings, and its overall build quality is reflective of that. Importantly, you dont want the box to be much longer than the roof of your cara box that extends over your windshield (front or rear) will compromise your ability to see the road and have a negative impact on aerodynamics (see below). The Yakima Skybox 16 offers ample space within a compact footprint while still offering a sleek, aerodynamic shape to reduce drag and wind noise. If you thought the Yakima CBX or GrandTour were premium roof boxes, you aint seen nothing yet. And this is the reason we see the Yakima SkyBox on more rooftops than any other carrier: for $719 for the 16-cubic-foot model ($769 for the 18 cu.-ft.-version), you get durable storage for your gear and tool-free installation that will accommodate most factory and after-market racks. On particularly windy trips, it will be 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower, while in milder conditions its close enough to not see a difference. For example, the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite accommodates skis up to 215 centimeters in length, while the Thule Motion XT L fits 3 to 5 snowboards and 5 to 7 pairs of skis up to 175 centimeters. Design hits the sweet spot for all-season use: It's a manageable size that fits most vehicles while retaining ample capacity for skis and bulky camping equipment. Dimensions: 91 x 35 x 12.5 in.Capacity: 13 (M/Alpine) cu. Many users cite durability concerns with the flimsy build, and the nose design doesnt resist weather as well as higher-end models. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: A premium cargo box with an integrated solar panel for off-grid charging.What we dont: Expensive and underpowered. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best rooftop cargo boxes. Weight: 47 lbs. The majority of rooftop boxes are highly water-resistant, with waterproof plastic shells, weather sealing around the edges, and large lips that close the gap between the base and lid. In the end, some of the best boxes clock in around 40 to 50 pounds (for roughly 14-18 cu. For me, the SkyBoxs shape wins out, but both are well-made and nicely executed designs from top roof box brands. Generally speaking, weve come to expect Thule products to be slightly better-quality than Yakimas, but the Pulse is a clear exception. If youre in the market for a rooftop cargo box, theres no shortage of high-quality options to choose from in 2023. There Thules rooftop cargo box collection is undeniably extensive, from luxurious designs with felt-lined interiors and built-in lighting to soft-sided models for cheap and compact storage. That said, the Horizons svelte 21-inch width could make it the more attractive option for some. You can wrap your front bar with a towel (and duct tape) or a bungee cord, swap in aerodynamic crossbars (Yakimas JetStream is a popular option), or add a fairing (like the Thule AirScreen XT). . Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch ensures security. That said, expect less versatility with some of the budget designsthe Jegs, for example, has pre-drilled holes to accommodate a 24-inch crossbar spread, but no wiggle room outside of that (youll have to adjust your crossbars or drill new holes). The lid is textured Carbonite which is fitted with lid stiffeners . It has style. Combining luxury with function, the Vector features a removable felt pad on the base to protect your gear, a white-lined lid for better visibility, and motion-activated LED lights to illuminate the interior. 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (580) $668.95 $ 668. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. At this point I'm dead-set on either one of these (the locking system seems a bit more reliable than on the Thule boxes, it seems), so I'm not really considering other brands/models. Free shipping. Whats more, whistling is less of an issue, and gas mileage wont be nearly as impacted with the rear placement. If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. Aerodynamic shape and relatively shallow 15-inch peak height limit what you can haul to items that are fairly low-profile. The box opens in a clamshell configuration and is plenty wide for adding or removing bulky items. Explore our travel tips, helpful product reviews and everyday adventure stories from folks like you. With a seamless and wireless integration, two USB ports sit on the inside boxs roof for device-charging while in motion or at camp. There are three main styles featured in the picks above, including one-sided (usually the passenger side), dual-sided, and rear access. Finally, we should mention that the CBX also comes in a Solar model with a mounted solar panel, which we detail below. And for closing, each side has a string hanging down in the middle that you can grab if the opened box is too high and difficult to reach. In some cases, wind can cause