Whether you drive a full-size pickup truck, 8-seater minivan, cushy sedan, or a compact SUV, we can all agree that cargo space is king. You can never have too much of it — but you can certainly have too little, no matter how on-point your Tetris skills are when it comes to packing.
For those times when you just have too much stuff and can’t possibly pare down your packing list any further, there is that all-important piece of equipment: the cargo carrier.
The problem is, when it comes to choosing the right cargo carrier, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Heck, it’s not even a one-type-fits-all scenario. There are a lot of things to consider and once you dive down that aftermarket rabbit hole, it can get confusing quickly.
Not to worry, Parts Via has you covered with this convenient cargo carrier buying guide. A quick read-through will have you selecting the best cargo carrier to suit your particular needs with confidence.
Factors to Consider When Cargo Carrier Shopping
Selecting the right cargo carrier for your vehicle is crucial to ensure smooth and secure transport of your belongings. With a myriad of options available, the decision-making process can get muddied easily.
Narrow down the selection by considering the following factors:
Type: First and foremost, consider the type of cargo you need to carry and the size of your vehicle. Are you transporting heavy work equipment, like landscaping tools? Or do you simply need spare room for luggage on family road trips? Likewise, are you driving a brand-new pickup truck with impressive payload, or an aging and underpowered sedan? These factors will all come into play.
For the purpose of this article, the typical cargo carrier offerings we’re going to focus on are:
- Roof-mounted carriers
- Hitch-mounted carriers
- Truck bed carriers
Usage: Each of these carriers caters to a different need, so understanding your requirements and what you will mainly be using your carrier for is paramount.
Weight capacity: Another critical factor is the weight capacity of the cargo carrier, as well as that of your vehicle. Exceeding recommended weight limits can compromise driving safety and performance.
Compatibility: Whether the carrier will work with your vehicle is equally important, as not all styles are suitable for every make and model.
Installation: Take into account the installation process. Some cargo carriers may require professional assistance, while others can be easily mounted at home. Additionally, take stock of your vehicle’s pre-existing mounting equipment. Does it already have roof rails, cross bars, or a hitch receiver? If not, you may need to purchase a more comprehensive cargo system rather than just a carrier.
Durability and weather resistance: These are non-negotiables. Ensure that the carrier you’re looking at is constructed from sturdy materials and features weatherproof seals to protect your belongings from the elements.
Size and shape: While all carriers aim to be aerodynamic, anything you mount to your roof is going to create some wind drag and cut down on your fuel economy. The larger the carrier is, the more wind resistance. Truck bed carriers that sit below the cab likely won’t impact aerodynamics, but will interfere with in-bed cargo clearance. And while hitch-mounted cargo carriers cause less wind drag, they can compromise rear visibility and make parallel parking a challenge. These are all factors that need to be weighed against your cargo, your usage, and of course, your vehicle.
Accessibility: Going hand-in-hand with size and shape, consider how easy or difficult it will be to access your cargo once it’s loaded into the carrier. Features like side-opening cargo boxes or swing-away hitch carriers can provide convenient access to your gear without the need to remove the entire carrier.
Budget: Sometimes deciding on budget first can be the thing that most quickly and efficiently narrows down your list of possibilities.
Different Types of Cargo Carriers
Rooftop, hitch-mounted, and truck bed cargo carriers come in a variety of styles depending on construction material and design. Check out some of the most popular types below.
Roof-Mounted Carriers
Rooftop carriers are excellent choices if you want to keep things safely out of reach in the event of an accident or keep the back of your truck, SUV, or minivan open and accessible. The main styles of rooftop carriers include:
Hard-Top Carriers: These carriers provide the most protection from the elements and are arguably the most aerodynamic, depending on the size and shape you choose. They’re also the priciest, but since many have locking mechanisms, they’re also the safest at keeping your gear secure and free from theft.
Note: consider whether you want a single-sided carrier that can be opened from only one side or a double-sided carrier that can be opened from either side.
Cargo Basket:These are very versatile cargo carriers and can be left on top of your roof indefinitely. Since they’re a basket, there’s less wind drag when empty than with a hard-top carrier. The drawback is that you’ll still need to cover most of your gear with a waterproof cover and strap it all down. However, multiple anchor points make that easier than a soft-sided carrier.
