Can a Roof Box Overhang? Reasons and Solutions (2023)

Yes, a roof box can overhang the edges of a vehicle’s roof. However, it’s important to ensure that the overhang doesn’t obstruct visibility, exceed weight limits, or create safety hazards during travel.

Can a Roof Box Overhang?

It’s undeniable that roof cargo boxes are a super essential product for a vehicle. The main reason is that it can immensely help during a trip. Besides, it can take a lot of stuff and make more space in the car. If you are a frequent traveler or like to arrange camping trips, a roof cargo box is indispensable. But why a roof cargo overhang?

This is complaining about this product. The criticism has emerged more in recent times. But is it true? Yes! Nevertheless, a small amount of overhang is not alarming though. It’s vital to deliver proper storage space in it. Nonetheless, too much hanging is a negative sign.

Now, we’ll discuss a roof cargo box overhang. How to avoid such a scenario? Let’s go –

Can a Roof Box Overhang? Reasons and Solutions

Of course, a bit of overhang might happen, and it’s not a severe issue. But it doesn’t mean the cargo box can hanging too far off the backspace of the vehicle. You won’t be comfortable with such a scenario, will you? When packing the roof box, remember that it shouldn’t go out too far.

On the other side, you can take some preventive measures. Let’s check –

  • Before purchasing, check out the size. Ensure that it isn’t too big or small in terms of size.
  • Closely check whether it is overhanging or not. If a little bit of hanging is happening, it’s all right.
  • The last concern is that you must securely mount the box to the roof.

Now, check out some crucial matters on roof box overhanging. Take a look –

A Little Overhang is OK

Tell us honestly – is the question “can a roof cargo box overhang” makes your head twisted?! Ow! Don’t worry! It’s not a matter of overthinking! Get relaxed! People who drive the car with a roof box regularly know that a bit of overhang is inevitable. It’s a pretty much usual matter.

Notwithstanding, too much overhang is not a good thing. It can create drag and negatively impact the vehicle’s overall fuel capability. Further, it can develop issues on the stability of the car. A bit of an overhanging issue won’t bother you at all.

You must ensure that the box is correctly secured on the rooftop before entering the highway. The reason is you won’t definitely expect that the cargo roof box will be flying off the road when you’re driving the car at super speed!

All you need to do is act wisely to enjoy the advantages of safely roof-mounted storage.

Rear Overhang Must be Avoided

The front overhang is ok. But, the overhang situation on the rear side can cause problems. Even a bit of overhang in the backside is not a big deal. However, things could turn nasty if the overhang becomes too much. For this reason, car manufacturers always recommend that customers should fit cargo boxes on the front instead of the back.

On the other hand, it could also depend on the vehicle type. If you’re using a car with no rear hatch, you can expect a bit of overhang, and it’s no big deal. Nevertheless, you can take some steps to reduce the overhang situation significantly.

  • Before purchasing, buy a roof box that can perfectly fit your vehicle.
  • Check overhang in the neighborhood before hitting the highway road. Don’t take the car on the main street if it is too much.
  • Ensure that it is mounted well to the rooftop of the vehicle.

How to Reduce the Roof Box Overhang Situation?

Best Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Most people don’t like the overhang situations in their vehicles. But, are there any steps or measurements that can be effective against it? Yes! Here, we’ll discuss some solutions you can apply to deal with this problem. Let’s check –

Car Type

Do you think all cars possess a rooftop? No! If you believe in that way, you’re absolutely wrong. There are still so many car models that are not manufactured to hold a roof cargo box. So, you should think about it before making a final move.

Right-Sized Racks and Boxes

The right-sized roof box will indeed matter to you. If you want to have a flexible trip by car, you should buy a perfect-sized roof box. Moreover, buy the box according to the size of your roof rack. If the rack is small and you purchase a larger box, it will increase the possibility of an accident.

Therefore, you must keep things within the limit when selecting a box. Further, don’t buy a far larger roof box than your vehicle. It will ultimately be suicidal. Hence, purchase the box according to the size of the car. Otherwise, you will surely regret it.

Positioning

Do you want to reduce the drag to a minimal range? If yes, then you can reposition the cargo box. Consider not to place it too far back. Otherwise, the rear hatch can fall into a deep trouble. This is how you’ll get a fair chance to decrease the overhang on the front or backside of the vehicle.

Stability

This is another crucial thing for a roof cargo box. If your box isn’t stable enough, it can fall off during driving. So, there’s no point in ignoring it to avoid a colossal fiasco. Consequently, the right-sized box generally provides stability. But, if you buy a wider box, it could raise a problematic situation.

Nevertheless, you can purchase a widespread bar to bring stability. This is how everything will place in order. Before beginning the journey, you can run a test on whether the box is stable or not.

Can a Roof Box Overhang? – FAQs

How much weight can a roof box carry?

Roof boxes have limitations. Different sizes can carry different types of weights. Notwithstanding, the usual limit is between 50 to 80 kg.

Can I keep the bigger box in the small-sized car?

