A few times a year, you find yourself traveling interstate and abroad carrying heavy backpacks and luggage, and it’s very easy to fill up the space you have in the vehicle. If you own a campervan, you know the hassle that packing is and how precious extra storage can be.
But there’s an easy solution: rooftop cargo bags for vans. These convenient bags are explicitly designed to carry all your stuff without weighing you down or making you feel like you’re taking the world on your shoulders.
And because they attach securely to the top of your car or van, they are just the safest and most practical option to give you the extra space you need so much.
But what do you need to consider when purchasing one? What are the must-have cargo bags for vans? Read on for more details about five of our favorite ones.
Quick Look
Because going through each and every detail of all cargo bags for vans takes time, here’s a quick look at the most premium.
- Best overall: RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- Most durable: Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
- Most affordable cargo bag Sailnovo Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet
- Largest cargo bag: YLAUTO 21 Cubic Feet Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
- Easiest to use: MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
Needless to say, there are far more details and advantages to consider, but also downsides to all of them. We will walk you through all you need to be aware of in this complete guide so make sure to read until the end.
Are Rooftop Cargo Bags Safe?
The cargo box is secured to your vehicle’s roof rack and can be removed. But, even when driving fast and with harsh weather conditions on the road, most cargo bags for vans remain on your rooftop and won’t move for an inch (at least the ones we recommend).
But you should remember the bag’s maximum weight. In fact, in case you heavily overload it, it may be unsafe to drive while on a road trip.
Also, you should mount the cargo as tightly and as safely as possible since a loose bag may slide and could end up in disaster.
Weight distribution is another key element to consider when packing your gear for a road trip. In fact, while you may be within the maximum allowed weight, packing the heaviest equipment in the front or the back could be dangerous – especially with strong winds.
Loading the heaviest part of your equipment in the middle part and the lightest parts at the front and back is crucial for your safety.
It is better to have built-in locks in your cargo box because you will not need to buy an aftermarket lock. The only method to remove the entire equipment is with the key, so you may sleep well knowing that thieves won’t steal your cargo box.
Do Cargo Bags Scratch the Van Roof?
The short answer is yes; cargo bags can indeed scratch the paint on your van’s roof. However, this mostly happens with low-quality materials and poorly made bags.
That’s why quality is such an essential element to consider when choosing cargo bags for vans, as premium products will save some money on maintenance and repair.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Cargo Bags for Vans
The Ease of Use
Cargo bags for vans are fairly easy to use because they are specifically designed to be mounted on these vehicles. All of the bags will attach to the roof with clips, but some may need additional tie-downs depending on the size of the pack.
These are also easy to put on and remove from your van, making it really great if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. Just make sure that you get cargo bags for vans with plenty of tie-downs so that they don’t blow away while you’re driving.
Cargo Bags Must Be Water-resistant
Cargo bags are perfect for people who want to transport their belongings and gear without worrying about getting them wet. The water-resistant properties of the bag allow you to keep your things dry and safe, even after a trip through rainy weather or a spill into puddles.
This is why being waterproof is an essential feature that you should consider before purchasing yours.
The Size
The size of your cargo bag for your van matters. Most vans come with a cargo area that’s big enough to fit a couple of bags. For this reason, especially for long road trips, you will want to choose a cargo bag with at least 15 to 20 cubic feet capacity.
In fact, it’s crucial to invest in a set of large cargo bags, so you don’t have to worry about having enough space for all your things.
To give you an idea, a 15 cubic feet cargo bag will allow you to store 4 to 6 average-sized suitcases. On the other hand, a 20 cubic feet one can hold up to 6 big pieces of luggage which is ideal when traveling with more people.
Naturally, if you’re planning a road trip, the bigger your cargo van is and the more space you’ll free in your van.
Cargo bags for vans should be able to fit in anything you need. However, finding the perfect large cargo bag is not always easy, and we’ll list the most convenient ones in the following paragraphs.
On top of that, we want to highlight the fact that some campervans have solar panels on their roof and, for this reason, they may not have as much room as you initially thought.
The Maximum Weight
Of course, these bags come with basic features that you would need in order to transport everything you need. They are made out of high-quality material, and they can carry up to 100-160 pounds depending on the model. There are different sizes available, so make sure you calculate what you’ll bring along before you buy.
