How to Repair Roof Boxes in a Car? Step by Step (2023)

To repair roof boxes on a car, start by cleaning the box thoroughly and assessing the damage. Depending on the issue, you might need to fix cracks with adhesive or tape, replace broken parts, or tighten any loose fixtures to ensure a secure fit.

How to Repair Roof Boxes in a Car?

Owning a car is always a superior experience, isn’t it?! There’s no doubt about it! You’ll always feel an extra adventurous feeling by having a car. However, as they get older, things get change significantly. One of the changes can appear in the car’s roof boxes. Further, it can damage over time. But, you can fix it by yourself if you know some basic rules of the vehicle.

Car roof boxes are positioned on the roofs of the automotive and used for storage. Besides, they are exposed to the ingredients and residues. For this reason, their condition vandalizes with time. By following some moves, you can okay them quickly.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to repair roof boxes in the car – some easy steps. Let’s go –

Car Roof Box Repair – Some Simple Steps to fix it

What’s your take on repairing a car’s roof box? Is it too complicated a task?! Absolutely not! The equipment needed for repairing jobs is available in hardware stores. Therefore, you don’t have to take the extra burden on it. Now, let’s check out the procedures for fixing the roof box in the car –

Step 1 – Sand the Place

Find out the crack inside of the car’s roof box. Then, start sanding the whole place around it. But, which element should you use? Our recommendation is coarse-grit sandpaper. The fiberglass will adhere closely to this thing.

Step 2 – Cleanse the Place Properly

It is necessary to cleanse the whole place properly with clean water or alcohol. Otherwise, you can’t expect a strong bond with the roof box.

Step 3 – Heat the Thing!

It’s time to heat up! Allow the propane torch to get over the surface. When the flame can touch the surface, it will erode the area and remarkably enhance the overall adhesion. Therefore, the adhesive’s adhesion improves outstandingly and gets a special coating.

Step 4 – Mix the Epoxy

Now, it’s the mixing time of the epoxy. However, make sure that the percentage is exactly the package suggested. A small batch of epoxy is enough. Then, you have to mix it accordingly. Keep the mixed ingredient on a disposable paper plate.

Step 5 – Apply the Epoxy

Apply a small amount of epoxy to the sanded area of the roof box. After that, place some lightweight fiberglass fabric over the rift. Henceforth, it will be best if you can remove the air bubble from the fiberglass. This is how it can work properly.

Step 6 – Repeating the Procedure

Take another batch of fiberglass and repeat the whole procedure with epoxy one more time. After putting the fiberglass fabric in the wet adhesive, spread the entire thing with a spreader thoroughly. Nevertheless, don’t rush while doing it. Otherwise, things could go wrong.

On the other hand, if there are more layers, keep redoing the process.

Besides, take time to cure for around 10-12 hours. To finish it in a sophisticated way, you can consider painting.

Warning Message – While mixing the epoxy, better wear gloves in your hands. Epoxy can be dangerous to the skin and taking precautions is necessary.

Waterproof Cargo

How to Resist the Roof Box Leak in the Car?

There are various reasons that roof boxes can get leaked. To prevent it, you can take some practical measurements. Let’s check out –

  • Rust is the common enemy of a vehicle. The rust and corrosion can cause massive damage to the roof box in the car. Therefore, you should clean it regularly.
  • The roof area needs to be painted periodically. Yes, cleaning is essential. But, keep remember that just cleaning isn’t enough for your roadster’s roof box. As a result, polishing is a must. This is how a car’s roof box can get protection from rain, snow, extreme heat, and other natural threats.
  • Be careful when installing a roof box. Sometimes, the box fails to fit inside of the car correctly. For this reason, substantial damage can happen to the box. So, beware of this and establish the box accurately inside a vehicle.

Some Important Roof Box Safety Tips

A road trip is always enjoyable. But, being stuck in a car for hours with little room for movement can bring an unpleasant situation. That’s why loading up a roof box with belongings can help immensely. Nevertheless, adding a load to the top of the car could be risky.

Therefore, here’s something you have to know before making your entry into the road –

Weight 

During making a plan on rooftop packing, it’s better to know the weight limit of the rooftop and vehicle. Do you have to pack a lot of belongings? Hmm. So, knowing the weight could ensure that you’re on a correct path. Remember that being overweight could lead to a severe accident.

Balance

A well-packed roof box generally increases the center of gravity of the car. For this reason, the vehicle can wobble at high speeds. As a result, there’s a big chance the load can fall into it and cause unimaginable problems while driving. So, a balance is needed.

Ensure that the box is well-balanced while it carries your properties.

Installing in the Box

Sometimes, cars come with a roof box. But, if the vehicle doesn’t come with it, you have to purchase and install the product. Moreover, you have to ensure that the box perfectly fits the car. Generally, the roof box comes with a connecting point. Besides, you can join this point with the car.

But, if the point can’t be attached to the car’s roof, it will cause a massive problematic situation. To skip such an unwanted condition, you can take advice from an auto professional.

How to Repair Roof Boxes in the Car? – FAQs

Can the roof box damage my car?