You can. But, it will create problems. For this reason, you can use a widespread bar. Avoiding purchasing a bigger box for a small-sized car will be the best task.

Conclusion

If you want a superb travel experience, you’ll need a roof cargo box. Can a roof cargo box overhang? Of course, it is! All you need to do is some intelligent task to avoid it. Buy a right-sized box and implement other factors we’ve discussed above. This is how you can make your journey more convenient.

Happy traveling!

Best Seller List of Rooftop Cargo Boxes:

Bestseller No. 1
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
  • 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
  • Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
  • Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
  • Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal
  • Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box to your rack
  • Fits SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars and most factory racks (check fit guide)
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 63 x 38 x 19 in / 160 x 96.5 x 48 cm
  • Min-Max Crossbars Spacing: 23 5/8 - 29 3/4 in (60 - 75.5 cm)
  • Max Weight Capacity: 100 pounds (45 kg)
Bestseller No. 2
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo Carrier - Heavy Duty Weatherproof...
  • 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
  • Weatherproof storage for your luggage with a four corner locking system, front latch, and weather-tight seal for ultimate car rooftop protection and security
  • Easy & convenient loading and unloading from either side of the car make for smooth travel and hassle-free storage
  • No tools required, easy assembly and installation. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly. The base is pre-drilled for 24in crossbar spacing - if your vehicles crossbars are NOT adjustable the plastic base can be re-drilled to match your vehicle (20in to 30in bar spacing)
  • Made in USA, limited lifetime guarantee. The JEGS car top carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
  • Comfortably Holds 3 golf bags, up to 5 if stacked depending on size.
Bestseller No. 3
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large,Matte Black
  • A versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use
  • Provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space
  • Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with maximum space efficiency
  • Quick-mount system "clicks" when roof box is secure and properly mounted
  • Dual-side opening for easy access to all areas of the box, from either side of the vehicle
  • Full trunk access with no roof box contact
  • Fits 5-7 pairs of skis / 3-5 snowboards (up to 175 cm)
  • External dimensions: 74.75 x 33 x 18 inches
  • Internal Dimenions: 70 x 28.75 x 16.25 inches
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 41 lbs
Bestseller No. 4
Thule 614 Pulse Rack, 14", Black
  • 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
  • Passenger-side opening for easy loading and unloading
  • Central Locking system provides maximum safety
  • Thule Comfort Key can only be removed when all locking points are securely closed
  • Fits 3-5 snowboards (max length: 155 cm)
  • External dimensions: 67 x 35 x 16 inches; Internal dimensions: 61 x 33 x 14 inches
  • Load capacity: 110 lbs; Product weight: 34 lbs
  • Height off crossbar: 16 inches. Fast and secure mounting
SaleBestseller No. 5
DNA MOTORING Rooftop Cargo Box Carrier Lockable Heavy Duty Car Top Storage Case, Capacity 110 Lbs,...
  • 【UNIVERSAL】This extra long rooftop cargo carrier fits for vehicles with cross bars only, no tool assembly & installation. Increases vehicle cargo space without impeding on passenger comfort.
  • 【LARGE CAPACITY】Rooftop cargo box provides 11 cubic feet of additional storage space. The maximum storage capacity of 110lbs when evenly distributed. And it can be opened up to 14" wide to store bulky items.
  • 【ROBUST DESIGN】Constructed of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material for long-lasting durability, able to protect your contents from exposure to the inclement weather.
  • 【SECURITY LOCKING SYSTEM】Includes key and lock to secure valuables in the box, to ensure cargo safety and s proper lid alignment. It can open from the side and stays open til you close it.
  • 【SPECIFICATION】Size: 11 Cubic Feet Internal Storage, 110lbs Max Capacity | Overall Dimensions: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H | Surface Finish: Black Texture Finish
SaleBestseller No. 6
MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK Rooftop top Cargo Carrier Bag 20 Cubic feet Waterproof for All Cars...
  • 100% WATERPROOF &TEARPROOF MATERIAL - Made of 100% waterproof material, 700D PVC tarpaulin, Grid material with High frequency voltage technology, durable and heavy duty style bag;
  • EASY TO USE - The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag come with 1x anti-slip mats, 1x luggage lock, 6x security hooks, and 1x storage bag, it can be quickly and easily installed in minutes; Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into the storage bag to save space while not in use;
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag can be used with any sized car or SUV, work both with car with or without roof rack;
  • MORE SECURITY - Come with BONUS combination lock, it will not only prevent the zippers from slipping, but also adds security to luggage;
  • LARGE STORAGE SPACE - 20 cubic feet 51” (L) X 40” (W) X 17” (H) rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more.
Bestseller No. 7
Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage Large Roof Rack Weatherproof Cargo Carrier | Made in USA |18...
  • Durable all-seasons HDPE material construction: Built with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this product is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring year-round durability.
