TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag Review: The Ultimate Road Trip Space-Saver Tested

We’ve all been there. The car is packed for the annual family vacation, a weekend camping trip, or a move to a new city. Every square inch of the trunk is strategically filled like a game of Tetris, the back seats are crammed with coolers and duffel bags, and the rear-view mirror offers a sliver of a view through a mountain of “essentials.” It’s a familiar scene of compromise and discomfort, where legroom is sacrificed for one more bag and passenger comfort takes a backseat to cargo capacity. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a safety hazard, obstructing visibility and creating a cramped environment for long drives. We knew there had to be a better way to reclaim our vehicle’s cabin and travel in comfort, which led us to explore external storage solutions and ultimately, to test the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Roof Rack Cargo Basket

A vehicle cargo basket is more than just a metal rack; it’s a key solution for unlocking your vehicle’s true hauling potential. It transforms your car’s unused roof space into a versatile and secure storage area, effectively adding a “second trunk” that’s perfect for bulky, awkwardly shaped, or dirty gear that you’d rather not have inside your vehicle. From camping equipment and sports gear to luggage and coolers, a rooftop carrier liberates your interior, restoring passenger comfort, improving visibility, and making every journey, from a cross-country adventure to a trip to the hardware store, significantly more manageable and enjoyable.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a recurring space deficit. This includes growing families, outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and adventurers who find their SUV or truck’s internal capacity is no longer sufficient for their lifestyle. It’s for the person who wants an all-in-one, ready-to-go solution without needing to piece together a system from multiple brands. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for those who only need extra space once a year or for solo travelers with minimal gear. It’s also not suitable for vehicles without existing crossbars or roof rails, as it requires them for mounting. For those needing to haul extremely heavy items (over 200 lbs), a hitch-mounted carrier might be a more robust alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the basket determines what you can carry. A 51″ x 36″ footprint, like that of the TANX model, is generous enough for multiple large suitcases or a combination of camping gear. It’s crucial to measure your vehicle’s roof to ensure the basket fits without overhanging in an unsafe manner or interfering with the operation of a sunroof or rear hatch.
• Load Capacity & Performance: Pay close attention to the maximum distributed load capacity, which is 175 pounds for this particular model. This figure dictates how much weight you can safely carry. You must also factor in the weight of the basket itself and ensure the total weight does not exceed your vehicle’s roof load limit, which can be found in your owner’s manual. Evenly distributing the weight is critical for maintaining vehicle stability and handling at speed.
• Materials & Durability: The construction material is paramount for longevity. The TANX carrier uses tubular alloy steel with a black powder-coated finish. This combination is an industry standard for a reason: the steel provides strength and rigidity, while the powder coating offers a durable shield against rust, chipping, and UV damage from constant exposure to the elements.
• Ease of Use & Included Accessories: A great cargo carrier is one you’ll actually use. Look for straightforward mounting systems, like the U-bolts included here, which are designed for universal compatibility with most crossbars. A huge value-add is a complete kit that includes a waterproof bag, cargo net, and straps, saving you the hassle and expense of purchasing these essential items separately. You can see the complete all-in-one kit here.

Making an informed decision ensures you get a product that not only fits your vehicle but also perfectly suits your adventurous lifestyle for years to come.

While the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof 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, including different styles and mounting types, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Complete Hauling Solution in One Box

Upon receiving the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag, the first thing we noticed was the comprehensive nature of the package. It’s not just a basket; it’s an entire cargo management system. Inside the efficiently packed box, we found the two halves of the steel basket, the hardware for assembly and mounting, a tightly folded 15 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag, an elastic cargo net, and a set of heavy-duty ratchet straps. The basket components have a satisfying weight to them, signaling the robust nature of the alloy steel construction. The black powder-coated finish was smooth and uniform, a good indicator of its future resistance to corrosion. Assembling the two halves was straightforward, requiring just a few bolts to create the full-sized 51″ x 36″ frame. What stood out immediately was the value proposition; getting a quality basket along with a perfectly-sized waterproof bag and all necessary tie-downs in a single purchase is a significant advantage over competitors where these are often costly add-ons. It felt less like a product and more like a complete, ready-for-adventure kit. You can check the latest price on this comprehensive package.