If you can set the box accurately as per the suggestion of the manufacturing company, you won’t face a problem and there’s no chance that the box could damage your car.

What is the best place for a roof box in a car?

Try to distribute the weight equally as possible you can. If you feel that the load is much heavier, you can keep some more oversized items in the backseat of your vehicle. On top of that, you have to ensure adequate airflow around the box. Therefore, the box should stay closer to the back of the car rather than in front.

Final Thoughts

So, this is our discussion on how to repair the roof boxes in the car – some easy steps. Although these formulas are pretty effective for repairing roof boxes, you can consult with a professional if enormous damage occurs. However, we think prevention is the best measurement when it comes to leaking.

Thank you for reading! Until next time, goodbye!

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Best Seller List of Roof Cargo Boxes:

Bestseller No. 1
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. 2
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. 3
6 Reviews
DuraLiner Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Cars - Waterproof Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage - Easy...
  • LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The Car Rooftop Cargo box offers more than 10 cubic feet of storage capacity, making it a perfect choice for carrying bulky items like luggage, camping gear, & sports equipment. Car topper luggage carrier helps to free up valuable space inside your vehicle for passengers & other essentials. Whether you're going on a leisure trip or a work-related one, DuraLiner rooftop cargo box has enough room to hold all your necessary items.
  • ROBUST & COMPACT DESIGN: The Cargo rooftop box is crafted to fit most roof racks with ease and is simple to install and remove. The hardshell rooftop cargo carrier is made from durable materials, enabling it to withstand harsh weather conditions & rugged terrains. Duraliner roof carrier is watertight & lockable, ensuring your belongings stay protected from water damage.
  • STURDY MATERIAL: Heavy-duty plastic resists UV damage and maintains a rich finish to protect your belongings from weather. The Cargo Box has a sturdy and long-lasting construction made possible by High-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: DuraLiner Cargo Boxes are simple and easy to install. The tool-free assembly and U-bolt securing feature make it a quick process, allowing you to hit the road in minutes. These cargo boxes can be mounted with ease onto most vehicles with Roof rack cargo boxes. Vehicle Cargo Carriers design features a sealed lip, rear entry, and a four-corner latching system to ensure the safety and dryness of your belongings. It is durable & recyclable.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH MOST VEHICLES: Car roof cargo carrier is compatible with numerous car makes and models, including Chevrolet, Ford, Isuzu, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Sprinter, Toyota, and more. Its universal mounting system is adaptable to various roof rack systems, making it a convenient option for customers with different car brands. The Rooftop cargo is specifically designed to fit and function with the roof racks or crossbars of these particular car models.
Bestseller No. 4
261 Reviews
TACTIK Rooftop Cargo Carrier Hard Shell, X-Large, Dark Slate - Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Top of...
  • UNLOAD FROM BOTH SIDES - the patent-pending dual side-opening design allows you conveniently load and unload your travel luggage and gear from both sides of the rooftop cargo carrier so you're out of the way of traffic while you unload
  • FUEL EFFICIENT DESIGN - the aerodynamic design of the roof rack cargo carrier reduces drag and wind resistance to minimize fuel economy disruption. The 18 cu ft carrier measures 57" x 38.5" x 17.75" and the 10 cu ft carrier is 46.5" x 30.5" x 17.75"
  • SECURE LOCKING SYSTEM - this car top carrier secures your luggage with a four-corner cam locking system to ensure that the lid won't blow open while you're on the road with a keyed theft-resistant lock for peace of mind at stops. Includes 2 keys
  • WATERPROOF & UV RESISTANT - proudly made in the USA, this waterproof rooftop cargo box is manufactured from durable, all weather high-density polyethylene material that includes a built-in UV stabilizer that resists cracking and fading
  • MOUNTS TO CROSS BARS - the car rooftop cargo carrier is a quick and easy no-tool installation and allows you to mount to your vehicle's cross-bars (not included). Pre-drilled mounting holes for cross-bar attachment are drilled 24" on center
Bestseller No. 5
Cargo Box Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier with Car Trunk Organizer Heavy Duty Roof Storage Box 14...
  • 🚙The roof box is manufactured from sturdy ABS and PMMA material for long-lasting use, able to protect your valuables from exposure to the elements and can load 130 lbs capacity, suitable for round, square and most aerodynamic bars.
  • 🚙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.
  • 🚙Key can only be removed when all locking points are securely closed . 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.
  • 🚙Double side opening for easy loading and unloading. Overall Dimensions: 62.2" L x 31.1" W x 15" H | Capacity: 14 Cubic Feet and Up to 130 LBS | ABS Plastic Mounting Brackets
  • 🚙Perfect for Road Trip--Take the cargo box to the park, the beach, the sports field, or any place you need to store. Sleek aerodynamic design to reduce drag and has less noise.
Bestseller No. 6
Large Hard Shell Carriers Rooftop Cargo Box with Key Lock 62 (L) x 31 (W) x 15(H) 15 Cubic Feet,...
  • ▶️The roof box is manufactured from sturdy ABS and PMMA material for long-lasting use, able to protect your valuables from exposure to the elements and can load 130 lbs capacity, suitable for round, square and most aerodynamic bars.
