Best Products to Maximize Your Vehicle Storage Space and Lifespan

Whether you've got a family camping trip planned this summer or you're looking to hit the slopes with friends this winder, the issue of vehicle storage always comes up. There are too many people and gear, not enough space. Especially if you own a small vehicle. In this article, I will walk you through the details of the types of storage expansion options we carry, and what you can expect from each.

• Cargo Boxes
• Cargo Baskets
• Cargo Bags
• Ski & Snowboard Mounts

Cargo Boxes

Cargo boxes come in various sizes and styles for any vehicle. These boxes are durable, secure and install on an existing roof rack system to let you store your cargo safely on the top of your vehicle. 

The Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo Box secures to the top of your vehicle to provide 18 cubic feet of additional storage. This box is ideal for hauling cargo for up to 4 people and it is great for snowboards and skis up to 215 cm in length. Its sleek aerodynamic design reduces drag to make your ride smooth, and most importantly, it frees up room inside your vehicle to make your adventures more comfortable.

Yakima boxes come in various sizes and styles. Here are some available options to choose from.

• Yakima RocketBox Pro 11 Cargo Box 
• Great for hauling cargo for up to two campers
• Great for snowboards and skis up to 210 cm
• SKS Lock Cores ensure your cargo is secure
• Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Cargo Box
• Perfect for hauling cargo for up to three campers
• Dual-side opening for easy access
• Forward mounting improves hatch clearance
• Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box
• Provides up to 16 cubic feet of storage space
• Perfect for hauling gear for up to three campers
• Great for snowboards and skis up to 180 cm
• Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Cargo Box
• Perfect for hauling cargo for up to four campers
• Great for snowboards and skis up to 215 cm
• Provides up to 18 cubic feet of storage
• Yakima SkyBox Pro 21 Carbonite Cargo Box
• Perfect for hauling gear for up to five campers
• Great for snowboards and skis up to 125 cm
• Side opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle

Cargo Baskets

Cargo baskets, such as the Yakima Loadwarrior, can help secure and transport items on that you can't fit in your vehicle. The open air platform provides extra cargo space on the top of your car to secure larger items, and there are a wide range of products that can be added to help further secure the cargo.. 

Cargo Nets, like the Thule Stretch Cargo Net can be used to cover and secure your cargo inside a cargo basket. Most cargo nets are made of a mesh that stretches and conforms to your load.

There are various sizes and styles of cargo baskets to choose from, depending on personal preference and need. Here is a list of a few we carry.

• Thule Canyon Cargo Basket
• Tapered side walls make loading and unloading easy
• Wind fairing shape increases aerodynamics and reduces drag
• Built for style 
• Thule Trail Large Cargo Basket
• Flat cargo area for easy loading and unloading
• Integrated front and rear t-track channels for mounting additional rack accessories such as lights
• Upper load surface is covered with rubber to provide extra grip for longer loads
• Thule Trail Medium Cargo Basket
• Flat cargo area for easy loading and unloading
• Integrated front and rear t-track channels for mounting additional rack accessories such as lights
• Eight adjustable tie-down loops included for securing loads
• Yakima LoadWarrior Cargo Basket
• Adds cargo space to the top of your vehicle
• Open air platform allows easy access to tie-down materials
• Accessory bars act as crossbars form gear specific racks and provides added security
• Yakima MegaWarrior Cargo Basket
• Larger version of the LoadWarrior
• Accommodates most Yakima gear and mounts
• Best for larger trucks and SUVs 

Cargo Bags

Cargo bags are durable and water-resistant to provide additional cargo space on top of your vehicle. These products provide a great deal of space when needed and can be easily folded and stored. Here is a list of cargo bags we carry.

