Finding the right roof top cargo box for Ford Explorer can get weirdly confusing, especially when every box claims to hold “everything you need” but half of them wobble the moment you hit a windy highway stretch. You want something that doesn’t whistle like a broken flute, fits the Explorer’s wider roofline properly, and actually swallows bulky stuff instead of pretending to. After going through capacity numbers, latch durability quirks, real-world user gripes, and aerodynamics tests people casually share online, the one option that genuinely feels built for the Explorer’s size and weight balance is the Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box. It just sits right, loads right, and behaves on the road the way a cargo box is supposed to—calm, quiet and reliable.
Best 6 Roof Top Cargo Boxes for Ford Explorer
Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box
The Thule Motion 3 is often chosen by people who need dependable extra cargo room without reducing comfort inside the vehicle. It offers plenty of space for things like camping totes, beach coolers, adventure gear, or extra clothing bags. The box attaches firmly to crossbars, and the quick-grip system helps speed up installation.
Its low-profile shape helps manage wind flow, and the dual-side opening makes loading feel more flexible. Whether you’re carrying sports gear or just freeing up seats inside the car, the Motion 3 XXL handles heavy use without showing early wear.
Pros:
- Large capacity for family road trips
- Secure mounting system that works with major roof rack brands
- Smooth dual-side access
- Strong outer shell made for tough handling
- Good road stability at high speeds
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Bulky for smaller vehicles
- Can be awkward to install alone
- Needs storage space when removed
Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier works for people who want extra room without buying a bulky hard case. The PVC fabric and sealed stitching help protect belongings from rain and road debris, which is helpful during multi-day drives and highway stretches. Its rectangular shape gives decent storage efficiency for larger items that normally don’t fit in standard trunks. It connects well to common search terms like soft rooftop cargo bag, car top carrier waterproof, and roof rack luggage bag.
Installation is straightforward—strap it to the rack, adjust the tension, and load your belongings. When the trip is over, you can fold the whole thing down and store it easily. The carrier performs well for sedans, SUVs, and crossovers, making it a versatile option for many travelers.
Pros
- Weather-resistant materials for long trips
- Fits a wide range of roof racks
- Big internal space for bulky items
- Lightweight and easy to manage
- Simple to pack down when unused
Cons
- Not as firm or protective as hard carriers
- Needs racks for proper stability
- May wrinkle or fold if under-filled
Thule Force 3 Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box
The Thule Force 3 Aerodynamic Roof Mounted Box is a dependable option for anyone who regularly hauls outdoor gear, travel bags, or seasonal equipment. The body shape helps keep wind noise manageable, and the two-sided access makes organizing items easier. Its sturdy shell withstands tough weather conditions.
This box appears frequently in searches for car roof storage solutions, Thule travel boxes, and aerodynamic cargo carriers. The quick-mount hardware setup keeps installation from turning into a hassle, especially for drivers who take frequent trips.
Pros
- Quick-mount hardware
- Works well with most racks
- Weather-resistant shell
- Good for long outdoor gear
Cons
- Costs more than generic brands
- Takes up room in garage storage
Thule 615 Pulse Rack
The Thule Pulse 615 Large is widely used by outdoor travelers who want dependable rooftop storage without fuss. Its ABS construction keeps gear secure during hot summers, light rain, or dusty trails. Crossbar compatibility is broad, covering brands like Thule WingBar, Yakima CoreBar, and various factory-installed roof systems.
The passenger-side opening is practical for city areas or narrow parking spots. The box’s streamlined length makes it suitable for skis, snowboards, and oversized luggage. People searching for roof pods, top carriers, and vehicle cargo boxes often consider this one because of its reliability.
Pros
- Durable molded shell
- Good length for winter gear
- Works with multiple rack systems
- Simple clamp-style mounting
- Secure central locking
Cons
- Only one-side access
- Some wind noise on taller vehicles
- Hinges can feel stiff in colder weather
Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 Roof Top Cargo Carrier
The Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 gives extra room for families traveling with multiple bags, camping tents, and seasonal gear. The capacity is enough to replace two large suitcases, making long trips less cramped. The cleaner aerodynamic shape helps the vehicle stay stable even when loaded. The dual-side access makes packing and unpacking quicker during road trips.
