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
- 【Durable & Weatherproof Hard-Shell Design】 Crafted from high-quality ABS material, this rooftop cargo box resists impacts, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. The 100% waterproof seal keeps luggage dry in rain or snow, while the aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise and improves fuel efficiency on long trips.
- 【Massive 17 Cu-Ft (480L) Storage Capacity】 With dimensions of 61.42"L x 30.71"W x 14.96", this carrier provides extra space for bulky gear like suitcases, camping equipment, or ski gear. Holds up to 165 lbs—ideal for family road trips or outdoor adventures without sacrificing cabin comfort.
- 【Universal Fit for Most Vehicles】 Compatible with cars, SUVs, and vans equipped with roof racks (crossbars required). Tip: Check your roof rack’s weight limit and spacing before installation for a secure fit.
- 【Dual-Side Opening for Easy Access】 The convenient two-way opening lets you load/unload from either side of your vehicle—perfect for tight parking spots. Includes 2 security keys and 2 reinforced straps to lock contents and prevent shifting during transit.
- 【Easy Installation & Hassle-Free Use】 Designed for quick and tool-free setup, this cargo box securely attaches to most roof racks in minutes. The lightweight yet sturdy construction makes it easy to load and unload, while the low-profile design ensures minimal impact on your vehicle’s height clearance.
- 【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 12/14 CUBIC FEET STORAGE】With dimensions of 54.3"L x 31.5"W x 13.4"H/62.2"L x 31.5"W x 13.4"H, the rooftop cargo box offers 12 cubic feet (340L) 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】 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
- 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.
- Spacious 14 Cu Ft Storage: This rooftop cargo carrier delivers a generous 390L (14 cubic feet) of space, making it the ideal car top carrier for family vacations, road trips, and sports adventures. Easily store camping gear, luggage, or ski equipment and free up valuable cabin room.
- Rugged Hard Shell Protection: Made from tough, UV-resistant ABS, this rooftop cargo carrier hard shell guards your belongings against rain, sun, dust, and road debris—providing reliable protection in any weather conditions.
- Secure & Lockable Design: The roof cargo box is equipped with built-in straps and a dependable locking mechanism, plus included keys. Keep your items stable and safely locked inside the cargo box on every journey.
- High Capacity & Hassle-Free Mounting: With a robust 165 lbs weight limit, this cargo box installs quickly and securely onto most vehicle roof racks or crossbars—no tools required. Always check your roof rack compatibility before purchase.
- Aerodynamic & Universal Fit: The streamlined, low-profile roof cargo box design reduces wind noise and drag, while fitting most cars, SUVs, and vans. Enjoy extra rooftop storage without compromising your driving comfort or vehicle performance.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant: Made from high-quality UV-protected ABS material, this hard-shell rooftop cargo box helps protect your belongings from rain, sun, and snow. Its sturdy design keeps luggage safe during travel while offering long-lasting performance.
- Spacious 14 Cubic Feet Storage: With 14 cu ft (390L) of internal space and a maximum capacity of 165 lbs, this cargo box provides extra room for luggage, gear, or sports equipment like skis. The wide opening makes loading and unloading easier.
- Easy Installation and Universal Fit: Tool-free mounting hardware allows quick setup on most roof racks up to 33 inches wide. Compatible with cars, SUVs, and vans—just verify roof rack dimensions before installation.
- Dual-Sided Access and Secure Lock: The dual-sided opening design provides convenient access from either side of the vehicle. Includes secure keys and straps to help keep your cargo stable while driving.
- Aerodynamic and Travel-Friendly: Designed with an aerodynamic shape to reduce wind resistance and minimize noise. This rooftop cargo carrier helps expand your vehicle’s storage without affecting driving comfort.
- 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 12.7 cubic feet of spacious storage and a robust 110 lb weight limit. Designed with a 13.5-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 - 55" L x 34.5" W x 14" H | Capacity: 12.7 Cubic Feet and up to 110 LBS. Package includes [1] 55 inches length storage box, [2] security lock key, and [4] heavy duty tool free installation mounting brackets.
- 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 ABS and PMMA Material:Constructed with high-quality ABS and PMMA materials for impact resistance and weather protection, this roof cargo carrier ensures durability and shields your belongings from harsh outdoor elements.
- Spacious 13 Cubic Feet Capacity:Offers 13 cubic feet of storage space and supports up to 130 lbs of weight, making it perfect for long road trips, camping, and transporting bulky items like luggage or sports equipment.
- Double-Sided Opening for Easy Access:The dual-sided opening design allows for convenient loading and unloading from either side of the vehicle. The strong support arm keeps the lid open securely while you access your items.
- Secure Locking Mechanism:Equipped with a reliable locking system, the key can only be removed when all locking points are securely closed, ensuring the safety of your stored items during travel.
- Tool-Free Installation & Universal Fit:Easily installs without tools and is compatible with most roof rack types, including round, square, and aerodynamic bars, providing a hassle-free setup for a variety of vehicles.
- ▶Overall Dimensions: 55.91" L x 29.53" W x 14.96" H ▶Capacity: 13 Cubic Feet volume and holds up to 130 lbs
Last Update : 2026-02-09
