I remember it vividly. The car was packed to the brim for our annual family camping trip. Coolers in the trunk, duffel bags on the back seat, and the kids’ gear crammed into every conceivable nook and cranny. We still had three sleeping bags, a tent, and a box of cooking supplies sitting on the driveway. The familiar sense of dread washed over me—the Tetris-like puzzle of trying to fit ten pounds of gear into a five-pound bag. It’s a scenario every adventurer, road-tripper, and growing family knows all too well. You either leave essential items behind, or you sacrifice passenger comfort, turning your vehicle’s interior into a cramped, chaotic mess. This limitation doesn’t just add stress; it can genuinely diminish the joy of the journey itself. We knew we needed a better way, a solution that would reclaim our interior space and let us bring everything we needed without compromise.
- Quick & Easy Installation: Universal U-bolts and three size adjustments make for fast, secure installation on most vehicles. No hassle, just robust and stable support for your cargo.During...
- Heavy Duty Construction: Made from high-strength steel with a 150lbs capacity, this ARKSEN roof rack features a black powder-coated finish for enhanced corrosion and rust resistance.
- Expanded Storage Space: Maximize your vehicle's storage with a spacious 64" x 39" x 4" roof rack, perfect for transporting large items and optimizing your car's interior space for long trips or...
What to Consider Before Investing in a Rooftop Cargo Basket
A rooftop cargo basket is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking your vehicle’s true potential. It transforms the unused space on your roof into a versatile and secure storage area, perfect for hauling bulky luggage, camping equipment, sports gear, or anything else that won’t fit inside. The primary benefit is liberation—freeing up valuable cabin and trunk space, which enhances passenger comfort, improves visibility, and keeps dirty or wet gear outside the vehicle. By expanding your carrying capacity, a cargo basket empowers you to take longer trips, engage in more gear-intensive hobbies, and travel with less stress and more organization.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic space crunch: families heading out on vacation, outdoor enthusiasts with kayaks or camping gear, or even DIY-ers needing to transport materials from the hardware store. If you own an SUV, crossover, or truck with existing roof rails and frequently find yourself wishing for just a little more room, a cargo basket is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize fuel economy above all else (as any roof accessory will introduce some drag) or for individuals who have difficulty lifting heavy items overhead. For those needing to haul extremely heavy loads or who lack roof rails, a hitch-mounted carrier might be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your vehicle’s roof and crossbars carefully. You want a basket that maximizes storage without overhanging in an unsafe or awkward way. The ARKSEN’s 64″ x 39″ footprint, for example, is a generous size that fits well on mid-to-large SUVs and trucks, offering substantial real estate for your gear. Always check the required distance between your crossbars; this model needs a minimum of 29.7 inches.
- Capacity/Performance: Pay close attention to the weight capacity, which is typically limited by your vehicle’s roof rating or the crossbars themselves. The ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier boasts a 150-pound limit, which is standard and sufficient for most luggage, camping gear, and coolers. Performance also includes aerodynamics—look for designs with a front fairing or wind deflector to minimize noise and drag at highway speeds.
- Materials & Durability: Most cargo baskets are made from powder-coated steel. This provides excellent strength and rigidity, crucial for keeping your cargo secure. The powder coating is essential for preventing rust and corrosion from rain, snow, and road salt. Look for sturdy welds and a robust mounting system, as these are the components that bear the most stress.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Installation should be straightforward. Most universal baskets, including this one, use U-bolts that clamp around your existing crossbars. While simple, it’s a two-person job for safety. For long-term care, periodically check that all mounting hardware is tight and touch up any scratches in the powder coat to prevent rust from taking hold.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see if it fits your vehicle here.
While the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier 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)
First Impressions: A Sturdy and Purpose-Built Hauler
Unboxing the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier, the first thing we noticed was the reassuring heft of the alloy steel components. The black powder-coated finish was smooth and consistent, suggesting a good level of protection against the elements. The package includes the rack itself, which comes in a few pieces for shipping, the mounting hardware, and a manual. Assembly was logical and didn’t require any specialized tools beyond what you’d have in a basic home toolkit. As one user noted, it’s not difficult, but it is a bit time-consuming to get all the bolts tightened down properly. We recommend building it on the ground first, then having a friend help you lift it onto the vehicle for final mounting. The curved corners and the prominent front wind fairing immediately stood out as thoughtful design choices aimed at reducing wind noise, a common complaint with lesser roof baskets. Once assembled, it felt solid and robust, with no unnerving flex or wobble.
