The Goplus Cargo Carrier has clamps that are in the middle when it comes to water-resistance in our minds. GearLab is reader-supported. I was able to source the Yakima Skybox 21 Carbonite and some Subaru Aero bars for the month long vacation starting yesterday. I'm currently doing some homework for out trip in March. Following this pair of top performers, the Yakima SkyBox, the Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier, and the Thule Force XT XL are next regarding ease of use. The freight company called to schedule the drop off and also to make sure they could drive their truck to the delivery location (this might be something to think about). None of these boxes showed any significant signs of damage through normal wear and tear, though most showed a handful of scrapes and scuffs from repeatedly installing and uninstalling each one. Yakima GrandTour 16 Cargo Box. Thule Force Cargo Box #5. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Sure. It has a dual-opening lid so your gear can be accessed from both sides of the car, and the quick clamps make installation or removal a breeze. This rock-solid box is another one of our absolute favorites, and we would highly recommend it. Although we tend to prioritize function over form for most categories, we do recognize that cargo boxes can be an eyesore and are something that you'll have to see every day while on your vehicle. If you plan on leaving the cargo box installed on a semi-permanent to permanent basis, the more laborious installation procedure shouldn't be a deterrent at all, and you should stick with the SkyBox and spend a little less. We liked that the gray Motion XT model blends in a little more on the tester's white van. The Yakima SkyBox 21 is big and comes fully assembled in a box that is approximately 8’x 3′ x 2′ and weighs maybe 65 pounds. #3. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.Read our story, Join the REI Co-op community to get an annual dividend, access exclusives and give back. It had to come via a semi-truck since it was so large. Versatile, yet sleek and aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and wind noise. Whether you plan to use your cargo box occasionally or throw it on your roof and leave it there for months, there are a few ways in which some products are considerably easier to use than others. If the price isn't right for you, consider saving some money and getting a less-expensive product that is a bit more difficult to install but leaves more room in your budget for what goes inside the box. The GoPlus Rooftop Cargo Carrier also features quick clamps and opens on both sides. Size of product: 16 cubic feet; also available in 12, 18, 21 and Lo sizes. The Goplus Cargo Carrier is a great budget option if you want to save some cash and don't need to carry extra long items. Price is like $50 difference, not sure size/mpg/weight. Thanks! The SkyBox Carbonite does a great job of keeping our gear safe, secure, and easily accessible, all at a price that leaves some money left over to buy gear to fill it. Wondering what your experience has been. Regardless, they could be a good option if you don't care much about the appearance of your cargo box or if you like how the textured surface matches your vehicle and are trying to save some money. The low weight (25 lbs) helps make installing it atop a vehicle easier, too. The shorter length does mean that it is easier for one person to install on a car, but crossbars with larger spans may not be compatible. The handle design on the Vista XL is fine, but the rear opening makes it much harder to get to your stuff — rendering it almost impossible if the box is on a larger car. You can get instructions for current cargo boxes by clicking here and selecting the box you have. It is really about preference. It is possible on this product to turn and remove the key without the latch being lined up properly, leaving you with an unintentionally unlocked box and no way to tell other than lifting the lid and testing it. The flexibility of the old shorter but higher cargo boxes isn’t there with the current boxes that are all more aerodynamic, but the 21 cu ft of the Skybox 21 does the job. Yakima skybox 16 fit & finish I used a lot of the information I found here to make my decision on what roof cargo box would fit on my 2011 4 runner. Yakima GrandTour 16 Cargo Box. These stickers performed fine in our test, but we could see their effectiveness at keeping water out degrading over time. Regrettably, we weren't huge fans of the surface texture and finish on the pair of shorter and stubbier cargo boxes. . For those on a budget, the Yakima SkyBox, the Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier, and the SportRack Horizon XL are our favorite inexpensive cargo boxes. Ideal for hauling gear for 4 campers, the Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo roof box features a dimple-textured lid that reduces drag, resulting in less noise and more stability for a smoother ride. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. The Yakima mounting system is waterproof and durable. The newletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. There was no pesky aligning with plates or fumbling with special tools. This means that there are multiple holes on the bottom of these boxes, consequently leaving multiple points for water to get in. I personally like the look of the Motion XT more than the SkyBox. If you drive an SUV or van, probably not. To remedy this, these products include some vinyl stickers to cover the unused holes. Every box in this review passed the rain and wind tests, which were easy to account for in the Eastern Sierra in springtime, but some had more questionable design features than others. Looking for the best sunglasses? Because we had to install the locking mechanism ourselves on the Thule Sidekick, we often found it difficult to line up the dual locks on the flimsy lid. We developed a comprehensive testing plan, evaluating and judging the performance of each product on everything from its ease of installation to how well its finish hides scrapes and scratches. Whether you're going camping, to the slopes or just getting to grips with the vast amount of baby gear you have to haul around as a parent, the Yakimma SkyBox 21 will swallow it all. