Here are the best car roof boxes for cars and how to choose the most suitable according to the needs and type of journey to transport luggage and equipment safely and expand your load capacity.
The roof box for cars is a useful and indispensable accessory for those who travel by car and need to carry bulky items or large amounts of luggage.
For example, in summer and winter holidays, when necessary, bring large items such as umbrellas, deckchairs, skis, canoes, etc. The roof box is the best solution to transport everything, sacrificing space safety car interior.
Car roof boxes are available in different types. Some universal models hook up to any roof rack for cars, and other specific models are better suited to certain vehicles.
The universal boxes, called universal car luggage racks, are still the most versatile and recommended solution. Even in a car changeover, purchasing a new car roof box is unnecessary.
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How to choose a car roof box
To choose exactly which car roof box to buy, you must evaluate the space you need and what you want to transport. We need to consider many aspects, such as materials, capacity, and frequency of use. Below are all the details.
Capacity
Capacity is the first and most important aspect when choosing the car roof box. The capacity is expressed in liters, and the average capacity is around 300 liters, suitable for a family of 2-3 people. Those who need more capacity can opt for a 400-liter car roof box, suitable for a family of 4-5 people.
The capacity is expressed in pounds, which is about 110 lbs. Therefore, before choosing the model, it is necessary to know the maximum load foreseen for your car not to exceed the limits set by the law (also note that the roof box’s weight is approximately 33 lbs).
Hard or Soft
The car roof box can be of 2 types: hard or soft. The rigid box is usually covered in PVC, resistant, waterproof, and can maintain its shape even when empty. They are heavier but ensure a higher degree of safety and protection.
Instead, the softbox resembles a bag and is fixed to the car roof with safety straps. It is effortless to install and remove, practical, economical, and convenient to store as it takes up little space; it does not guarantee the same protection from atmospheric agents. It generally has a much shorter life than rigid models.
Materials
The materials of the car roof box must be weather and waterproof resistant. Rain, hail, or snow would risk wetting the equipment in the box, making it unusable, or compromising its effectiveness. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a PVC roof box for good insulation and waterproofing level, a material that ensures greater protection.
In addition to protection, another aspect of being evaluated concerning materials concerns longevity. In this sense, one must choose based on budget and needs.
For example, a soft trunk is cheaper and recommended for those who use it sporadically, while a rigid container is a right choice for those who use it frequently and want a more reliable and long-lasting box.
Another important factor is the safety straps and closing hinges, which must be extremely reliable and resistant. The belt affects the load holding and the vehicle’s stability, so it is advisable to inquire in advance about the quality of the materials of each component of the car garage.
Safety
The car roof box must guarantee maximum safety and stability when the vehicle is in motion; for this reason, the coupling and closing supports must be of excellent quality and without compromise. In addition, the hooks must firmly ensure the load on the vehicle, avoiding dangerous skidding or slopes.
To be safely mounted on the car roof, some boxes need a special luggage rack frame. If this support is not present or included with the box, you must purchase it separately. In addition, some boxes are equipped with a non-slip base coating to increase further the load’s stability, which improves the container’s adhesion, preventing it from slipping when the vehicle is running.
Fuel consumption
The car roof box involves variations (sometimes even significant) in fuel consumption. Indeed, official tests confirm greater consumption, especially in excessive load and uphill mountainous sections, where fuel consumption can reach 20% more than a normal route.
An excessive load also affects the vehicle’s grip, as considerable stress is exerted on the brakes, which could cause dangerous skidding, especially in bends.
Therefore, to reduce consumption, it is advisable to fix the roof box with the utmost attention and avoid loading it beyond its normal limits to guarantee greater safety and stability.
Installation and maintenance
The installation’s practicality depends primarily on the storage box’s size: the larger the assembly, the more complex it can be. However, making only one installation for those who use the roof box frequently will be enough. The practicality of installation then takes second place.
Otherwise, it is preferable for those who use it sporadically to opt for an easier model to disassemble and assemble, perhaps smaller.
It is also important to remember that roof boxes are not designed to travel empty, especially at high speeds, so removing them if they are not used is advisable. The boxes also require careful maintenance and must immediately replace worn, damaged, or defective parts.
The port system must be clean and well maintained as the locks, nuts, and continuously lubricated screws. If the luggage carrier is unused, remove it from the car, wash it, and store it in a dry place.
Each box also has its washing system, which varies according to the materials. It is good to carefully read the instruction booklet with the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
The best car roof boxes to buy
Below is the list of the best car roof boxes selected with relative prices and technical features.
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
- Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
- Functional rooftop cargo box provides 14 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Rugged and durable design keep contents protected
- FastGrip quick-mount system assembles in minutes
- A versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use
- Provides 18 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space efficiency
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium roof rack cargo carrier 51" (L) X 39" (W) X 17" (H)...
- MORE SAFETY: Besides load capacity, stability is arguably the most essential factor in a...
- EASY TO INSTALL: We offer 8 heavy-duty tie-down straps and 6 safety hooks that can be...
- Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo...
- Weatherproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and...
- Easy & convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car make for smooth travel...
- 18 cu.ft / 488 L Capacity: The rooftop cargo box maximizes roof space, providing extra...
- Compatible with Various Crossbars: Fits crossbar installation center distances of...
- Dual Opening & Dual Locking: Equipped with anti-theft locking devices on both sides,...
- Durable all-seasons HDPE material construction: Built with high-density polyethylene...
- No tool assembly: Easily assemble without the need for tools, offering a quick and...
- Fits most OE and aftermarket cross rails: Engineered to fit a wide range of original...
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 8 reinforced adjustable straps to...
- 【Large Storage Space】: FIVKLEMNZ roof bag (46*34*17 inch) was designed to solve the...
- 【Easy to Install】：FIVKLEMNZ rooftop cargo carrier fits for any car, truck, or SUV....
- Cargo Box: Length: 48.3 Inch, Width: 26.1 Inch, Height:10.6 Inch, Weigth: 20.2 Lbs, Max...
- Cargo Box for Roof Rack: Our high-quality cargo box for roof racks is pre-assembled for...
- Vehicle Hard-Shell Carriers: These vehicle hard-shell carriers are crafted from durable PS...
- 【840D CHAMPION QUALITY MATERIAL】 Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC...
- 【MORE THAN WATERPROOF】 Featuring waterproof zipper wrapped with 6 inches widened...
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】 Our roof rack cargo carrier comes with an anti-slip mat and 8...
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