We’ve all been there. The car is packed for the annual family vacation, a camping trip into the wilderness, or just a big move. Every square inch of the trunk is occupied, the back seat is a Tetris-like maze of coolers and duffel bags, and the view out the rear window is completely obscured by a precarious pile of “last-minute” items. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a safety hazard. It’s the moment of dawning realization that your vehicle, no matter how spacious it seemed on the showroom floor, simply isn’t big enough for your life’s adventures. This is the precise problem that sends countless drivers like us searching for a better way, a method to expand our vehicle’s capacity without upgrading to a massive truck or van. The solution, we’ve found, often lies right above our heads.
- [LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY] Free up space in your vehicle with this roof rack cargo basket that can hold up to 150 lbs. Overall dimensions include: 64"(L) x 39"(W) x 6"(H).
- [RIGID CONSTRUCTION] Heavy-duty steel construction with black powder coating resists weather elements and corrosion, offering several years of long-lasting use.
- [EXTRA SECURITY] Bottom metal bars and side rails keep your items secure during traveling. Features a steel wind fairing to protect cargo from wind damage and reduce wind resistance.
What to Consider Before Buying a Rooftop Cargo Basket
A rooftop cargo basket is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and enabling grander adventures. It transforms the unused space on your roof into a versatile and secure platform for hauling everything from bulky camping gear and firewood to luggage and oversized souvenirs. The main benefit is liberation—liberation from a cramped cabin, from compromised visibility, and from the difficult decision of what to leave behind. By moving gear outside and overhead, you create a safer, more comfortable environment for your passengers on long journeys.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space deficit. This includes growing families, outdoor enthusiasts, cross-country road-trippers, and even contractors who need to carry cumbersome equipment. If you find yourself frequently sacrificing passenger comfort for cargo, a rooftop basket is a game-changer. Conversely, it might not be the best solution for daily city commuters who rarely carry more than a briefcase or groceries, as it can have a minor impact on fuel economy and adds a bit of height to the vehicle. For those needing to transport just one or two specific items like bikes or kayaks, a dedicated rack might be more suitable.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your vehicle’s roof and crossbars. You want a basket that maximizes storage without looking comically oversized or dangerously overhanging the windshield. Consider the basket’s interior dimensions (like the 64″ x 39″ of the ARKSEN) to ensure your specific gear, such as large coolers or storage totes, will fit comfortably.
- Capacity/Performance: Every vehicle and roof rack system has a dynamic weight limit—the maximum weight it can safely support while in motion. The basket’s own capacity (150 lbs for the ARKSEN) must be respected, but you must also factor in the weight of the basket itself (around 31 lbs) and ensure the total doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s limit. Performance also includes aerodynamics; look for models with a wind fairing to reduce noise and drag.
- Materials & Durability: Most rooftop baskets are made from powder-coated steel or aluminum. Steel, like that used in the ARKSEN, is incredibly strong and durable but heavier and potentially more susceptible to rust if the coating is compromised. Aluminum is lighter and naturally rust-resistant but may come at a higher price point and have a lower weight capacity. The quality of the welds and the thickness of the coating are paramount for longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How simple is the basket to assemble and mount on your vehicle? Look for universal mounting hardware, like U-bolts, that can adapt to various crossbar shapes and sizes. For long-term care, consider how you’ll protect it from the elements. Regular inspections for chips in the paint and periodic cleaning are essential to prevent rust and ensure the hardware remains secure.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket stands out in several areas, particularly for its generous size and robust steel construction at a very accessible price point. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket 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:
- HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
- DURABLE BUILD - Tubular steel in black epoxy powder coating to promote high strength and a lightweight design. and covered in a rust free coating. It is rated for 200 lbs
- 【LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY】Free up space in your vehicle with this roof rack cargo basket that can hold up to 200 Lbs. Overall dimensions include: 46"(L) x 36"(W) x 5"(H)
Unboxing and First Impressions of the ARKSEN Roof Basket
The ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket arrived in a surprisingly compact, heavy-duty cardboard box. Given its assembled dimensions of 64 by 39 inches, we were impressed with the efficient packaging. Upon opening, all components were neatly arranged and accounted for, with the hardware sealed in a separate bag. We even noted a few extra screws and nuts, a thoughtful touch that prevents a single lost piece from derailing the assembly. The individual steel sections felt substantial and weighty, inspiring confidence in their durability. The black powder-coat finish was mostly uniform, though we did find a few minor scuffs from shipping, a common occurrence with large, heavy items like this and nothing a quick touch-up couldn’t fix. The included steel wind fairing, emblazoned with the ARKSEN logo, felt like a premium feature, not an afterthought. Compared to high-end, fully-welded racks from brands like Thule or Yakima, the multi-piece design of the ARKSEN is a clear budget-conscious choice, but the heft of the steel suggested it wouldn’t compromise on strength once fully assembled.
What We Like
- Expansive 64″ x 39″ platform provides a massive amount of storage space.
- Heavy-duty steel construction feels robust and durable.
- Included wind fairing effectively reduces highway wind noise.
