Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The FIVKLEMNZ 21 cu ft soft roof bag wins for most travelers at $79.99 — waterproof, universal fit, and easy installation beat the MaxxHaul steel basket for temporary storage. The MaxxHaul ($109.99) is better for heavy-duty permanent use.
The Verdict
Winner
FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Roof Bag
FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag vs MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5", side by side
Pros:
- 100% waterproof with welded seams
- 21 cu ft holds 4–6 suitcases
- Fits vehicles with or without roof rack
- Easy installation with 6 door hooks
Cons (honest weight):
- Soft shell less secure at high speeds
- Zipper may degrade over time
- Not for heavy sharp items
Pros:
- 150 lb capacity handles bulky gear
- Alloy steel frame is durable and rust-resistant
- Easy bolt-on installation with U-bolts
- Side rails keep cargo secure
Cons (honest weight):
- 4.5" depth limits tall items
- Not waterproof
- Requires crossbars (sold separately)
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. FIVKLEMNZ 21 takes 2; MaxxHaul Steel takes 6.
| Dimension | FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag | MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5" | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceFIVKLEMNZ is $30 cheaper | $79.99 | $109.99 | MaxxHaul Steel |
| CapacitySoft bag holds 4–6 suitcases; basket is shallow | 21 cu ft | 4.3 cu ft | MaxxHaul Steel |
| Material DurabilitySteel is stronger and rust-resistant | 840D PVC Oxford cloth | Alloy steel | FIVKLEMNZ 21 |
| WaterproofSoft bag keeps contents dry in rain | 100% waterproof with welded seams | Not waterproof (open mesh) | MaxxHaul Steel |
| Installation EaseSoft bag installs faster and on any car | 10 minutes, no tools, door hooks | 20–30 minutes with U-bolts | MaxxHaul Steel |
| WeightSoft bag is lighter to handle | 10.3 lbs | 25 lbs | MaxxHaul Steel |
| Vehicle FitSoft bag works on any roof | Fits most cars with or without roof rack | Requires crossbars | MaxxHaul Steel |
| Security at Highway SpeedSteel basket more stable at speed | Zipper and straps secure but flexible | Rigid steel bolted to crossbars | FIVKLEMNZ 21 |
| Overall | 2 wins | 6 wins | MaxxHaul Steel |
Price — FIVKLEMNZ saves you $30
The FIVKLEMNZ soft bag costs $79.99, while the MaxxHaul basket runs $109.99. That $30 gap buys you a rainproof carrier that fits any car. The MaxxHaul costs more because of the steel material and weld construction.
For budget-conscious families, the FIVKLEMNZ is the clear value pick. You get 21 cu ft of waterproof storage for under $80 — ideal for one-off road trips. The MaxxHaul's price is justified only if you plan to use it weekly for years.
Capacity — Soft bag holds more volume
FIVKLEMNZ offers 21 cubic feet, enough for 4–6 suitcases. The MaxxHaul basket is only 4.3 cubic feet due to its 4.5-inch depth. For bulky items like sleeping bags and tents, the soft bag wins easily.
The steel basket's advantage is weight capacity: 150 lbs vs the bag's ~100 lbs estimate. If you carry dense items like tools or coolers, the basket handles more weight. But for volume, the bag dominates.
Material Durability — Steel lasts longer
The MaxxHaul's alloy steel frame resists rust and impacts. It's built for years of heavy use and can hold sharp items without tearing. The FIVKLEMNZ uses 840D PVC Oxford cloth — durable for a soft bag but prone to cuts and UV degradation over time.
For permanent installations, the steel basket is the better long-term investment. The soft bag is fine for occasional trips but may need replacement after a few seasons of harsh sun and rain.
Waterproof — Soft bag keeps items dry
The FIVKLEMNZ is 100% waterproof with welded seams and a waterproof zipper flap. The MaxxHaul basket is open mesh — anything inside gets wet in rain. If you drive in the Pacific Northwest or through summer storms, the soft bag is essential.
You can add a tarp to the MaxxHaul, but that's extra hassle. For hassle-free weather protection, pick the FIVKLEMNZ.
Installation Ease — Soft bag in 10 minutes
The FIVKLEMNZ installs with 6 door hooks and 10 reinforced straps — no tools required. It works on cars with or without roof racks. The MaxxHaul requires U-bolts and crossbars, taking 20–30 minutes and a socket wrench.
