Share. It has hauled everything from firewood and camping gear to skis and snowboards and performed nearly flawlessly throughout. On the flip side, the interior understandably can get quite warm in direct heat. 95. Plus, they pack down small when not in use (fitting easily into your trunk), which is a nice solution if you dont want to have a box or basket occupying your rooftop at all times. Remember that bigger isnt always better: larger rooftop boxes are more expensive, heavier (more difficult to install/remove), and create more drag, which has a negative impact on gas mileage and road noise. There Rooftop tents have never been more popular, and its easy to see why. Whether you drive a small hatchback or a large SUV, adding a cargo box to your vehicles rooftop can go a long way toward improving organization, carrying capacity, and comfort. That said, Thules Motion XT is a standout, featuring a refined fit and finish, user-friendly installation and operation, and four sizes ranging from 16 to 22 cubic feet (including an Alpine version great for low clearances and toting skis). Yakima SkyBox 16 16 Cu. $719 AT REI. 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. The CBX 16 is one of the roomiest and longest cargo boxes here, with dimensions similar to many 18-cubic-foot designs (despite its 16-cu.-ft. spec). The combination of no openings to release air and the black exterior means a lot of hot air comes out when you open it after driving on a sunny day. ft. But details matter, and here the Yakima lags a bit behind. 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. Further, like most of the budget options here, the SportRack does not accommodate skis, and the U-bolt mounting system isnt quite as sleek as more modern clamp styles. From: $819.00. The 18 cubic foot model can hold items up to 210 cm more than enough for the majority of alpine skis on the market. above the crossbars). 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. . Any thoughts on which may be the better deal (assuming they are in good condition)? Our favorite models feature clamps that slide on tracks to accommodate various crossbar spreads, tighten via a thumbwheel, and secure with an audible click or by way of an integrated lever. ft. cargo capacity Tool-free installation and removal from vehicle ft. of capacity), which is simply the price you pay for a durable, functional set-up. Rooftop cargo boxes come in a range of volumes, generally measured in terms of cubic feet (length x width x height). If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Product review. Compared with a standard box, 24-inch-wide models like the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite and Thule Force XT Sport shave off a foot or more in width, leaving a good portion of your rack available (an average crossbar measures about 50 in. In fact, on windless days on the highway, theres little to no difference. And the same can be said for your cars gas mileage: If there isnt much wind, the impact is very minimal. 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. Simply put, its hard to justify a $2,000 price tag when you can get a fully functional, durable, and high-quality cargo box for half as much (or less). Moving into the ultra-high-end models is where we start to see more features. All told, I have no concerns from a longevity standpoint, and the SkyBox does come with a lifetime warranty (wear and tear not included). The INNO might be the lowest-profile rooftop box on the market, but a few models are close on its heels. They are premium roof racks that employ the use of aluminum material. The biggest compromises are in compatibility and gear storage, as the longer length is more prone to hatch interference, and the shorter peak height is limiting for larger and taller items. The Thule Pulse Alpine (also 11 cu. de . 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. Capacities: 12, 16, 18, 21 cu. 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. Below youll find our breakdown of the market, from premium luxury models and compact carriers to popular all-rounders that get the job done for most. It has style. GrandTour 16 Product Details 16 cubic feet of cargo space Removable torque limiting knob ensures a safe and secure installation Market-leading internal usable space with an unobstructed flattened floor provides more space for your gear Optimized hatch clearance for better vehicle fit Internal lid stiffeners for durability and easy open and close ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: Up to 170cmWhat we like: Premium feature set at a good value.What we dont: Too short for most skis and pricier than true budget options. What we don't: Stiff latch can be a challenge to open; can't accommodate tall items. A basket mounts on a roof rack and provides a stable area for you to secure gear with bungee cords, rope, or a net. I picked mine up from an REI store, removed it from the box, and had it on my vehicle within a couple minutes. 4.7 (12) $999.99. Rooftop boxes are no small item, which can create some hurdles if you like to shop online. If the Pulse is Thules base model, the Sidekick comes straight from their bargain basement, where its not even fully assembled before shipping (youll have to add the weather stripping and locks yourself). If youre cutting it close on clearance, you really cant go wrong with any of these options, but its worth doing the math before buying. at 36 pounds. All told, for a practical middle ground at a good value, the RocketBox Pro 14 is well worth a look.See the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14. If its gusty outside, there is an occasional whooshing sound as wind hits (particularly cross winds), but again, its faint enough that I frequently forget the box is up there. 