skinny thinnest low-profile cargo boxes for sedans suvs trucks

7 Skinny Thinnest and Low Profile Cargo Boxes

You want to find skinny, thinnest, and low-profile cargo boxes for your vehicle, and you have the solution here. The Cargo Boxes below won’t create too much height above your car, and they also provide additional space for loading your essentials or sporting equipment. 

You have many options on roof boxes out there on the market, but finding a compatible and suitable roof box is challenging for people who don’t have knowledge and experience on these boxes. You are here to look for skinny, thin, and low-profile cargo boxes because you know the added height above your vehicle creates not only conveniences but also limitations. 

6 thinnest skinny low-profile cargo boxes for Sedans SUVs and trucks.

Quick-Pick List Of 7 Skinny, Thinnest, and Low Profile Cargo Boxes

The list starts from the lowest to the highest.


Compare to Pick List

Thule vector 12.5 inches height skinny cargo box the thinnest roof box on the market
the thinnest roof box on the market
  • Name: Thule Vector Alpine Model Slim Roof Box
  • Dimensions: 91 x 35 x 12.5 inches
  • Loading Capacity: 13 cu ft
  • Weight: 65.9 lb
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Locks: Audible Lock
  • Brand: Thule

Thule pulse alpine cargo box skinny thinnest roof box on the market
the thinnest car roof box
  • Name: Thule Pulse Alpine Thin cargo box
  • Dimensions: 88.5″ x 25.5″ x 12.5″
  • Loading Capacity: 11 cubic ft / 110 lbs
  • Weight: 30 lbs
  • Materials: ABS
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: Thule

Thule Motion XT alpine skinny low profile cargo box
  • Name: Thule Motion XT Alpine roof box
  • Dimensions: 91.50 x 37.5 x 13.25 in
  • Loading Capacity: 16 cubic ft / 165 lb
  • Weight: 55 lb
  • Materials: ABS
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: Thule

INNO RIDGE slim skinny cargo carrier
  • Name: INNO Ridge Car Rooftop Luggage Carrier (skinny design)
  • Dimensions: 54.5 x 28.5 x 14 inches
  • Loading Capacity: 8 Cubic Feet
  • Weight: 20 Pounds
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: INNO

CAM cargo carrier for outdoor journey
  • Name: CAM SPORT 431 Skinny Roof Box
  • Dimensions: 72 x 29 x 15 inches
  • Loading Capacity: 15 cubic feet
  • Weight: Not Specified
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: ‎CAM

SportRack Horizon slim thin skinny car rooftop luggage carrier
  • Name: SportRack Horizon Thin Alpine Cargo Box
  • Dimensions: 88.4 x 20.7 x 15.9 inches
  • Loading Capacity: 11 cubic feet (311 L) cargo capacity
  • Weight: 33 Pounds
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: SportRack

RNINO RACK MASTER thin and skinny low profile roof box
  • Name: RHINO RACK Master slim cargo box
  • Dimensions: 78 x 36 x 18 inches
  • Loading Capacity: 400 liters / 14.13 cubic feet
  • Weight: 55 Pounds
  • Materials: ABS and ASA Plastic
  • Locks: Yes
  • Brand: RHINO RACK

A skinny, thin, and low-profile roof box doesn’t generate too much height above your car; consequently, you don’t worry drive to some places that have height limits like underground parking grounds. Although a skinny, thin, or low-profile cargo box stays low on top of your vehicle, you better take it off when it is not in use. 

You can refer to an article to know why driving with an empty cargo box is not recommended by most manufacturers and experts. If you intend to get a skinny roof box for leaving it on the car roof all the time, you have to rethink and figure out another plan.

If you leave a cargo box on top of your vehicle all the time, UV radiation, low temperature, and natural elements can gradually damage and crack the roof box. It is why most outdoor enthusiasts store their cargo boxes in the garage with proper protection when the roof boxes are not on duty. 

Benefit Of Using A Skinny or Thin Cargo Box

Skinny, thin, and low-profile cargo boxes are more aerodynamic because of their slim designs; therefore, skinny rooftop boxes don’t bring too much wind noise when you drive with them on the highways. On the other hand, These thinnest roof boxes don’t produce much waste on gas.