Key Benefits
- Spacious 64″ x 39″ platform provides ample storage space
- Sturdy alloy steel construction with a 150 lbs load capacity
- Integrated wind fairing significantly reduces noise and drag
- Straightforward U-bolt installation fits a wide range of vehicles
Limitations
- Assembly can be time-consuming for one person
- U-bolt clamps may not fit perfectly on heavily rounded crossbars
Deep Dive: Putting the ARKSEN Cargo Carrier to the Test
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product designed for the open road, you have to put it through its paces. We mounted the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier on our test SUV and embarked on a series of journeys, from quick trips across town with bulky items to a multi-day highway adventure, to see how it performed in the real world.
Assembly and Universal Mounting: A Straightforward, If Deliberate, Process
Our experience with the assembly and installation process mirrored the feedback from many users: it’s perfectly manageable but budget a solid hour to do it right. The rack arrives in two main halves that you bolt together to achieve the full 64-inch length. All the holes lined up correctly, and the hardware felt substantial enough for the task. We appreciated the inclusion of rubber gaskets to place between the sections, a small but important detail to prevent water from seeping into the tubes and causing rust from the inside out. Once the basket was fully assembled on the garage floor, the next step was lifting it onto the vehicle’s crossbars. This is unequivocally a two-person job to avoid scratching your roof. The mounting system consists of four U-bolts that loop under your crossbars and up through plastic brackets, secured with hand-tightened knobs. This universal system is designed to fit a wide array of crossbar shapes and sizes—square, round, and most factory aero bars. We found the fit on our slightly oval-shaped factory bars to be secure, but we can see merit in one user’s comment that the fit on bars with a heavily rounded bottom might be a little “funny.” The key is to tighten the knobs evenly and progressively, ensuring the basket is centered and the pressure is distributed equally across all four mounting points. Once tightened, it felt absolutely locked in place.
On-the-Road Performance: Stability and Security You Can Trust
This is where the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier truly shines. The real test of any cargo carrier is how it behaves once loaded down and cruising at 70 mph. We loaded ours with approximately 120 pounds of gear—a mix of hard-sided cases, soft duffel bags, and a folded tent, all secured with a cargo net and ratchet straps. The 4-inch-high side rails provided excellent anchor points and kept everything contained. On the highway, the rack was impressively stable. There was no unnerving shifting, rattling, or flexing, even when hitting bumps or dealing with crosswinds from passing trucks. This performance gives you immense peace of mind, which is exactly what you want when your precious gear is strapped to the roof. Our confidence was bolstered by feedback from a user who completed a 2,000+ mile trip with a full load, reporting that “everything felt tight and secure the whole trip!” That kind of long-distance, real-world validation is invaluable. The heavy-duty steel construction and sturdy bottom bars distribute the load’s weight effectively across the vehicle’s crossbars, creating a solid, integrated platform. Whether you’re hauling camping equipment for a weekend getaway or luggage for a cross-country move, this carrier delivers the reliable performance needed for a worry-free journey.
Aerodynamics and Noise: A Surprisingly Quiet Ride
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise during our testing was the acoustic performance. Roof racks are notorious for creating wind noise—a constant whistling or buffeting that can become incredibly annoying on long drives. ARKSEN clearly put significant thought into mitigating this issue. The angled front wind fairing, emblazoned with the brand’s logo, is not just for looks. It’s designed to slice through the air and direct it up and over the basket and its contents, preventing the turbulence that causes noise. The results were remarkable. We noticed only a very slight increase in wind noise compared to having just the bare crossbars, and it was a low-level “whoosh” rather than a high-pitched whistle. This was confirmed by multiple users. One reviewer stated they “barely notice any noise difference,” while another experienced an “unexpected benefit” where the ARKSEN rack actually *reduced* the whistling that was previously created by their bare roof racks alone. This is a massive quality-of-life feature. A quiet ride is a more pleasant ride, allowing you to enjoy conversation, music, or just the peace of the open road without the constant drone of wind noise. The sleek, curved corners also contribute to this aerodynamic efficiency, making the entire package feel more like an integrated part of the vehicle rather than a clumsy afterthought.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier is overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our own findings. A common thread is the appreciation for its straightforward assembly and robust construction. One user who took it on a 2,000+ mile journey praised its ability to hold everything “nice and secure,” highlighting its reliability for serious road trips. The aerodynamic design is another frequently mentioned high point, with multiple people expressing surprise at how quiet it is at highway speeds. One Jeep Wrangler owner even found that the rack eliminated a pre-existing whistling sound from his crossbars, turning a potential negative into a definitive positive.
