Note: costs mentioned below are given in US dollars as a general point of reference — actual prices vary by country, currency, and local market.
Roof baskets cost $150-$400 and mount to existing crossbars, adding open, weatherexposed cargo capacity for bulky or irregularly shaped gear that doesn't fit a sealed roof box. Typical weight capacity is 100-165 lbs, matching most vehicles' dynamic roof load rating — check yours before adding a fully loaded basket plus other roof accessories.
At a glance
| Basket size | Price band | Typical load capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Small/compact basket | $150 - $250 | 100 - 130 lbs |
| Standard/full-size basket | $200 - $350 | 130 - 165 lbs |
| Extended/cargo-box-style basket | $300 - $450 | 150 - 220 lbs (vehicle-dependent) |
Basket vs. sealed cargo box
A roof basket is an open steel or aluminum mesh tray — it's cheaper than a sealed cargo box, works for oddly shaped items (coolers, camp chairs, firewood, traction boards) that wouldn't fit a box's fixed interior shape, and doesn't require the box's bulky permanent roof profile. The tradeoff is real: contents are exposed to weather and road grime unless covered with a cargo bag, and wind noise/drag is typically higher than an aerodynamic sealed box.
Weight capacity is about the roof, not just the basket
Basket weight ratings (often 100-165 lbs) are usually set to match common vehicle dynamic roof load limits, but your vehicle's actual rating is what matters — factor in the basket's own weight (15-40 lbs depending on size/material) as part of your total load, not just the cargo you're adding on top of it.
- Aluminum baskets: lighter, often pricier, leave more of the weight budget for actual cargo.
- Steel baskets: heavier and cheaper, eating more of your dynamic load allowance before cargo is added.
- Extended baskets (near cargo-box length) increase capacity but also increase wind drag and may need additional crossbar support.
Weatherproofing an open basket
Pair a basket with a weatherproof cargo bag if you'll carry items sensitive to rain or road spray — this combination is often cheaper than an equivalent-capacity sealed roof box while remaining more flexible for irregular items, though it takes a few more minutes to load and cover properly compared to simply opening a box lid.
Common mistakes
- Loading a basket to its rated capacity without accounting for the basket's own weight against the roof's dynamic limit.
- Not securing loose items with a net or straps in addition to the basket's edges — open baskets can let smaller items bounce or shift.
- Ignoring wind noise expectations — baskets are noisier at highway speed than a sealed, aerodynamic box.
Always add the basket's own weight to your cargo weight when checking against your vehicle's dynamic roof load rating — it's easy to account for cargo weight alone and forget the basket itself eats into that same limit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a roof basket better than a roof box?
How much weight can a roof basket hold?
Do roof baskets need crossbars?
Can I keep items dry in an open roof basket?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
