Travelling by cars has always been the number 1 choice when it comes to travelling with a big family. A van will be a good choice for 7 to 8 members of an extended family. However, It is very difficult to have enough space for both family members and also their luggage. I believe that all members want to bring as many things of theirs as possible to make the vacation more comfortable and fancy. For example, girls would love to bring more clothes to change while on vacation, boys would like to bring their skateboards and toys. Moms would love to bring enough food for the family but no one wants to suffer from the smell of food in the car all the way. So the solution is to put things outside, maybe on the roof of the cars. So the car roof box must be a good idea.
Car roof boxes would be ideal for big families so that they can put things outside in order to have enough space in the car to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride.
In this article, we focus on the best car roof boxes that are suitable to install on top of your cars and they will be worth your investing.
Types of Car Roof Boxes
As casual, car roof boxes are categorized into soft and hard car roof boxes. And, these features are things help you narrow your options better before purchasing the best car roof box for your car.
Soft Car Roof Box
To us, soft cargo roof carriers or flexible ones are the best choices for small cars. They are designed in duffle shapes and made of thin plastics like polymerizing vinyl chloride (PVC) or other vinyl alternatives which are considered as 100% waterproof materials. For this reason, you are no longer worried about the wind, sun, and grit in a long drive. Furthermore, those carriers also have wide added traps that keep the box on your car better on the bumping roads. However, they are lack of locking mechanisms which protect your things from bad people’s hands.
Hard Car Roof Box
Now, let’s move to hard sell roof boxes. If you are tending to buy a carrier for your extra cargos, then you should check out a hard sell roof box. In fact, hard car roof boxes are made of high-quality and heavy materials which tend to provide ease to carry lots of things for your outdoor trips. All these hard devices are equipped with locking mechanisms that can keep your things overnight safely. Some hard-sell roof boxes are light enough to bring you comfort when mount and dismount it on your own. Otherwise, some of them are much heavier so you might need some help from others to put up and bring down.
Purchasing a good quality car roof box seems difficult for non-experienced buyers. Thus, you should have a careful consideration of some features related to the product before deciding to grab it. Don’t waste too much time looking for a carrier if you have no ideas about it, consult the manufacturer for good advice is needed.
Factors You Should Consider Before Buying a Car roof Box
Choosing a car roof box can be difficult for some people, so in this section we will point out some important features that a car roof box must have. So it will be easier for everyone to choose the most suitable one.
Capacity
Capacity is the first priority thing to consider before investing in a car roof box. Well, to get the best size of the carrier, you need to figure out how much cargos you want to carry on it.
Car roof boxes are offered in several various sizes which can fit your vehicles well. You can normally find them from 120 liters to 350 liters, and the well-designed car roof boxes can have a very big capacity of up to 400 liters. And, their storages normally range from 10 to 25 cubic feet. A 10 to 15 cubic feet of storage is ideally suggested for a family of 3 members. And, for larger group size, a 20 cubic feet or more is highly suggested for you.
Anyway, the capacity of a car roof box can be constantly changed depending on the size of your vehicle and the number of gears you tend to bring with your road trip.
Shape
Making a decision about the shape of a car roof box depends on what types of things that you would love it to carry on the road trip. Clearly, the length or capacity of the carrier isn’t able to make it perfect if it does not come with an appropriate height. And, the height of this product obviously affects a lot to the aerodynamics. Going for a carrier with an aerodynamic design will decline more wind noise after a long drive. A narrow-width car roof box can fit your kayak and other small cargos well, and the medium and bigger boxes can hold 1 to 3 bikes at the same time. However, to bring bikes, you also have another option that is to use the bike racks.
Durability
Let’s check out the durability, another important factor of a car roof box. Well, we are sure that you don’t really think twice to invest a good budget in this factor for your vehicle. Obviously, the durable and sturdy material of the box is long-lasting and it helps you store your stuffs during transit in the extreme weather better.
Security
If you are worried about the security of your car roof box, then a good quality hard box is a necessity for you. This carrier comes with strong and sturdy locking advice is a smart idea for parking overnight. And, it is not too hard to get one if you can pay extra on it. Casually, most soft car roof boxes are not equipped with the protecting locks so you should not focus on them if you concern the security more.