When purchasing a cargo bag, it’s important to keep in mind that the maximum weight advertised includes the weight of the bag itself. It’s probably not a deal-breaker, but surely an element to remember.
For instance, if the cargo bag’s maximum load is 150 lbs. and it weighs 20 lbs., you will be able to load up to 130 lbs. of gear and equipment.
On top of that, another essential factor to be aware of is the special limitations that each vehicle may have. Before buying a bag, make sure to check the instructions in the van’s manual guide.
Last but not least, the weight inside the cargo bag should be organized well. I recommend you load around 60% of the weight in the central part of the carrier and 20% on each extreme – front and back – in order to keep your vehicle balanced.
Soft or Hard Shell Cargo Bags for Vans – Which is Better?
Hard-shell rooftop carriers offer more protection and usually require roof rails and/or crossbars to attach. They can hold about the same amount of stuff, but you might lose some space unless you pack only soft bags.
All things considered, we recommend softshell cargo bags since they are easier to operate and you can use all the space inside.
How to Mount Rooftop Cargo Bags for Vans?
Mounting a cargo bag on your rooftop may seem a tedious task, but it doesn’t have to be. Of course, every carrier comes with its directions, but let’s dive into it.
But before that, it’s essential to differentiate the kind of vehicle – with or without racks – as they have a slightly different process.
First and foremost, let’s go through how to mount a carrier on a vehicle with racks.
- Wash out your vehicle’s rooftop in order to remove any dust or debris. This will avoid future scratches or damages;
- Place an anti-slip mat on the rooftop to avoid the bag sliding forward or backward;
- Open the racks as widely as possible and place the cargo bag on the rooftop;
We recommend positioning the bag with the zipper end at the back of your campervan as it will reduce the chances of rain getting in – even if it’s a waterproof product;
- If the rooftop is significantly bigger than your bag, then make sure to place it right behind the front rack to maximize the overall safety;
- Load the carrier with your belongings – We recommend loading 60% of the weight in the middle part and 20% of both the front and back;
- Once done, simply tighten the straps (most bags include them in the package) onto the racks and you’re ready to leave on your road trip.
Oppositely, in case your vehicle does not have racks, this is how you should proceed:
- Give your rooftop a wash to avoid future scratches on your vehicle and place the anti-slip mat on it;
- Place the carrrier on your van’s rooftop and load it with your gear. Just like above, put the heaviest objects in the middle and the remaining in the back and front;
- Pass the straps through the bag’s anchoring points, pull down the rubber seal from the vehicle’s door, and attach the straps’ hooks to the metallic part of the door. Push back the rubber in order to fully secure the hook;
- Once secured on the door, tighten the straps and tie them off with the strap retainer so that it won’t flap when driving.
Of course, it may take some more time when mounting a cargo bag for the first time. However, if you carefully follow the instructions above, you should be able to do it quickly and easily.
5 Best Rooftop Cargo Bags for Vans
When it comes to carrying goods, there are many options on the market. However, many of them can be inconvenient and even unsafe.
That’s why we took the time to gather everything you need to know about our favorite rooftop cargo bags for vans.
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
If you plan to get your hands on a rooftop cargo carrier that is reliable and will last for years, the RoofBag is a great option. It’s made from high-quality materials and has a patented design that makes it aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.
Apart from that, it comes with a year warranty so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product. The bag is perfect for transporting larger items, such as sports equipment, luggage, or furniture. Moreover, it’s easy to install and remove, so you can use it whenever you need it.
With all the positives in mind, you should also note that, while the RoofBag is indeed water-resistant, some water may get inside in case of strong rain.
In addition, the zippers aren’t the best and could even break when trying to close the bag. It doesn’t have a massive impact on the overall use but it’s certainly something to remember.
Lastly, the RoofBag is perfect for transporting larger items, such as sports equipment, luggage, or more when you need more space than what you can fit in your vehicle.
All things considered, it is a great option to get extra storage if you’re planning to travel to states with pleasant or average weather. But I wouldn’t recommend this model for rainy destinations.
