Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag Review: The Ultimate Road Trip Upgrade?

I remember the trip vividly. It was supposed to be a relaxing week-long escape to the mountains, but the journey there was anything but. Four of us packed into my SUV, luggage crammed into every conceivable nook and cranny. Suitcases blocked the rear window, cooler bags sat awkwardly between passengers, and loose items threatened to become projectiles with every sharp turn. We sacrificed legroom for gear, and the constant clutter created a subtle tension that undermined the very purpose of our vacation. That experience was a turning point. I realized that to truly enjoy the journey, you have to solve the cargo problem first. The interior of your vehicle should be a sanctuary for passengers, not a high-stakes game of Tetris with your belongings.

What to Consider Before Buying a Roof Cargo Basket System

A roof cargo basket is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and unlocking its full potential for adventure. Whether you’re a growing family needing space for strollers and beach gear, an outdoor enthusiast hauling camping equipment, or a cross-country road tripper who refuses to leave anything behind, these systems transform your car’s roof into a secure, accessible storage locker. They eliminate the claustrophobia of an overstuffed cabin, improve driver visibility by clearing the rear window, and allow you to bring along bulky items—like a spare tire, as one user did on their Jeep—that would otherwise be impossible to transport. The freedom to pack what you need, without compromise, is the ultimate benefit.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic space-vs-gear dilemma. Think of families with kids, campers, skiers, or anyone planning a trip longer than a weekend. It’s for the driver who already has factory or aftermarket crossbars installed and needs a versatile, open-air solution. However, a roof basket might not be suitable for those who primarily need to transport highly valuable or weather-sensitive electronics without protection, or for drivers of very small vehicles where the basket’s size could be overwhelming. For those needing to transport heavy, wheeled items like mobility scooters, a hitch-mounted carrier is a better alternative. Similarly, truck owners might find a dedicated bed storage system more practical for their specific needs.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your vehicle’s roof and crossbar spacing carefully. The Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag offers an expansive 64-inch length, which is fantastic for larger SUVs like a 4Runner or Explorer, but might overhang on a smaller crossover. Consider if you need the full length or if the non-extended 43-inch version would suffice. Also, check the 4-inch height of the rails; this lower profile is designed to help with garage clearance, a small but critical detail.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at both weight and volume. This system is rated for 150 pounds, a standard and capable limit for most recreational gear. More importantly, the included bag boasts a massive 21 cubic feet of volume. This is significantly larger than many hard-shell cargo boxes, offering incredible flexibility for packing soft goods like duffel bags, sleeping bags, and tents.
• Materials & Durability: The basket’s construction is paramount. Wildroad uses alloy steel with a black powder coating. While strong, steel is susceptible to rust if the coating is compromised. We, along with several other users, strongly recommend taking a proactive approach by sealing all joints with the included sealant or a higher-grade black silicone caulk during assembly to ensure long-term weather resistance. The bag’s 600D fabric is a highlight, known for its anti-tear and waterproof properties.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, but the mounting system is where you need to pay close attention. The U-bolt system on the Wildroad is functional but may require adaptation for your specific crossbars. As we and others discovered, narrower bars may necessitate adding rubber shims for a truly snug, vibration-free fit. For maintenance, periodically check that all bolts remain tight, especially before and after long trips.

This all-in-one combo from Wildroad presents a compelling package, but understanding these core factors will ensure it’s the right fit for your vehicle and your adventures.

While the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Complete Cargo Solution in One Box

Unboxing the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag feels like receiving a complete road trip starter kit. Everything you need is included: the multi-piece steel basket, a substantial wind fairing, the massive cargo bag, a stretchy bungee net, and even two ratchet straps. The immediate impression is one of exceptional value. For a price that often gets you just a basket from other brands, Wildroad provides the entire ecosystem. The alloy steel pieces have a decent heft, and the black powder coat finish is smooth, though we knew from experience that the connection points would be the critical areas to protect. The 21 cubic foot bag was particularly impressive; unfolding it revealed its sheer size and the robust feel of the 600D fabric and coated zippers. It feels less like an afterthought and more like a core component of the system, a detail that truly elevates its utility from the outset.

