Where to Buy Car Top Carriers and Rooftop Storage Racks for Added Cargo Space

Need extra luggage room for road trips or work gear hauling? Car top carriers offer flexible expanded cargo space when you need it. But finding a quality roof rack cargo box or basket tailored to your needs requires knowing the top brands and best retailers.

In this guide, we’ll cover where to buy reputable car top carriers both locally and online along with typical pricing. Whether you want an enclosed roof box for secure road trip luggage or an open basket for bulky equipment, read on for the best places to purchase cargo solutions to expand your vehicle’s hauling possibilities.

Benefits of Car Top Carriers

Roof-mounted cargo additions offer key benefits:

  • Extra gear capacity without sacrificing interior room or rear views
  • Keep belongings clean, dry and secure versus packing in truck beds
  • Versatility to remove and reinstall carriers only when needed
  • Ability to transport awkwardly shaped items like skis or lumber
  • Better fuel economy versus trailers for lighter loads

With the convenience of car top carriers, you can carry excess cargo and still pack the whole family or team comfortably inside your vehicle.

Types of Car Top Carrier Options

There are two main rooftop cargo solutions:

Roof Boxes

  • Enclosed thermoplastic cases add lockable, weatherproof storage
  • Aerodynamic designs minimize wind resistance
  • Models sized from 10 to 21 cubic feet capacity
  • Offer security and protection for valuables inside

Roof Racks

  • Open steel or aluminum baskets secure bulky gear
  • Mesh bottoms provide ventilation and drainage
  • Typically hold up to 150 pounds of equipment
  • Best for odd-sized items secured separately after loading

The optimal style depends on your specific cargo needs.

Where to Buy Car Top Carriers Locally

Many major retailers with auto parts and accessories departments carry roof racks and boxes in-store. Brand availability varies by location.

Specialty Auto Stores

  • Pep Boys
  • AutoZone
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts
  • Advance Auto Parts
  • NAPA Auto Parts

Department Stores

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Kmart
  • Sears

Sporting Goods Stores

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • REI
  • Sportsman’s Warehouse
  • Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops

Visiting stores allows you to see sizing and features up close. But selection is often limited to mass market brands.

Purchasing Car Top Carriers Online

For wider selections, specialty e-commerce sites offer extensive roof rack and cargo box options.

Top Specialty Roof Rack Retailers

  • Thule.com
  • Yakima.com
  • Rhino-Rack.com
  • MaloneAuto.com
  • INNOvv.com

Automotive Accessory Sites

  • RealTruck.com
  • AutoAnything.com
  • CARiD.com

Amazon and Mass Retailers

  • Amazon.com
  • Walmart.com
  • Lowes.com
  • eBay.com

Online purchasing allows comparing sizes, capacities, features and styles across brands easily. Be sure to factor in any shipping costs.

Key Specs to Compare

When choosing carriers, consider:

  • Dimensions - Ensure the box fits your car’s roof length and crossbar spread. Measure carefully.
  • Capacity - Volume ranges from 10-21 cubic feet. Choose adequate room for your needs.
  • Weight limit - From 110 to 165 lbs is typical. Consider cargo density.
  • Opening type - Dual side, rear liftgate, or clamshell designs each have pros and cons.
  • Security - Locking panels and mounting points deter tampering and theft.

Get accurate measurements and weights before selecting an ideally sized carrier. An undersized or overstressed box can become a hazard.

Leading Car Top Carrier Brands

Popular cargo box and basket manufacturers include:

Thule

  • Origin: Sweden
  • Known for: Rugged, secure boxes with aero tapering

Yakima

  • Origin: Oregon, USA
  • Known for: Versatile, modular racks and accessories

INNO

  • Origin: Canada
  • Known for: Affordable, tool-free installation options

SportRack

  • Origin: California, USA
  • Known for: Budget-friendly lineup of basic racks and boxes

Rhino-Rack

  • Origin: Australia
  • Known for: Heavy-duty aluminum baskets and hardware

Leading brands offer proven quality, security, and usability for your cargo.

Car Top Carrier Pricing

Expect to invest $150 to $700+ depending on size, construction, brand, and features:

Cargo Baskets

  • Economy brands: $125 - $200
  • Heavy duty steel: $175 - $400
  • Large oversized baskets: $300 - $700

Storage Boxes

  • Medium plastic boxes: $150 - $300
  • Large cargo cases: $400 - $500
  • Premium brands: $500 - $800

Shop sales events like Black Friday for significant deals. Buying off-season also yields savings.