The few criticisms are minor and constructive. The same Wrangler owner wished for a slightly wider model to better fit the vehicle’s proportions, a fair point for those with wider vehicles. Another piece of feedback concerned the mounting clamps, which might not sit perfectly flush on crossbars that are particularly rounded on the bottom surface. This doesn’t seem to impact security but is a fit-and-finish detail worth noting for potential buyers with non-standard crossbars.
How Does the ARKSEN Compare to the Alternatives?
The ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier excels in its category, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your specific needs for capacity, mounting style, or included accessories, one of its competitors might be a better fit.
1. WEIZE 53×19 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier 500LB Capacity
- 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 with the WEIZE carrier is its mounting location. As a hitch-mounted carrier, it attaches to your vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver instead of the roof. This offers two major advantages: a much higher weight capacity (500 lbs vs. ARKSEN’s 150 lbs) and easier loading/unloading, as you don’t have to lift heavy items overhead. It also comes as a complete kit with a waterproof bag and straps. This is the ideal alternative for anyone needing to haul very heavy items like generators or large coolers, or for those who find rooftop loading physically challenging. However, it does add length to your vehicle, can obstruct backup cameras or sensors, and is not an option for vehicles without a trailer hitch.
2. ARKSEN Extra Wide Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
- [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: 84"(L) x 50"(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.
For those who love the ARKSEN design but simply need more surface area, the ARKSEN Extra Wide model is the logical step up. Measuring a massive 84 x 50 inches, it dwarfs the 64 x 39-inch model we reviewed. While the weight capacity remains the same at 150 lbs, the expanded footprint is perfect for larger vehicles like full-size SUVs, vans, or trucks. It allows you to spread out bulky, awkwardly shaped items more easily. If you have a large vehicle and your primary goal is maximizing rooftop real estate for things like multiple large storage bins or oversized camping gear, this larger sibling is the clear choice. For smaller SUVs and crossovers, however, it would likely be too large.
3. FRUNO Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier 21 Cubic Feet Bag
- EXTRA COVER – Based on market reviews, cargo bags may weaken over time due to wind, rain, and sunlight. To address this, we added a waterproof cover that fully wraps both the bag and basket to...
- PREMIUM MATERIAL – To ensure rust resistance, the steel pipe undergoes dual treatments: galvanized and painted exterior. The cargo basket supports loads up to 200 lbs. The cargo bag is constructed...
- BETTER FIXING – Using the cargo bag alone or combining the basket and net may cause slippage. Our system eliminates this issue: the basket is bolted securely to crossbars with nuts, while the...
The FRUNO carrier’s main value proposition is convenience and all-weather protection out of the box. It directly competes with the ARKSEN in the universal rooftop basket category but includes a massive 21 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag and cover as part of the package. This is a significant advantage for users who plan to travel in rainy or dusty conditions and don’t want to research and purchase a compatible cargo bag separately. If your top priority is an all-in-one, weather-resistant storage solution, the FRUNO presents a compelling, bundled package. The trade-off may come in the specific design and aerodynamic qualities of the basket itself compared to the ARKSEN, but for pure plug-and-play convenience, it’s hard to beat.
Our Final Verdict on the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s hauling capacity. It delivers on its promises of durability, space, and security. The heavy-duty steel construction provides a rock-solid platform for your gear, giving you peace of mind on long journeys. What truly sets it apart, however, is the surprisingly quiet ride, thanks to its thoughtful aerodynamic design. While the assembly is a deliberate one-hour task and the clamps might be a finicky fit on some oddly shaped bars, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar package.
We highly recommend this cargo basket for families, campers, and adventurers with mid-to-large-size vehicles who need a reliable, spacious, and quiet solution for their gear-hauling needs. It strikes an excellent balance between quality, performance, and value. If you’ve decided the ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API