Travel should be comfortable, right? But anyone who’s packed a car for a family trip, a camping adventure, or even just a move knows the struggle. You Tetris everything in, the kids are crammed in the back, and you’re constantly worrying about blocking your view or items shifting. That was exactly my problem – constantly running out of interior space and dreading long drives feeling like a sardine can. It wasn’t just inconvenient; it felt unsafe and really put a damper on the fun before we even got to our destination. Solving this wasn’t just about comfort; it was about reclaiming my car’s interior for passengers and ensuring a safer, more relaxed journey. Finding a good solution to expand cargo capacity became a priority.
- 【LARGE CAPACITY】The 20 cuft Sailnovo rooftop cargo carrier (51" x 39" x 17") easily holds luggage for 4-7 people, such as suitcases, tents, and sleeping bags. Perfect for travel, moving, camping,...
- 【UNIVERSAL AND EASY TO INSTALL】Our car roof cargo carrier suits for most vehicles with /without roof racks. We provide 6 reinforced straps, 2 adjustable long straps and 6 safety door hooks so you...
- 【SECURITY & ANTI-SLIP】The anti-slip mat holds the car top carrier firmly in place, effectively preventing scratches or noise. We've applied double reinforcement to the back strap seams and 8...
What to Ponder Before Investing in a Car Top Carrier
If you’re finding yourself short on space inside your vehicle for luggage, gear, or anything else you need to haul, a car top carrier is likely on your radar. These handy additions effectively expand your vehicle’s cargo capacity by utilizing that often-unused space on your roof. They’re perfect for road trippers, campers, families with lots of stuff, or anyone who occasionally needs to transport bulky items that don’t fit inside. If your trips are always short with minimal luggage, or if you absolutely cannot compromise on vehicle height clearance, this might not be the solution for you. For those cases, maybe a hitch-mounted carrier or just packing lighter is the way to go. Before you buy, you really need to think about a few things: How much extra space do you actually need? What kind of weather will you be driving in – do you need something fully waterproof? Does your car have a roof rack, or do you need a carrier that works without one? How easy is it to install and remove? And importantly, how secure will your belongings be at highway speeds and on bumpy roads? Considering these points will help you choose the right carrier for your specific needs and vehicle.
- 【840D CHAMPION QUALITY MATERIAL】 Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this ultra-durable car roof cargo carrier stands up to any rough treatment or harsh weather. Better still,...
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 10 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in...
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Bag 20 cubic feet of storage car bag capacity and can hold 5-7 suitcases, camping tents, sleeping bags, and more. Made of soft shell...
Introducing the Sailnovo 20 Cubic Feet Cargo Carrier
Let me tell you about the Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Carrier Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet Car Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Roof Cargo Bag. It’s a substantial soft-shell cargo bag designed to sit on your car’s roof, promising a massive 20 cubic feet of extra storage space. That’s enough room to comfortably fit the luggage for a good-sized family or a whole lot of camping gear. What sets it apart is its claim of being waterproof and incredibly versatile, designed to work on almost any vehicle, whether you have a roof rack or not, thanks to the included door hooks. Compared to a hard-shell carrier, a soft bag like this offers flexibility in packing irregular items and can be folded down for easy storage when not in use, unlike bulky boxes. It seems tailored for families, adventurers, and those who need significant, flexible extra storage without committing to a permanent, expensive hard-shell setup. It might not be the best choice if you need the absolute highest level of security against theft (soft sides can be cut) or if you have a vehicle with sliding doors, as the door hooks aren’t compatible.
Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
* Generous 20 cubic feet capacity
* Universal fit for cars with or without roof racks
* Easy and quick installation process
* Comes with essential accessories like an anti-slip mat and door hooks
* Highly water and tear resistant materials
* Aerodynamic design helps reduce wind resistance and noise
* Folds down compactly for storage
Cons:
* Included tie-down straps might feel less heavy-duty to some users
* Potential for minor leakage in *extreme* torrential rain (as noted by the manufacturer)
* Not compatible with sliding doors
* Soft shell offers less security against theft compared to hard boxes
Deep Dive: Features and How They Perform
Having used this rooftop cargo carrier extensively over several trips, I can speak to how its features translate in real-world use.
Ample Storage Capacity
The headline feature is undoubtedly the 20 cubic feet of space. At 51″ x 39″ x 17″, this bag is genuinely large. I was skeptical it could hold luggage for our family of five, but it swallowed up two large suitcases, several duffel bags, and even some awkwardly shaped camping chairs and a tent with room to spare. The benefit here is enormous: our car’s interior went from being jammed floor-to-ceiling to having clear footwells and happy passengers. This capacity means you don’t have to compromise on what you bring, making longer trips or moves much more feasible and comfortable. Packing is also surprisingly flexible due to the soft-shell nature; you can really stuff it full and zip it up.