  • No tool assembly: Easily assemble without the need for tools, offering a quick and hassle-free installation process.
  • Fits most OE and aftermarket cross rails: Engineered to fit a wide range of original equipment (OE) and aftermarket cross rails for versatile compatibility.
  • All mounting hardware included: Comes with all necessary mounting hardware, so you have everything needed for installation right out of the box.
  • Made in the USA: Proudly crafted in the USA, ensuring superior quality and craftsmanship.
  • Lifetime warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, offering long-term peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
  • 18 cubic-foot capacity with 110 lb storage limit: Spacious design offers 18 cubic feet of storage with a sturdy 110 lb weight capacity, providing ample room for your gear and essentials
Bestseller No. 8
Auto Dynasty Heavy Duty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Cargo Carrier with...
  • ▶️ This roof top storage box is universal fit for mounting to max 13 inches wide cross bar, please check the dimension before purchase.
  • ▶️ The package comes with [1] 53 inches length storage box, [2] security lock key, and [4] heavy duty tool free installation mounting brackets.
  • ▶️ It is constructed of rugged, impact-resistant ABS material to ensure a long lasting life in outdoor conditions. More, it can open from the side and stay open till you close it with the strong support arm.
  • ▶️ Opens on the passenger side to 14 inches wide to store bulky items from the side and stays open till you close it, and it is very easy to install without any tool required to assembly.
  • ▶️ Overall Dimensions: 53" L x 34" W x 15" H | Capacity: 11 Cubic Feet and up to 110 LBS
Bestseller No. 9
Hard Shell Roof Cargo Box,14 Cubic Feet Storage Capacity,Durable ABS Material,Aerodynamic Roof...
  • Durable & Weather-Resistant Construction:Made from premium ABS material, this hard shell roof cargo box is impact-resistant, waterproof, and UV-resistant, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection for your valuables in any weather conditions.
  • Spacious 14 Cubic Feet Capacity:With a 14 cubic feet volume and a 130 lbs weight capacity, this roof box provides ample storage for bulky items like luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment, perfect for family road trips or outdoor adventures.
  • Dual-Sided Opening for Easy Access:Features double-sided opening, allowing convenient loading and unloading from either side of your vehicle. The lid stays open securely with a strong support arm for hassle-free access.
  • Secure Locking System:Equipped with security keys that can only be removed when all locking points are properly closed, ensuring your belongings stay safe and secure during travel.
  • Tool-Free Installation & Universal Fit:Designed for quick and easy installation without tools, this roof cargo carrier is compatible with round, square, and most aerodynamic roof racks, making it versatile for various vehicles.
  • ▶Overall Dimensions: 61.81" L x 31.5" W x 14.17" H ▶Capacity: 14 Cubic Feet volume and holds up to 130 lbs
SaleBestseller No. 10
Sailnovo Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag, 20 Cubic feet Waterproof Roof Cargo Carrier fit car...
  • LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Carrier is 41" (L) X 35" (W) X 17" (H) with 15 cubic feet of storage capacity and can hold 3-5 suitcases, camping tents, sleeping bags, and more. Made of soft shell material, roof rack cargo carrier can be folded into a storage bag to save space when not in use! Note: Our roof bag is not suitable for vehicles with sliding doors.
  • MORE SAFETY: Besides load capacity, stability is arguably the most essential factor in a vehicle's top carrier. Our car roof cargo carriers are designed with 4 built-in reinforced straps, extra 4 door hooks, and 2 long luggage straps. For safety reasons, the more straps and clips for securing the bag to the roof, the better!
  • TEAR-RESISTANT & WATERPROOF: Features three layers of 1000D Oxford cloth waterproof material, Sailnovo rooftop cargo carrier bag is twice as strong as other brands' 500D fabrics. We found that different brands could easily tear through the seams, so we doubled up our seams and widened the waterproof zipper flaps!
  • EASY TO INSTALL: We provide 6 heavy-duty tie-down straps and 4 safety hooks that can be easily attached to the vehicle's Luggage rack in minutes; fits most roofs with crossbars/side rails/baskets or bare tops without racks; fits most size vehicles such as cars, SUV's, pickups, station wagons, hatchbacks, hardtop crossovers.
  • WHAT YOU GET: 1 rooftop carrier bag, 4 safety hooks, 2 reinforced straps, 1 storage bag, 1 user manual. The Sailnovo cargo carrier is water and fade-resistant, dust, sun, wind, and rain resistant. You don't have to spend as much as you would for a roof box, but you have a bag that has all the features of a car roof box!
  • For a better experience, please try to fill the roof bag with enough items to avoid water pooling on the roof due to an unfilled bag.
  • The teeth of the zipper are prone to water leakage, please ensure the zipper is fully closed; After closing the zipper, please cover the zipper waterproof flap, and the Velcro is fastened when in use. Note:This roof bag is not suitable for vehicles with sliding doors.
  • Please note that the Sailnovo rooftop cargo carrier is not 100% waterproof in extreme weather, so please pack your clothes in an extra dry bag!
  • If you have any problems with receiving or using our car top carrier, please to contact us and we will do our best to make you happy!

Last Update : 2025-03-17

Automotive products are like an addiction to me. Years ago, I started my job at a Roof Box installation co. Then I realized that I have a passion for cars. It is a perfect scope to share my different experiences about automotive products.

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