If you rent a car and want a temporary carrier, the soft bag is much simpler. The steel basket is a permanent fixture once bolted on.
Weight — Soft bag is 15 lbs lighter
The FIVKLEMNZ weighs only 10.3 lbs, easy to lift and store. The MaxxHaul is 25 lbs, awkward to mount solo. For one-person installation, the soft bag is far more manageable.
Lighter weight also means less impact on fuel economy. The steel basket adds more drag and weight, potentially reducing MPG by 1–2.
Vehicle Fit — Soft bag fits virtually any car
The FIVKLEMNZ fits sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks — with or without roof racks. Door hooks attach to the door frame. The MaxxHaul requires crossbars; vehicles without factory bars need an aftermarket set ($50–$200).
For owners of cars without crossbars, the soft bag is the only plug-and-play option. The steel basket adds cost and effort for a roof rack system.
Security at Speed — Steel basket stays put
The MaxxHaul bolts firmly to crossbars, eliminating movement at highway speeds. The FIVKLEMNZ relies on straps and door hooks — stable when properly tightened, but wind can cause flapping if the bag isn't full.
For long highway cruises at 75+ mph, the steel basket inspires more confidence. The soft bag is fine for moderate speeds but may require a check at rest stops.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Summer road trip with family | MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5" | Lightweight, waterproof, holds everyone's luggage |
| Moving apartment across town | FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag | Steel basket handles heavy boxes and furniture |
| Camping in rainy weather | MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5" | Waterproof bag keeps tent and sleeping bags dry |
| Weekly hauling of tools and equipment | FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag | Durable steel withstands sharp objects and repeated use |
| Renting a car for a weekend getaway | MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5" | No permanent rack needed; installs on any car in minutes |
| Cross-country drive with seasonal weather | MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46" x 36" x 4.5" | Rain, snow, and sun protection; stores flat when not in use |
| Carrying multiple coolers and camping gear | FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cubic Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag | 150 lb capacity handles heavy coolers and bulky gear |
Lightweight, waterproof, holds everyone's luggage
Steel basket handles heavy boxes and furniture
Waterproof bag keeps tent and sleeping bags dry
Durable steel withstands sharp objects and repeated use
No permanent rack needed; installs on any car in minutes
Rain, snow, and sun protection; stores flat when not in use
150 lb capacity handles heavy coolers and bulky gear
What if neither is right?
MeeFar 21 Cubic Rooftop Cargo Carrier
$149.99
Premium soft bag with waterproof zipper and 21 cu ft capacity
Sailnovo 20 Cubic Rooftop Cargo Carrier
$69.99
Budget-friendly soft bag with 20 cu ft and good durability
Frequently Asked Questions
FIVKLEMNZ vs MaxxHaul: which is better?
The FIVKLEMNZ soft bag wins for most travelers: it's waterproof, cheaper ($80), and fits any car with or without a rack. The MaxxHaul steel basket is better if you need a tough, permanent rack with 150 lb capacity for heavy gear.
Is the FIVKLEMNZ worth the $80 price?
Yes. At $79.99, it's one of the best-value roof bags: 21 cu ft, 100% waterproof, and includes straps and door hooks. It often compares favourably to bags costing $100+.
Can I use the MaxxHaul basket without crossbars?
No. The MaxxHaul requires crossbars (factory or aftermarket) for installation. If your car doesn't have them, you'll need to add a crossbar system.
How long does installation take for each?
The FIVKLEMNZ takes about 10 minutes with door hooks. The MaxxHaul takes 20–30 minutes with U-bolts. Both are straightforward but the soft bag is faster.
Which roof carrier is better for highway driving?
The MaxxHaul steel basket is more secure at highway speeds because it bolts to crossbars. The FIVKLEMNZ is stable with proper strapping but may flap if not fully loaded.
Are there alternatives between these two?
Yes. The MeeFar 21 cu ft bag ($150) offers similar features with a waterproof zipper, and the Sailnovo 20 cu ft bag ($70) is a budget-friendly soft option. Both are good in-betweens.
We compared 2 finalists across 8 dimensions using Amazon verified buyer data and manufacturer specs. Prices updated weekly from Amazon. Expert sources were not available for this category.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks based on 20,308 verified Amazon reviews and head-to-head comparison of features. We do not accept payment for rankings.