gaping at the front of a box (allowing moisture and air to enter), and water can also make its way in through mounting holes on the base. ft. cargo capacity Tool-free installation and removal from vehicle Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335 at the best online prices at eBay! $349.99 + shipping. What we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price. But it's hard to be overly critical at this price point, and for budget shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a bit on quality, the Jegs is a good place to start.See the Jegs Rooftop Cargo Carrier. For 2023, most of the top models are built by roof-rack giants Thule and Yakima, but brands like INNO and SportRack also have some solid contributions. Finally, the Pulses rudimentary lock/latch mechanism is middling at best, and (similar to the Force above) it has a tendency to put undue strain on the key. The box lid finish is Carbonite. Given the large amount of plastic required to make a roof box, it's nice to see and a feature you won't currently find on their primary competitor (Thule). . The main differences between Thule vs Yakima Cargo Box are: Thule has a very secure lock system, whereas the Yakima Cargo Box is very easy to install. ft.Access: One sideSkis: 3-5 up to 155cmWhat we like: Thules most affordable full-sized cargo box.What we dont: Only opens on one side and does not contour around an antenna. On the other hand, many cargo bagslike the Rightline Gear Sport 2retail for less than $150 and install directly to the roof of your vehicle, which eliminates the cost of a roof rack. Any thoughts on which may be the better deal (assuming they are in good condition)? The design is pretty neat: you get Yakimas most premium cargo box for adventuring (the CBX) with a 36-watt (5V) solar panel mounted on top. These boxes come in a range of sizes to accommodate your gear (including skis) and vary in terms of durability, ease of use, aesthetics, security, and more. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 185cmWhat we like: Rugged aesthetic and great interior space.What we dont: Expensive and heavy. But in most casesand this is important to rememberthe true limiting factor will be your vehicles dynamic load limit. Rooftop Cargo Box Volume Further, while the Motion XT has one of our favorite mounting systems, the Yakimas requires more finagling to get into place, which is a downside if you anticipate removing and reinstalling your box with some regularity. I added the weight and dimensions of the Skyboxes below. The Best Overall Rooftop Cargo Box. Thankfully, its easy to find a good fit without having to try on multiple models: simply measure the distance between the front crossbar of your roof rack and your open hatch and compare it with the cargo boxs specs (both Thule and Yakima have published helpful fit guides). By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Further, given its length of just 62.5 inches (the Goplus only comes in one size), skiers beware: this is not the cargo hauler for you. At $1,499, youre spending an additional $500 for the charging capabilities compared to the standard CBX 16 ($999). The options on our list start around 8 cubic feet (the Thule Sidekick) and max out around 22 cubic feet for some of Thules XXL designs (the Motion XT and Force XT). Most rooftop cargo boxes add about 15 to 18 inches to the height of your vehicle, but if you routinely navigate city parking garages or park your car in a garage or carport, you might want to consider a low-profile design. It features internal lid stiffeners for durability and SuperLatch security system to keep your gear safe and sound. For instance, the Thule Vector($2,000) adds a removable felt-lined base to protect your gear, motion-sensing interior LED light, and white-colored lid to make it easier to see your gear. But overall, this is a fairly minor complaint, and I'm happy with the all-around protection. Knowing that a rooftop box can only carry about 100 pounds worth of gear tells us a few things. Make room for friends with the next evolution of the SkyBox series. Yakima GrandTour 16 Cargo Box Product # 8007394 By Yakima Yakima GrandTour Cargo Box $878.95 $879.00 Price Match New In-Box In-Store Only (Call to Confirm) Size 16 18 Lo Expert Fit Price Match Product Details Specifications Installation & Documents Q & A (4) Product Description: In the case of the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite, this means you can open the box from either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. But for all of its strong suits, the Yakima RocketBox does come with some concessions in terms of quality and performance. The definition of all-mountain varies by manufacturer and retailer but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 A quality, well-fitting pair of ski boots is the ticket to an enjoyable day on the slopes. For more