Accessibility
What is the best way to access the car roof box is one of the most common questions that we got from the customers lately. It is not too hard to leave an answer for it. Actually, the most suitable way to access the carrier is to stand on the side that you prefer to reach and take things. Car roof boxes can be opened in many various ways. Some boxes can be opened from one side, and others are designed to allow you to open them from both sides. Otherwise, some of them can just be opened from the rear or from the front of your cars. However, opening on the passenger side and all both sides are highly recommended for you. It is because they allow you to stand on the safer side and provide you more space to strain your things without hurting people around.
Always remember to buy a carrier that fits your car well to let you access your gears inside the carrier better to avoid you being in unwanted situations.
Easy to set up
There is no doubt to say that users always expect to purchase the easy to use and set up car roof boxes. These cargos carriers will be the best options for users because they provide a wide range of benefits that help them save more time when they put things on and off without making too much effort into it.
Top 9 Best Car Roof Boxes Reviews
| PRODUCTS | MODEL | FEATURES | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box |
| Check Price |
 | SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box |
| Check Price |
 | Goplus Cargo Box - Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier |
| Check Price |
 | YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space for Cars |
| Check Price |
 | JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier |
| Check Price |
 | Waterproof Car Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag |
| Check Price |
 | SANHIMA Rooftop Cargo Bag |
| Check Price |
 | RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier |
| Check Price |
 | RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bundle |
| Check Price |
Below are detailed reviews of these car roof boxes
Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box
Specifications:
- Volume: 311L
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Weight Limit: 110 lbs
- Dimensions: 88.5 x 25.5 x 12.5
- Ski/Snowboard capacity: 4-6 pair skis, 2-3 boards
Thule is a very popular brand for its quality products and that is the reason why this car roof box from Thule is added to the list. The exterior dimension is 88. 5 x 25. 5 x 12. 5 inches and the internal dimension: length, width, and height are 82.75 inches, 23. 5 inches and 10. 5 inches respectively. The maximum length of the ski is approximately 82.5 inches so 1 pair of skis will fit perfectly in this car roof box. It weighs only 30 lbs (13.6 kg) but it can carry up to 110 lbs of your equipment so even 6 pair skis will be able to stay in this car roof box.
Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box is made of ABS thermoplastic material, so It is durable enough to protect your stuff from the exterior factors like rain, dust,… Thanks to the huge capacity of this rooftop carrier (11 Cubic Feet), you can bring everything you need, like the brand’s slogan “Bring your life”. The reduction in drag through aerodynamic design may also prevent unwanted noise and also negate any impact on vehicle fuel efficiency. Moreover, the Simple Easy-Grip Mounting Hardware and the length of the box’s floor grooves make the installation much easier and faster.
The biggest advantage of that car roof box is that it can fit almost every kind of roof racks: from round racks to square racks to factory racks.
The car roof box is designed with Passenger-Side Lid Opening, which can be opened from the passenger side. It will make the work of loading and unloading things easier for the passengers. Moreover, the lid lifters of the car roof box hold the lid open for hands-free access. The Thule SecureLock technology equipped with this car roof box ensures that all edges of the lid are completely closed, and includes locking functionality.
Pros
- Durable
- High load capacity
- Safety and security
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to install
- Hands-free access lid lifter
Cons
- A bit expensive
SportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box
Specifications:
- Volume: 16 cu ft
- Weight: 43 lbs
- Weight Limit: 110 lbs
- Ski/Snowboard capacity: 5-6 Pairs/3-4 boards
- Dimensions: 75.9″ x 33.2″ x 16.1″
- Locks Included: Yes
This SportRack car roof box dimension is 75.9 inches long, 33.2 inches wide and 16.1 inches high, which is rather slim. That is why there will be no wind noise while traveling this car roof box. Thanks to the impressive length of this box, this rooftop carrier can hold up to 4-6 pairs of skis (up to 70.08 inches ) or 3-4 snowboards. Moreover, this car roof box is made of impact-resistant ABS material with rugged construction, which makes the box very durable and reliable. All your stuff will be safe from any exterior factors. It weighs 43 lbs but can bear a maximum load to 110lbs. The volume of this box is 16 cubic feet, which is big enough for any toys or equipment.
