The decision to buy or rent a rooftop cargo carrier depends on your frequency of use and storage capabilities. If you frequently travel and lack storage, buying could be cost-effective long-term; however, if occasional use and storage are concerns, renting might be more practical.
Should You Buy or Rent Rooftop Cargo Carrier?
If you are going somewhere with a lot of cargo, a rooftop cargo carrier can help you to store all the cargo with ease. Rooftop cargo carriers are also suitable for any kind of vacation trip; you can even go fishing and camping with these. They are not so expensive, too, according to the features they are providing.
Different kinds of rooftop cargo carriers are available out there, made out of different materials, and come in different sizes and designs. So you can easily find a good one whether you are looking for a rooftop carrier to carry from a few small suitcases to several snowboards or fishing rods.
If you are on a tight budget but you need a rooftop cargo carrier for your trip, then you might be thinking of renting a rooftop carrier instead of buying one. But the question is, “Is that really the most efficient thing to do?”
The answer to this question actually depends on several factors. So we recommend you to read this article fully, and we hope that it will help you make the decision.
How Many Trips Per Year Do You Take? Rooftop Cargo Carrier Rental
If you go on trips frequently, we recommend buying a rooftop carrier instead of renting one because it will be more cost-effective. Rooftop cargo carriers are available at a price range starting from around 50 dollars to several hundred dollars. But if you rent a rooftop carrier for three days, that will almost cost you the same, and at the end of the long run, buying a roof box will cost you less.
If you want to buy the perfect rooftop cargo carrier for you, you have to research what type of carrier will be best for you according to your budget. You should check the size capacity, the installation process, and the material used in making the carrier. If you go on a trip only once a year or less, then leasing a carrier will be best for you. Otherwise, it is better to buy a cargo carrier.
How Is the Carrier Attached to the Vehicle?
The process of attaching the carrier to your car is also an important thing to consider. Moreover, many rooftop carriers need a roof rack to be attached, and some can be attached with or without any roof rack. So of them, just use a rope or strap to tie the carrier to the top of your car.
If the cargo carrier you liked requires a permanent roof rack, but you do not want to add one on top of your car, then you should look for something else and find something that does not demand you to make any permanent change to your car.
If you previously have a roof rack installed on top of your car or are going to install one, you can either purchase or lease the carrier. You should also consider other factors before you make the final decision. But you should always remember to check the manual provided by the manufacturer to determine whether a roof rack is required or not. If you do that, you will not face any problem, and there won’t be anything surprising after you get the carrier itself in your possession.
If you are searching for something that does not require you to have a roof rack, there are still many options available to either buy or rent. The leasing companies have many kinds of products that do not require any roof rack so that you can easily choose to lease one for your roof rack-free car.
How Much Stuff Will You Be Bringing with You?
Another thing you should consider before you buy a rooftop cargo carrier is what you want to carry with that? Different types of carriers come in different sizes, which are measured by cubic feet. You can easily find carries available with ten to up to 30 or more cubic feet of storage capacity.
Large cargo carriers can be very expensive, but you can lease them at an affordable cost. The carriers with 20 to 30 cubic feet of storage capacity are generally soft roof bag types of carriers; besides, some hard shell roof cargo boxes also. You can carry a lot of items with these. If you need a big cargo carrier and need to use it even a few times a year, it will better for you to buy a rooftop cargo carrier instead of leasing one.
A good quality and large enough cargo carrier can be expensive, but you can buy it for around under 100 dollars. When renting a cargo carrier, you have to pay more for the bigger and most high-quality one. So you should buy your own cargo carrier as your need and test.
How Will You Store the Carrier When it Isn’t Being Used?
When you plan to buy a rooftop carrier, you also have to think about what you will do with it when not in use? If you install a cargo carrier on top of your vehicle, it will affect your car’s gas mileage. You will have to pay more money to fill up your tank, so you should remove the carrier when not in use. But the question is what to do with the carrier after removing it from the roof of your car?
If you buy a soft cargo bag type of carrier made from polyester or some type of plastic, it will come with a storage bag to easily store it. But if you buy a hard shell cargo carrier, it can be a little hard for you to store it because you have to have a good place to hang it when not in use. You can install a rack on your garage or shed on the walls so that you can hang the carriers there.
If you want a soft type of cargo carrier, it won’t matter if you lease it or buy it. But if you choose a hard-shell rooftop carrier but do not want the hassles to find a place to store it, you should just go ahead and lease it instead.
-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:
- 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)
- 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 on Vehicles with Roof Luggage Rails and Crossbars.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.
- Designed to fit ONLY on cross-rail systems rated at 150 lbs. and greater. (See Vehicles Owners Manual for Weight Carrying Capacity)
- This cargo carrier must be mounted onto a roof rack with horizontal crossbars
- Be sure to allow for clearance of rear hatchback, roof-mounted antennas, and navigation fins
- Load cargo carrier paying careful attention to distribute the weight evenly and not exceed the maximum allowed weight of the box or cross rails
- 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
- 【Overall Dimensions】70'' L x 31'' W x 15'' H , Capacity: 17.6 Cubic Feet volume and holds up to 165 lbs;
- 【Durable & Weatherproof Protection】Crafted from impact-resistant ABS material, this rooftop cargo box withstands harsh UV rays, rain, snow, and road debris while maintaining a sleek, glossy finish. Designed to hold 165 lbs of gear, its rugged shell defends luggage, sports equipment, or camping essentials from the elements, ensuring your belongings stay dry and intact mile after mile;
- 【Double-Side Opening for Hassle-Free Access】Uniquely designed to open from both sides, allowing easy loading of bulky items like skis, suitcases, or coolers. The self-supporting gas struts keep the lid securely open while you organize, and the key-lock system ensures it stays closed until you’re ready to unlock;
- 【Aerodynamic Design for Quiet, Fuel-Efficient Travel】Engineered with a wind-cheating profile, this cargo box minimizes drag and noise at highway speeds. The smooth contours reduce fuel consumption and eliminate whistling sounds, delivering a quieter, smoother ride compared to bulky competitors;
- 【Secure Travel with Anti-Theft Locking System】Two security keys lock all securing points simultaneously (keys removable only when fully closed), deterring theft during stops. Reinforced straps and a robust frame keep the box anchored, even on rough terrain. Perfect for road trips, ski weekends, or family vacations—travel smarter, not harder!