details, check out our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. The Motion XT above is clearly the best all-rounder, with a high-end fit and finish, exceptionally easy-to-use mounting hardware, and a SlideLock handle and lock system thats hard to beat. $589. ft.Weight: 47 lbs.What we like: Extremely versatile design, quality build, and competitive price.What we dont: Stiff latch can be a challenge to open; cant accommodate tall items.See the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite. The Goplus used to be one of our favorite budget models, but with a recent jump to $540, its lost some of its appeal and fallen lower in our rankings as a result. You have to completely extend the mounting hooks and they just barely reach. However, there are a few points of vulnerability inherent in the design. Yakima has one that's 58" long. ft.Access: Dual side/rearSkis: N/AWhat we like: Generous capacity and dual-side access at a low cost.What we dont: Flimsy feel and cant accommodate skis. The exterior doesnt have the high-end sheen of a premium model like Yakimas own GrandTour 16, but the dimpled pattern and shape (with a lowered front end) make it a strong performer. Not only do they offer lower clearance, but these designs are also more aerodynamic overall, resulting in slight reductions in drag and wind noise. The dimensions of a roof box are a key considerationyou need to make sure it won't interfere with your vehicle'srear hatchand this is one of the largest appeals of the SkyBox 16. Whether youre looking to expand your carrying capacity for skis or suitcases, dirty bike equipment, or your childs portable crib, the GrandTour is a capable and good-looking tool for the job. And the latch hasnt been a source of weakness either. And finally, make sure to complete this process with your rear hatch open to ensure youre getting proper clearance (if applicable), and check your mounts often, as they might need to be tightened from time to time. Overall, it's long enough at 6 feet 9 inches to accommodate most skis and a fair amount of gear, but with ability to slide the clamps fore/aft, it works with a wide variety of vehicles. We tested the 16-cubic-foot version of the Yakima SkyBox Carbonite, and it also comes in 12, 18, and 21 options depending on how much storage space you want. The Motion XT and SkyBox are both built to withstand the rigors of the road, including rugged ABS plastic and aerodynamic shapes that taper at the rear to accommodate your cars antenna and hatch. All of the roof boxes above are made with durable ABS plastic that holds up well to repeated opening and closing and the rigors of the road. Ft. Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007387. Whats more, its tall and wide shape isnt particularly aerodynamic, and with a short 57-inch length, it cant accommodate skis (for a relatively affordable ski carrier, check out the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 below). skybox 18. skybox 18 carbonite. FREE delivery. And while the exact science on this is hard to figure (keep in mind that a number of factors come into play, including vehicle type, interior load, speed, and external wind conditions), more drag most often results in lower gas mileage and more wind noise. One of the advantages in opting for a mid- or high-end box is easy access to the interior. Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. All told, its an intriguing and user-friendly option for off-grid adventurers that want the convenience of a roof box with integrated charging capabilities to power phones, lanterns, headlamps, camera batteries, and other electronics in the field. Thule and Yakima are certainly industry giants, but as it turns out, building a functional rooftop cargo box isnt rocket science. Second, its a good idea to be strategic about what you put in your cargo box. Stacked up against the SkyBox 16, the Wedge 665 is slightly taller at 15.7 inches but weighs more at 51 pounds 12.9 ounces and is shorter lengthwise at 6 feet 8 inches. And a final note: if youre considering the length spec, keep in mind that it measures the box at its longest point, and its a good idea to take a look at the shape of the box too, as tapered ends and contoured bases can result in a lot of lost space. In the case of the SkyBox, Yakima claims its open clamps will work with any of their rack systems (round or aerodynamic), factory bars that come from the vehicle manufacturer, and square bars (commonly found with entry-level Thule sets). The brands entry-level model that equation will leave you with about 100 worth... Has one that & # x27 ; s 58 & quot ; long USB sit. Of its strong suits, the Horizons svelte 21-inch width could make the. The Vector, Thules top-end offering that breaks all the rules defined by utilitarian rooftop.... 13 ( M/Alpine ) cu 16, 18, 18, 21.... 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