ThisSportRack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box is suitable for any kind of crossbars, from square bars, round bars to most factory racks. This car roof box can be installed and removed easily thanks to the quick-release attachment kit included in the cargo box. This box can only be opened on the passenger side, which helps prevent the access to traffic when in need of loading or unloading on the way. This car roof box is also equipped with a secure centralized lock for easy opening and closing, and also to protect your stuff from falling out.
Pros
- Durable
- High load capacity
- Safety is concerned
- Easy installation
- No noise while driving with high speed
Cons
- A bit heavy
Goplus Cargo Box - Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Specifications:
- Volume: 14 cubic feet
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Weight Limit: 165 lbs
- Dimensions: 63″ x 31″ x 15″
- High Quality Material: sturdy ABS and PC
The main factor that this car roof box from Goplus is added into this list is it is much lighter than these two products above, it weighs only 25 pounds but It can carry up to 165 lbs. This car roof bar dimension is 63 x 31 x 15 inches and these bars are made of sturdy ABS and PC material. Make sure to check your car roof racks feature carefully before deciding to buy this product because this rooftop carrier is only suitable for vehicles with racks with the width of the luggage rack adjusted to between 15.8 inches and 27.5 inches, and the width of the roof crossbar is less than 3.1 inches.
The box will be very durable thanks to the Robust and Security Design, which help withstand heavy use in different types of weather conditions. The metal lid stiffeners at the bottom also make the roof box more stable and safer. The capacity of this car roof box is 14 cubic feet – enough space for all of your essentials.
One unique feature of this car roof box is that it can be opened and closed on both sides due to supporting lid lifters, which helps increase efficiency and convenience. The Goplus Cargo Box also provides a double secure lock to ensure the safety of your stuff. There are two keys for this lock so make sure you keep them in two different places so as to lose both!
Pros
- Lightweight
- High load capacity
- Can be opened on both sides
- Safe and security
- No noise while driving with high speed
Cons
- A bit smaller than the other brand
YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space for Cars
Specifications:
- Volume: 12-21 cubic feet
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Dimensions: 81″ x 36″ x 15″
- Minimum and maximum crossbar spreads: 24” – 36”
This car roof box from YAKIMA is added to this list because of its aerodynamic design, which will decrease the wind noise and drag while driving, then lead to reduction in the fuel consumption. The total dimension of this car roof box is 81″ x 36″ x 15″, which makes this car roof box look very thin and long. Its capacity is 12 cubic feet (Also available in 15, 16, 18, 21), which is not as much as these products above but thanks to its length, It can carry skis and snowboards easily.
However, you have to make sure that you check the distance between your crossbar before buying this car roof box because It can only be installed when the distance between two cross bars is less than 57 inches. And this car roof box can fit many kinds of YAKIMA roof bars: round, factory, aerodynamic and square bars.
This SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Space for Cars by YAKIMA is 80% made of recycled material, which shows a great concern of the brand to the environment, and it is also an advantage of that car roof box. This car roof box can be opened on both sides and closed tightly with a SuperLatch secure closure system, which gives the passengers and the drivers convenience when loading or unloading. It also provides an integrated SKS Lock system so as to keep up to 5 people’s gear safe.
Pros
- Aerodynamic design, so no noise while driving
- Efficiency in fuel consumption
- Impressive length
- Safe and security
- Made of recycled material
Cons
- May obstruct the back hatch from opening.
JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Specifications:
- Volume: 18 cubic feet
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Weight Limit: 110 lbs
- Dimensions: 57″ x 39″ x 19″
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee
What makes the JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier stand out in this list is its capacity – which is 18 cubic foot, which provide enough space for your gears. This car roof box length, width and height are 57 inches, 39 inches and 19 inches respectively, which is a bit shorter than other products in this list. This car roof box weighs only 28 lbs and it can bear up to 110 lbs. One more benefit of that rooftop carrier is its waterproof feature. You will never have to worry about your stuff getting wet because of the rain.