Soft-Sided Carriers: These carriers are the most affordable, fully waterproof, and an ideal choice if you just need something for the occasional road trip. They fold up neatly and compactly, taking up very little storage space when not in use. The drawback is that they’re less aerodynamic and durable, and can be difficult to strap down correctly and load easily.
Hitch-Mounted Carriers
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are perfect for people who don’t want to struggle to reach gear on the top of their ride. They’re also easy to install and remove when you don’t need them. Wind resistance and decreased fuel economy are less of an issue; however, you generally lose access to the back of your vehicle and your articles aren’t as safe from collision and theft as they are in roof-mounted carriers. Here are some of the most popular styles of hitch-mounted cargo carriers:
Hitch Cargo Boxes: These rugged, waterproof boxes mount to either a swing-away or fixed frame and provide solid protection for your gear. Most have locks for added protection. They’re also the priciest of the options, but decidedly the most durable and long-lasting.
Hitch Cargo Basket: As with rooftop baskets, these are great for carrying bulky, irregular-shaped items. Gear can be quickly secured with a cargo net or cargo bag. They’re more affordable, but you run the risk of nosy people seeing that awesome $350 cooler you’re toting around. Items also won’t be well-protected in a rear-end collision.
Specialty Hitch Carriers: There are a variety of different carrier configurations and add-ons you can get for a hitch-mounted carrier. Items like fishing rod mounts, bike racks, tailgating grill stations, and more, make the hitch-mounted carriers one of the most versatile choices.
Truck Bed Carriers
When it comes to truck bed cargo solutions, the options are practically endless, so for this particular subject, we’re going to keep it limited to the most common solutions. Keep in mind, however, that multiple mounting options and rack styles let you practically turn your truck into a mobile command center and you can get as complicated and pricey as your heart desires.
Truck Bed Cargo Boxes: Like truck tool boxes, bed-mounted cargo boxes come in a variety of configurations. Choose from a crossover cargo box, a side-mounted box, or a wheel-well case that can swing out to the foot of your truck bed for super easy access. All boxes are hard-shelled, providing the ultimate protection from wind, rain, snow, and prying eyes. Most also lock for extra safety.
These are an excellent option if you want to secure some items, but leave enough space in your truck bed for larger, bulkier cargo. Many bed-mounted cargo boxes will also work seamlessly with your tonneau cover, but double-check prior to purchase.
Truck Racks: These mount to the side rails on your truck, and just as with truck boxes, there are several different configurations to choose from. The type of cargo you’re hauling and where you plan to take it will largely determine how comprehensive of a truck rack setup you need. For example, contractor racks are ideal for work trucks that need multiple mounting points for a variety of equipment and tools, while overlanding racks cater to the off-grid set who need rugged durability and strength in a smaller footprint.
You can also choose to mount rooftop boxes, baskets, or soft-sided carriers to many of these racks, keeping your truck bed completely free for even more gear. It’s like adding a whole second level of cargo-carrying capacity.
Cargo Carrier Checklist
Now that you have an idea of which cargo carrier may be best for you, use the checklist below to help you quickly compare and contrast the contenders so that you can make your final decision with confidence.
| Which cargo carrier style appeals to me most? | Roof-mounted | Hitch-mounted | Truck bed bard-sided cargo Box |
| How often will I use the cargo carrier? | Frequently | Once or twice per year | Several times per year |
| What cargo am I bringing? | Mainly ski/hiking/camping gear, clothing, and supplies | Lightweight items that fit in suitcases, boxes, or totes | Who the heck knows? It changes all the time |
| Which factor is more important? |
Protection from the elements Aerodynamics and fuel efficiency Locks to keep gear safe |
Affordability Versatility Easy to stow when not in use |
Ease of use and installation Multiple anchor points Multiple cargo configurations |
| What’s my budget? | $500-999 | $100-499 | $150-399 |
After going through this checklist, if most of the boxes checked are in the left-hand column, a hard-sided cargo carrier is probably your best choice. If most of your choices are in the center column, you might want to just go with a simple soft-sided cargo carrier. Lastly, if the majority of boxes checked are in the right-hand column, you should consider a cargo basket.
No matter what cargo solution you pick, be sure to double-check that it works with your vehicle’s size and cargo-carrying weight limits before you click that “finalize purchase” button.