But regardless of the cargo box, its a good idea to assume that its not fully waterproof. It is user-friendly. There are a wide range of cargo box designs and shapes on the market, but weve found the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite hits the sweet spot in gear capacity for all-season use. Yakima. 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. Thule Force Vs Yakima Skybox: Rooftop Car Boxes Review October 7, 2020 October 6, 2020 by Breana Sky-liners.com is supported by our readers, we may receive an affiliate commission when you purchase something through the links on our page (at no extra cost to you). When loading items into your cargo box, youll want to give some thought to what you place where. Another distinction comes in the amount of overlap between the lid and base, which is important for wind resistance (especially at the nose). It's worth noting for those with larger vehicles and a need to haul even more gear, Yakima offers the SkyBox in larger 18- and 21-cubic-foot capacities (Switchbacks founder picked up a SkyBox 21 for a big family move). 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). 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. 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 Because rooftop cargo boxes are so popular for toting snow gear, most manufacturers specify the length of ski (and sometimes number of pairs) that each model is able to fit. Finally, Yakima offers the SkyBox in a Lo Carbonite variation, which costs $649 and is lower-profile and longer than the model tested here at 11.5 inches tall and 7 feet 8 inches long (more on this below). The main downside in selecting a narrow model is less overall storagethe aforementioned Force has a small 11-cubic-foot capacityand theyre often fairly long, which can lead to compatibility issues with a rear hatch. Dimensions: 57 x 38.5 x 17.8 in.Capacities:10, 18 cu. While we cant overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, the good news is that the downhill Back to Our Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table. 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. 95. But overall, this is a fairly minor complaint, and I'm happy with the all-around protection. Thules Force XT Sport also features a narrow (24.75-in.) Dimensions: 77 x 36 x 17 in.Capacities: 16, 18, 18 (Alpine), 22 cu. 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). With your cargo in mind, youre ready to decide on the right size box for you. If youre in the market for a rooftop cargo box, theres no shortage of high-quality options to choose from in 2023. Yakimas SkyBox 16 offers an impressive balance of capacity, ease of installation, and on-road performance. yakima rooftop box. Generally speaking, the bulkier your cargo boxespecially in terms of width and heightthe more drag it will create. The GrandTour would have to be shipped to my local REI, while the Skybox is already in stock there. You can save some money and opt for one of the more affordable options below, but its good to be aware of what youre giving up. Explore. 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. Compared to the top-ranked Motion XT, performance drops slightly with a less robust nose design, but the Yakima costs around $70 less ($829 vs. $900 for the 16-cu.-ft. versions) and has a more polished aesthetic. 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. All of the picks above come with at least one lock and key (boxes with dual-sided access feature a lock on both sides). On the flip side, the interior understandably can get quite warm in direct heat. wide). All told, matching your cargo box to a roof rack shouldnt cause much headache, but its never a bad idea to double check compatibility before hitting purchase. And the list goes on: perhaps youre toting golf clubs, a stroller or baby carrier, or even construction and gardening tools. These boxes come in a From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, youll want to have the right gear for the occasion. 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. 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. Most boxes come already built and ready to mount, but some budget designs require more in-depth assembly (which can be arduous if DIY isnt your thing). Most of the time, that equation will leave you with about 100 pounds left over for gear. On the other end of the price spectrum isThules $600 Pulse L. Compared to the SkyBox, you get the same amount of capacity at 16 cubic feet, a taller peak height at 16.5 inches, and a lower weight (by over 10 lbs.) Rooftop boxes are no small item, which can create some hurdles if you like to shop online. Then, with a second person, you simply lift the box, approach the vehicle from the front (the open clamps will make this positioning obvious), and set the box immediately in front of the bars. But while these are nice features, theyre not worth the large price bump for most, especially when you can make similar after-market customizations to a more affordable box. If you thought the Yakima CBX or GrandTour were premium roof boxes, you aint seen nothing yet. However, the Pulse is shorter than the SkyBox at 6 feet 4 inches and can only be opened from the passenger side, which is a notable compromise in convenience (we really like the dual access on the SkyBox). 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. The Skybox 21 is way too heavy at 62 pounds (at least with the OEM bars). The models above range from a 75-pound weight capacity (for the Thule Sidekick) to 165 pounds for premium designs. 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). Both boxes feature dual-sided openings for easy access on the vehicle or driver side, SKS locks for added security, and easy, tool-free installation and removal. Yakima SkyBox 16 16 Cu. The Yakima Carbonite 16 Cargo Box is not an exception. suv luggage rack. If you value function over form but want to stick with the Thule brand name, the Pulse is a great place to start. ft. cargo capacity Tool-free installation and removal from vehicle Starting with road noise, the difference with my 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack with and without the box has been minimal. