What would make this test truly meaningful is to subject these boxes to outside conditions for one year in direct sun. Roam's lids tend to deform/warp over time, thus losing waterproofing capabilities. Ask me how I know.
Mostly use Plano boxes with a set of Ridgid cases that sit inside my vehicle. Moderately priced and always strapped down properly. I have a Pelican Vault case that fits my roof rack and is easily strapped down. While I appreciate the ruggedness of the high-end cases, I treat my gear with care and use the saved funds for trips and other priorities.
Awesome video! Exactly the type of details I needed to know with the testings…mainly the step test. I don’t want to pack a stepping stool because it takes up space. I’ve been looking for something g I can use for both storage and as a step to get to the top of my truck and rack.
Just a nick picky detail from an engineer. You can’t say there is no deformation of the lids when it’s clearly moving while you step on it in the video. The proper way of saying this is there is no permanent (plastic) deformation. There is only elastic deformation and it returns to its original shape afterward. Every engineer will respect you more for understanding the conceptual difference between permanent (plastic) deformation and elastic (temporary) deformation. Otherwise, great video!
I have hade the Plano box for several years. Use it as a kitchen box. It is rain proof but I haul it in the back of the rovers. Wouldn’t use it on a roof rack. But it’s a solid lid budget option.
Great video, absurdly helpful to me as I do long, patient research into the "perfect" roof rack box for my needs Common complaints about price seem misplaced to me. I'm looking for a case I can offroad hard in serious mud, sand and dirt, camp in any weather including torrential rain and snowstorms, store mission-critical recovery gear, dry bedding and valuable, fragile electronics, sit or stand on over & over, and never even WORRY about it breaking - full peace of mind. AND looks cool, full-display on the exterior of my truck, I don't hesitate to admit it. I don't want to buy "10 cheap boxes for the price of one expensive box" and just replace it over and over again. Plus, what if it fails on the highway or in the backcountry? Extremely dangerous and trip-ruining. More than willing to pay for something I can trust with my life. That's why this video was so helpful to me. Personally leaning towards a Pelican because of how much confidence it inspires. If it's good enough for freaking National Geographic excursions, it's good enough for me.
Big disservice to viewers! I wanted to see Plano's Sportsman's Box in the small and medium sizes compared to the typical bougie overlanding boxes for hundreds of $. The S and M don't have the unnecessary wheels either. Super disappointed.
Nice video and comparison...however...the YETI is kinda tall for being placed on a roof rack. Some of the others as well. Curious why the 23Zero brand was left out. Great job though....thank you.
Great and thorough review! Thanks for doing all the review work. I have a few Plano boxes and they work great as stored under my tonneau cover. I am looking at the EXPEDITION 134 boxes or the Front Runner boxes as other options, but hard to justify the expense when Plano's working.
Hey Chris, did you ever have leak issues with the Alubox that was bumper mounted long term on your Excursion? In the vertical orientation, were there similar leaks?
I went with pelican they have locking saddle and always held up to sun with excellent warranty. Bx is different than traditional plastic pelican so time will tell, no mount to rack system than it just a another case he didn't address mounting and thief
Thank you for taking The time to do the extensive testing you did! This will help many people out with the siding, which is going to be best for them and their budget. For me, I chose the yeti like yourself because of the versatility, and the way they can stack together. I purchased all three boxes, the 15 the 30 and the 60! Love them.
I use AluBox's for storage on the rack of my Defender 110. I chose them specifically for their durability in all types of weather. Plastic cases all seem to suffer after lots of time in the sun.
I ran a pair of Zargas boxes on the roof of our 4Runner for three years, including rain, snow, Nor'Easters, and a hurricane, as well as trail usage with branch hits and brush scrapes. They did quite well. One never leaked, the other had occasional minor water intrusion.
For the price of those Plano, you could replace them more than 10 times for the price of one of the other brands should they break. For most people, this would be perfect. You should redo this video and show how much water and dust got into it after a day of usage on the top of a rig.
Neat stuff, but too expensive for many people’s needs. Wants over needs. If it’s being carried inside the vehicle. Try a Plano or even a Rubbermaid container will work. Save your money for the trip or a “need”.
Your video sucks, The large light takes up too much space in the video. You also place the product too low and is hard to see. Next time use a table and center the item you are reviewing. Good content though and keep it up..👍👍👍👍
What would make this test truly meaningful is to subject these boxes to outside conditions for one year in direct sun. Roam's lids tend to deform/warp over time, thus losing waterproofing capabilities. Ask me how I know.
Very thoughtful tests
Mostly use Plano boxes with a set of Ridgid cases that sit inside my vehicle. Moderately priced and always strapped down properly. I have a Pelican Vault case that fits my roof rack and is easily strapped down. While I appreciate the ruggedness of the high-end cases, I treat my gear with care and use the saved funds for trips and other priorities.