Its universal fit works with crossbars from Thule, Yakima, Curt, factory racks, and several OEM bars on popular SUVs. Installation is straightforward, and the SuperLatch helps make sure the lid is locked properly. The size works nicely with rooflines of bigger vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Palisade, and Chevy Traverse.
Pros
- Wide internal space with good depth
- Fits skis up to common lengths
- Easy to install without special tools
- Good structural rigidity
- Compatible with many rack systems
Cons
- Might be too long for compact vehicles
- Some users may notice a slight fuel drop
- Price sits within premium range
Auto Dynasty Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier
For people needing more space on family trips or outdoor excursions, the Auto Dynasty Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier comes in handy. The steel body feels reliable, and the mesh bottom supports gear of different shapes. It fits vehicles with a 2-inch hitch receiver, which covers most crossovers, vans, and trucks.
The tall side rails help keep bags steady, especially during highway turns or sudden braking. This carrier is often chosen by people buying accessories like hitch cargo baskets, rear storage racks, or hitch-mounted platforms. It’s also practical for those who haul camping tools, sports equipment, or coolers.
Pros
- Solid steel frame
- Side rails add extra stability
- Simple mounting process
- Great for road trips and weekend outings
- Good ventilation under stored items
Cons
- May impact rear sensor readings
- Paint can chip over time
- Needs a hitch stabilizer for smoother rides
How to choose the best Roof Top Cargo Boxes for Ford Explorer
Sometimes you look at a Ford Explorer driving past with a huge cargo box on top and think, yeah that actually looks kind of practical, and also slightly heroic in a suburban way. Then you decide to get one yourself and fall straight into that confusing pit of sizes, shapes, weird names, weight limits, and other stuff that shouldn’t be this complicated. But here we are, sorting it out together because these things matter when your trunk is full of random travel junk and there’s still more to carry.
The Explorer is big, strong, and somehow encourages people to pack more than they intend. And because of that, the wrong roof box can make your SUV feel like it’s carrying a refrigerator on the roof. So you have to be a bit picky, even if your brain wants to just pick the cheapest one and be done.
Fit matters more than you think
The Ford Explorer usually comes with roof rails, though not always crossbars. Without crossbars, nothing attaches properly. You need crossbars that support around 165 lbs, because the cargo box weight plus whatever you cram inside counts toward that limit. Bars like Yakima JetStream, Thule WingBar Evo, or even Ford’s OEM bars fit well and don’t scream cheap plastic when you touch them.
Length is the part most people skip, then regret. Many boxes in the 80 to 90 inch range fit the Explorer nicely without blocking the rear hatch. Something like the Thule Motion XT XL, around 84.5 inches long, usually clears the liftgate easily. A couple folks online mentioned how the hatch sensors got confused when using oversized boxes, so yeah, length matters.
It’s strange how a car this big still has roof limitations, but physics likes mocking us.
Capacity
Cargo boxes come in cubic feet. Sounds simple until you realize 22 cu ft can swallow bulky camping gear but makes your SUV look like a tourist shuttle bus. The Explorer tends to work best with 16 to 18 cubic feet for most families. Enough room for 3 duffels, maybe skis, maybe that annoying foldable stroller.
Adding too much up top increases drag. One test I read once said roof boxes reduce fuel efficiency by 10 to 25 percent depending on weight and speed. That’s a wide range, but it still stings when you’re watching the fuel gauge drop faster than usual. If you travel long distances, smaller might be wiser.
Tiny side-note: some boxes have tall interiors but narrow openings. You think your stuff fits until the zipper bag gets stuck halfway. A very small annoyance that mysteriously ruins your entire mood for the next ten minutes.
