We’ve all been there. The night before a big family camping trip or a cross-country road trip, standing in the garage, staring at a mountain of gear and a car that suddenly seems to have shrunk. Tents, sleeping bags, coolers, suitcases, the kid’s pack-and-play—it’s a frustrating game of spatial Tetris that you’re destined to lose. That familiar sinking feeling sets in as you realize there’s simply no more room inside. This is the moment when the dream of open-road freedom collides with the reality of your vehicle’s four doors. Forgoing essential gear isn’t an option, and leaving a family member behind is (usually) frowned upon. The real solution isn’t a bigger car; it’s smarter space. This is precisely the problem that rooftop cargo baskets were designed to solve, transforming your vehicle’s unused roof into a versatile, adventure-ready storage deck.
- Sturdy & Long-Lasting – The 64 x 23 x 4 inch roof racks is made from heavy duty steel and finished with a black powder coating, offering robust protection against rust, scratches, and harsh weather....
- Impressive Cargo Capacity – With a 150 lbs weight capacity, this roof rack cargo carrier lets you carry a wide range of gear, including camping equipment, luggage, sports gear, and even bikes. Take...
- Four universal U-bolts,accommodating square cross bars up to 4.6" wide x 1.35" thick or round bars up to 1.35" in diameter.Note - Please make sure your cross bar's distance is greater than 29.7 inch,...
What to Consider Before Investing in a Rooftop Cargo Basket
A cargo basket is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking your vehicle’s full potential. For outdoor enthusiasts, growing families, and avid travelers, it represents the freedom to bring everything you need without sacrificing interior comfort. It allows you to transport bulky, dirty, or awkwardly shaped items—like camping equipment covered in mud or oversized luggage—outside the cabin, keeping your interior clean and spacious. The main benefit is a dramatic increase in hauling capacity, turning a standard SUV or car into a capable gear transporter for any excursion.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a consistent storage deficit for their lifestyle. This includes weekend campers, overlanders, families on vacation, and even DIY enthusiasts who need to haul gear from the hardware store. It’s for the person who already has factory or aftermarket crossbars installed on their vehicle and is looking for a cost-effective way to expand their carrying capacity. However, a roof basket might not be suitable for those who prioritize aerodynamics and fuel efficiency above all else (a sleeker, more expensive cargo box would be better), or for individuals who need to transport extremely heavy items that would be better suited for a hitch-mounted carrier. It’s also not for someone without a pre-existing crossbar system, as that is a prerequisite for installation.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Not all baskets are created equal. A “skinny” basket, like the one we’re reviewing, is specifically designed to use only a portion of your roof’s width. This is a massive advantage if you also want to mount other gear alongside it, such as a kayak, a bike rack, or a ski carrier. Always measure your roof and crossbars to ensure a proper fit and consider what else you might want to carry.
- Capacity/Performance: Pay close attention to two numbers: the basket’s load capacity and your vehicle’s dynamic roof load limit (found in your owner’s manual). Never exceed the lower of the two. The XCAR basket is rated for 150 lbs, which is ample for camping gear and luggage, but you must ensure your car’s roof can handle that weight plus the weight of the rack itself.
- Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly baskets are made from powder-coated steel. This provides excellent strength and rigidity but can be susceptible to rust if the coating is scratched or if water penetrates the seams. More expensive options might use aluminum, which is lighter and naturally rust-resistant but often comes at a significant price premium.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for a universal mounting system, like the U-bolts used here, which offers broad compatibility with different crossbar shapes. For long-term care, plan on periodically checking that all hardware is tight and inspecting the finish for any chips or scratches that could become entry points for rust. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.
Keeping these factors in mind, the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier stands out in several areas, particularly its unique dimensions and value. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket 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: Unboxing and Assembling the XCAR Skinny Basket
Upon arrival, the box containing the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier was surprisingly compact, a testament to its three-piece modular design. Inside, the heavy-duty steel components were neatly packed and felt substantial in hand, with a consistent black powder-coated finish. The kit includes the front and rear sections, a central extension piece, a sleek wind fairing to reduce noise, and all the necessary mounting hardware. The initial impression is one of solid, no-frills construction that aligns perfectly with its accessible price point. It doesn’t have the polished refinement of a premium-brand rack that costs three or four times as much, but it feels more than capable of handling the rigors of the road.
Assembly was straightforward and intuitive. The instructions are clear enough, and the modular design allows you to build it as a shorter basket or use the extension for the full 64-inch length. As confirmed by several users, the process is simple, though we found a few screw holes required a bit of gentle persuasion to align perfectly—a minor hiccup common in this product category. The entire assembly, from unboxing to a fully built basket, took us just under an hour at a relaxed pace. The included U-bolt mounting hardware appears robust and ready to clamp down securely on a wide range of crossbars.
What We Like
- Excellent Value: Delivers solid performance and significant storage capacity at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
- Versatile Skinny Profile: The 23-inch width leaves ample room on the roof for mounting other gear like bikes or a kayak.