Deep Dive: Putting the Wildroad Cargo Combo to the Test

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a piece of gear like this, you have to assemble it, load it up, and hit the road. We mounted the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag on a 2020 Toyota 4Runner with factory crossbars and embarked on a 1,200-mile round trip that included everything from wide-open interstate highways to winding mountain roads and, unexpectedly, a torrential downpour. Here’s how it performed.

Assembly, Installation, and Mounting Quirks

Putting the basket itself together was a straightforward affair, taking us about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. The instructions are clear enough, and the jointed frame clicks together logically. Wildroad includes a small tube of anti-rust sealant, a thoughtful addition that shows they’re aware of a common weak point in budget-friendly steel racks. We took the advice of seasoned users and went a step further, applying a bead of black silicone caulk to every joint and screw connection before the final tightening. This small, 15-minute prep step is, in our opinion, non-negotiable for anyone who lives in a wet climate or plans to leave the rack on their vehicle year-round. It’s a cheap insurance policy against future corrosion.

The real challenge, as noted by several customers, came during the mounting process. The included U-bolts and plastic brackets are designed for a specific range of crossbar sizes. Our factory 4Runner bars fell on the narrower side of this range. When we tightened the nuts, we found the brackets didn’t clamp down with the reassuring, immovable grip we wanted. The solution was simple and effective: we cut small strips from a 1/2-inch thick rubber mat and placed them between the crossbars and the mounting brackets. This “shim” filled the gap perfectly, allowing us to tighten the assembly until it was rock-solid. Anyone with thin or aero-style crossbars should anticipate this potential need for modification. Once secured, however, the rack felt like a part of the vehicle, with no shifting or wiggling whatsoever.

On-the-Road Performance: Aerodynamics and Noise

One of the biggest concerns with any roof-mounted accessory is wind noise. The Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag comes with a large, angled wind fairing designed specifically to mitigate this issue. During our testing, we found it to be surprisingly effective. With the basket empty, there was a faint, almost imperceptible increase in wind noise above 65 mph, but it was nothing that turning up the radio by a single notch couldn’t solve. It was far quieter than many older, more basic basket designs we’ve tested. This was confirmed by one user who noted “no road noise” and another who mentioned “zero effect on gas mileage,” suggesting the aerodynamic profile is quite efficient.

When the basket was fully loaded with the cargo bag, the noise profile changed slightly but remained well within an acceptable range. The large, soft-sided bag, when properly packed and strapped down, created a smooth surface for the wind to flow over. We did not experience the loud turbulence some users reported at speeds over 45mph. That issue seems to be highly dependent on the vehicle’s specific aerodynamics and the exact placement of the rack. For our 4Runner, placing the basket just behind the sunroof proved to be the sweet spot. The key takeaway is that proper loading and securing of your gear is critical; a loose strap or a half-empty, flapping bag will create noise no matter how good the fairing is.

The Cargo Bag: Weatherproofing and Real-World Capacity

The star of this combo is undoubtedly the 21 cubic foot cargo bag. Frankly, its performance exceeded our expectations. The sheer volume is immense. For our trip, we packed four duffel bags, two sleeping bags, a tent, and various beach toys, and there was still room to spare. The heavy-duty 600D fabric feels rugged and durable, and the waterproof claim is not an exaggeration. On our return journey, we drove through three straight hours of relentless, driving rain—the kind that makes you question your windshield wipers. We were fully prepared for at least some moisture to have seeped in, but upon arrival, everything inside the bag was perfectly, completely dry.