Installation Ease and Universal Fit
Sailnovo really nailed the ease of installation. The fact that this roof bag works on cars both with and without traditional roof racks is a huge plus. My vehicle doesn’t have side rails, only crossbars, but the included 6 door hooks made attaching it a breeze. You simply open the door, hook the strap end into the door frame, close the door, and then secure the carrier. The kit also comes with reinforced straps designed for use with racks. Getting it secured took me less than fifteen minutes the first time, and now I can do it in under ten. This ease of use is a major benefit – you’re not spending ages wrestling with straps or needing special tools, getting you on the road faster. The universal fit means you can potentially use it on multiple vehicles you own or switch cars without needing a new carrier.
Security and Stability Features
Security at highway speeds was a big concern for me, but the Sailnovo car top carrier uses a few features to address this. First, the included anti-slip mat is crucial. Placed between the carrier and the roof, it not only helps prevent the bag from shifting but also adds a layer of protection against scratches on your car’s paint, which is a common worry with roof bags. The bag itself has eight heavy-duty straps designed to fasten it down securely. While the primary attachment points felt solid, some user reviews mentioned concern about the *quality* of the included tie-down straps themselves, suggesting they felt flimsy. For added peace of mind, especially on long journeys or at high speeds, I did invest in a couple of extra, heavier-duty cam straps to supplement the included ones across the middle of the bag, just as a precaution. The double reinforcement on the back strap seams is a good detail that adds confidence in the bag’s construction holding up under tension. Overall, once installed, the combination of the mat and straps kept the carrier firmly in place, even through wind and varying road conditions.
Waterproof and Durable Construction
Keeping contents dry is non-negotiable for a roof carrier. This rooftop cargo carrier is made from durable Oxford fabric with a military-grade 1000D PVC lining. It also features a 6-inch extended waterproof curtain that covers the zipper, a common point of water entry in soft bags. My experience mirrors many positive reviews: I’ve driven through several significant rain showers and even a thunderstorm, and everything inside remained completely dry. The material feels tough and resistant to tears and abrasions. Sailnovo does include a note that in *extreme* rainy weather, it’s wise to pack valuables in extra dry bags just in case. While I haven’t experienced any leaks myself, acknowledging this possibility is fair and it’s a good practice for electronics or highly sensitive items regardless of the carrier. For standard rain and snow, this bag has proven reliably waterproof. The material also seems to handle temperature extremes well; it hasn’t shown signs of cracking or degradation from sun or cold during my usage.
Aerodynamic Design for Efficiency
One of the claims Sailnovo makes is the “scientific arch shaped design” for aerodynamics. While a soft bag on the roof will always create some drag, this design feature aims to minimize it compared to a boxy shape. In practice, I did notice less wind noise than I expected from a roof bag this size, especially compared to some older, squarer designs I’ve seen or used. I also didn’t observe a dramatic hit to my fuel efficiency, which is a common concern with rooftop carriers. It’s hard to quantify the exact impact, but the design seems effective in reducing the typical penalties associated with hauling gear on the roof. It feels like a well-thought-out detail that contributes to a smoother, quieter, and potentially more economical journey.
Everything You Need Included
Finally, the fact that the Sailnovo car roof cargo carrier comes as a complete package is a definite benefit. You get the cargo carrier bag itself, the storage bag (which it folds into surprisingly neatly), the non-slip mat, the six door hooks, tie-down straps, and an instruction manual. You aren’t left needing to buy extra pieces just to get it installed, assuming your vehicle is compatible. This makes the initial purchase straightforward and adds to the value proposition. While I mentioned potentially supplementing the straps, having all the core components included means you can use it right out of the box, regardless of whether you have a roof rack or not. The storage bag is particularly useful, turning the large carrier into a manageable size for putting away in the garage or closet when not in use.
What Others Are Saying: Real Experiences
Scrolling through online reviews, it’s clear many users share my positive experience with this Sailnovo cargo bag. People frequently rave about how much stuff they can fit inside, easily accommodating family luggage, camping gear, and bulky items for trips. Many users highlight its impressive performance in various weather conditions, reporting that belongings stayed perfectly dry even through intense rain and storms, just as the product promises. The ease of installation, even on cars without roof racks using the door hooks, is another commonly praised point, saving users time and frustration. Long road trips, including cross-country drives at highway speeds, are mentioned often, with users confirming the carrier stayed secure and quiet throughout their journeys. While some mentioned preferring to use their own heavy-duty straps or noting minor concerns like potential wear over time or the storage bag material, the overwhelming sentiment is positive regarding its capacity, water resistance, and overall value for expanding vehicle storage.
Final Thoughts: Is This Carrier Right for Your Journey?
If you’re tired of cramped car interiors and needing more space for travel, camping, or moving, solving that problem is essential for comfortable and stress-free journeys. The Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Carrier Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet Car Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Roof Cargo Bag is a fantastic solution for several key reasons. Its massive 20 cubic feet capacity gives you ample room, freeing up crucial space inside your car. It offers robust protection against the elements, keeping your gear dry even in less-than-ideal weather. Plus, its universal design and included accessories make installation straightforward on most vehicles. It’s a durable, practical, and relatively affordable way to significantly increase your hauling capability. To find out more and check it out for your next adventure, Click here to learn more.
Last update on 2025-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API