Best Roof Boxes Of 2024: Rankings And Tips For You

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
Image credit: Amazon.com

There are quite a few models of best roof boxes rampant on the market today, partly because consumer demand has increased quite a lot. That is why many people worry about the quality of the product. However, this does not matter when you are on our website today. 

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 21 hours conducting surveys through 4,690 real customer reviews. Thereby, they found the product with the best reviews from consumers is SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

On the other hand, if you don't need to invest in an expensive model yet, Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Medium would be ideal. This product has a lower cost while maintaining the quality and features of the product. 
Let's find out the description of the top models from top brands like Sportrack, Thule, Dna motoring, Sailnovo, Inno, Coocheer, Jegs below. The following are tips to guide you to buy quickly and effectively.

Our Top Picks

  • Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack
  • 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
  • Fits SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars and most factory racks (check fit guide)
  • FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
  • Thule Comfort Key can only be removed when all locking points are securely closed
  • External dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 inches; Internal dimensions: 61 x 33 x 14 inches
  • Provides 18 cubic feet of additional packing space
  • Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space efficiency
  • Fits 5-7 pairs of skis / 3-5 snowboards (up to 195 cm)
  • OVERALL DIMENSION: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H; Opens to 14" Wide to Store Bulky Items
  • CAPACITY: 110 lbs and 11 cu. ft.
  • STRENGTH: With Strong Support Arm, Opens from the Side and Stays Open Til you Close It
  • 【Easy to install: 】The roof box is equipped with 2 built-in fastening straps and 6 additional straps with buckles to avoid any sagging for a secure fit and the roof bag can be installed in just a few minutes!
  • 【Waterproof and robust:】The car top carrier is equipped with an oversized zipper with flaps for water repellency and light-resistant, keeps your things dry and protected from dirt, rain, sun, wind and snow. More capacity, more robust, more fun to travel!
  • 【Cost effective: 】The rooftop cargo bag is made of 1000D waterproof high quality material with strong stitching; Foldable for compact storage; You don't have to spend as much money as buying a roof box, but you have a bag with all the features of a roof box.
  • Safety lock system key can only be removed once box is locked
  • Limited Life Time Warranty
  • INNO designed and made in Japan
  • Oversized 20 cubic feet: Massive 21 cubic feet (L52" x W40" x H17.5") of space can easily hold all luggage of a family of 5-6. Most other roof cargo carriers are small and there is not enough room to accommodate everything you need.
  • Your gear will stay as dry as in a rooftop cargo box: 100% waterproof, no stitching, waterproof coated zipper and straps, zipper flap, protect car roof cargo carrier against water penetration
  • Built to last: Heavy-duty fabric, no harmful chemicals, peel-proof and tear-resistant. We notice that the straps of other cargo bags can easily rip from the seam, so we doubly reinforced the strap seam. And all seams of this cargo bag are heat welded and stitched to ensure they are watertight.
  • Fits load carrier rails with T-slot widths of 20 mm.
  • All kinds of load carrier rails can be cleverly fastened.
  • Replaces the standard Fast-Grip and Power-Grip fastening systems for Thule roof boxes.
  • Thule SlideLock system automatically locks the lid in place and shows that the box is closed securely
  • Exclusive flush-mount closure and reinforced lid provide effortless, dual-side opening and closing
  • Fits 3-5 pairs of skis (up to 200 cm in length)/3-4 snowboards
  • Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel efficiency
  • Waterproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and security
  • No tools required, easy assembly and installation. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly

Several things a reader must do before buying best roof boxes

Actually, best roof boxes can be discovered by following these simple steps. Individuals should first understand their needs and the requirements which will guide their decision-making procedure.

Then they must investigate all options available to decide which product satisfies those needs and meet those criteria. After that, the buyer can narrow down their options based on factors such as cost and dependability. Let’s check the tips for better purchase:

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

FAQs

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

Conclusion

Before making a purchase decision, the reader should do the following. It's critical to keep these factors in mind when looking for the best roof boxes since they can help to ensure that you discover what's worth the investment. If you need another option for best roof boxes, you should look into JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier. Hope you have a nice shopping day!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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