If you have no idea about the topic above, you can refer to some articles to draw a picture before continuing.

  1. Do cargo boxes affect the gas mileage, true or false?
  2. What to do to deal with wind noise when using a cargo box?

These skinny, thinnest, and low-profile cargo boxes have slim designs to minimize the effect of the airflow; however, the volume of wind noise is just lower but not eliminated. 

These thinnest cargo boxes are perfect for sporting gear like skis, snowboards, fishing poles, golf clubs, and more. They are not good choices for camping adventures or road trips because these slim cargo boxes are short in height to carry carry-on luggage bags like yours. You can use the cargo boxes’ dimensions to figure out if you can put your backpacks or luggage bags into the chosen box or not. Besides, it is the best result to find a suitable skinny cargo box for your outdoor adventures and the sizes of your belongings.

The slim-designed cargo boxes are also aesthetic and fashionable in their appearance. In general, they are more stylish (up-to-the-minute) than regular roof boxes on the market.

We pick these skinny, thinnest, and low-profile car roof boxes for your sedans, SUVs, and Trucks.

Detail Of 7 Skinny, Thinnest, and Low Profile Cargo Boxes

Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box Alpine Skinny Model

It is the first pick we recommend for your vehicle because of its high quality and popularity. Its thin design ensures the minimum wind noise and the lowest effects on gas mileage. The Alpine Thule Pulse cargo box provides 11 cubic feet of inner space for carrying items that are not higher than 12.5 inches. Its dimensions are 88.5 inches x 25.5 inches x 12.5 inches (L x W x H), and you can use these numbers to see if it is suitable for your gear or not. 

The Thule Alpine model is perfect for long gear like skis, golf clubs, fishing rods, hiking sticks, backpacks, survival tools, foldable tents, and other outdoor equipment. It can carry items that are shorter than 210 cm in length.

If you require more specifications of the Thule Pulse Alpine cargo box, you can use an info guide to know more.


INNO Ridge Cargo Box Thin Model

INNO RIDGE Skinny Cargo Box

It is the second pick that is taller than the first option. The INNO Ridge roof box’s dimensions are 54.5 x 28.5 x 14 inches (L x W x H). It is 1.5 inches higher than the Thule Pulse Alpine. For us, the 1.5 inches makes almost no difference in the height; however, the INNO Ridge box is shorter than the Thule Pulse Alpine, and you can carry items that are not longer than 138 cm in the INNO Ridge box.

The INNO Ridge cargo box is not for sporting gear like skis or snowboards, and it is a suitable pick for carrying outdoor equipment like camping gear or small carry-on bags. 

It is perfect for small size families, and it is not a good pick for a group of people more than 4 people. You can use the INNO Ridge roof box to transport backpacks, foldable tents, shoes, golf clubs, hiking sticks, and more.


CAM Sport 431 Vehicle Car Rooftop Carriers Low Profile

CAM 431 Sport low profile cargo carrier for compact vehicles

It is the third pick for your car. Its dimensions are 72 x 29 x 15 inches, and it is larger than the INNO Ridge but shorter than the Thule Pulse Alpine in length. 

Its thin design makes it stay low on the car roof and cut the air to the sides when it is in motion. 

The CAM rooftop cargo carrier gives you additional 15 cubic feet of inner space on top of your vehicle. You can open the box from the passenger side to avoid risk from traffic when packing or unloading it on the highways. 

The CAM car roof box has a central lock that ensures the box is locked and your items are dry and safe.

The CAM roof box has two lid holders that support the lid until you manually close it.

It significantly increases your sedan, SUV, or truck’s storage space for heavy-duty jobs. It is made of high-density plastic materials that are superlight to lift for installation. You can use the button below to know more about the CAM Sport 431.


Rhino-Rack Master-Fit Roof Box Skinny Option

Rhino-Rack thin cargo box for sedans, SUVs, trucks

It is a good car rooftop luggage box that is made of ABS & ASA materials, so it is ultra-light with glossy black printing. 