Securing Carriers Properly

Once purchased, ensuring cargo boxes and baskets are properly mounted is critical:

  • Use high quality crossbar roof racks rated for the weight.
  • Securely tighten mounting hardware - check torque specs.
  • Attach box to multiple crossbar anchor points.
  • Use locks to deter theft when parked.
  • Verify clearance from hatch openings.
  • Check mounting stability before driving.

Adequate, stable mounting prevents a failed cargo box from becoming a dangerous road hazard at highway speeds.

Additional Car Top Accessories

Once you have roof racks or boxes installed, convenient add-ons include:

Rack Accessories

  • Kayak and bike mounts
  • Ski and snowboard carriers
  • Spare tire mounts
  • Lighting kits for visibility

Cargo Accessories

  • Interior divider packs
  • Rooftop bicycle racks
  • External tie-down straps and nets
  • Rooftop safety flags for oversize loads

Customizing your car top setup caters to specialized gear transportation needs.

Removing Car Top Carriers When Not Needed

During periods when extra cargo capacity isn't required:

  • Empty storage boxes fully before removing to reduce weight.
  • Have someone assist holding the box securely as you detach mountings.
  • Wrap Removed wind deflectors and other loose parts in the empty box to keep together.
  • Store the empty carrier inside a shed or garage to protect from weathering.

Taking carriers off between uses reduces fuel consumption and wind noise.

Maintaining Your Car Top Carrier

To maximize their longevity:

  • Inspect mounting hardware and test latches regularly.
  • Follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines - avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Weatherstrip boxes annually with rubber lubricants.
  • Touch up any scratches immediately to prevent corrosion.
  • Ensure drain holes are clear of debris.

Proper care ensures cargo carriers serve you reliably for years of expanded cargo capacity when needed.

Transporting Special Cargo

Car top carriers excel for:

  • Oversized luggage for family road trips
  • Bulky sports gear like kayaks, skis, golf clubs
  • Heavy tools and construction materials
  • Odd-sized items like lumber or mattresses

The watertight security of cargo boxes also makes them ideal for delicate items like electronics or vintage furnishings requiring protection.

With the right racks or box, you can carry virtually anything on a standard car roof safely and securely.

Maximizing Cargo Box Space

When packing cargo boxes:

  • Start with soft goods like sleeping bags and clothing to pad other items.
  • Form a central aisle rather than packing wall-to-wall.
  • Build layers bottom to top from heaviest gear to lightest.
  • Use internal tie-downs and cargo nets to secure loose items.
  • Avoid overloading or dense packing that maximizes weight limits.
  • Distribute weight evenly side-to-side.

Strategic loading and restraint prevents load shifting that could affect vehicle handling.

Driving Safely with Roof Cargo

When driving with loaded roof carriers:

  • Maintain safe following distance - braking times increase.
  • Smooth acceleration and braking - no jackrabbit starts.
  • Lower speed limits to reduce sway.
  • Adjust driving line to account for increased height.
  • Avoid steep driveways or rutted roads that could bottom out carriers.
  • Check mountings and load security at fuel stops.
  • Use rearview camera and spotters when reversing.

Good driving habits prevent mishaps with precious cargo on board.

Key Takeaways

The major points for purchasing car top carriers:

  • Local auto stores offer limited selection but hands-on sizing.
  • Online specialty retailers provide wider brand selection and comparison.
  • Leading cargo box brands include Thule, Yakima, INNO, and SportRack.
  • Expect prices from $150 for baskets up to $700+ for large premium boxes.
  • Properly installed mounting is critical to safely securing loaded carriers.

With the right carrier and preparation, you can easily multiply your vehicle's cargo capabilities.

FAQs

Do car top carriers reduce gas mileage?

Rooftop cargo boxes decrease fuel economy by around 2-4 mpg from wind resistance. Remove them when not needed to maximize MPG.

How are cargo baskets better than enclosed boxes?

Baskets accommodate irregularly shaped items. But they lack weather and theft protection offered by enclosed boxes.

What roof rack weight limits should I look for?

Look for racks rated for at least 150 pounds weight capacity. Higher is better to accommodate cargo carriers.

Can I install car top carriers myself?

Rooftop racks require drilling holes in the roof for mounts. So professional installation is strongly recommended to prevent leaks or improper attachment.

Are used car top carriers safe to buy?

Inspect used boxes closely for sun damage, worn latches or anchors, and leaks. But high quality brands can serve for many years if well maintained.

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