Recommended Rooftop Cargo Carrier for 2006 Scion TC

Expert Reply:

The choice between a cargo box or basket will depend in part on what items you are transporting.

A roof mounted cargo box will keep your items out of the elements, whereas a basket would need an additional cargo bag to keep your items safe and dry.

For odd shaped items, a basket is better because it does not have the dimension restrictions of a box. A basket is easier to store should you decide to remove it from the roof. Most people just leave the basket on the roof. A cargo box will take up a lot of space and it is not something you would leave on the roof all of the time.

You can lock a cargo box easily. To lock your items to a basket again you would need a bag and then a padlock to lock the bag.

With a box, it takes a little more thought to pack things inside to evenly distribute the weight. On the other hand it is much easier to place your items on a basket, secure them, and go. If you are transporting something like skis you would definitely want to go with a long cargo box.

For long trips I would go with a cargo box. You never know what kind of weather you will run into and chances are you will be stopping frequently so having a locking box would be ideal. Because of all the features and its practicality my recommendation would be a cargo box like the SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box part # SR7018. This box is designed to fit a crossbar spread of 23-5/8, 25-7/8, 27-7/8, and 29-7/8 inches.