The Nissan Sentra is a reliable vehicle that can take you anywhere you want to go while not guzzling your fuel away.
But what about that big camping trip? Or your family adventure? Well, if you need more space in your life, consider getting a roof box.
We’ve heard an unruly child can fit in one if you get a size big enough!
Let’s take a look at the 4 Best Roof Boxes for your Nissan Sentra:
1. Thule 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box,Grey, One Size
Thule is one of the premium brands in the roof box industry. They’ve been around a long time and have established a great reputation for making quality products.
But they do tend to run a little more of the price scale!
The Thule 682 sidekick is a great small capacity cargo box, but it actually isn’t that expensive unlike their usual prices.
This particular model can hold 8 cubic feet of volume and up to 75 lbs of weight. So it’s on the smaller side, but this is perfect for those of you wanting something that isn’t too bulky sitting on your roof.
They’ve also included locks to help you keep this secure when not in use. This is a side opening design. Which we prefer to the rear opening models. It makes things easier to get to.
To adhere this to your roof rack, there are included U-bolts. This isn’t the most aerodynamic design(at least not compared to Yakima), but it does have a slight curvature and shouldn’t affect your MPG too much!
2. YAKIMA - RocketBox Pro, Multi-Sport Rooftop Cargo Box for Cars, Wagons and SUVs, 11 (adds 11 Cubic ft. of Storage)
The other titan in this industry is Yakima. Along with Thule, they have long since dominated the space.
But Yakima leans another direction. They aim to be the sleek aerodynamic company while maintaining a high end product line.
Yes, just like Thule you will pay a bit more to get their products. But their customer base doesn’t mind because build quality is so high.
The RocketBox pro is made with cars in mind. And it does hold a decent amount at 11 cubic feet. Because of the shape, you can also fit skiis/snowboards in here if that’s your thing.
They offer a limited lifetime warranty. This is good until sold. If you pick one of these up second hand, it won’t apply.
This is a side opening unit, but it can open on either. Locks are included with this as well. We really like this unit all around, and if you’re looking for a long-term option for your Nissan Sentra, this is worth a second look.
3. RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier. 19 Cubic Feet. 100% Waterproof Excellent Military Quality Car Top Carrier. Heavy Duty RoofBag. Fits All Vehicle With/Without Rack. 4+2 Door Hooks Included
This isn’t a hard shell cargo box, no! But this is here because perhaps you don’t have a roof rack but still need a lot of space for a move or a trip.
This will be HUGE on your Sentra, so make sure it’s the size you need. But it is the cheapest option here and you don’t need anything pre-installed.
For us, that makes this an awesome value. The RoofPax waterproof bag has heavy duty stitching and straps, and they’ve even included a lock. You’ll be able to bring a ton of gear with you in this bad boy.
4. SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box
The SportRack has an extremely similar design to the Yakima models but it’s a bit more affordable.
At the end of the day if you’re looking for something to carry your stuff and not your money away, then finding a great value is what matters most.
And we think SportRack fits that bill! It isn’t as sleek as the Yakima and it only opens from one side, but these are small knick knacks in the grand scheme of things. This does have a locking mechanism included.
And it comes in three different sizes. From 11 cubic feet all the way up to 17. We’re sure you’ll be happy with this steal of a deal!
Do I need a roof rack for a cargo box?
If it’s a hard shell cargo box, then yes you’re going to require a roof rack. The only case where you won’t need one is for some cargo bags. Most cargo bags will still require a roof box though!
So make sure you read the fine print and look at pictures carefully if that’s what you’re hunting for. We linked to an extremely large cargo bag in this guide that doesn’t require a roof rack. The way companies do that in most cases is by using door hooks to keep the load secured.
For what uses is a roof box best suited?
Hauling a lot of gear! For say, a camping trip. There are plenty of other types of mounts for different purposes once you get a roof rack. But a hard shell cargo box is best at keeping your stuff completely protected from the elements and secure.
One drawback of a soft cargo bag is that they are a bit easier to open. A hard-shell box is kind of an extension of your vehicle in a way.
We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision on the best cargo box for your Sentra! The choices are vast, but we narrowed down our favorites.
For us, we think the Thule Roof Box is a great value for its price. If you’re carrying a smaller amount of things and have a roof rack already installed, it’s hard to beat.
Whatever you end up choosing, let us know how it worked out. And thanks for stopping by.