X-Cargo Sport 20 Car Top Carrier

Our most helpful positive review

4 people thought this was helpful.

Great Buy for a Subaru Outback! December 21, 2010

Purchased for a 2005 Subaru Outback. Installation is a breeze, need to people to lift it on to the roof because of its size, but one person can manage it after than. Perfect length for the car; it doesn't get in the way of the sunroof or the tailgate, and accessing the topper by standing on the back bumper is very comfortable. Driven over 2,000 miles with it and didn't even notice it was on the car, even on some windy days through the mountains! The height of the topper really makes it versatile. Great value, too! Some feedback said that the nuts strip easily, but I didn't feel like it needed to be really overtightened to stay on...just 1/4 turn over snug, and it didn't budge. I could also see how the hinges could break if you're overly enthusiastic about opening and closing the lid, but a little tenderness while operating should keep anything from warping or breaking.

Our most helpful negative review

0 people thought this was helpful.

OK-about what you would expect for the price-NOT water tight! April 03, 2011

This product installs quickly and easily. I didn't have any problems with the installation. It is a very light duty item and must be handled accordingly. If you are careful with this product, it should last a long time. I can see how one false or careless move could damage or break the hinges.

My biggest problem with this product is that it is NOT water tight. I figured this would be an obvious requirement for this type of product. We saw heavy rain during our travel and noticed there was some standing water in the carrier and some of our beach towels were wet. I dried the entire inside. Later, after a rain during which our car was parked, I noticed water had again gotten into the carrier. Based on this performance and since there are not any gaskets to make the carrier water tight, I would expect this performance to be the norm.

We didn't put anything valuable or easily damaged by water in the carrier, mostly pool toys, scooters, towels, and beach chairs. For us, this was an inconvenience, not a big problem.

I'm going to try and install some weathering gasket purchased from the local hardware store. This should work or at least reduce the water infiltration.

Overall this product is OK. About what you would expect for the price. In hindsight, I might consider one of the more expensive carriers from Thule or Yakima. Who knows, these may not be any better.