Awesome video!
Exactly the type of details I needed to know with the testings…mainly the step test.
I don’t want to pack a stepping stool because it takes up space. I’ve been looking for something g I can use for both storage and as a step to get to the top of my truck and rack.
Magellan. You omitted Magellan. Better performance and overall value than Plano or Frontrunner, though not as well known or available.
Just a nick picky detail from an engineer. You can’t say there is no deformation of the lids when it’s clearly moving while you step on it in the video. The proper way of saying this is there is no permanent (plastic) deformation. There is only elastic deformation and it returns to its original shape afterward. Every engineer will respect you more for understanding the conceptual difference between permanent (plastic) deformation and elastic (temporary) deformation. Otherwise, great video!
I have hade the Plano box for several years. Use it as a kitchen box. It is rain proof but I haul it in the back of the rovers. Wouldn’t use it on a roof rack. But it’s a solid lid budget option.
I have used it in winter and summer to travel back home with everything on the roof. Water has never got inside.
if you add weatherstripping to the channel on the lid, it becomes virtually waterproof.
Great video, absurdly helpful to me as I do long, patient research into the "perfect" roof rack box for my needs
Common complaints about price seem misplaced to me. I'm looking for a case I can offroad hard in serious mud, sand and dirt, camp in any weather including torrential rain and snowstorms, store mission-critical recovery gear, dry bedding and valuable, fragile electronics, sit or stand on over & over, and never even WORRY about it breaking - full peace of mind. AND looks cool, full-display on the exterior of my truck, I don't hesitate to admit it.
I don't want to buy "10 cheap boxes for the price of one expensive box" and just replace it over and over again. Plus, what if it fails on the highway or in the backcountry? Extremely dangerous and trip-ruining.
More than willing to pay for something I can trust with my life. That's why this video was so helpful to me.
Personally leaning towards a Pelican because of how much confidence it inspires. If it's good enough for freaking National Geographic excursions, it's good enough for me.
I am so glad it was helpful. Makes all the effort with these comprehensive reviews worthwhile.
Big disservice to viewers! I wanted to see Plano's Sportsman's Box in the small and medium sizes compared to the typical bougie overlanding boxes for hundreds of $. The S and M don't have the unnecessary wheels either. Super disappointed.
Nice video and comparison...however...the YETI is kinda tall for being placed on a roof rack. Some of the others as well. Curious why the 23Zero brand was left out. Great job though....thank you.
Great and thorough review! Thanks for doing all the review work. I have a few Plano boxes and they work great as stored under my tonneau cover. I am looking at the EXPEDITION 134 boxes or the Front Runner boxes as other options, but hard to justify the expense when Plano's working.
Great comprehensive review - thanks! I didn't even know Yeti made boxes.
Hey Chris, did you ever have leak issues with the Alubox that was bumper mounted long term on your Excursion? In the vertical orientation, were there similar leaks?
I’m interested as well
Great video guys
I went with pelican they have locking saddle and always held up to sun with excellent warranty. Bx is different than traditional plastic pelican so time will tell, no mount to rack system than it just a another case he didn't address mounting and thief
Great test!
Two things stick out to me, first that the name brand's do as good as expected, second, price..! Some seriously spendy boxes!
Thank you for taking The time to do the extensive testing you did! This will help many people out with the siding, which is going to be best for them and their budget. For me, I chose the yeti like yourself because of the versatility, and the way they can stack together. I purchased all three boxes, the 15 the 30 and the 60! Love them.
I use AluBox's for storage on the rack of my Defender 110. I chose them specifically for their durability in all types of weather. Plastic cases all seem to suffer after lots of time in the sun.
Great comprehensive review 🔥
Thank you that was very helpful!
I wish these manufacturers would offer kits to mount their boxes to Yakima round bars. 😢
That is a great idea. Maybe you have a cool new business idea?
I ran a pair of Zargas boxes on the roof of our 4Runner for three years, including rain, snow, Nor'Easters, and a hurricane, as well as trail usage with branch hits and brush scrapes. They did quite well. One never leaked, the other had occasional minor water intrusion.
Same with my $20 Plano. Never had water get inside in 4 years
Rome = Roam SMH
Man I’m surprised you didn’t at Milwaukee or harbor freight boxes since more and more people are using them
For the price of those Plano, you could replace them more than 10 times for the price of one of the other brands should they break. For most people, this would be perfect. You should redo this video and show how much water and dust got into it after a day of usage on the top of a rig.
Neat stuff, but too expensive for many people’s needs. Wants over needs. If it’s being carried inside the vehicle. Try a Plano or even a Rubbermaid container will work. Save your money for the trip or a “need”.
Your video sucks, The large light takes up too much space in the video. You also place the product too low and is hard to see. Next time use a table and center the item you are reviewing. Good content though and keep it up..👍👍👍👍