10 Best Cargo Carriers 2025 in the United States

The Thule Motion 3 LTitan is a high-quality cargo carrier that excels in various aspects, making it suitable for those who need extra storage space on their vehicle. One of its notable strengths is its aerodynamic design, featuring a wing-shaped profile with a dynamic, forward-leaning nose that helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. This design is particularly beneficial for long road trips where fuel economy is a concern.

The sturdy aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity, while the wide handle on the lid allows for easy, one-handed operation, adding to its user convenience. The carrier also includes advanced security features, such as the SlideLock system that separately handles locking and opening functions, automatically locking the lid and indicating when it's securely closed.

Installation is made hassle-free with the PowerClick quick-mount system, which includes a torque indicator that 'clicks' when the carrier is properly mounted, ensuring a secure and fast fitting process. Accessories like an interior box light, protective box liner, and storage cover add to the convenience and usability of this product.

However, it's worth noting that the Thule Motion 3 LTitan is relatively heavy, with a package weight of 29 kilograms, which may require additional assistance during installation. Additionally, while it offers a high capacity, the large size might not be suitable for smaller vehicles. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Thule Motion 3 LTitan remains a strong contender in the hard-shell cargo carrier market, especially for users seeking robust security features, ease of installation, and improved aerodynamics.

The Thule 614 Pulse Rack offers a generous 14 cubic feet of rooftop cargo space, making it suitable for families or individuals needing extra packing room. Its rugged plastic construction ensures durability, while the central locking system provides excellent security, ensuring that contents remain safe. The FastGrip quick-mount system simplifies installation, allowing it to be assembled in minutes. The design includes a passenger-side opening for convenient loading and unloading.

It can accommodate 3-5 snowboards up to 155 cm in length, which is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The cargo box has a load capacity of 110 lbs and weighs 34 lbs itself, making it robust yet manageable. However, the height off the crossbar is 16 inches, which might impact aerodynamics slightly and possibly affect fuel efficiency.

Despite being water-resistant, it may not be fully waterproof, so some caution is advised in heavy rain conditions. This cargo carrier is ideal for users seeking a reliable and spacious option for additional storage on their vehicles.

The Thule Motion 3 XXL is a hard-shell roof cargo carrier designed for those needing extra storage space, offering a large capacity of 21 cubic feet. Made from durable aluminum, it promises solid weather resistance to protect your gear from rain and other elements. Its wing-shaped, forward-leaning nose helps reduce wind drag, which can lead to better fuel efficiency when driving.

Installation is straightforward thanks to the PowerClick quick-mount system that signals when the carrier is securely attached, making setup fast and reliable. Security is well addressed with the SlideLock system that both locks the lid and provides a clear indication when it’s properly closed. The sturdy lid also features a wide handle that allows for easy one-handed opening and closing. Some nice extras include optional accessories like an interior light, protective liner, and storage cover to keep the carrier itself safe when not in use.

The product weighs 40 kilograms, which is heavier than some competitors and might require two people to handle during installation. However, its universal fit means it works with most roof racks. This cargo box is ideal for families or travelers who frequently need to carry bulky items securely and want a stylish, aerodynamic design that helps with fuel savings. For those seeking a lighter or foldable option, this might feel a bit bulky, but if durability, ease of use, and secure locking are important, this carrier stands as a strong choice.