This experience is the single biggest selling point of the package and is echoed by numerous users who have put it through the wringer. One customer recounted a two-week tour from North Carolina to Florida, stating, “it rained all the time… [the bag] kept everything super dry.” Another completed a cross-country trip from Utah to Florida, hitting rain for several days, and credited the rack and bag combo with saving their trip. The design, with its water-repellent double coating, robust zippers, and protective flap, works exactly as advertised. This isn’t just a simple bag; it’s a reliable, all-weather cargo hold that gives you peace of mind when the skies open up. This is a feature that really sets it apart from just buying a bare basket.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag is largely reflected in the feedback from a broad range of users. The overwhelming sentiment is that it offers incredible value and functionality. One user who drove 2,500 miles from Georgia to Maine and back with a car full of people and dogs called it a “great value solution for road trips,” praising it as “cheaper, more adaptable and larger than hard shell equivalents.” Another was thrilled with how it performed on their 2024 Kia Sportage for a cross-country trip, stating, “Absolutely worth every penny!”

The most common critique, which we also encountered, revolves around the mounting hardware. Several users noted the need for rubber shims to secure the basket to narrower crossbars. One explained, “I had to add 1/2” rubber that I happen to have in the garage to get the brackets tight.” Another pointed out a dilemma with the U-bolts: facing them up can interfere with cargo, while facing them down can be awkward to tighten. This feedback is crucial for potential buyers to be aware of—a bit of minor, inexpensive DIY may be required for a perfect fit, but once achieved, the system is solid.

How Does the Wildroad Compare to the Alternatives?

The Wildroad combo occupies a specific niche—a complete rooftop cargo solution. However, depending on your vehicle and cargo, other types of carriers might be more suitable. It’s important to understand the different approaches to external vehicle storage.

1. Goplus Folding Wheelchair Carrier with Ramp

The Goplus carrier is a highly specialized piece of equipment that serves a completely different purpose. It mounts to a 2-inch trailer hitch receiver, not the roof. Its primary function is to transport heavy, wheeled items like mobility scooters or wheelchairs, boasting a 500 lb capacity and an integrated ramp for easy loading. Someone would choose the Goplus over the Wildroad out of necessity; if you need to transport a scooter, a rooftop basket is not a viable option. It prioritizes accessibility and heavy-duty load-bearing over weather-protected, general-purpose storage.

2. Mockins 60″ XL Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

Similar to the Goplus, the Mockins carrier utilizes a hitch mount, but it’s designed for general cargo. With a 500 lb capacity, it can handle much heavier, denser items than a rooftop basket—think large coolers, firewood, or heavy toolboxes. The main advantages are ease of loading (no lifting gear over your head) and a minimal impact on vehicle aerodynamics and wind noise. A person might choose the Mockins carrier if their primary concern is weight capacity and ease of access, and they aren’t worried about weather protection, as items are exposed to the elements unless covered separately.

3. Last Boks Truck Bed Cargo Box

The Last Boks is another specialized solution, designed exclusively for pickup trucks. It’s a large, durable bin that sits in the truck bed and can slide out onto the tailgate for easy access. Its purpose is to organize and protect cargo within the existing truck bed, keeping items from shifting around and shielding them from the elements. A truck owner would choose this over the Wildroad roof rack because it leverages the truck’s primary cargo area more efficiently and securely. It’s not an option for SUVs, vans, or cars, making it a direct alternative only for those with a pickup.

Our Final Verdict on the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Wildroad 64″x 39″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Waterproof Cargo Carrier Bag is an outstanding value proposition for anyone looking to dramatically increase their vehicle’s hauling capacity. It’s not without its minor quirks—namely the finicky mounting hardware that may require simple modification—but its strengths far outweigh this small hurdle. The combination of a sturdy, spacious basket with a genuinely massive and impressively waterproof cargo bag creates a complete, ready-for-anything system right out of the box. It’s the perfect solution for families, campers, and adventurers who prioritize space and all-weather protection without wanting to spend a fortune on premium hard-shell systems.

If you’re tired of a cramped car on road trips and need a versatile, effective, and budget-friendly way to carry your gear, this combo is one of the best deals on the market. It delivers on its promises and opens up a world of possibilities for your next adventure. For its price, performance, and completeness, we highly recommend it. You can check the latest price and find out more about it right here.