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ARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Universal Roof Rack

Curated from 67 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 1, 2025

ARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Universal Roof Rack

Brand: ARKSEN
Price: $139
Snoop Score:
6.0
Sentiment
7.8
Popularity
7.4
Technical
3.9

Snoop's Take

The ARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Upgrade Universal Roof Rack is designed to provide spacious and secure transportation for various cargo on vehicles like cars, SUVs, and pickups. With its heavy-duty steel construction and an impressive 250 lbs capacity, this roof rack is ideal for camping trips, road adventures, or just maximizing your vehicle's storage space. Consumer feedback highlights several positive aspects of this roof rack, noting its minimal noise during use, ease of installation, and strong durability. As one user stated, "I road tripped from Seattle to NYC with a big Yeti cooler and a toughbox full of camping gear loaded on it with no problems." Additionally, users appreciate the value for the price, with many noting that it effectively meets their cargo needs for various trips. Overall, the ARKSEN roof rack is highly recommended for those in need of a reliable and budget-friendly cargo carrier. With positive reviews on its performance and construction, it's a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle's storage capabilities.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Cargo Carriers

the noise was minimal. The Arksen has an angled front plate that helps defect the air, which cuts down on the noise.

Positive Feedback

Anything on the roof will add a lot of drag and noise.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.0
ARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Universal Roof Rack
Family Road Trips
6 / 10
Camping & Outdoor Adventures
6 / 10
Moving & Hauling
8 / 10
Seasonal Sports Gear Transport
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Cargo Carriers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Minimal noise during use
the noise was minimal. The Arksen has an angled front plate that helps defect the air, which cuts down on the noise.
Easy and quick installation
I road tripped from Seattle to NYC with a big Yeti cooler and a toughbox full of camping gear loaded on it with no problems.
What’s the best length car roof basket for general/all-purpose camping/storage? I’ve settled on using a car roof basket to be able to both store and move some things, due to it’s more budget friendly costs.
Looks similar to what I have in mind, as both the Arksen & Curt need some diy improvements.
Spacious storage capacity
I'd go with 64, but 84, may be comically long.
Durable and rust-resistant construction
Works well and hasn’t shown any sign of rust.
Does the job effectively
It does the job just fine and you will not find one for a better price.
Absolutely worth it.
Effective rust-proofing techniques discussed
I also plan to spray a layer of Rustoleum Matte Clear Enamel (clear coat) on top whatever I end up using as the base coat and I am sealing all the bolts/openings with RTV Black Silcone.
I did 2 or 3 coats, and 2 years later there is no rust.
I’m using the same enamel paint to seal the undercoating.
the bed liner has taken abuse from chainsaws, to my heavy spare and firewood and looks great still.
Inexpensive compared to other options
Arksen roof racks are not bad and are fairly inexpensive I have the biggest one they have I paid about 300
Useful for camping trips
We put the cooler/fridge in the back cargo space, the dry box next to it, the dog in the back seat, and everything else in the basket.
I love the aesthetic and the comfort knowing it’s there anytime I’d need to haul something big but I’m just now realizing I’ve probably used it 15 times in the last 2 years, and all but one was during a planned trip.
Baskets can be extremely useful.
Great value for price
10/10 would buy again. Will be useful for my camping trips and overall just makes the crosstrek pop a little more.
Good quality for the price
Can anyone speak to the quality of ARKSEN roof racks/baskets? I'm not trying to break the bank on a Yamika or Thule basket.
Its what I'm running. Bought mine on amazon. they're very decent for the price.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Increased drag and noise with roof cargo
Anything on the roof will add a lot of drag and noise.
Bags can lead to higher fuel costs
the bags are like a giant sail and will kill MPG like nothing else.
Potential rust issues over time
it never failed me.
Watch out for car's maximum tongue weight
Be mindful of your car's maximum tongue weight on the hitch. For some unibody cars, the max allowable tongue weight is absurdly low.
Potential rust issues reported after initial use
there are some rust spots which I have noticed, am guessing they will get covered and it will be fine.
Increased noise while driving
If you can take it off and store it between uses, it can be great.
Yes there is an MPG hit and increased noise. I only mount the basket and crossbars for camping trips.
Not as secure as a roof box
First, a roof box is a thousand times more useful than a basket. You don't need to tie anything down, makes less noise, more secure and if you think about it for more than a second, it's just better.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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ECOTRIC Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier BasketECOTRIC Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket$104
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MAXXHAUL 70107 Hitch Cargo CarrierMAXXHAUL 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier$59
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MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop Cargo Carrier BagMeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag$139
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WILDROAD Car Roof Cargo CarrierWILDROAD Car Roof Cargo Carrier$243
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ARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Universal Roof RackARKSEN 54 x 39 x 5 Inch Universal Roof Rack$139
6.0
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MaxxHaul 60" x 22" Aluminum Cargo Carrier RackMaxxHaul 60" x 22" Aluminum Cargo Carrier Rack$99
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FIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof BagFIVKLEMNZ Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag$69
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Sailnovo Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof BagSailnovo Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag$69
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WEIZE Hitch Cargo Carrier BasketWEIZE Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket$89
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JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car StorageJEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage$302
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WEIZE 54" x 34" Heavy Duty Roof RackWEIZE 54" x 34" Heavy Duty Roof Rack$189
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OGASAMI Soft 15 Cubic Feet Car Roof Luggage BagOGASAMI Soft 15 Cubic Feet Car Roof Luggage Bag$42
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VENTURE 4TH Rooftop Cargo CarrierVENTURE 4TH Rooftop Cargo Carrier$109
2.4
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on optimizing roof rack dimensions
You can't use the 64 or 84" versions unless you have sufficient space between your bars and enough space to (nearly) center it without hitting your hatch when open
Discussion on cargo solutions for various needs
do you regret buying your cargo basket?

