We Tested the 250LB Universal Roof Basket: Our Verdict

After three weeks of testing, we’re impressed with the Universal Rooftop Cargo Basket. This hefty 51″ x 36″ x 5″ carrier easily mounted to our SUV’s roof rails and lived up to its 250-pound capacity claim during our mountain camping trip. The heavy-duty steel construction felt solid, with no flexing even when fully loaded with gear.

We particularly appreciated the included cargo net and attachment hooks, which kept smaller items secure even on bumpy forest roads. The two ratchet straps were a thoughtful addition, though we recommend picking up a couple more for bulkier loads.

Installation took about 30 minutes with two people, and the basket remained firmly in place throughout our journey. While we noticed a slight increase in wind noise at highway speeds, the added storage capacity made this a worthwhile trade-off for our outdoor adventures.

Our Hands-On Review of the Thule Canyon XT Basket

After testing the Thule 859XT Canyon XT Basket over several weekend adventures, we’re impressed with its versatility and durability. This sleek black cargo carrier combines functionality with a rugged design that handled everything we threw at it. We particularly appreciated the weatherproof construction that kept our gear dry during an unexpected rainstorm, and the wind fairing that noticeably reduced noise while driving.

Installation was straightforward-we had it mounted on our SUV’s roof rack in under 15 minutes. The basket’s 150-pound capacity easily accommodated our camping equipment, and the integrated tie-down points were perfect for securing bulkier items.

While the price point is higher than some competitors, we found the premium construction and Thule’s reputation for longevity justify the investment. Stay tuned for our detailed breakdown of pros and cons in the full review!