This car roof box can be installed with round, square or even aero bar designs with width less than 4 inches. It is also very easy to install because there is no requirement for any tools. Moreover, this car roof box also provides you with 1 Mounting Hardware for easy installation and 2 Keys for the safety of your equipment in that car roof box. However, some customers have complained that they have difficulties in loading and unloading things from this car roof box because it cannot be opened properly.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- High load capacity
- Safety
- Can be installed easily
- Weatherproof
Cons
- There is an opinion that plastic is a bit thin
Waterproof Car Roof Top Cargo Carrier Bag
Specifications:
- Volume: 15 cubic feet
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Weight Limit: 99 lbs
- Dimensions: 44″ X 34″ X 17″
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee
This flexible car roof box is added to the list because It is very flexible. Although the size of this car roof bag is not very big 44L x 34W x 17H inches, it can pack up to 15 cubic feet of your stuff, which is really impressive. Unlike the hard car roof boxes which are big and makes it difficult for storage, this car roof bag can be folded easily into smaller bags or for better storage thanks to its material (tarpaulin). That is also the reason why this car roof bag has soft sides and a maximum weight limit of 99 lbs so as to be able to accommodate all of your stuff. This material is also weatherproof, which will make sure that no water or dust can reach your gears or like what the brand said: “to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it while keeping your items perfectly safe”.
Besides, this tarpaulin car roof box also provides welded seam, velcro cover and zipper for better safety for your items inside. This car roof box is an ideal choice for anyone who is not good at installing things. This rooftop carrier has 8 reinforced straps with heavy-duty buckles to easily and securely install the waterproof roof top bag. Whatever your car is, this car roof box will be equipped easily as long as your car has roof racks. One benefit that this car roof box from Asani provides you is the lifetime warranty. An iron-clad lifetime warranty is included when you buy this car roof box, which will free you from the task of keeping the car box clean and sleek.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Space-friendly storage
- Weatherproof
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- These straps are not sturdy enough
SANHIMA Rooftop Cargo Bag
Specifications:
- Volume: 14.7 cubic feet
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Dimensions: 37.5″ x 37.5″ x 18″
- Main material: 500Dx500D Pvc Fabric
This SANHIMA Rooftop Cargo Bag is very flexible and lightweight, thanks to the material which is 500Dx500D Pvc Fabric. Thanks to this Rugged material and the Strong Seam and also the Tight Seal Zippers & Leak Proof Seams, your items will be safe from rain, snow and dust. This fabric car roof box weighs only 7.5 pounds and its capacity is 14.7 cu ft. The dimension of one roof rack is 37.5 x 37.5 x 18 inches, so it is a perfect cargo bag for your items when it can fit 4 medium suitcase, or 8 sleeping bags or even a small tent. Due to the frameless design, the car roof box can be folded easily for easier storage.
This car roof box is also provided with 8 Seat Belt-Style Straps with Seat Belt-Style so that your car roof box stays firmly on your Car Rack or Car Inner Handrail. This product can fit with almost all of the roof racks and car inner handrail.These straps really make the installation of this car roof box much easier. Moreover, a free protective mat is also included when you buy this car roof box to help protect your cars’ roof against scratches on your car roof paint and prevent this fabric car roof box from shifting.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Space-friendly storage
- Weatherproof
- Easy installation
- Flexibly fit most of the car roof racks
Cons
- No instruction included in the package
RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Specifications:
- Volume: 19 cubic feet
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Weight Limit: –
- Dimensions: 47.2″ x 35.4″ x 19.8″
- Material: highest quality 1680-D coated PVC
The RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier is 47.2 inches long, 35.4 inches wide and 19.8 inches high and its capacity is 19 cubic feet so you will never run out of space for carrying all your needs on your car trip. This car roof box can carry up to 4-6 suitcases and more, which is very impressive. This car roof rack set is made of military grade materials with waterproof dual seam technology and water repellent double coating, so you never have to worry about water or snow may run into your stuff inside. This fabric car roof box also includes a built-in protective mat and 10 elastic velcro strap restraints to prevent strap flapping. In terms of security, heavy duty SBS zipper, 10 strong straps with NIFCO buckles and double strap covers with 8 Velcro stripes are also included in this car roof box.
