Comparing Roof Mounted Cargo Boxes with Roof Mounted Baskets for a Cross-Country Trip
Question:
Hello, Can you please compare and contrast rooftop cargo baskets/racks and rooftop cargo boxes in general? They have some obvious differences, but I am interested in your opinion. Also, do you think skis in a bag can be tied to this basket well? The whole point of getting a rooftop-something is for a cross-country move, so things will not be accessed frequently. Thank you!
asked by: Ryan B
Expert Reply:
There are quite a few differences between boxes and baskets. A Roof mounted cargo box is going to keep your items out of the elements whereas a basket would need an additional cargo bag to keep your items from the weather.
For oddly shaped items, a basket is better because it does not have the dimension restrictions of a box. A basket is also easier to store should you decide to remove it from the roof. Most people just leave them on. A Cargo box is going to take up a lot of space and it is not something you would leave on the roof all of the time.
You can lock a cargo box easily. To lock your items to a basket again you would need a bag and then you could use a padlock to lock the bag.
With a box, it takes a little more thought to pack things inside to evenly distribute the weight. On the other hand it is much easier to place your items on a basket, secure them, and go. The skis in a bag could be secured to the basket but I would go with a long cargo box for skis if choosing between a box and basket.
For you, since you have mentioned a cross-country move, I would go wit ha cargo box. You never know what kind of weather you will run into and chances are you will be stopping frequently so having a locking box would be ideal.
I would be happy to make some cargo box suggestions for you if you can give me the year, make, and model of the vehicle and whether or not it has any type of roof rack.