• Thule Interstate Cargo Bag
• Provides up to 16 cubic feet of additional storage
• Twin compression straps ensure cargo is safely secured
• IP-X3 test certified for water resistance
• Thule Outbound Cargo Bag
• Provides up to 13 cubic feet of cargo space
• Twin compression straps ensure cargo is safely secured
• IP-X2 test certified for water resistance

 Ski & Snowboard Mounts

For anyone planning on hitting the slopes this winter, a proper ski or snowboard mount is ideal, and it's always good to think ahead. There are various styles and sizes that are designed to protect and secure your skis, boards and vehicle during transportation. Check out the wide range of high quality ski and snowboard carriers we stock and start planning for the future.

• Thule Snowcat Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Telescoping arms change to the width of your vehicle for a perfect fit
• Rubber coated arms protect skis and boards from being scratched
• Fits up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• Thule Tram Ski & Snowboard Carrier
• Transforms an existing bike carrier into a winter ski and snowboard carrier for your vehicle
• Hold skis and snowboards securely with rubber padded arms
• Locks skis and snowboards into carrier with 2 Thule One-Key lock cylinders
• Thule Universal Flat Top Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Ultra-soft rubber arms hold skis and snowboards securely
• Holds up to 4 pairs of fat skis or 2 snowboards
• Oversized push button for easy access, even with gloves
• Thule Universal Pull Top Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Skis and boards slide from top of roof to side with telescoping arms
• Ultra-soft rubber arms grip and secure skis without scratching surfaces
• Fits up to 6 pairs of fat skis or 4 snowboards
• Thule Universal Snowboard Carrier
• Safely and securely transport up to 2 snowboards
• Angled design prevents binding and vehicle contact
• Lock arms grip and secure boards without scratching surface
• Yakima Big PowderHound Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• One-button access for easy loading and unloading, even with gloves
• SKS LOCK CORES included for full security
• Yakima FatCat 4 Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
• DoubleJoint hinge system lets you mount modern fat skis and boards
• Includes SKS LOCK CORES for full security
• Yakima FatCat 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• DoubleJoint hinge system lets you mount modern fat skis and boards
• Includes SKS LOCK CORES for full security
• Yakima HitchSki Ski & Snowboard Hitch Rack
• Converts hitch rack into ski carrier
• Upper arms adjust to 2 positions and lower arms are adjustable to accommodate various ski and board sizes
• Caries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• Yakima PowderHound Ski & Snowboard Mount
• Holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
• SKS LOCK CORES included for full security
• One-button access makes loading and unloading easy, even with gloves

If these options aren't quite cutting it for what you need, or you want to explore other options, check out our article, Choosing the Right Roof Rack System, for another method of cargo transport.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Utilizing Your Small Vehicle for Big Adventures

Having a small vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it for big adventures. There are many ways to utilize and enhance your vehicle’s cargo space. Whether you are operating a hitch or taking advantage of your roof space, the Auto Truck Depot has many options to help you out.

One of the primary methods used to gain more space in a small vehicle is with a roof rack, like the Thule Traverse. A roof rack usually consists of two crossbars that run across the top of the car. The crossbars are held in place by feet, which are connected to each corner of the roof, usually in the door’s frames. The crossbars sit a few inches above the vehicle and provide space for objects to be placed without scratching or damaging its surface. Large objects such as boats or ladders can be placed across the roof, and the crossbars provide an anchoring point for objects to be strapped down to.

 

There are many accessories available to enhance the storage capabilities of your roof rack even further, such as the Yakima Loadwarrior. The loadwarrior cargo basket helps secure items for transport on top of the roof and out of the interior of your vehicle, allowing more space and comfort while driving from place to place.  The open air platform allows easy access to tie down materials and gives you added flexibility with items that wouldn’t normally fit in an enclosed compartment. The large steel constructed frame fits on top of most vehicles and has custom wind fairing for extra noise reduction. The universal attachment system fits most round and square factory crossbars. The accessory bars act as crossbars for gear specific racks and give you added security when transporting more expensive and personal items. It was developed with on-the-go type people in mind, allowing a quick and easy load that maximizes the utility of your car.