One great thing about this rooftop carrier is that it can be installed to the roof of your cars so no need to buy any car roof racks. The brand RoofPax also claims that this car roof box is the only box which provides 4+2 free door hooks to hold the box instead of using straps that go inside the car. So it is obvious that this car roof box is one of the safest car boxes available on the market. Moreover, lifetime warranty on Zippers and Buckles for breakage or tear is also an advantage. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can request for refund or replacement.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Safe and security thanks to free door hooks
- Space-friendly storage
- Lifetime warranty
- Refunding or replacing are available
Cons
- Can leak water if used improperly
RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bundle
Specifications:
- Volume: 15 cubic feet
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Weight Limit: –
- Dimensions: 48″ x 38″ x 18″
- Warranty: 2-year
This car roof box from Roofbag is made of heavy-duty polyester liquid-coated with vinyl on both sides, which enhance maximum resistance to tears and abrasion and also resistance to extreme heat and cold and the sun’s UV rays. The dimension of the box is 48 x 38 x 18 inches and its capacity is 15 cubic feet so it can fit many items. It can bear up to 3000 lbs, which is huge! So none of your favorite items will be left at home.
This fabric car roof box also comes with a set of 2 Heavy Duty Straps with genuine YKK buckles for easier installation and for better safety. The straps loop from top of the carrier through the inside of the car. The Door will be able to close over the strap, there will be no interference with the car’s door, window, door seal, or side curtain airbag There are also 3 smaller duffles so as to organize your stuff more properly and to prevent your stuff from moving around and 1 storage bag for better storage of this fabric car roof box.
This RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bundle also provides Protective Mat to protect the roof of your car and also prevent shifting. This car roof box also does not require any side rails or crossbars, it can be applied directly to the roof of the car, which is very convenient. A two-year warranty is also included when you buy this rooftop carrier.
Pros
- Affordable
- High load capacity
- Space-friendly storage
- Safe and security thanks to free door hooks
- 100% waterproof
Cons
- Not very easy installation
Car Roof Boxes – FAQs
Q: Which is better, using a roof box or a roof bag?
A: Roof bags and roof boxes can store cargos in good conditions. However, you are more encouraged to set up a roof box for your vehicle. In fact, roof boxes are more sturdy and bigger so that they are able to carry extra things at the same time. And, they are also ideally used for a camping trip even they take up more space to store at home. Otherwise, roof bags are cheaper and easy to fold. Also, they don’t require much storing space, but they are easy to be worn after a long time of use.
Q: Do I need any tools to install the roof box?
A: All roof boxes can be set up on your vehicles in a short time by using the perforation system and following some simple steps from the setting constructions. So, there are no tools needed to mount them on your cars.
Q: Do I need any roof bars for a roof box?
A: Definitely. Roof bars are a great supporter of your car if you tend to put more cargos in a rooftop carrier. They are added to keep your roof box and content safer. However, they can only become a perfect match if you get roof bars from the same manufactures of your cars. It is a nice thing to keep in mind whenever you want to buy roof bars for your roof box.
Q: Are roof boxes safe?
A: Yes, they are. They offer spacious space to keep your overload things in order and safer if they are mounted to your vehicle properly. For better use, you should set them up with the roof bars.
Q: How do you clean a roof box?
A: A roof box is super easy to clean, and you can do it without breaking a sweat. Normally, warm soapy water and towel are all things you need for doing the perfect cleaning. And, adding some Polytrol is recommended to protect it from sun fading better.
Conclusion
Finally, those are the best 9 car roof boxes. They all have pros and cons and the key feature that makes these boxes stand out is their high load capacity and their flexibility . As a consequence, instead of trying to stuff all your necessary things inside your car and having only little space to sit and drive, now you can put all your gears and big toys on the top of your car inside the car roof box. Now it is your turn to share your opinion about your experience with these car roof boxes. What do you think about these car roof boxes? Do you share the same or completely contrast experience? Remember to leave your thoughts and ideas.
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