Its dimensions are 78 x 36 x 18 inches, and it is higher than most options in this article; therefore, it is standing between a skinny roof box and a regular cargo box.

It is perfect for offroading and other heavy-duty outings. The Rhino-Rack Master roof box offers 833 lbs or 14.3 cubic feet of inner space for packing what you need out there. 

You can open the box from both sides to conveniently pack or unload it when necessary.

You can use it to transport almost everything including tents, wakeboards, golf clubs, sets, beach chairs, yoga mats, camping furniture, skis, outdoor games, and more.

You can follow a beginner’s guide to know what you cannot put in a cargo box.


Thule Vector Thinnest Rooftop Cargo Box

Thule vector alpine skinny cargo box

It is another pick for your sedan, SUV, or truck. It is the most expensive Thule cargo box with unique premium features like internal lighting and an advanced locking system.

Its dimensions are 91 x 35 x 12.5 inches, and it is the longest box in this article. It weighs 65.9 pounds, and you should install it with someone else for accuracy and security. 

The Thule Vector cargo box has a luxurious and elegant appearance that fits most sedans, SUVs, and trucks.

It is the best skinny and thinnest car rooftop box for people who like carrying sporting gear or long camping equipment.

The Thule Vector has an audible locking system, and you can hear a “click” sound when the box is fully locked. This feature ensures that everyone else in your family can operate the box without the possibility to leave it unlocked for risks.


SportRack Horizon Skinny Cargo Box

SportRack Horizon thin cargo box

It is another pick for your sedan, SUV, or truck. The SportRack Horizon Alpine is another skinny and thin roof box on the market for people who want to use a low-profile roof box that doesn’t create much wind noise and waste gas consumption.

Its dimensions are 88.4 x 20.7 x 15.9 inches, and it adds 15.9 in height above the roof racks. It gives you 11 cubic feet of inner space for loading luggage or sporting gear.

You can open the passenger side to pack or unload the roof box when loading up for your outdoor adventures. 

You can know more specifications about the SportRack Horizon Alpine in another post and compare it with other options in this article. 


Thule Motion XT Alpine

Thule Motion XT Alpine low-profile roof box for SUVs

Thule Motion XT Alpine is another perfect solution for people who wish to find a low-profile roof cargo box to carry gear like skis, golf clubs, snowboards, hiking sticks, camping equipment, etc. The Thule Motion XT Alpine adds about 13.25 inches or 33.65 cm of height above the crossbars, and it is higher than the Voctor and Pulse Alpine but lower than other options in this content.
The Thule Motion XT Alpine provides extra 16 cubic feet of sealed space, so you can put your stuff there and tighten them to the bottom of the box to prevent sliding when your car is in motion. Most manufacturers offer several straps inside their rooftop cargo boxes for immobilizing items. The Thule Motion XT Alpine has a slide-lock system that indicates when the lock is unlocked, so you won’t forget to lock the box after loading or unloading. When packing things into the Thule Motion XT Alpine, you can safely and effectively load up to 165 pounds into the box without any problem. However, when off-roading with a cargo box, you better decrease the weight limit to half, which is 80 pounds, for security and safety.
The Thule Motion XT Alpine is about 55 lb and heavier than the Thule Pulse Alpine, but you still can lift it for installation without others’ assistance. Although the installation process is straightforward without the involvement of tools, you better ask someone to join for better accuracy and security.


In Conclusion

In this article, you find 6 skinny, thinnest, and low-profile cargo boxes for your outings. A beginner guide helps you learn more about using and choosing a cargo box for specific cars and demands. 

Otherwise, you need to know the correct ways of packing a cargo box and the speed limit of driving with a roof box.

author profile icon smaller

Our team is creating outdoor-gear relevant articles with passion. If our articles can help you to find the correct solutions for your questions, we will be happy about that. In the content creation process, we usually collect accurate and useful information online or offline to compile our content in an organized way. Consequently, we can guarantee that you can discover some expected answers to your questions. We appreciate your time on our site.



We are reader-supported. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post, As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Scroll to Top