  • ▶️ 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: 62.2" L x 31.1" W x 15" H | Capacity: 15 Cubic Feet and Up to 130 LBS | ABS Plastic Mounting Brackets
  • ▶️ Excellent Customer Service - We have been committed to providing best customer service to our customer and we usually make a respond in 3 hours. Just feel free to come to us when you have any doubts or inquires about our product or service.
Bestseller No. 7
Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof Storage Box, 14 Cubic Feet, for...
  • Perfect for Road Trip---Take the cargo box to the park, the beach, the sports field, or any place you need to store. Works on all vehicles with rack, suitable for cars, vans, SUVs, etc. Sleek aerodynamic design to reduce drag and has less noise.
  • 14 Cubic Feet Cargo Box with Car Trunk Organizer---With the large capacity, the roof cargo box can help you securely carry 14 cubic feet worth of essentials, can increase vehicle cargo space without impeding on passenger comfort, more capacity, more pleasure! Included trunk organizer comes with 3 different size compartments, 12 side bags which will help you organize sundries with ease.
  • Robust and Security Design---The roof cargo box is designed to withstand heavy use in different types of weather conditions. The metal lid stiffeners at the bottom makes the roof box more stable and safer. With the double-lock design for protecting your valuables.
  • 【Note】This product is suitable for vehicles with rack (Compatible with 17” to 22.8” wide rack, the width of the crossbar should be less than 3.1 inches and the thickness should be less than 1.0 inches)
  • High Quality Material---The roof box is manufactured from sturdy ABS and PC material for long-lasting use, able to protect your valuables from exposure to the elements and can load 165 lbs capacity, suitable for round, square, factory and most aerodynamic bars.
  • Easy to Install---The Goplus roof box equipped with 4 quick connect anchors for easy install and super latch security ensures your lid secure to its base, and your gear is safe. Dual-sided opening for easy access on either side of your vehicle to increased efficiency and convenience.【Note: please do not open the openings on both sides at the same time. The key can only be removed after the cover is closed and locked.】
SaleBestseller No. 8
Adakiit Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier Roof Bag, 20 Cubic Feet Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Carrier for...
  • LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: A massive 20 cubic feet (L52" x W40" x H17.5") of space can easily hold all the luggage of a family of 5-6. Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into a storage bag to save space when not in use!
  • 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 6 built-in reinforced straps, extra 6 door hooks, and 2 long luggage straps. For safety reasons, the more straps and clips for securing the bag to the roof, the better!
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Our rooftop cargo carrier fits most cars, trucks, or SUVs; fits most roofs with crossbars/side rails/baskets or bare roofs without racks; If there are no roof side rails on your car, it can be quickly and easily installed to the roof rack in minutes with 8 Reinforced Straps and hooks.
  • TEAR-RESISTANT & WATERPROOF: Features triple-layer high-density 1000D PVC fabric which is 2 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric. The doubled-up seams and widened waterproof zipper flaps can effectively protect your luggage against rain, grit, snow, wind, and sun on the road.
  • WHAT YOU GET: 1 rooftop carrier bag, 6 safety hooks, 2 reinforced straps, 1 storage bag, 1 user manual. The 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!
  • NOTE: All seams are heat welded and stitched to ensure they are watertight. that your luggage will stay safe and protected in all weather conditions during your travels. But please note that it's not 100% waterproof under rainstorm weather.
  • If you have any problems with receiving or using our car top carrier, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to make you happy!
Bestseller No. 9
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, X-Large
  • 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
  • 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 195 cm)
  • External dimensions: 82.75 x 33.75 x 17.25 inches
  • Internal Dimensions: 77.5 x 29.5 x 15.25 inches
  • Load capacity: 165 lbs; Product Weight: 47 lbs
Bestseller No. 10
Perflex Bosphorus Rooftop Cargo Box Carrier Large 17 Cubic Feet Car Top Mount Travel Luggage...
  • SPACIOUS, STYLISH, AND AERODYNAMIC: Textured/Glossy finish with glossy side linings blends in seamlessly with your vehicle. 17 Cu Ft (480 L) of cargo capacity provides ideal storage for skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, duffel bags, and still leaves room for your other gear. Supports up to 130 lbs (60 kg) weight capacity.
  • SECURE AND WATER-RESISTANT: Central locking system ensures that the key cannot be removed until the box is locked. Weather-resistant & water-resistant. Comes with 4 (four) keys and 2 straps.
  • TOOL-FREE INSTALLATION AND UNIVERSAL FITMENT: Comes fully assembled and ready to mount on your vehicle. Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal. Fits vehicles with roof racks/crossbars (Roof racks are not included).
  • DUAL-SIDE OPENING AND CLOSING: Convenient loading and unloading of your gear from both sides of the cargo box. Dual side opening also helps with easy mounting and de-mounting the carrier from your vehicle.
  • HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Made from heavy-duty, UV-resistant, and impact-resistant ABS material. Lightweight, sturdy and durable. Made in Turkey, Assembled in the U.S.A.
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Last Update : 2023-12-04

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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