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. 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. Many users cite durability concerns with the flimsy build, and the nose design doesnt resist weather as well as higher-end models. The box opens in a clamshell configuration and is plenty wide for adding or removing bulky items. If you go that route, you can even tack on a portable battery like the EcoFlow RIVER ($299) to store power and charge devices when the sun goes down or on cloudy days. Free Pick Up. But for many, the biggest draw is convenience: the CBX takes away the DIY work, hides the wires nicely, and is more than sufficient for keeping your phone charged on remote outings. Yakimas GrandTour 16 offers the same capacity in cubic feet but is a step up in their lineup and costs an additional $100. 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. There are a number of factors to consider here, including volume and length. As we mentioned above, Yakima also makes the SkyBox in a Lo Carbonite version, which is shorter and longer than the model tested here and ideal for those concerned about aerodynamics. You wont find a better option for small cars and, like the Yakima SkyBox 12 above, the Thule also fits the bill if youre sharing your roof rack with bikes, surfboards, a kayak, or skis. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. Ft. Carbonite Rooftop Cargo Carrier 8007335. With 18 cubic feet of capacity, you get significantly more storage than boxes like the 14-cubic-foot Thule Pulse M above, and the 19-inch height is great for accommodating bulky items such as golf clubs or strollers (many sleeker boxes are 15 in. Buy YAKIMA, GrandTour Premium Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons and Crossovers, 16: Hard-Shell Carriers - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases . 4.7 out of 5 stars. Unless you purchase your rooftop box at your local vehicle rack store, chances are youll be doing the assembly and installation yourself. 95 INNO BRM2020ST Roof Box (2) $649. Were generally big fans of purchasing outdoor gear from REI and Backcountry (thanks to great customer service and generous return policies), but in this case, both retailers charge oversized shipping fees (you can see them displayed at checkout after adding a box to your cart). Its also worth noting that wind noise is not simply a result of the bulk of the box. Compared to rooftop options, hitch storage is easier to access and doesnt require that you perch on your tire or door well to load and unload gear. There is another key difference with the CBX: Its 18-cubic-foot version is actually 2 inches taller than the CBX 16 in addition to being. 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). Many models here add almost two feet to the roof of your car (factoring in the height of the box and the rack), which is a no-go particularly for SUVs and vans. But its hard to beat the value and range of sizes, and the SkyBox nevertheless is a reliable hauler that will get your gear from point A to point BRead in-depth reviewSee the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite. And the price is right too: some cargo boxes can cost as much as $2,000, but the Motion XT maintains a high-end feel and slides in at $900 for the L (16 cu. For those, we advise stepping up to the 18 (peak height: 16 in.) Second, the Motion XT is easy to open, close, and secure, with large handles on each side, smooth-operating locks, and a stiff lid that fits perfectly when closed (sometimes you have to jimmy floppier lids into place). Designed and produced in the USA with up to 80% recycled material, the SkyBox 16 Carbonite currently sells for $849.99 on Yakima's website, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.. GrandTour 16 Just asking, but I see the price differential between the skybox 16 and grand tour 16 as $100, the grand tour seems to be . ft.) and a long and lean Alpine model, both of which make great haulers for budget-oriented skiers. Comparing it to the RocketBox Pro 14 above (Yakimas budget design), the Pulse comes up short in a few significant areas. 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. 21 results for "yakima skybox 16" RESULTS. 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. For the grandest adventures, the GrandTour 16 & 18 elevate cargo box design and take performance to new aerodynamic heights. Weve had the 16-cubic-foot model on the top of our vehicle for a few years now and have found it to be endlessly useful. If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. See the Thule Sidekick. Thule . Weve had the 16-cubic-foot model on the top of our vehicle for a few years now and have found it to be 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. Credit: David Wise Best Bang for the Buck Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Read the Review 65 OVERALL SCORE Ease of Use 6.0 Security 7.0 Quality 7.0 Appearance 6.0 Capacity: 14 cu ft | Box Opening: Dual-side REASONS TO BUY Convenient Feels secure Dual-side opening Whether youre traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, youll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. 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