If you want a versatile, heavy-duty expansion for your existing roof basket to carry motorcycles and bulky gear, choose Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo; if you need a dedicated, high-capacity hitch solution specifically designed to transport skis and snowboards upright without scratching them, choose Thule Tram Hitch Ski.
• Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo: Its biggest strength is the ability to expand an existing 18-inch medium basket by 40 percent using universal mounting hardware, but its trade-off is that it requires a pre-existing crossbar system with a minimum length of 30 inches to function.
• Thule Tram Hitch Ski: The standout feature here is the specialized design holding up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards securely with soft rubber arms, yet it is limited to hitch-mounted bike racks and cannot be used as a standalone carrier.
• Who it's for: Choose the Yakima extension if you already own a LoadWarrior basket and need more room for mixed cargo like motorcycle parts or camping gear. Choose the Thule carrier if you have a compatible hitch rack and prioritize carrying multiple sets of winter sports equipment safely and upright.
The Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Extension is built for the traveler who needs raw utility and flexibility over a single-purpose tool. This isn't just a generic box; it is a heavy-duty steel addition designed specifically to work with the LoadWarrior series. If you are someone who owns a standard LoadWarrior basket and finds yourself constantly running out of space for weekend trips, this 18-inch extension is the logical next step. It adds a significant 40 percent increase in storage capacity, turning a medium-sized carrier into a much larger expedition fortress. The construction relies on weather-proof heavy-duty steel, which means it can withstand the elements during long road trips without compromising structural integrity.
What makes this product particularly appealing for specific use cases, such as transporting motorcycle accessories, is the inclusion of a removable accessory bar. This feature allows you to mount various YAKIMA accessories directly onto the extension, creating a highly customizable platform. Whether you are strapping down helmet bags, tool rolls, or other irregularly shaped motorcycle gear, the accessory bar provides a secure anchor point that generic baskets often lack. The custom wind fairing is another critical detail; it reduces noise and improves aerodynamic prowess, which matters when you are driving at highway speeds with an expanded load profile. You won't be fighting a loud whistle from the wind or feeling excessive drag that could impact fuel efficiency.
However, this product is not for everyone. It is strictly an add-on component, meaning you cannot buy this and expect it to stand alone on your vehicle. You must already possess a crossbar system that meets the strict requirement of being at least 30 inches long. If you do not have a Yakima LoadWarrior basket or a compatible universal crossbar setup, this item will sit unused in your garage. It is also worth noting the weight; at approximately seven pounds, it adds mass to your roof, which is a factor to consider for fuel economy and handling dynamics. But for those who already have the foundation, it transforms their roof into a massive, secure, and weather-resistant storage zone capable of handling the heaviest loads.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-06 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier serves a very different purpose than the roof extension, focusing entirely on the efficient transport of winter sports equipment via the rear of the vehicle. Its primary design philosophy centers on maximizing carrying capacity while protecting delicate gear. Unlike roof systems where items are exposed to the full force of the wind and potential debris, this carrier holds skis and snowboards upright. This orientation is crucial because it prevents the boards from sliding around and scratching each other. The ultra-soft rubber arms grip the surfaces firmly without leaving marks, ensuring that your expensive equipment arrives at the mountain in pristine condition.
Capacity is the main selling point here. On a two-inch class two receiver rack, this unit can hold up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards simultaneously. Even on smaller one-and-a-quarter-inch receivers or with a spare tire carrier, it maintains a solid capability of holding four pairs of skis or two snowboards. This makes it ideal for families or groups heading to the slopes together, eliminating the need for multiple trips or expensive external towing solutions. The design includes two One-key locks, providing peace of mind against theft, which is a common concern when leaving valuable gear in a rear-facing position.
Installation and daily use are streamlined through thoughtful details like the oversized push button. This allows you to open and close the carrier even while wearing thick winter gloves, a scenario that plagues many poorly designed carriers. However, there is a significant limitation regarding compatibility. This carrier requires a Thule hanging hitch bike rack to function and is explicitly not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero models. It is not a standalone hitch rack; it is an attachment that needs a specific base. Furthermore, the physical dimensions of 27.5 x 26 x 9.4 inches mean it extends significantly behind your vehicle, which affects clearance in tight garages or parking spots. If you do not have the required Thule hanging hitch rack, this product is useless to you. It is a specialized tool for a specific ecosystem, not a universal solution for all cargo needs.
• Best for expanding existing roof storage → Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo (adds 40% capacity to a medium basket).
• Best for dedicated ski/snowboard transport → Thule Tram Hitch Ski (holds up to 6 pairs upright).
• Best for motorcycle gear versatility → Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo (includes accessory bar for custom mounting).
• Best for protecting equipment from scratches → Thule Tram Hitch Ski (uses ultra-soft rubber arms).
• Best for group travel with multiple skis → Thule Tram Hitch Ski (superior capacity compared to a roof extension).
• Best for aerodynamics and noise reduction → Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo (features custom wind fairing).
• Best for ease of operation in cold weather → Thule Tram Hitch Ski (oversized push button works with gloves).
• Best for users with a specific hitch rack → Thule Tram Hitch Ski (requires Thule hanging hitch bike rack).
• Best for users with a 30-inch+ crossbar → Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo (universal mounting on StreamLine or factory bars).
In my opinion, the choice between these two comes down to whether you are solving a problem of "not enough space" or "not enough security for specific gear." I would buy the Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo if I were planning a road trip involving motorcycles or general camping gear where I needed to maximize the utility of my current roof setup. The ability to expand my storage by 40 percent with a robust steel build and wind-reducing features makes it the superior choice for mixed cargo and adventure travel. Conversely, I would only choose the Thule Tram Hitch Ski if I was strictly focused on moving a large group of skiers or snowboarders and already owned the required Thule hanging hitch rack. For the average buyer looking to solve a broader range of hauling challenges, including the unique need to transport motorcycles, the Yakima extension offers far more flexibility and value.
No, it requires a crossbar that is a minimum of 30 inches long and is designed to fit Yakima StreamLine, factory, or aerodynamic crossbars, not every vehicle's roof rails.
It is built from weather-proof heavy-duty steel and features a custom wind fairing, making it a durable fortress for gear, though the surface itself is hard metal.
On a two-inch class two receiver rack, it holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, while smaller receivers support four pairs of skis or two snowboards.
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