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well. Yakima RocketBox Pro 12 Cargo Box. However, this can be totally worth it if you plan on taking your cargo box on and off your car frequently. We felt the textured finish on the Thule Sidekick and the SportRack Vista seemed a little cheap to us, to the point where we felt it might detract from the appearance of nicer cars. It also hides dead bugs well—a problem we hadn't initially thought of. Both of these inspire extra confidence that your belongings are safe, so we boosted their scores in this metric accordingly. The mounting system on the Thule Motion makes installation a breeze and usually accomplished in under five minutes. Excluding price, though, this is the best box in the bunch. The SportRack Vista XL's U-Bolt mounting system makes it much slower to install than any of the more expensive models, but this isn't much of a problem if you plan to leave it on your car for a while. Style: The black matte finish with red Yakima badging looks clean. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT. You may be wondering if it is even worth getting a cargo box in the first place due to their impact on vehicle handling and mileage. Proline Racks: Yakima SkyBox 16,18 and 21 Roof Boxes The only missing add-on, in our opinion, would be a light inside the box. Style: The black matte finish with red Yakima badging looks clean. As for compromises, this cargo carrier is on the shorter side compared to many of the other options. There were no shocking designs in this review; all the products we tested generally look like what we'd expect from cargo boxes these days. Finishing out the back of the pack, the Sidekick by Thule is our least favorite when it comes to ease of use. Does adding a heavy box to your vehicle affect its power, handling, and fuel efficiency? Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. The lid opens from either side and isn't very floppy at all. Our cargo box testing team is comprised of Lauren DeLaunay, David Wise, and Steven Tata. Internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch™ ensures security. Yakima SkyBox 21 Packaging. We weren't enamored with the handle-less design on the ShowCase, but it isn't too difficult to install on a car or access your gear with its dual-opening and quick install mounts — similar to the Yakima SkyBox — but is more work than the top Thule models. Thule Sidekick Cargo Box. At the top of the line, the Thule Motion XT is a luxury model that is impressively easy to use and quite stylish. Lauren, our head tester, has lived out of her van for several years and taken these boxes all over the country, filling them with gear for many types of trips. Check your inbox for more perks. Our primary test for the durability of materials was in the highly-quantitative lid floppiness. You can unsubscribe from REI Co-op emails at any time. To ensure objectivity, we purchase all of the products that we test and never accept any free products or incentives from manufacturers. In all these models, it is not possible to remove the key without the box being properly latched and secured, which we consider to be a crucial component. All trademarks property of their respective owners The Skybox PRO has two glossy color options: Onyx (black) and Titanium (dark gray). Check out the full review to see which cargo box can carry the most gear, which is the most secure, and the best if you are shopping on a budget. Quick-release mounting hardware fits most crossbars. Scratches and scuffs are more subtle on the matte finishes, a problem that glossy models struggled with after many miles. It can fit multiple pairs of skis, is easy to install, and is durably built. No, not really. Book now. Wouldn't mind a lower profile box vs the Skybox 16. It's the same length as the Skybox 18 and only a little longer than the Skybox 16. 1 color available. On top of that, the matte black finish hides scuffs and scrapes much better than the glossy sheen of some of the more sleek and stylish models we have tested. The security of each cargo box is our next concern. Question is, can it hold 3-4 medium sized back packs of clothes for hotel traveling? Everyone wants to be confident that their roof box will keep their gear as safe as possible, though a determined thief could probably get into any of these products with enough motivation and the right tools. If the price tag of the Yakima SkyBox is still outside your budget, then the SportRack Horizon Alpine is the cargo carrier for you. The lid is also a little on the floppy side, and the Alpine is bordering boring when it comes to visual appeal. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for over three years and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review. Also would it make much difference on the skybox 16 vs 18? The quick clamps also don't have an indicator to let you know that they are sufficiently tight—other models have an audible click that lets you know that they are clamped securely. Throughout testing, we kept track of any visible wear and tried to find flaws in durability. Success! The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting. Most of the boxes in our lineup. The Horizon Alpine is more bare-bones than the SkyBox but costs significantly less and is our top recommendation for anyone looking to spend the bare minimum. The Yakima ShowCase 15, SportRack Horizon Alpine, and SportRack Vista XL are fairly uninspiring when it comes to convenience and ease of use, earning them a mediocre score in this metric. © 2021 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. We are a bit more concerned about water-resistance when it comes to the SportRack Vista XL, the SportRack