Deep Dive: Putting the TANX Cargo Carrier to the Test

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product like the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag, you have to assemble it, load it up, and hit the road. We did just that, mounting it on our test SUV and embarking on a multi-day trip that involved highways, back roads, and a surprise rain shower to evaluate every facet of its performance, from initial setup to real-world durability.

Assembly and Installation: From Box to Rooftop in Under an Hour

Our hands-on experience began with assembly. The carrier arrives in two main sections that must be bolted together to form the full basket. The instructions were clear, and the included hardware felt substantial. Using a basic wrench set, we had the two halves securely joined in about 15 minutes. The seams aligned well, and once tightened, the entire frame felt impressively rigid and solid, with no discernible flex or wobble. The foldable design is a clever touch, though it’s more for long-term storage than daily convenience, as it requires unbolting the center seam.

Lifting the fully assembled 40-pound basket onto the SUV’s crossbars is definitely a two-person job to avoid scratching the roof. Once it was in position, the mounting process was remarkably simple. The system uses four U-bolts that loop around the vehicle’s crossbars and pass up through the floor of the basket. They are secured from the top with rubber-gasketed plates and large, easy-to-grip plastic knobs. We found this system to be highly effective. As one user noted, “Once I had placed it on the factory roof bars and secured it by tightening everything down, it remained exactly where it was supposed to be.” This was precisely our experience. We were able to achieve a rock-solid mount with no tools required for this final step. We gave it a vigorous shake, and the entire vehicle moved as one unit with the basket—a clear sign of a secure connection. The entire process, from opening the box to the final tightening of the knobs, took us just under 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. This ease of installation is a feature that really sets it apart for users who don’t want to struggle with complicated setups.

The Complete Cargo System: Evaluating the Bag, Net, and Straps

The true standout feature of the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag is that it’s a holistic system. The included 15 cubic foot waterproof bag is not an afterthought; it’s a core component. Made from a thick, durable material with welded seams and a protected zipper flap, it’s designed to withstand harsh weather. The dimensions (44″ x 34″) fit perfectly within the basket, maximizing usable space. During our test, we encountered an unexpected hour-long downpour on the highway. Upon arrival, we were thrilled to find our contents—sleeping bags, clothes, and electronics—were bone dry. The zipper flap, secured by strong velcro, did its job perfectly in preventing water ingress.

Packing the bag before placing it in the basket makes loading much easier. We filled it with two large duffel bags, a tent, and various smaller items, and it zipped up without any strain. This confirms the experience of another user who said the basket “gave us all the space we needed” for a long camping trip. Once the bag was loaded, we used the included elastic cargo net. This is another excellent addition, providing a secondary layer of security and peace of mind. The plastic hooks attached easily to the rails of the basket, holding everything snugly in place and preventing any potential shifting.

Finally, the ratchet straps. While many kits include basic cam-buckle straps, TANX provides actual ratchet straps, which allow for a much tighter and more secure hold. We used them to cinch the waterproof bag down to the basket frame, ensuring absolutely no movement. The combination of the form-fitting bag, the overlying net, and the tightly ratcheted straps created a cohesive and incredibly stable cargo block that felt like an extension of the vehicle itself. It’s this thoughtful inclusion of high-quality accessories that elevates the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag from a simple basket to a complete, road-trip-ready solution.

On-the-Road Performance: Stability, Wind Noise, and Real-World Use

With everything securely mounted and loaded, we took to the highway. The primary concerns with any rooftop cargo carrier are stability, wind noise, and the impact on fuel economy. In terms of stability, the TANX carrier was flawless. At speeds up to 75 mph, there was no rattling, shifting, or unnerving vibration. The secure U-bolt mounting and the comprehensive tie-down system kept the cargo immobile, inspiring complete confidence throughout the drive.

Wind noise is an unavoidable reality with rooftop carriers, and the TANX model is no exception. However, we found it to be entirely manageable. Without the waterproof bag, the empty basket produces a noticeable but low-pitched whistle at highway speeds. When the waterproof bag is loaded and presents a more aerodynamic (though still blocky) shape, the noise changes to a more subdued “whoosh” of wind displacement. It was audible but not intrusive, and it was easily drowned out by the car stereo at a normal volume. For those sensitive to noise, installing a simple wind fairing (not included) on the front crossbar could likely mitigate this further.