If more security and protection for your cargo is necessary, the Yakima cargo carriers, SkyBox or RocketBox series may be a better option yet. These boxes are like an extra trunk for you roof, and they simply attach to your existing roof rack to expand your vehicles storage space. They come in various sizes for your specific needs, and you can be sure your gear is safe with its solid carbonite design and push-button, locking security features.

Another option, especially useful if you plan on carrying bikes, is to increase your vehicles carrying capabilities with a hitch. Even if your vehicle is too small to pull a trailer, you can still utilize this feature to carry bikes, cargo racks, and more. And better yet, you can use this feature along with a roof rack to turn your vehicle into a cargo-hauling beast. There are so many ways to utilize your small vehicle for those big adventures, and the Auto Truck Depot is here to help.

Choosing Cargo Carriers

Do you regularly carry and transport cargo using your vehicle? If so, then you should know that there are a wide range of cargo carriers available from auto truck depot. These carriers allow you to transport your goods without taking up valuable space in your vehicle. When choosing a carrier, you should think about the design and size of your automobile, the type, size, and weight of the cargo you are most likely to carry, and whether you want your carrier to be a permanent fixture on your vehicle or something that you can regularly place and remove as needed.

Different cargo carriers are designed to carry and withstand different weights. If you regularly carry particular items, such as bicycles or sporting equipment, you should know the general weight of your load before you begin shopping. This will give you a better idea of which weight capacities you should be looking for with your carrier. Also think about where you would like the carrier to be placed on the vehicle. Some people prefer carriers that go on top of the vehicle, while others prefer to attach their cargo to the back of the vehicle. The carrier you choose should be suitable for your vehicle’s make and model.

While you will have many makes and models to choose from, one of your best options is the Rocket Box 11. This particular model is good because of its sleek, attractive design, which makes it look great perched atop your vehicle. The design can also contribute to improved vehicle aerodynamics. Plus, this carrier features a wide 14 foot storage area, allowing it to hold many items at once.

Extend Your Space with Cargo Carriers

Tis the season for winter sports, and there’s no better time to load up your vehicle and head to the hills. This means the moving of a lot of gear. And while the excitement to get to the mountains is overwhelming, the amount of “stuff” you will need is also pretty substantial. Obviously, all of that stuff is going to take up a lot of space in your vehicle. If you’re wondering how you are going to make room for everything, plus for your family members and any guests, then you are a prime candidate for cargo carriers. Cargo carriers come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and designs, and are an awesome way to get everything you need to where you’re going, without suffering through an uncomfortable, over-packed ride.

Auto Truck Depot has a wide range of cargo items, perfect for your trip. While you should definitely browse through the entire selection, we just love the Rocket Box 11. This streamlined, stylish carrier sits atop of your vehicle, so you don’t lose any space at all inside! All of your items will be fully protected from rain or other inclimate weather, and you’ve got 14 cubic feet of space working for you! Check out the Rocket Box, as well as the other cargo movers today, your trip will be easier, more comfortable and much for enjoyable for all your passengers.

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Increase Carrying Capacity and Space with Cargo Carriers

So, you purchased a truck, SUV, or other large vehicle, thinking all of your cargo carrying needs were met. Then, you add in a kid or two and all of the things that go along with them, and you’re suddenly running low on space. We’ve all been there, but don’t worry—there is a solution in store, one that doesn’t involve buying an even larger vehicle. Cargo carriers are the solution you are looking for! There are many different types of cargo carriers on the market, from racks that go on top of your vehicle to convenient baskets. With so many great products available, you’re practically guaranteed to find an option that works for you.

This is especially true if you do your shopping at Auto Truck Depot. The Depot has solutions to fit every budget and need. Whether you just want a little extra space when carting the kids to ballet class or to the soccer match, or whether you want to go on long trips with the entire family and all of their belongings in tow, you can find your perfect match! Just give yourself time to browse through all of the different choices and to think about what you need.