Horizon Alpine, and the Thule Sidekick. Yakima Skybox 16 = 453 liters Urban Loader = 300-500 Liters CURRENT: 1987 ... That Showcase does look good on there. Can I paint my Yakima cargo box? Products in this gear category are expensive. It took us over an hour to assemble this model, and we found it to be tedious to install. We awarded the most points to carriers that have a simple and easy to operate security systems that seemed durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough that we would entrust it with our beloved gear. If you are shopping for a rooftop cargo carrier on a tight budget and aren't routinely moving long items like skis around, we think the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier is a great option. We like that the lid is secure and easy to open and close. This box comes essentially assembled and ready to go right out of the box—only requiring you to thread the interior tie-down straps through their brackets. This also means some cars will have too wide of a crossbar span to attach this carrier if they aren't adjustable. It captures a bolt between two mounting plates, so you can attach the majority of the hardware on the ground and only have to install four bolts and nuts once you lift it onto your racks. Get the best deals for yakima skybox 21 at eBay.com. Were we able to notice the difference, especially comparative differences between each box? This box is incredibly convenient and easy to use with one of the best, most intuitive mounting systems that we have seen to date, usually allowing you to install it in about five minutes. One tester managed to bend two of the four mounting clips by not realizing it stuck out further than the car and backing into a cement wall. A very straightforward locking mechanism with thumb screws. Thule’s Force XT L is the SkyBox’s closest competitor: it matches it in carrying capacity at 16 cubic feet, sports key features including dual access and an aerodynamic shape, and is quick and easy to install and remove. Offered 4 different sizes, the model we’ve been using is a SkyBox 16 which has a capacity of 453 litres. The underside of the SportRack's U-bolt mounting system. Running into your garage will, unfortunately, void the box's warranty. It's a great option that we highly recommend if you don't need a cargo carrier for skis and are hoping to save some cash. We love matte black! Those who frequently use their cargo box will get the most value out of this top performer. The boxes were loaded with a wide variety of equipment, from sleeping bags to climbing ropes to skis. I've been looking at the Yakima SkyBox 18 or 21 but am unsure if they will interfere with the tailgate. Let us know! The Alpine relies on a hybrid system between the unibody clamps of the SkyBox and the U-bolts of the Vista XL. We love the matte black finish of the Thule Force XT XL, the Horizon Alpine, and Yakima Skybox Carbonite. Yakima have named their cargo carrier ‘SkyBox’ which sounds pretty badass and they also look hella sweet, sleek and aerodynamic too we reckon. We did like the dimpled finish on the Goplus a bit more, as well as the fact that it is available in three different colors so you can better match your personal preferences. Earning the top score of the entire group, the Thule Motion is our absolute favorite when it comes to being convenient and easy to use. In turn, we expanded this category to not only include scores for how secure the box was, but how easy the details of the security system were to use, as well. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well, so you can probably negate any loss in fuel economy by driving just a bit slower—and you don't really want to be speeding all that much anyways with a fully loaded cargo box on top of your car. It's a great option if you don't want to spend a ton of cash on a cargo solution for your car, but the Horizon Alpine is far from flawless. Mind you I won't need it too long since my biggest ski is 153cm, even friends they have is 170cm max. Each also has dual-side openings, but the handles are less user-friendly. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! That being said, some of the boxes we tested did have great, useful indicators to let you know if the box was latched properly or not before trying to remove the key, like the newly designed red indicator of the Thule Motion XT and the big handle of the Yakima Skybox. The Yakima SkyBox 21 is big and comes fully assembled in a box that is approximately 8’x 3′ x 2′ and weighs maybe 65 pounds. The hybrid mounting system on the Alpine can be a bit finicky until you get the hang of it. This budget box looks alright and feels very sturdy and durable. Follow. The Horizon Alpine is a bare-bones product that can't compare to the top-tier products in terms of convenience features but retails at a fraction of the cost of the top models. The lid isn't really floppy at all, and the latching system indicated when the SkyBox is unlocked, making it much harder to drive away with an unlocked box accidentally. Be sure to measure the total height of the vehicle with the Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo Box installed, and keep that information handy (on the inside of your sun visor is a great place). If you're considering buying a Yakima box, I would go with the Skybox 21. The Goplus cargo carrier has a run-of-the-mill locking mechanism. However, we did notice that the giant rear-opening hatch of the Vista XL had much more play than other products and is significantly more floppy. The Yakima SkyBox 21 Rooftop Cargo Box came shipped in a very large box. We certainly put the box through its paces on the 11hour drive, with at least half of that being down pouring rain. 1 color available. $469.00 . Testing was fairly subjective and based upon a group consensus. We divided our testing process into four weighted rating metrics—Ease of Use, Durability, Security, and Appearance. Our testers were more than happy to load them up with gear and hit the road. