Adding some extra cargo space to your vehicle is always a good idea. And installing a roof cargo basket gives your vehicle more value, especially for functionality.
Roof cargo baskets usually hold oversized or extra materials that won’t fit inside your car. They are installed to avoid having your compartment or truck get stuffy. You can use a roof cargo basket when bringing materials for camping, outdoor sports, travel, or simply material transport.
Additionally, using a roof cargo basket allowed you to have more space inside your vehicle. This makes the ride more comfortable for everyone.
What Is the Point of a Roof Cargo Basket?
Simply put, roof baskets provide extra storage and stability for items during transport. While it’s pretty straightforward that you can mount all sorts of things in a roof cargo basket, you can also choose to place items that require steadfastness during travel using nets and straps.
For example, roof cargo baskets like the MaxxHaul cargo roof rack steel basket have U-bolts, and rubber caps, ensuring the basket itself remains in place during the ride. This keeps your items safe on top.
Therefore, you may find roof cargo baskets helpful during the following activities:
1. Camping
Going camping gets better with a roof cargo basket on your vehicle. But, of course, we all know bringing a lot of stuff during this activity is the norm.
Extra tools and supplies are some of the standard items you would want to bring. So naturally, all these camping must-haves won’t fit in your car, especially if you go as a team. But with a roof basket on your vehicle, this issue won’t be a problem.
Likewise, the structure of the roof basket can also come in handy when you’re setting up camp. When you are finally at the camping site, you can use the side of the cargo basket as a base point to tie up one point of your rope whenever you need to have a makeshift tent or tie a stretched rope at your disposal.
2. Travel
Having a roof cargo basket on your car makes it all the more group-friendly, especially when traveling. With that, it’s not uncommon to see a vehicle with ice coolers and boxes arranged properly inside a roof cargo basket.
Aside from the obvious fact that you can haul luggage and other items you need for a vacation, the extra space you get inside can still accommodate items you purchase during your travel.
Although the chances are small, one of the many reasons you ought to have a roof cargo basket is that it protects your roof. For example, the basket carrier would receive the impact beforehand when a large rock gets thrown on your vehicle’s roof. This results in shock being minimized, leading to fewer repairs.
3. Winter and Water Sports
The roof cargo basket makes it easier to transport sports equipment such as kayaks, surfboards, snowboards, ski gears, and many more. While these items are typically mounted on roof racks, you choose to place them over the roof cargo basket if you keep other things that fit underneath.
Since these winter and water sports equipment can be more extensive in size, it’s quite a challenge to put them inside the vehicle. Not entirely impossible, but tricky.
But more than the positional significance of the roof cargo basket, it also keeps these items safe from damage.
For instance, you may choose to place oversized equipment inside your car and keep the trunk door open. However, doing so can endanger the item and you and your vehicle.
Drivers behind may find it difficult to gauge your distance. But if the equipment is secured on a roof cargo basket, you can enjoy the drive without worrying about safety too much.
Check out the Tyger roof-mounted cargo basket rack if you’re looking for a heavy-duty roof cargo basket.
For large water sports equipment like kayaks, you may want to go for the XCAR Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket. It comes with folding kayak racks and straps, keeping the equipment in place.
4. Material Transport
On top of sports, travel, and camping equipment, you can transport pretty much anything that does not exceed the tongue weight capacity of the roof cargo basket. It’s particularly handy when buying large items you need for your house or office.
Likewise, you can use the roof cargo basket to deliver or retrieve packages. The carrier's structure best accommodates items that need to be steady as you can place a net or keep them in place with straps.
Hence, a roof cargo basket is a hit with those who frequently move from one location to another, bringing bulky items.
Field researchers may come into mind when thinking of this scenario. For example, they often load some of their sophisticated equipment on the roof cargo basket to keep it safe and stable.
If you’re concerned about versatility and item security, you may consider the Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket. It comes with features that promote wind fairing, sturdy construction, and a sustainable attachment system.
How Does a Roof Cargo Basket Work?
There’s no complicated process involved in using a roof cargo basket. You simply install it on your vehicle, and in less than an hour, you’re good to go. Naturally, you need to be familiar with the parts and steps involved. These elements can be found and double-checked in the manual of instructions.
Moreover, the function of a roof cargo basket is also fairly simple. You place items on it and keep them secure through straps and nets you can attach to the base of the frame.
Parts and Installation
A standard roof cargo basket includes crossbars, a fit kit, and a steel basket carrier. It is typically attached to the roof rack. So, you either purchase the roof rack before or together with the cargo basket.
But before buying the item, you have to ensure that your vehicle has roof rails where the rack can be fitted properly.
That being said, you can complete the installation process through the following steps:
- Mount the roof rack on the crossbars securing all the parts with the fit kit.
- Assemble the roof cargo carrier by connecting the barrels to the frame.
- Tighten the screws in the connector panel to hold the frame.
- Position the cargo basket on the roof rack.
- Once you set up the placement of the cargo basket, place the mounting brackets between the cargo basket and the rail. Then tighten using bolts and washers.
- Put the lower bracket below the bracket and tighten the washers.
- Make sure all the screws and bolts are tightened firmly.
Final Thoughts
Using a roof cargo basket provides convenience for you and your entire family, especially as far as loading items is concerned. This versatility makes your purchase worth it.
When using a roof cargo basket, you have to consider precautions to ensure that the accessory will remain damage-free.
For example, you wouldn’t want to overload your roof cargo basket exceeding its weight limit. However, doing so puts your vehicle at risk for damage and accidents on the road.
Nonetheless, you’re looking at a car accessory that will serve you for a long time with proper use and maintenance.