- Modular Design: Can be assembled with or without the center extension piece to fit different vehicles and needs.
- Low Wind Noise: The included wind fairing is highly effective, resulting in minimal noise even at highway speeds.
Potential Drawbacks
- Susceptible to Rust: Requires proactive sealing at joints and seams to prevent rust from forming and dripping onto the vehicle.
- Limited Mount Adjustability: The U-bolt mounting points are fixed, which can be problematic for vehicles with non-adjustable crossbars.
Deep Dive: Putting the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket to the Test
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a cargo carrier is how it performs in the real world—loaded with gear, battling crosswinds on the highway, and enduring the elements. We put the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier through a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on the entire user experience from installation to long-distance hauling.
Assembly and Installation: A DIY-Friendly Project with Caveats
The assembly process for the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier is a core part of its design, and for the most part, it’s a success. The basket is composed of three main sections: a front piece with the wind fairing mount, a rear piece, and the optional middle extension. These slot together via internal sleeves and are secured with bolts. The provided instructions are diagram-based and easy to follow. Using our own tools, particularly a better-quality Allen wrench, made the process smoother, as the included tool is soft and prone to stripping, a sentiment echoed by other users.
The most critical step, and one we cannot overstate, is rust prevention. Based on extensive user feedback and our own experience with similar steel racks, we took proactive measures during assembly. At every joint where two tubes connect and around every screw hole, we applied a bead of clear silicone sealant. This simple, 15-minute step is the single best thing you can do to prevent water from getting inside the hollow tubes, which is the root cause of the infamous rusty water drainage. Some owners even go a step further by spraying a rust-inhibiting coating like Fluid Film inside the tubes before assembly.
Mounting the assembled basket to the vehicle’s crossbars is done via four universal U-bolts. These bolts loop under the crossbar and pass up through the basket floor, secured from above with mounting plates and large, easy-to-grip plastic wingnuts. This system is compatible with most square and round crossbars up to 4.6″ wide. However, this is where a significant caveat appears. The locations on the basket’s frame where the mounting brackets can be placed are fixed. If your vehicle has factory crossbars that are not adjustable, you must measure their center-to-center distance. As one user with a Toyota Highlander noted, if your bars don’t align with one of the specific mounting spans (e.g., 29.75″, 33.25″, etc.), you may not be able to secure all four corners properly, potentially leaving a section unsupported. For vehicles with adjustable crossbars, this is a non-issue.
On-the-Road Performance: Stability, Noise, and Real-World Capacity
Once mounted and tightened down, the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier feels impressively solid. We loaded it with around 120 pounds of gear—two large duffels, a packed cooler, and miscellaneous camping equipment—well within its 150-pound limit. The steel mesh floor provides countless tie-down points for ratchet straps or a cargo net, ensuring the load can be secured from every angle. Just as one user happily reported, we could grab the side of the rack and shake the entire SUV, a testament to the secure connection of the U-bolt system.
Our biggest surprise was the acoustic performance. Roof baskets are notoriously noisy, but the included wind fairing on the XCAR rack does a remarkable job. On the highway, cruising at 75 mph, there was a slight increase in wind noise—a low whoosh—but it was far from intrusive and easily drowned out by the radio at a normal volume. There were none of the annoying whistles or high-pitched howls that plague many budget racks. This was a consistent finding, with multiple users noting they were pleased with how quiet it was, even at speeds up to 95 mph.
In terms of fuel economy, any rooftop obstruction will create drag and have an impact. Over a 500-mile test trip, we observed a decrease of approximately 1 to 2 MPG, which is entirely reasonable and expected for a carrier of this type. It’s a small price to pay for the immense utility it adds. The basket proved its worth on a long journey, mirroring the experience of a user who took it on a 4,000-mile road trip with multiple suitcases, finding it held up perfectly with nothing coming loose. For those wondering about capacity, another user confirmed it perfectly fits four 27-gallon plastic storage totes side-by-side—a fantastic, practical benchmark for campers and families. If you need a reliable hauler for your next great escape, this cargo carrier is built to handle the journey.
Durability and Longevity: The Elephant in the Room is Rust
No review of the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier would be complete without a frank discussion about its long-term durability, specifically regarding rust. This is the most common concern raised by users, and it is a valid one. The rack is made of steel, and despite the protective powder coating, there are vulnerabilities. The weld points and the seams where the sections join are potential entry points for moisture. When water gets inside the hollow tubes and sits, it creates rust. Then, as you drive, this rusty water can leak out and stain your vehicle’s roof, as one unfortunate user discovered after a heavy rain.
However, this issue is manageable, not a dealbreaker. As we emphasized in the assembly section, a small amount of preventative work completely changes the long-term outlook. Sealing the joints is non-negotiable if you live anywhere with rain or humidity. Treating the interior of the tubes with a rust converter or inhibitor is another excellent step for maximum protection. This isn’t a flaw unique to XCAR; it’s an inherent trade-off in virtually all budget-friendly steel roof racks.