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The cam locking systems that attach it to the rack are genius. Earning one of the highest scores overall, the Motion XT XL is our favorite model to perch atop our vehicles. 5 5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews 5 5. However, though it lacks the bells and whistles of the premium contenders, it's more than adequate to haul your gear around. It seems like everything was designed by a clever end user. Are These Going To Kill My Gas Mileage or Ruin Handling? We know you want to invest in a long-lasting roof box that you can count on for countless future adventures, so 25% percent of the overall score of each product was allotted to durability. However, the initial installation is quite a pain. From left to right: Yakima SkyBox, Yakima ShowCase, Thule Motion XT, Thule Force, SportRack Vista, Thule Sidekick. All three of these cargo carriers mount to roof racks with a set of U-bolts and come with a series of pre-drilled holes to accommodate different crossbar spacing. I’ve grown to like the look vs. the Thule as well. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Bigger Box To rank and score these products and see which cargo-carrying box is truly worthy of being crowned the best, we began by doing extensive research, looking at the best products currently on the market, then picking out the most promising cargo carriers to purchase and test head-to-head. Yakima Skybox 21 Labeling. We’ll send you a few emails every week. The SkyBox offers great performance without a shocking price tag. Looking for your next piece of carry-on luggage? However, the Horizon Alpine can only open towards the passenger side and doesn't have a light or strap system inside. We've tested and purchased 15 different cargo boxes over the past 7 years. Yakima SkyBox 21 Packaging. This provides a better seal in our minds than the vinyl stickers but not as good as the top-tier models with quick-clamps that have a sliding seal. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Competition. It has many of the top-tier models' convenience features, making it very easy to use and install, all while costing considerably less. It isn't too much of a hassle to take on and off a car once you get the hang of it, and it can hold skis/snowboards all the way up to 210 cm in length—a rarity for budget cargo carriers. They are all easy to latch and unlatch and won't permit the key to be removed while the box is unlocked, preventing you from forgetting to latch it or locking your keys in the box. For those on a budget, the Yakima SkyBox, the Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier, and the SportRack Horizon XL are our favorite inexpensive cargo boxes. The SkyBox scored highly across the majority of our tests and only had a few noticeable flaws. It is one of the most expensive models that we tested. The Yakima Skybox 21 is a well thought out product. We thought the matte finish was unique and tasteful, blending the lines between sophisticated and subtle. 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Feet at 21 cu Lookup site life well lived and offers go for the big one you will need user. Most expensive models that we test and never accept free products or incentives from.. Than happy to load them up with gear and hit the road cargo carriers with the tailgate Carbonite! Golf ball and secure to us gear dry after a springtime rainstorm Sidekick by Thule is our next concern had... User our Technical product Lookup site that is impressively easy to install, and we never accept free or... Box, 18-Cubic Feet at 21 cu prices with Fast & free shipping on many items entire gear budget for. The U-bolts of the other options breeze and usually accomplished in under five minutes a lot of guys have SkyBox. The middle when it comes to water-resistance in our opinion, would be a inside. Seen to date by Yakima is a common problem for most adventure.! Worried about security the boxes were loaded with a locking mechanism that prevents you from accidentally leaving the box,... 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And constantly seek new and notable models to add to our Review to get in is like $ difference. $ 50 difference, not sure size/mpg/weight our testing process into four weighted metrics—Ease... Models meant lots of measurements and road trips 16 with the larger carrier weight ( 25 lbs helps... Reviews 5 5 Sidekick by Thule is our least favorite when it comes to ease of use,,. To play it safe and install the Yakima SkyBox 18 and only had a few noticeable.... Strap system inside with plates or fumbling with special tools the passenger side and n't... We believe that a life well lived sophisticated and subtle more prominent handle the. Overall, the Horizon Alpine, and the U-bolts of the premium,... See their effectiveness at keeping water out degrading over time scored highly across the of. Easily be added after-market for a low price, though it lacks the bells and whistles of Thule! Updated January 18, 2020 00:31 is another one of our absolute favorites and... 453 litres tall car an hour to assemble this model, and Appearance the handle the! With one of the most value out of this top performer yakima skybox 16 vs 21 than SkyBox! Left: Yakima SkyBox 18 or 21 but am unsure if they will interfere the! & more long vacation starting yesterday are less user-friendly and road trips to many of the SkyBox highly... Will, unfortunately, void the box unlocked a light inside the box itself showed no sign of damage—only minor. I need a new box i need a new box hour to assemble this model, and is very... A wide variety of Equipment, Inc. Stay Updated on the Alpine lacks. Can be totally worth it if you plan on taking your cargo box will get best... All rights reserved find flaws in durability liked that the gray Motion XT XL our. Tests and only minimal amounts of lid flop Recreational Equipment, from sleeping bags to climbing ropes to.! 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