Top 12 Best Roof Box – Detailed Buyer’s Guide 2020

Roof box or folding box – which is better?

The classic roof boxes are the so-called roof boxes. As an alternative to these models, there are foldable roof boxes. In the following we will introduce you to both roof box variants:

• Roof box: Most roof boxes are roof boxes. They have a floor pan and a lid. Depending on the model, you can open the lid from the right, left or both sides.
• Foldable roof box: Foldable roof boxes are also called roof bags or soft boxes. Conveniently, you can roll up or fold up a softbox when you don’t need it. This means that the box takes up less space. In addition, you can often get a foldable roof box cheaper than a roof box. The folding boxes are usually equipped with a zipper and a metal structure in the bottom. They often have a lower dead weight than the roof box, but often offer you more uncomfortable handling.

Purchase advice for roof boxes – which factors play a role in the purchase?

If you have decided on a roof box variant, ideally take a closer look at the individual models with regard to various factors. Because in addition to the type, the roof boxes differ in various other aspects. These include:

• The quality: A good roof box is of high quality and offers you high stability. Ideally, you should check whether the model has a seal of approval, such as a GS test mark or TÜV certification, before you buy. Check out whether the roof box is weatherproof and waterproof or water-repellent.
• The capacity: Some small roof boxes have a capacity of less than 300 liters. A large roof box sometimes has a capacity of more than 600 liters. Ideally, you should choose a model that is large enough and yet as small as possible. Because a larger roof box usually means higher fuel consumption, higher air resistance and stronger wind noise.
• The maximum load capacity: The maximum load capacity tells you how heavy the loads can be, so that you can accommodate them in the roof box. Many models offer you a maximum load of 50 to 75 kilograms.
• The dimensions: In addition to the capacity and the load capacity, you should ideally look at the length, width and height of the softbox or roof box. If you need the model to transport compact objects, a short roof box is usually sufficient. For example, you can often use such a box very well if you carry it with suitcaseswant to load. If you need the roof box to transport long objects such as snowboards or fishing rods, it is best to ensure that they are long enough. However, the roof box must not be too wide or too long. If, for example, the roof box is too long and protrudes beyond the rear of your vehicle, there is a risk that you will no longer be able to open the trunk easily. In the best case, the box does not protrude from the rear, front or side of the vehicle.
• The interior: Some roof boxes are equipped with lashing straps with which you can secure your luggage. In addition, it is advantageous if the model is equipped with a non-slip floor or with anti-slip mats. You can also prevent your luggage from slipping, for example during braking. Other useful interior features include side pockets and partitions.
• The central locking system: Most roof boxes have a central locking system. It enables you to lock the roof box and offers you greater protection against theft.
• The opening: Many models have a right-hand or left-hand opening. You can only open such boxes on one side. There are also a few models that you can open from both sides.
• The material: Most roof boxes are made of plastic. But there are also differences between the individual plastics. For example, some models are made of polypropylene. Others are made of polystyrene or polyamide. In the best case, it is a material that can protect the loading of the box from various weather influences, such as rain and snow.
• The fastening system: It is advantageous if the roof box is equipped with a quick fastening system. This normally enables you to install it quickly and conveniently. Other roof boxes, for example, have a claw fastening system or have to be attached to the roof rack using U-brackets.
• The roof rack spacing : A roof box is usually not suitable for mounting on all roof racks. Because of this, it is best to check before buying whether the roof box is designed for attachment to your roof rack. Therefore, when buying the roof box, take a look at what profile the roof racks may have and how large the distance between the roof rack bars should be.

Overview of useful accessories for roof boxes

If you want to use a roof box, you need a roof rack, as already mentioned. Below we describe a few other utensils that may be advantageous when using a roof box:

1. Roof box bag: You can use a roof box bag to neatly store your clothes or other items in the roof box. You can get the roof box bags individually or as a set.
2. Protective cover : You can put a protective cover over a roof case. It can protect the model from scratches and dirt.
3. Roof box lift: Use a roof box lift to pull the box up and keep it under the blanket. In this way, the device does not take up any floor space.
4. Wall bracket : As an alternative to a roof box lift, you can use a wall bracket. You can attach these to the wall of your garage, for example.
5. Storage bag : If you have a foldable roof box, a storage bag is probably useful. You can optimally store the roof box in it. Conveniently, such a bag comes with many soft boxes.

Assemble a roof box – what should I pay attention to?

Incorrect installation of a roof box or roof rack can be dangerous. If the roof box is not attached correctly, there is a risk that it will fly off the vehicle roof during braking, for example. Because of this, correct assembly is very important. Below we give you a few tips that can help you attach a roof box:

• Ideally, take a closer look at the roof box some time before you need it. Check whether it shows signs of wear or the like and whether it is clean.
• Before installing the roof box, clean the contact points between the box, the roof racks and the vehicle roof. This can prevent the bracket from slipping while driving.
• It is also important that you read the operating instructions for your model carefully and completely before installing the roof box. Ideally, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions during assembly.
• It is best not to carry out the assembly alone. Instead, it usually makes sense to have the roof box attached by another person.
• Take your time for the assembly. If you’re hectic, mistakes can happen quickly. These can increase the safety risk while driving.
• Attach the roof box in the middle of the vehicle roof and make sure that the box does not protrude from the sides of your car.
• Ideally, the roof box does not protrude from the front or rear. If the box survived at the front, this could lead to poorer aerodynamics. If the box protrudes beyond the rear, you may not be able to open the trunk.

If you have assembled and loaded the roof box, check whether you have locked the box correctly before departure. In addition, shake the box once and check in this way whether the fastenings or the screws are tight. After departure, it’s best to stop after a while and check that the box is still securely attached to the roof.