By investing about $15 in silicone sealant and an hour of your time, you are essentially weather-sealing the rack and mitigating its primary weakness. When you consider that premium, rust-resistant aluminum racks can cost upwards of $600-$800, the value proposition of the XCAR basket becomes clear. It’s for the owner who is willing to be proactive to save a significant amount of money. With proper prep, we are confident this rack will provide many years of reliable service, even in wet climates.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other owners of the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier aligns closely with our findings. The praise overwhelmingly centers on its incredible value. One user summed it up perfectly: “What a great roof cage for this price point.” Many highlight the easy assembly and aggressive, attractive look it adds to vehicles like the Bronco Sport and Subaru Forester.
The positive feedback frequently mentions the minimal wind noise and its impressive real-world performance. One of the most compelling accounts comes from a user who took it on a 4,000-mile road trip loaded with two large suitcases and a duffel, reporting that it “held up VERY well” with “nothing came loose.” This real-world stress test speaks volumes about its structural integrity when properly installed.
On the critical side, the rust issue is the most consistent complaint. A user stated that after recent rain, it “got all rusty a few days later,” leaving stains on their car. This confirms our assessment that sealing the rack during assembly is essential. Other critiques focus on the limitations of the mounting hardware, with some finding the U-bolts didn’t align with their vehicle’s fixed crossbars, and others noting the included tools were of low quality.
How Does the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier Compare to Alternatives?
While the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier is a fantastic rooftop solution, your specific needs might be better met by a different type of cargo system entirely. Hitch-mounted carriers offer distinct advantages in weight capacity and accessibility, while other systems focus on internal organization.
1. Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag
- Robust Cargo Hitch Carrier : The Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a universal fit 2" receiver hitch cargo rack , offering a 500 lbs capacity with a weatherproof, rust-resistant metallic design. At...
- All-Weather Tow Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag : Boost your truck bed storage with our 60"x20"x28.5" car hitch cargo carrier bag waterproof design, offering 20 CuFt. of space. Made from abrasion-resistant...
- Get Ready for a Smooth Ride: Experience a smooth ride with our cargo racks for trailer hitch , complete with a hitch stabilizer & lock set with 2 keys to prevent rattle & sway. Attaching your gear to...
The Mockins carrier is a completely different approach to external storage. Instead of the roof, it utilizes your vehicle’s 2-inch trailer hitch. Its primary advantage is its massive 500 lb. weight capacity, more than triple that of the XCAR basket. This makes it the superior choice for hauling extremely heavy items like large coolers, firewood, or generators. Access is also easier, as you don’t have to lift heavy gear onto the roof. However, it extends the length of your vehicle, can obstruct backup cameras and sensors, and may reduce ground clearance on steep inclines.
2. Leader Accessories 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Sturdy Construction: Built with heavy-duty square galvanized tube steel, this cargo carrier can securely transport up to 500 lbs of cargo, gear, or equipment. The galvanized tube with black...
- Large Storage Space: With a generous cargo hitch carrier size of 60" x 24" x 6", this cargo carrier provides ample space to transport multiple items, helping to free up interior space in your vehicle...
- Durable Mesh Surface: The sturdy mesh surface prevents smaller items from slipping through, while the bolt-together design ensures a stable base for various types of cargo, including coolers, boxes,...
Similar to the Mockins, the Leader Accessories carrier is a robust hitch-mounted option with a 500 lb. capacity. Its key feature is the folding shank, which allows the basket to be folded up vertically against the rear of the vehicle when not in use. This is a huge convenience for parking in tight spaces or garages without having to remove the entire carrier. It’s an excellent alternative for someone who needs the high capacity of a hitch rack but wants to minimize the added vehicle length during daily driving.
3. DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin
This product serves a totally different purpose and is not for external vehicle transport. The DC Cargo Mall bin is designed for internal organization within enclosed trailers, toy haulers, or work vans equipped with an E-track rail system. It’s a heavy-duty solution for securing tools, straps, and other loose items inside a vehicle to prevent them from shifting during transit. Someone would choose this over the XCAR basket if their problem is not a lack of space, but a lack of organization within an existing large cargo area.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Hands-On Adventurer
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier is an exceptional product for its price. It punches far above its weight, offering a stylish design, impressive utility, and surprisingly quiet performance on the road. Its clever “skinny” profile is a standout feature, providing valuable extra storage while preserving precious roof space for other adventure toys like kayaks or bikes.
Its primary weakness, the potential for rust, is a known quantity that can be effectively neutralized with a bit of inexpensive, proactive sealing during assembly. This rack is tailor-made for the budget-conscious, DIY-minded adventurer who doesn’t mind investing an hour of prep work to get a product that performs like one costing three times as much. It’s for the family hitting the road, the camper heading for the woods, and anyone who has ever said, “we’re going to need more space.” If you need a robust, versatile, and affordable way to expand your vehicle’s horizons, this is it.
If you’ve decided the XCAR 64″ Skinny Roof Basket Cargo Carrier is the right fit for your adventures, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API