- Excellent value proposition compared to premium-priced competitors.
Limitations
- Powder coating is thin in spots, making proactive rust-proofing highly recommended.
- Mounting bracket design can interfere with loading a flat floor unless inverted.
Deep Dive: Putting the ARKSEN Cargo Basket to the Test
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product like the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket, you have to build it, mount it, and live with it. We did just that, taking it from a box of parts to a fully-loaded road trip companion. Our in-depth testing revealed a product with immense potential, a few notable quirks, and one major consideration that every potential buyer needs to be aware of.
Assembly and Installation: A Hands-On Experience
The assembly process for the ARKSEN basket is, for the most part, intuitive. It arrives in three main sections (front, middle extension, and rear) that bolt together. The instructions are famously sparse, a fact echoed by many users. We found them to be more of a parts diagram than a step-by-step guide. However, with a little mechanical common sense, the main body of the basket came together in about 20 minutes. One user noted that some screw holes seemed slightly misaligned, as if “drilled by a blind man with Parkinson’s disease,” and while we didn’t encounter anything that severe, we did have to apply a bit of muscle to align one or two bolt holes perfectly. This is a common trade-off in this price bracket; tolerances aren’t always CNC-perfect.
The real story begins with the mounting hardware. The ARKSEN uses four U-bolts with plastic knobs to secure the basket to your vehicle’s crossbars. The instructions, and indeed most product photos, show these brackets installed with the knobs and screw ends facing up, inside the basket. We immediately identified the problem with this configuration: the hardware protrudes nearly an inch above the basket floor. This prevents you from laying large, flat items like storage totes or coolers flush against the bottom. We found this to be a significant design flaw, a sentiment shared by nearly every user we researched. The solution, thankfully, is simple. We inverted the mounting brackets, placing the U-bolt over the crossbar from the top and tightening the knobs from underneath. This creates a completely flat and usable floor inside the basket. It took a bit more time and dexterity to tighten the knobs from below, but the functional benefit is non-negotiable for us. This simple modification transforms the basket’s utility and is a crucial tip for any new owner.
On the Road: Durability, Noise, and Real-World Performance
Once mounted securely (with the brackets inverted, of course), the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket feels like an integral part of the vehicle. We loaded it up with two large 27-gallon storage totes, camping chairs, and a tent, staying well within the 150-pound limit. The 6-inch-tall side rails provided excellent security, offering plenty of anchor points for ratchet straps and cargo nets. On the road, the basket proved its mettle. We took it on a 500-mile round trip that included city driving, winding country roads, and long stretches of 80-mph interstate.
The integrated steel wind fairing is not just for show; it works remarkably well. Without it, a rack of this size would produce a significant whistle and roar at highway speeds. With the fairing installed, the wind noise was surprisingly minimal—a low, unobtrusive hum that was easily drowned out by the radio at a normal volume. Of course, strapping a giant steel basket to your roof will affect aerodynamics. We confirmed what another user experienced, noting a drop in fuel economy of about 4 MPG on our SUV during highway driving. This is an unavoidable consequence of any rooftop carrier and a fair trade for the immense amount of gear we were able to move out of the cabin.
Throughout our journey, which included a passing rain shower, the rack remained solid and silent. There were no rattles, creaks, or signs of stress. Its performance was confidence-inspiring, proving that despite its budget price, the core structure is more than capable of handling the rigors of long-distance travel. One owner completed an 8,000-mile, two-month trip with this exact rack, and their exceptional experience further validates our finding that this basket is a true workhorse.
The Elephant in the Room: Rust-Proofing for Longevity
This is arguably the most critical part of our review. Is the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket perfect out of the box? No. Its Achilles’ heel, as identified by a chorus of savvy users, is its susceptibility to rust. While it features a black powder coating, this factory finish is simply not robust enough to provide long-term protection against moisture, especially around the welds and at the joints where the sections bolt together. Water can seep into the hollow tubes and cause rust from the inside out, leading to unsightly rust streaks down your vehicle’s roof.
Heeding this collective wisdom, we treated the rust-proofing not as a repair, but as the final, crucial step of assembly. Before putting the pieces together, we applied a generous bead of clear waterproof silicone sealant to the inside of each connection point. This creates a gasket that prevents water from ever entering the frame. Furthermore, we took the time to spray the entire basket, paying special attention to the weld points, with two coats of a high-performance, spray-on truck bed liner. This added about $40 and an afternoon to the project, but the result is a rugged, textured, and infinitely more durable finish that will stand up to years of abuse. This proactive step is absolutely essential in our expert opinion. If you are willing to invest this small amount of extra time and money, you can transform this good, budget-friendly rack into a great, long-lasting piece of equipment that rivals carriers costing hundreds more. The ARKSEN cargo basket is an incredible value for the DIY-minded adventurer who understands the benefit of smart preparation.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into a wide array of user feedback to see how our experience lined up with the broader consensus. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a few consistent caveats. Many users, like one who successfully completed an 8,000-mile trip through torrential rain, praise the rack’s exceptional performance and durability once it’s been properly prepared. A common theme is the incredible value, with several people noting it provides the same utility as name-brand racks costing “less than 1/3 the cost.” The sturdy build and large capacity are consistently highlighted as major strengths.