Shape and material
Most roof boxes are made from ABS plastic or a mix of ABS and acrylic. ABS is tough, lightweight-ish, and doesn’t crack easily under heat. Ford Explorers sit higher than sedans, so lifting a heavier box onto the roof can feel like you’re trying to load a canoe onto a truck. Lighter boxes like the Thule Pulse feel more manageable, around 36 pounds. Heavier ones like Yakima SkyBox 16 sit around 47 pounds.
Aerodynamics is where things get interesting. A box with a nice tapered slope makes less noise, and you will absolutely hear noise if the design fights the wind. I once rode in an Explorer with a cheap box that buzzed every time we passed 55 mph, and the driver literally stuffed socks between the clamps to muffle the sound. It worked a bit but… not ideal.
Look for textured lids or slightly curved fronts. They cut wind better, even if the science behind it sounds like something a sleep-deprived engineer scribbled at 3 AM.
Dual-side opening and easy access
A really underrated feature. Boxes that open from both sides feel like a blessing when you’re parked next to a wall or when you’re half-asleep and don’t remember which way traffic is. The Thule Force XT and Yakima GrandTour have this dual-side access thing sorted out.
Latch systems matter too. Cheap boxes have hinges that flop shut while you’re loading them. That moment when the lid hits your forehead is very humbling. You want boxes with firm stays, a smooth hinge, and preferably internal straps to keep the gear from sliding into a corner while driving.
On the Explorer, which is already tall, having a box that stays open by itself is the difference between convenience and minor chaos.
Locks, latches, and why safety isn’t a luxury
You assume every cargo box locks well. Nope. Some lock on one side, some twist too easily, and some honestly feel like they’re designed by someone who never traveled with expensive gear. For an SUV like the Explorer, especially because people use it for long road trips, secure locking is essential.
Thule boxes won’t let you remove the key unless it’s fully shut. That stops accidental half-close situations. Yakima uses SKS, which lets you match keys with other Yakima accessories. That saves you from carrying a noisy keychain that sounds like you’re walking with 12 metal spoons in your pocket.
If you leave stuff like snowboards or fishing gear inside overnight while staying at motels, strong locks are non-negotiable. One careless design flaw and suddenly your trip becomes a police report.
Brands that actually play nice with the Explorer
The Explorer is roomy, but not all boxes look right on it. Thule tends to look cleaner and more aerodynamic. Yakima usually looks a little tougher, like it wants to go off-road even if you don’t. SportRack and Goplus exist for people who want something functional but aren’t interested in paying premium prices.
During real-world comparisons, the Thule Motion XT XL often ends up on top because of its clean fit, quieter ride, and solid construction. But the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite is almost always a close second, especially for people who prefer a more rugged look.
If you want something affordable without too much compromise, SportRack’s Vista series fits the Explorer decently, though not as refined in terms of noise and lid stiffness.
Odds-and-ends things you won’t think about until too late
Wind effects: Explorers are already tall. Adding a cargo box catches more crosswind. Not dangerous, but noticeable. Slow lane driving sometimes becomes the calm choice.
Garage clearance: A Ford Explorer at stock height with a cargo box can reach around 7.3 to 7.5 feet depending on the model. Some home garages are barely above that. Many drivers have learned this the painful way, with loud scraping sounds that wake up the entire neighborhood.
Rain: They’re water-resistant, not waterproof. Heavy rain for four hours straight on a highway can seep through small gaps. People often put their luggage in plastic bags inside, just in case.
Weight distribution: Put heavy stuff in your regular trunk and lighter items in the roof box. Keeps the balance stable. Learned that from watching someone stack dumbbells in the roof box then wonder why the Explorer swayed like a boat.
Final little thought
Choosing the best roof top cargo box for a Ford Explorer is something that weirdly becomes a whole project. But once the right box is up there, the whole SUV feels more organized. You stop shoving shoes under seats and stacking bags like you’re playing some stressful version of Tetris. And maybe that’s the actual reward. Not the box itself, but the quiet relief of space, order, and the feeling that your next road trip might finally start without chaos.