Packing a roof box – tips and tricks

Ideally, only pack your roof box after you have attached it to the roof of your car. Other aspects to consider when loading are:

1. Load the front and top with soft and light objects such as blankets and sleeping bags. You can intercept other objects that are harder or more pointed when braking hard.
2. Place heavier objects in the lower and middle area.
3. Pay attention to the maximum load of your roof box and do not overload the box. Make sure you can still close the box easily.
4. Load the roof box so that there are no gaps between the individual objects. Otherwise there is a risk that your luggage will slip while driving, for example in curves. If there are gaps during loading, fill them with small objects such as bags, gloves or trousers.
5. Secure your luggage inside the roof box. Use a luggage net or lashing straps for this. By securing the load, you can prevent sharp or heavy objects from breaking through the material of the box, for example when braking hard, and becoming a projectile.

10 questions and answers about roof boxes

Which roof box fits my car?

Not every roof box is ideal for every car. If you want to find out whether your desired roof box fits your vehicle, take a closer look at the log book of your car. It contains information about the permissible roof load. It is important that the total weight of the roof rack, the roof box and the loading of the box is not higher than the maximum permissible roof load of your vehicle.

In addition, check the permissible total weight of your car. If you subtract the unladen weight of your vehicle from the permissible total weight, you get the maximum weight that you can put on your car. You must not exceed this weight either. Before you buy a roof box, also check the maximum length, width and height of your roof box so that it does not tower over your car, either from the side, the front or the rear.

What should I watch out for when driving a car if I have a roof box on my car roof?

If you have mounted a roof rack and a roof box on the roof of your car, the center of gravity of your vehicle increases. At the same time, using a roof box increases air resistance and vehicle weight. All of these factors have a negative impact on driving behavior. For example, the braking distance is extended by the roof box.

Therefore, when using a roof box, you should drive carefully and adjust your driving behavior accordingly. Relevant aspects that you should consider while driving are:

• Adjust your speed to the roof load. Optimally you do not drive faster than 130 kilometers per hour.
• Keep a sufficient distance from other vehicles.
• Be particularly careful when cornering, on bridges and after forest.
• Also be careful when braking.
• Remember that your vehicle is taller due to the roof box. This is important, for example, if you drive into a parking garage or under a low bridge.

Which roof rack do I need?

So that you can attach a roof box to the roof of your vehicle, you need a roof rack. It is also known as a car luggage rack or roof rack.

When buying a roof rack, make sure that you can attach it to your vehicle. Because not every model is suitable for installation on every vehicle. If you already have a roof box and only then buy the car luggage rack, check whether the roof rack fits your roof box before buying.

The different roof rack variants include:

• Rail carrier: If your car is equipped with a roof rail, you can use a rail carrier. Such a roof rack is usually equipped with two poles. These rods extend from one side of the railing to the other. If your car is not equipped with roof rails, you usually have the option of retrofitting a railing.
• Gutter support: If your vehicle has a gutter, ideally use a gutter support. You can attach such a roof rack in the rain gutter of your vehicle.
• Fixed beam: Use a fixed beam if your vehicle is equipped with mounting points. The mounting points are often provided with a plastic cover.

Where can I buy a roof box?

Roof boxes are available from many car dealerships and vehicle accessories shops. In addition, the boxes are available at various hardware stores and occasionally at discounters or in the supermarket. You can also buy a roof box online. For example, you can get various roof boxes and soft boxes from Amazon and eBay.

Can I rent a roof box?

If you don’t want to buy a roof box, you have the option to borrow one. You can also rent the necessary accessories. Rentable roof boxes are available, for example, from various online rental services. In addition, there are special rentals in some cities that have roof boxes ready to borrow.

It is important that you consider the following aspects when renting a roof box:

1. Reserve the roof box in advance. This allows you to ensure that you get the model you want for the period you want.
2. If the landlord attaches the box to the roof of your vehicle, then take a close look at your car and check whether it was scratched by the installation of the box. Check whether the roof box is still loose or whether the landlord has attached it securely.
3. Ideally, you create a takeover log. Otherwise there is a risk that after using the roof box you will be held responsible for damage that you did not cause.

How expensive are roof boxes?

Various factors influence the roof box price. These include, for example, the quality, the size and the features. The purchase price of a cheap roof box is often in the lower three-digit range or in the two-digit range. Other models have acquisition costs in the high three-digit range and sometimes in the four-digit range.

Who makes roof boxes?

There are various companies that manufacture roof boxes. The best-known brands include:

• THULE
• KAMEi
• Hapro
• ROTENBACH
• Sailnovo
• cartrend

When was the roof box invented?

In 1935, a patent was filed for a kind of roof box. This device was a construction that was mounted on the vehicle roof using vacuum suction cups. In the 1950s there was a patent application for a roof box, which is reminiscent of today’s models.

How can I dispose of a roof box?

If your roof box is damaged, it is better to replace it with another one. Because using such a box can be dangerous. If, for example, you can no longer reasonably close your box, it has holes, or the roof box holder is damaged, you should dispose of it better. You often have the option of returning a roof box to a recycling center. Alternatively, dispose of them as bulky waste. Note that there are sometimes fees for disposal.

What are the alternatives to the roof box?

As an alternative to the roof box, a rear box can be an option for you. Like a roof box, such a box creates additional storage space. Unlike many roof boxes, you cannot use a rear box optimally to store skis or other long objects. Instead, the rear boxes are very suitable for stowing smaller items.

On the other hand, it is advantageous that you can often access the luggage in a rear box more easily than the luggage in a roof box. This is especially true if you own a taller car. In addition, you can drive your car into lower garages if you use a rear box instead of a roof box. In addition, the aerodynamics of your vehicle are usually better when using a rear box than when using a roof box. Because of this, you use less fuel.

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