Fivklemnz Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
The Fivklemnz is a 15 cubic feet car roof bag that is perfect for storing items on top of your van. This durable bag features a waterproof, anti-slip lining and reinforced seams with heavy-duty zippers to ensure that your belongings are safe and sound.
If 15 cubic feet aren’t enough for your needs, the product comes in various sizes to accommodate specific needs, ranging from 15 cubic feet to 19 cubic feet.
All versions come with a protective mat so it won’t scratch your car’s roof in any case, and that is definitely a great advantage. As a campervan owner, the last thing you’d want is to scratch your rooftop and this just won’t happen with this carrier.
With this cargo bag, you can hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more. It is easy to install on any car and van and this should be one of the elements you should keep in mind.
Plus, it is backed by a 12-month limited warranty. So, if you’re willing to get more storage space in your car, this rooftop cargo carrier is one of the options you should consider.
On the flip side, just like other cargo bags for vans, the zippers may get damaged or even break easily.
To conclude, we want to highlight the fact that having a roof rack isn’t necessary to mount it on your car or van. But, you will have to move your vehicle’s weatherstrip and this may cause an inconvenience in case of heavy rain.
MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
The MeeFar is a functional, lightweight, and waterproof rooftop bag that will help you save some space in your car when traveling.
With 2 different models available – 15 and 20 cubic feet capacity – this bag can carry all bulky items you might need while traveling.
We like the fact that it has an easy-to-use design and installation and that it can be installed on any car without a rack, and it will only take a couple of minutes.
Needless to say, it is waterproof, and you will certainly not find any leakage when it’s pouring down rain on the road. That being said, just like any other carrier, with continuous heavy rain, you may get some water inside and you should consider this point before leaving.
I also want to mention the fact that it could be difficult to install for novice van owners. Sure, it isn’t the most challenging to install either but get prepared to spend some time on the task.
While it is slightly pricier than the other cargo bags for vans on this list, the quality is great, and you will not regret spending the extra 20 or 30 dollars for the extra storage it offers.
Sailnovo Waterproof 20 Cubic Feet Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
The Sailnovo carrier is a great way to carry extra gear when you’re on the go. This carrier has a waterproof design, which makes it perfect for rainy days. It is built with a softshell yet protective material, ensuring that your belongings stay safe and protected.
What I particularly like about this carrier is that it’s easy to mount whether you have racks or not. Naturally, it will be more stable if you have racks on your van.
In addition, the cargo bag has a reinforced bottom, so you can rest assured that your gear will be safe and sound. And, thanks to its universal design, the Sailnovo bag is compatible with a variety of vehicles which is convenient if you need to mount it on your car.
Oppositely, it’s worth noting that a minimal amount of water may get in during harsh weather despite the fact that it is waterproof.
Lastly, the Sailnovo cargo bag doesn’t come with a protective anti-slip mat and I highly recommend getting one to keep your van free of scratches.
To sum up, if you’re in need of extra storage space, be sure to check out the Sailnovo cargo bag. You won’t be disappointed.
YLAUTO 21 Cubic Feet Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
Last on our list comes the YLAUTO rooftop cargo carrier bag – a waterproof and anti-slip rooftop carrier bag that is perfect for any van but also other vehicles.
As mentioned previously, it comes in different capacities and colors, and it’s the largest cargo bag for vans we recommend, with 21 cubic feet.
It is made of high-quality military materials and has a durable design. It can be easily attached to the roof of your van with its 10 reinforced straps regardless of whether you have a vehicle with racks or not.
Apart from that, it comes with an anti-slip mat, which is undoubtedly a factor to consider since you won’t damage your car in any way and will remain stable throughout the trip.
To conclude, if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality, and waterproof cargo bag for vans, the YLAUTO is surely one to add to your wish list.
Final Thoughts
If you own a van and don’t want to deal with the hassle of loading cargo on your roof, then one of these rooftop cargo bags will be perfect for you.
I know where you’re coming from as I always need that extra storage in my van and this is exactly why I don’t take any road trip without one anymore.
They are explicitly designed to attach securely and easily to the top of vans. Our team has carefully reviewed all five, so we know which is best suited for different needs, whether transporting pieces of luggage, surfboards, or fragile items.
In conclusion, we simply can’t recommend these cargo bags for vans enough, and they’re all worth checking out before your road trip.
