SportRack SR7018 Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box – Review



SportRack Vista XL SR7018 is a budget priced hard-shell rooftop cargo box. Can it compete with its more expensive rivals (like Thule Force XT which we wrote about recently) or is it cheaper for a reason?


Storage

With 18 cubic feet of storage space SportRack Vista XL is very roomy. There are units that offer a bit more storage space but 18 cubic feet is more than enough for most. However maximum weight capacity is only 100 pounds – 65 pounds less than previously mentioned Thule Force XT.

It opens from rear which is a worse solution than its competitors who open from sides. Rear access makes it harder to access, load and unload the cargo box.


Quality

It’s made of ABS which is UV resistant but not very sturdy. The whole unit is a bit wobbly especially the lid which feels especially flimsy and it does cause some doubts. However once you drive with it on top of your car nothing indicates that it’s not sturdy enough for its intended purpose.

Because of its U-bolt system there are multiple holes at different places for it be universal and compatible with different crossbars. After you install it you will be left with some holes that leave possibility for water to get inside. Cargo box comes with some stickers to cover them – this solution isn’t perfect but does seem to do the trick as inside stays dry during rain. However you never know when they might come off or how well they seal against moisture so even with this solution some concerns remain.


Installation

Installing and uninstalling SportRack Vista XL is simple process that doesn’t take more than few minutes. More expensive units like Thule Force XT have installation systems that are even a bit simpler and less time consuming but the difference is pretty much insignificant. If you complain about the difficulty or time it takes to install/uninstall this unit then no offense but there’s something wrong with you.


Mileage and noise

It’s seems to be well designed aerodynamics wise as it doesn’t impact mileage much and doesn’t cause much noise.


Dimensions and weight

SportRack Vista XL SR7018 weighs 28 lbs and is 64.17 inches long, 40 inches wide and 18.89 inches tall.


Conclusions

You get what you pay for. SportRack Vista XL isn’t a bad rooftop cargo box but it’s inferior to its more expensive competitors. If you only plan to use it occasionally then it’s probably good enough, but if you will use your cargo box on regular basis then it’s smarter to look for something more solid (Yes, like Thule Force XT as you might have guessed by now – I guess we really are fans of it).






SportRack SR7018 Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (Black, 18 Cubic Feet) Specs:

  • Storage capacity: 18 cu. ft.
  • Max Weight Capacity: 100lbs
  • Material: ABS plastic
  • Access: rear
  • Weight: 28 lbs
  • External dimensions: 64.17″ x 40″ x 18.89″ (L x W x H)

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