Roof Box or Open Carrier? Start with Your Gear
The first decision when adding roof rack storage is whether you need a fully enclosed roof cargo box or an open cargo carrier. A roof box like the Thule Motion 3 protects gear from weather and road debris, while an open carrier such as the 500LB Aluminum Cargo Carrier handles bulky, dirty loads like coolers or firewood. Your typical cargo—skis, duffels, or camping gear—will point you toward one or the other.
Two Roof Storage Options at a Glance
- Motion 3 Roof Box: Designed for modern adventurers, Thule Motion 3 is a stylish and spacious roof box that combines a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette with robust functionality. Aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise and drag, making this a good choice for highway travel and fuel-conscious drivers.
Motion 3 Roof Box - 500LB Aluminum Cargo Carrier: The Mossy Oak Outfitters 500lb Cargo Carrier is a reliable and durable solution for extra storage while traveling or hauling heavy loads. With a 500 lb capacity, this open carrier handles heavier, awkward items that might not fit inside a box, but offers no weather protection.
500LB Aluminum Cargo Carrier
Capacity and Fit: What Fits Your Roof and Your Load
Roof boxes are sized by volume and length. The Thule Motion 3 in XL size offers generous space for skis, snowboards, and luggage, but its shape and mounting system must match your roof bars. Open carriers like the 500LB Aluminum Cargo Carrier are more universal in fit but lack the security of a lockable box. Measure your roof rack's crossbar spread and weight limit before choosing either option.
Protecting Your Gear Inside the Box
If you choose a roof box, consider adding an interior liner to keep gear from sliding and to protect the box floor. The Skybox NX LG Cargo Liner is a custom-molded liner for the SkyBox NX 16, providing padding and easy removal for cleaning. While the supplied information does not confirm compatibility with the Thule Motion 3, it shows that a dedicated liner can reduce cargo movement and help with melted snow cleanup.
Liner Protection for Your Cargo Box
- Skybox NX LG Cargo Liner: From protecting your precious cargo with padding and less sliding around to removing melted snow at the bottom of your box, give your gear some extra love with this custom-molded cargo box floor liner for your SkyBox NX 16. A liner adds a layer of protection for ski edges and other cargo, and makes cleanup easier after wet or snowy trips.
Trade-Offs Between Box and Carrier
A roof cargo box is best for weather-sensitive gear, security, and aerodynamics. An open cargo carrier is best for heavy, oversized, or dirty items that don't need protection from rain. The Thule Motion 3 excels for road trips and winter sports, while the 500LB Aluminum Cargo Carrier suits hauling lumber, coolers, or camping equipment. The right choice depends on what you carry most often.