On the other hand, the two critiques we identified in our own testing are echoed throughout user reviews. The most frequently mentioned issue is the mounting bracket design. “I immediately didn’t like the way the mounting brackets were supposed to have the knobs facing up,” one user states, before explaining how they inverted them for a flat floor—a modification almost universally recommended. The second, and more significant, concern is the potential for rust. “My work buddy has the same one and… it did rust around some of the welds,” warns one owner, who then details their own successful rust-proofing process using bed liner and silicone. This feedback solidifies our conclusion: the ARKSEN is a fantastic piece of hardware that requires a bit of user modification to reach its full, long-lasting potential.
How the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket Compares to Alternatives
The ARKSEN occupies a specific niche—large, affordable, and roof-mounted. However, the world of external cargo solutions is vast. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against other types of carriers to know if it’s truly the right fit for your needs.
1. WEIZE 500LB Hitch Cargo Carrier with Waterproof Bag
- Large Capacity & Heavy-Duty: With dimensions of 53 x 19 x 4-1/8 inches and a 500 LB weight capacity, this WEIZE hitch cargo carrier provides ample space for your gear. Perfect for camping, road trips,...
- Durable Steel Construction & Rust-Resistant Coating: Made from heavy-duty steel, this WEIZE cargo carrier features a powder-coated, rust-resistant finish, ensuring long-lasting performance. Whether...
- Safety Features for Secure Transport: Equipped with four side railings and included accessories like straps, mesh netting, and tie-downs, this cargo carrier guarantees your items stay secure during...
The most significant difference between the ARKSEN and the WEIZE carrier is the mounting location. The WEIZE carrier slots into your vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver instead of clamping to roof crossbars. This offers two main advantages: a much higher weight capacity (500 lbs vs. 150 lbs) and easier loading, as you don’t have to lift heavy gear onto the roof. This makes it a superior choice for hauling extremely heavy items like generators or large coolers. However, it requires a vehicle with a hitch, can obstruct access to the rear liftgate on some SUVs, and adds length to your vehicle, which can make parking more difficult.
2. CURT 18110 48×20-Inch Tray Cargo Carrier 300 lbs
- VERSATILE DESIGN. A tray-style hitch cargo rack is ideal for transporting large, bulky items. It is ideal for hauling game such as a deer carcass, as well as a variety of other items such as camping...
- INTEGRATED TIE-DOWNS. This hitch cargo carrier keeps your items secure during travel, featuring integrated holes around the tray. These holes can be used to easily fasten down a cargo net or bungees
- ADAPTABLE. This cargo hitch carrier comes with an adapter sleeve to allow the shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. This cargo hitch carrier is also...
Similar to the WEIZE, the CURT 18110 is a hitch-mounted cargo tray. CURT is a highly respected brand in the towing and hauling industry, and this carrier reflects their reputation for solid build quality. With a 300 lb capacity, it offers double the hauling capability of the ARKSEN. Its simple tray design is perfect for items of an awkward shape that might not fit well within a basket’s rails. Someone who already trusts the CURT ecosystem or prioritizes brand reputation and needs a simple, robust hitch platform might prefer this over the ARKSEN, but they would be sacrificing the enclosed security of the ARKSEN’s 6-inch side rails.
3. Camco Large Collapsible Laundry Basket
- Convenient for small spaces
- Simple pop-open and collapse-down design
- Waterproof for easy cleanup
This product is in a completely different category and shouldn’t be seen as a direct alternative, but rather as a potential companion piece. The Camco basket is an internal organization tool, not an external vehicle carrier. While the ARKSEN is designed to carry your large, rugged gear on the roof, the Camco basket is perfect for organizing smaller items inside the car or for use at the campsite. You could, for instance, load the ARKSEN basket with heavy camping equipment and then pack several of these collapsible baskets with clothes and food to keep your vehicle’s interior tidy. It solves a different problem entirely.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Value for the Hands-On Adventurer
After extensive assembly, testing, and research, our verdict on the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket is overwhelmingly positive, with one important condition. This is, without a doubt, one of the best values on the market for adding a massive amount of storage capacity to your vehicle. Its steel construction is tough, its size is generous, and its performance on the road is solid and quiet. It’s a workhorse that punches far above its weight class.
However, its full potential is only unlocked with a small amount of proactive work. The out-of-the-box powder coat is simply not sufficient for long-term weather resistance. For anyone who is willing to spend an afternoon applying sealant and an extra layer of protective coating, this basket will transform into a durable, reliable piece of gear that will last for years and countless adventures. We recommend it wholeheartedly to the DIY-savvy family, the budget-conscious overlander, and anyone who values rugged utility and isn’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty to create the perfect setup.
If you’ve decided the ARKSEN 150LB Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket is the right fit for your adventures, you can check its current price and complete your purchase here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API