If you’ve ever planned a road trip, camping adventure, or even just needed to haul extra gear for a family outing, you know the struggle of fitting everything inside your vehicle. That feeling of being cramped, with luggage encroaching on passenger space, is a common problem. I certainly faced it many times, wishing for a way to expand my car’s capacity without sacrificing comfort. Not solving this issue means uncomfortable journeys, limited packing options, and potentially leaving essential items behind.
- Perfect for Road Trip---Take the cargo box to the park, the beach, the sports field, or any place you need to store. Works on all vehicles with rack, suitable for cars, vans, SUVs, etc. Sleek...
- 14 Cubic Feet Cargo Box ---With the large capacity, the roof cargo box can help you securely carry 14 cubic feet worth of essentials, can increase vehicle cargo space without impeding on passenger...
- Robust and Security Design---The roof cargo box is designed to withstand heavy use in different types of weather conditions. The metal lid stiffeners at the bottom makes the roof box more stable and...
What to Evaluate Before Getting a Roof Box
Before investing in any cargo solution, it’s crucial to think about your specific needs. Why are you looking for a vehicle cargo box? Is it for occasional long trips, hauling bulky sports equipment, or just general extra storage? This type of car roof cargo carrier is ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who frequently finds their trunk and cabin space insufficient. However, it might not be the best choice for someone who rarely travels with much gear, has a very low vehicle profile, or primarily needs to transport oddly shaped, extremely heavy items (which might be better suited for a hitch-mounted carrier).
Key factors to consider include:
* Vehicle Compatibility: Does your car have crossbars, and is their size and spacing compatible with the carrier’s mounting system?
* Size and Capacity: How much extra space do you actually need (cubic feet)? Consider the external dimensions and how they’ll look on your vehicle.
* Material and Durability: Will it protect your gear from weather and impact? Look for sturdy, UV-resistant materials.
* Weight Limit: Both the carrier’s capacity and your vehicle’s roof weight limit are important. Don’t overload.
* Security: How does it lock, and how secure is the mounting to prevent theft or accidental detachment?
* Ease of Installation and Access: Can you install it yourself, and is it easy to load and unload your items?
* Aerodynamics: Will it significantly impact your fuel efficiency or create excessive noise?
Thinking through these points helps ensure you get a cargo solution that truly meets your requirements.
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Functional rooftop cargo box provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel...
Introducing the Goplus 14 Cubic Feet Carrier
Having used it for a significant time across various trips, I can confidently introduce the Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier Hard Shell. This hard-shell roof cargo box is designed to provide 14 cubic feet of additional storage, promising to keep your belongings safe and dry during transit. It’s constructed from durable ABS and PC material and comes with everything needed for installation on compatible crossbars, including quick connect anchors and security keys. The stated maximum load capacity is 165 lbs.
This Goplus box seems particularly well-suited for those who need reliable, weather-resistant storage for standard luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment, and already have or plan to get crossbars that fit the specified dimensions (17” to 22.8” wide rack, crossbar width under 3.1”, thickness under 1.0”). It might be less suitable if you need significantly more than 14 cubic feet, have unusually shaped crossbars, or plan to haul exceptionally heavy single items. Compared to some market leaders like Thule or Yakima, Goplus often positions itself as a more budget-friendly option, aiming to provide similar core functionalities like dual-side opening and hard-shell protection without the premium price tag, though sometimes with variations in material thickness or mounting system refinement.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and observations:
Pros:
* Provides a substantial 14 cubic feet of extra storage.
* Hard shell offers good protection against weather and minor impacts.
* Dual-sided opening is incredibly convenient for loading/unloading.
* Relatively lightweight for its size, making installation easier for one person.
* Aerodynamic design seems effective in reducing wind noise and drag for many vehicles.
* Waterproof performance is reliable in rain.
* Includes necessary mounting hardware (quick connect anchors).
Cons:
* The internal mounting clamps can take up usable space, especially for wider items.
* The locking mechanism, while functional, can sometimes be a bit finicky to engage correctly.
* The top shell, while light, feels less rigid than the bottom and some higher-end competitors.
* Mounting system compatibility isn’t truly universal and requires specific crossbar dimensions; included clamps might not be ideal for all bar shapes (like aero bars) without modification or adapters.
* Perceived size in photos vs. reality might be a factor for some buyers expecting a larger presence on their vehicle.
Diving Deep into What the Goplus Offers
Let’s get into the specifics of how the Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier Hard Shell performs and what makes its features important.
Ample 14 Cubic Feet Capacity
The core purpose of any rooftop cargo carrier is adding space, and this Goplus unit delivers 14 cubic feet. To give you a sense of scale, that’s roughly enough to fit two standard carry-on suitcases plus a significant amount of smaller, lighter bags or gear like sleeping bags, tents, or jackets. This capacity is a game-changer for road trips or family vacations, freeing up valuable interior space so passengers aren’t crammed amongst duffel bags and coolers. It directly addresses the problem of overflow luggage, making the drive significantly more comfortable and less stressful. The benefit here is pure utility – more room for your stuff, less clutter in your car.