- 【Tool-Free Installation & Universal Compatibility】Fits round, square, and most aerodynamic roof racks with no tools required—simply clamp it onto your vehicle’s crossbars using the pre-assembled mounts. It offers 12.4 cubic feet of storage, ideal for a wide variety of vehicles, including cars and SUVs. Always check your roof rack specs for compatibility.
- 【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
- Spacious 16 Cu Ft Storage: This hard shell roof cargo carrier offers a generous 16 cubic feet of space, ideal for road trips, vacations, or outdoor gear. Overall dimensions: 58.3"(L) x 35.4"(W) x 13"(H)
- Heavy-Duty ABS + PMMA Build: Made from durable ABS and PMMA materials, this car roof box is UV-resistant, impact-resistant, and weatherproof to protect valuables in harsh outdoor conditions
- Dual-Side Opening & Secure Lock: Features dual-side opening for convenient loading/unloading. Lock system ensures the key can only be removed when securely closed for maximum safety
- Tool-Free Installation: Quick and easy mounting with no tools required. Compatible with most round, square, and aerodynamic crossbars for universal fit on cars and SUVs
- Passenger-Side Accessibility: Designed for safety and convenience, the box opens up to 14.5" wide from the passenger side with strong support arms to hold the lid open during use
- 【DURABLE CONSTRUCTION】Crafted from high-quality ABS material, the hard shell rooftop cargo box ensures long-lasting durability. Its waterproof and UV-resistant design protects luggage from various weather conditions, making it ideal for road trips. The aerodynamic shape also reduces fuel consumption and noise for a smoother ride
- 【SPACIOUS 12 CUBIC FEET STORAGE】With dimensions of 54.3 in L x 31.5 in W x 13.4 in H, the rooftop cargo box offers 12 cubic feet (340 L) of extra storage space. With a maximum capacity of 165 LBS, it significantly increases storage capacity for your belongings
- 【UNIVERSAL FIT】Compatible with all vehicles equipped with a roof rack, including cars, vans, and SUVs. Prior to purchase, please verify compatibility by checking the roof rack fitting guidelines
- 【CONVENIENT DUAL-SIDED OPENING】The dual-sided opening system allows easy access from both sides of the cargo box. Includes 2 keys and 2 straps for added security. Ensure one side is locked when opening the other side
- 【RELIABLE WARRANTY】GarveeTech is committed to delivering high-quality products and meeting customer expectations. Enjoy a one-year warranty for added peace of mind. For any inquiries, our team is available to assist you within 24 hours
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Bag 20 cubic feet of storage car bag capacity and can hold 5-7 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 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!
- 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 our roof rack cargo carrier doubled up our seams and widened the waterproof zipper flaps!
- EASY TO INSTALL: We provide 6 heavy-duty tie-down straps and 6 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 car rooftop carrier bag, 6 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.Please note: Not recommended for vehicles with sunroofs; recommended driving speed limit: ≤ 65 mph (105 km/h).
- 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!
- Universal Fit - This roof top storage box is universal fit for mounting to max 13 inches wide cross bar, please check the dimension before purchase.
- Spacious Capacity - Expand your vehicle's cargo capability significantly with 11 cubic feet of spacious storage and a robust 110 lb weight limit. Designed with a 14-inch wide opening for easy loading of large gear, this box provides ample room for luggage and essentials while keeping your passenger area comfortable and uncluttered. It's perfect for families, road trippers, or outdoor adventurers.
- Secure Lock, Stable Travel - The key lock system keeps your valuables safe. You can only remove the key after all lock points are fully secured. The belongings and luckages stay firmly in place inside during your drive, even on bumpy roads – no shifting or falling out. Open it from the passenger side for easy loading and unloading.
- Impact-Resistant Protection - Built with UV-protected, weather-resistant ABS, the cargo box shields contents from rain, sun, snow, and impacts while maintaining structural integrity in all conditions for reliable long-term performance.
- Overall Dimensions - 53" L x 34" W x 15" H | Capacity: 11 Cubic Feet and up to 110 LBS. Package includes [1] 53 inches length storage box, [2] security lock key, and [4] heavy duty tool free installation mounting brackets.
- Offers durability and maintains a sleek appearance, designed to handle daily use and the demands of active lifestyles
- A quick, secure, and intuitive mounting system that indicates when the cargo box is safely attached with a simple click
- Provides easy access to your cargo from both sides of the vehicle, enhancing convenience and efficiency
- Extensively tested for road safety and durability in the Thule Test Center, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability
- SlideLock system with separate locking and opening functions, automatically locks the lid in place and indicates when the box is closed securely
Last Update : 2025-12-30