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. First off, we heavily prefer its latching design, which features a large handle that opens and closes the box entirely separate from the locking mechanism. Yakima lists the maximum length at 185 centimeters, but I can confirm it was just long enough for a couple pairs of 182-centimeter all-mountain skis plus a snowboard. The good news is that most modern cargo boxes have a fairly wide range (the Yakima SkyBox 18s spread is 24 to 42 in.) Versatile, sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise, this cargo box is ready for weekend adventures and road trips. And finally, youll want to be wary of ultra-lightweight boxes too, as this might indicate a flimsier design. Ive had the box on top of my vehicle for a couple years and have only removed it for a relatively short stretches (I store my vehicle outside, and my local weather conditions in the middle of Washington state vary from desert-like in the summer to snowy in the winter). 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. Like their competitor, Thule, they also have a lifetime warranty. There are a few other options available at similar price pointsincluding the Jegs above and SportRack belowbut where the Sidekick stands out is in its compact design. 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. 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. And its got more going for it than just clearance: the Wedge has a premium fit and finish, including easy tool-free installation, a stylish and aerodynamic shape that minimizes wind noise and accommodates a rear antenna and hatch, and a dual-sided opening that increases access and organization. That said, the INNO is less of a proven design than the longstanding SkyBox, and its pricey for what you get at $700 (plus, stock has been hit or miss lately, and the Wedge 665 is largely unavailable at the time of publishing). Well cut straight to the chase: Cargo roof boxes are expensive items. Finally, its 36-inch width works well with a narrow vehicle like my Alltrack, and youll have the option to add accessories like a bike rack on larger vehicles with wider cross bars. If youre sizing up, youd better have a fairly good reason for doing so. ft.Access: Dual sideSkis: 5-7 pairs up to 175cmWhat we like: The best all-around combination of quality, features, and ease of use.What we dont: Relatively pricey and not available in smaller sizes. You wont see many frills built into this base model, but there are still a lot of benefits to sticking with a well-known manufacturer, including helpful customer service and compatibility with other Thule products. Best Seller in Vehicle Hard-Shell Carriers. First off, Thules installation is best in class, and with PowerClick mounts that sound an audible click when in place, you can get a secure fitting on most roof racks in just minutesthis is a particularly nice feature if you routinely remove your box or swap it between cars. It also has a tapered design at the rear to reduce hatch interference. Sliding in just below the Motion XT in Thules lineup, the Force is a quality all-rounder with a versatile shape that's great for toting skis, camping gear, suitcases, and more. Whether its your first time camping or youve been at it for years, it never hurts to have a checklist. Dimensions: 80 x 33 x 11 in.Capacities: 10.6, 12.4, 13.4, 14.1 cu. I'm a bit stuck between these boxes, as both seem pretty solid. If biking, surfing, or boating is your thing, chances are theres a lot of competition for your rooftop real estate. 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. Its also important to consider the weight capacity of both your box and your vehiclesurpassing this number is never a good idea, so prioritize lighter items up top and heavier items in the trunk. Whats more, they usually have indicators that show when theyre ajar (the SlideLock on Thules Motion XT displays red), which provides an extra level of confidence that your lid is secure. 95-$768.95 $ 768. The plastic sides are plenty durable to handle the elements, and as I mentioned above, Ive had no issues with weather protection. $399.99 + shipping. First off, the box is made of 80% recycled ABS plastic which protects both the environment and the gear. One of the advantages in opting for a mid- or high-end box is easy access to the interior. The Carbonite is the latest evolution of the Skybox. But not every user needs the best, especially when very good can get the job done for significantly less. Read more about us. For me, the SkyBoxs shape wins out, but both are well-made and nicely executed designs from top roof box brands. Free shipping. Yakimas GrandTour 16 offers the same capacity in cubic feet but is a step up in their lineup and costs an additional $100. In particular, weve found that the turn handle requires a little more force than the Thules and isnt as easy to operate with just one hand (it also has a tendency to get stuck when frozen). 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. If you dont need the added length for fitting items like snowboards, the SportRack Vista XL below could be a better option for $120 less.See the Thule Pulse M. Dimensions: 83 x 38 x 15 in.Capacities: 16 (Solar), 16, 18 cu. And with your choice of sizes from 12 to 21 cubic feetincluding the narrow 12 (detailed below) that leaves enough room on your rack for a bike or boattheres a SkyBox for everyone. But theres no denying the budget price, which makes the Sidekick an intriguing option for occasional outings and point-to-point trips (the less you need to access your gear, the better). Privacy Policy. Finally, we should mention that the CBX also comes in a Solar model with a mounted solar panel, which we detail below. Finally, its important to note that the Goplus is only compatible with crossbar spreads of about 16 to 25 inches, which can be fairly limiting (for comparison, the RocketBoxs spread is 24 to 40 in.). Yakima GrandTour Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 Cubic Ft - Gloss Black 20 Reviews Code: YA74FR In Stock Our Price: $878.95 Add To Cart 79" x 35" x 18". profile but has a number of shortcomings compared to the SkyBox (outlined in the Force XT Ls write-up below) and costs $30 more to boot. Whether youre a road-tripper needing extra space for your climbing gear or a weekend warrior who still wants to blend in on the city streets, its hard to go wrong with Thules premium all-rounder. 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. 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