Durable and Weatherproof Construction
The box is made from ABS and PC materials, which gives it a solid feel and good resistance to the elements. It’s specifically marketed as waterproof, and in my experience, it lives up to that claim. I’ve driven through significant rainstorms with this carrier, and the contents inside remained completely dry. This protection is crucial; knowing your clothes, electronics (if packed carefully in dry bags inside the box), or sleeping gear won’t be soaked upon arrival provides great peace of mind. The hard shell also offers a layer of physical protection against road debris or minor impacts that a soft bag wouldn’t. Goplus also mentions metal lid stiffeners at the bottom, intended to enhance stability – while perhaps not immediately obvious, this likely contributes to the overall structural integrity, especially when loaded.
Efficient Dual-Side Opening
This feature is less about protection and more about pure convenience. The ability to open the box from either the driver or passenger side is incredibly practical. No matter how you park or what else you have on your roof rack (like bikes or kayaks), you can always access your cargo without having to reposition the vehicle or unload other items. This makes packing and unpacking much quicker and easier. It increases the carrier’s usability in various situations and locations. (Just remember the note: don’t try to open both sides simultaneously!)
Secure Locking System
The Goplus carrier features a double-lock design for security. While the internal components are largely plastic, the key mechanism provides a necessary layer of defense against casual theft. A key feature (pun intended) is that the key cannot be removed from the lock unless the box lid is properly closed and locked. This serves as a useful reminder and prevents you from accidentally driving off with the box unsecured. While not impenetrable (no rooftop box is), it’s sufficient to deter opportunistic theft and ensure the lid stays firmly closed during transit.
Aerodynamic Design for Better Performance
The sleek, tapered shape of the box isn’t just for looks; it’s designed to be aerodynamic. This is important for two main reasons: reducing wind noise and minimizing the impact on fuel efficiency. A boxy, non-aerodynamic shape can create significant drag, leading to a noisy ride and noticeably worse gas mileage. The Goplus design aims to let air flow over and around it smoothly. In my usage, I found wind noise to be minimal, primarily noticeable only at high speeds or in strong crosswinds. The impact on gas mileage also seemed less severe than I anticipated for adding something this large to the roof, although any rooftop carrier will inherently affect fuel economy to some degree.
Mounting and Compatibility Details
Installation is handled by four quick connect anchors. These clamps attach around your vehicle’s crossbars and secure the box. Goplus states compatibility with crossbars between 17″ and 22.8″ wide, with crossbar dimensions less than 3.1″ width and 1.0″ thickness. It’s crucial to check your vehicle’s crossbar specifications against these requirements. The quick connect system is designed for relatively easy, tool-free installation once you’ve positioned the box correctly on the bars. However, based on some user feedback, the design of the included clamps might not provide an absolutely perfect or tight fit on *all* compatible bar shapes, particularly some aerodynamic or factory bars that aren’t purely square or round. This is a potential drawback where some users might find aftermarket U-bolts or alternative mounting hardware provide a more secure fit, depending on their specific vehicle and crossbars. Additionally, the large knobs for these internal clamps do take up some space *inside* the box, which can limit how you pack larger, rigid items directly above them.
Weight Capacity Considerations
With a stated load capacity of 165 lbs, the box itself can handle a decent amount of weight. However, and this is a critical point, you MUST also consider your vehicle’s roof weight capacity, which is often much lower than the box’s limit. Overloading the roof is dangerous and can affect handling and vehicle structure. The 165 lbs capacity is generous for 14 cubic feet of volume filled with typical luggage or camping gear, as you’re more likely to run out of space before hitting the weight limit with lighter items. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and distribute weight evenly.
Acknowledging Potential Drawbacks
While I’ve had a positive overall experience, it’s important to be realistic. The internal plastic locks, while functional, don’t inspire the same confidence as metal ones found on pricier models. The top shell, though lightweight and contributing to ease of handling, has a bit more flex than I’d prefer. As mentioned, the internal clamps consume some usable space, forcing you to pack around them. And while installation is generally easy, achieving a perfectly snug fit on every single compatible crossbar might require minor adjustments or alternative hardware for some users. These aren’t dealbreakers for me, especially considering the value, but they are aspects where higher-end carriers might offer a more refined experience.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
Beyond my own usage, glancing at what other owners have shared reinforces many of my findings. Many users report successfully completing long road trips, driving through heavy rain and varying conditions with their gear arriving dry and secure, echoing the carrier’s waterproof capabilities. The ease of installation with the quick connect anchors and the convenience of the dual-side opening are frequently praised. Users appreciate its appearance and how it complements their vehicles. While some encountered issues with mounting compatibility on specific vehicles or found the internal space impacted by the clamps, many were able to find suitable workarounds or were satisfied despite these minor points, often highlighting the product’s value for the price compared to more expensive brands. Positive experiences with performance and durability over thousands of miles are commonly shared.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Carrier for You?
If you’re tired of cramped road trips and need a reliable way to carry extra luggage or gear, a rooftop cargo carrier is an excellent solution. Not addressing this space constraint means uncomfortable journeys and potentially leaving important items behind. The Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier Hard Shell offers a compelling blend of features to solve this problem. It provides generous, weatherproof storage, boasts convenient dual-side access, and is relatively easy to install on compatible rack systems. For its price point, it delivers solid performance and durability for typical travel needs. If you’re looking for a practical, effective hard-shell cargo box without the premium brand cost, this Goplus unit is definitely worth considering. To check it out yourself and see if it fits your needs, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API