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on cargo solutions for camping trips
Debating to get a hitch cargo carrier.
$100 special from Harbor freight is what I have.
Store my large yeti in it which serves as a cooking platform as well.
I've used them a bunch. ... roof boxes are good for overlanding and a better option than a hitch-mounted cargo platform.
Discussions on cargo solutions for camping trips
I’m hoping for a good quality one in an affordable range (hopefully under $300 but preferably not more than $400), that produces little to no added noise.
Discussion on cargo solutions for solar panel installation
Roof rack cargo box for solar panels
Discussion on personal experiences with various cargo solutions
Too good to be true? Is the OEM $500 really worth it if I’m not loading this to capacity?
Discussion on lightbar effectiveness on roof racks
My custom lightbar setup for an arksen roof rack I thought you would all like my custom wind deflector with a plexiglass window and lightbar mounts
I had one mounted like that in my suburban. It was great for long distance light. It shed light around the vehicle while also making potential hazards cast shadows.
There's a reason why headlights are mounted in virtually the same position on every car... hood/grill level is the optimal place to have a light.
Experiences with DIY rust prevention methods
I Just used some black gasket maker I had leftover from a project, but any sort of silicon should work just fine.
Just bought the same rack, following along.
Exploring cargo solutions for overland builds
Cargo Basket Help Just bought a 2020 RAV4 that I’m doing an overland build on.
Discussion about using hitch cargo carriers for small cars
Just hoping to do this since I cant have a roof rack/cargo carrier up top.
Checking the Auto Train's website in regards to racks, yes I think it would be allowed if it attaches to the rear of your vehicle.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on roof storage options for Bronco Sport
I was wondering what your guys' recommendations for roof storage is?
I highly recommend Thule and strongly advise against the Ford crossbars based on my experience.
Discussion on rust proofing techniques for cargo carriers
Rust proofing rooftop cargo basket? I’m researching different rooftop cargo carriers, and after reading lots of reviews it seems like all of the more affordable ones (not Yakima, Thule, etc) have rust issues that occur very quickly.
I didn't rust proof my Yakima Load warrior and started to rust after a few years, mainly at the junctions between tube.
I used flex seal on all the gaps and anywhere water could get inside of the many tubes that make up the rack. I then went over the entire rack with Rustoleum 2X Flat black.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on personal experiences with cargo solutions
It would just be luggage and supplies. Nothing near the stated 500 pound capacity.
I welded a hitch receiver to mine and add a bike carrier on the back when needed.

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