The MegaWarrior is a great and very affordable choice that works for many people. It’s a cargo carrying platform, similar to the baskets but even larger. It can carry hundreds of pounds with ease, and without weighing down your vehicle. All of the cargo sits securely in this product, so you don’t have to worry about losing your goods or having them get damaged while you’re in transit.

Choose Sky Box 18 Cargo Carriers

Whether you haul a little cargo or a lot of cargo, you need to have cargo carriers installed on your vehicle. If you’re just transporting your cargo in your truck bed, it bounces around a lot and runs a high risk of being broken or, even worse, of being stolen when left unattended. The same is true if you are just throwing your cargo in the backseat and taking off. By choosing professional cargo carriers, you can keep your goods fully protected and have peace of mind the entire time you’re on the road.

One great carrier is the Skybox 18. It can hold a whopping 18 cubic feet of cargo and is constructed out of the strongest possible materials. Installation of the box is incredibly easy. Just use the included mounting hardware to secure to your crossbar. The model works with a wide range of different crossbars, including round and square ones. Inside of the carrier, you’ll find an integrated gear management system. Plus, your cargo is even further protected with special SKS locks. You may access the box from both sides of your vehicle, and lovely titanium, black matte, and silver finishes are optional choices to truly make your carrier stand out.

This product is made by Yakima, one of the most well known and trustworthy manufacturers in the automobile business. For the lowest possible price on this great product, be sure to do your shopping at Auto Truck Depot. Not only does it have these carriers currently in stock, but it also carries a wide range of other vehicle parts and accessories that can help you to get the most out of your vehicle.

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When You Need More Space

Cargo carriers are still in demand despite the size of your truck or sport utility vehicle. If you're considering a family vacation to a far away destination, it always helps to have a little more space for the kids. Various tools or other truck accessories alongside the many cases of luggage need to be secured in one place to maximize your interior space, as well as protect these items.

 Many times, however, these carriers can be placed on the roof of vehicles to provide more room inside. One of those cargo carriers includes the Rocket Box. The durability of the Rocket Box cargo boxes is unmatched, and is weatherproof to handle all kinds of outdoor conditions. Its sleek design will keep drag to a minimum, and will remain secure with a key lock system and push button opening. The lock system is the best in security, and will keep your valuables protected as if you were carrying them in your own pocket. It also adds a quality look to the top of your vehicle — after all, those old Big Mac-style carriers are too boxy and a pain to assemble and place on your roof. 

Check out the Rocket Box at The Auto Truck Depot. Whether you are carrying precious cargo inside for a much needed vacation, and prefer the extra storage outside for your luggage, or making a move to a new house, the Rocket Box is a great option.

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When it Comes to Cargo Carriers, Loadwarrior is Top Notch

Cargo carriers are all over the market these days, but be aware that one isn’t necessarily as good as the next. This is especially true when you consider the Loadwarrior, which is the absolute best product available. Compared to it, other carriers look like mere toys. This durable, strong carrier keeps your items safely atop the roof of your truck or sport utility vehicle. Since your items are securely on top, you will enjoy more room and thus more comfort as you drive. The product also includes a convenient open air platform so that you can easily tie down your cargo, no matter what its size. The frame is constructed of sturdy steel with customized wind fairing. That means no more of that annoying and dangerously distracting noise while you drive. And, thanks to a unique universal attachment system, the product will fit on virtually any crossbars.

This product is especially recommended for those who frequently carry large loads across long distances. While other products might do the trick for smaller cargo hauls or even for a couple of trips, only this one is strong enough to stand the test of time and constant use.

You can purchase your cargo carriers from any retailer if you want to spend a fortune on it, or you can purchase it from Auto Truck Depot at a rock bottom price. Auto Truck Depot has something else other retailers don’t as well—all of its products are offered online for an easier, simpler, more pleasant shopping and buying experience. You don’t even have to leave your home to find and order the perfect product for your vehicle.

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