As for fuel economy, we observed an approximate decrease of 1.5 to 2 miles per gallon during our highway-heavy test trip. This is a standard and expected trade-off for the massive increase in storage capacity and is in line with what we’ve seen from similar products. The convenience and freed-up interior space more than justified the slight increase in fuel consumption for our trip. Overall, the on-road performance was exactly what you’d want: secure, predictable, and reliable.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from other users to see if our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive and mirrors our findings. Many users, like the one who was preparing for a camping trip, emphasize how the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag was a “savior” for family travel. The sentiment that it provides “all the space we needed” when the car was otherwise full is a common thread, highlighting its primary benefit of decluttering the vehicle’s interior for a more comfortable ride. This speaks directly to the core problem this product solves for families and adventurers.

Another key point of praise, which we also identified, is the stability of the mount. The feedback about tightening everything down and having it remain “exactly where it was supposed to be” is crucial for buyer confidence. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a secure and stable platform for their gear. While there are few specific negative comments available for this model, common critiques for products in this category sometimes revolve around the clarity of assembly instructions or the potential for rust if the powder coating gets deeply scratched. However, the dominant feedback focuses on the exceptional value of receiving a complete, ready-to-use cargo system right out of the box.

How Does the TANX Cargo Carrier Compare to the Alternatives?

The TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag offers a fantastic all-in-one package, but the market has other options that might better suit specific needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. ARKSEN Extra Wide Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket

The ARKSEN carrier is for those who need to prioritize width over everything else. At 84 inches long with its extension, it’s significantly larger than the TANX model, making it ideal for carrying oversized items like kayaks, skis, or long pieces of lumber. However, this size comes with a trade-off: its load capacity is slightly lower at 150 pounds compared to TANX’s 175 pounds. The ARKSEN is a bare-bones basket, meaning you’ll need to purchase a waterproof bag, net, and straps separately. This makes it a better choice for users with specific, wide-format cargo who may already own tie-down accessories, while the TANX is the superior out-of-the-box solution for general luggage and gear.

2. Mockins 60″x24″XL Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Cap

The Mockins carrier represents a completely different approach to external cargo. As a hitch-mounted carrier, its primary advantage is its massive 500-pound weight capacity, more than double that of any rooftop option. This makes it the go-to choice for transporting extremely heavy items like generators, large coolers, or multiple heavy-duty gear bins. Loading is also significantly easier as you don’t have to lift items onto the roof. The major prerequisite, however, is a 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. If your vehicle has one and your primary need is hauling heavy, bulky items, the Mockins is the superior choice. If you lack a hitch or prefer to keep your rear access clear, the rooftop TANX is the way to go.

3. OKLEAD 500 Lbs Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier

Similar to the Mockins, the OKLEAD is a heavy-duty hitch-mounted carrier also boasting a 500-pound capacity. Its standout features are its high 14.4-inch walls, which provide excellent containment for loose items, and its folding design, which allows the rack to tilt up against the back of the vehicle when not in use to save space. This is a huge convenience for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The choice between the OKLEAD and the TANX comes down to the same fundamental difference: rooftop vs. hitch mount. The OKLEAD is built for heavy-duty hauling from the rear of the vehicle, while the TANX excels at providing a complete, weatherproof storage system on the roof, preserving rear visibility and access.

Our Final Verdict: Is the TANX Roof Rack Worth It?

After putting the TANX 51″ Roof Rack Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag through its paces, we can confidently say it is an outstanding value and a fantastic solution for anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s hauling capacity. Its greatest strength lies in its all-in-one design. You don’t just get a basket; you get a complete, road-trip-ready system with a high-quality waterproof bag, a cargo net, and robust ratchet straps. The construction is solid, the installation is straightforward, and its on-road performance is stable and secure.

While its 175-pound weight limit may not be enough for commercial-grade hauling, it is more than sufficient for the vast majority of family vacations, camping trips, and outdoor adventures. It successfully transforms your roof into a functional, secure, and weatherproof storage locker, freeing up invaluable interior space. For families, adventurers, and anyone tired of playing “cargo Tetris” inside their car, this product is a game-changer. If you’re looking for a reliable, comprehensive, and affordable rooftop cargo solution, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and get yours here.