The Thule Motion XT is widely considered the best roof box for its spacious design and aerodynamic efficiency. Yakima SkyBox Carbonite is another top contender, known for its durability and user-friendly features.
Choosing the right roof box can greatly enhance your travel experience. An ideal roof box offers ample storage space, easy installation, and secure locking mechanisms. Thule and Yakima are leading brands, both known for their reliable and high-quality roof boxes.
Thule Motion XT stands out for its sleek design and large capacity, making it perfect for family trips. Yakima SkyBox Carbonite impresses with its robust construction and simple usability. Both options provide excellent aerodynamics, reducing drag and noise during travel. Investing in a top-quality roof box ensures a stress-free and enjoyable journey.
Choosing The Right Roof Box
Choosing the right roof box can make your travels smooth and easy. This guide helps you find the best roof box for your needs. By understanding your requirements, you can pick a roof box that fits perfectly on your car and meets your storage needs.
Consider Your Needs
First, think about what you will carry. Do you need space for skis, camping gear, or extra luggage? Choose a roof box that fits your specific items.
Next, check your car’s roof size. Measure the roof to ensure the box fits well. The roof box should not be too big or too small.
Also, consider how often you will use the roof box. If you travel frequently, invest in a durable and high-quality box.
Lastly, check the weight limit of your car’s roof. Ensure the roof box and its contents do not exceed this limit.
Types Of Roof Boxes
Type | Description | Best For |
---|---|---|
Hard-Shell Roof Boxes | Durable and weather-resistant. Offers maximum protection for items. | Frequent travelers and those carrying valuable items. |
Soft-Shell Roof Boxes | Lightweight and flexible. Easier to store when not in use. | Occasional travelers and those with limited storage space. |
Low-Profile Roof Boxes | Sleek design and reduces wind resistance. Saves on fuel. | Long-distance travelers and those mindful of fuel efficiency. |
Choose a roof box type based on your travel frequency and storage needs. Each type offers unique benefits.
Remember, the right roof box makes your travels stress-free and enjoyable.
Top Roof Boxes For Road Trips
Planning a road trip means ensuring you have enough space for all your gear. A roof box can be the perfect solution. Whether you need extra room for camping gear or just want to free up space inside your vehicle, the right roof box can make all the difference. Let’s explore some top choices that cater to both spacious and compact needs.
Spacious Options
For those who need maximum storage, spacious roof boxes are ideal. These options provide ample room for large items.
- Thule Motion XT XXL: This box offers up to 22 cubic feet of space. It’s aerodynamic and stylish, making it a top choice for families.
- Yakima SkyBox 21: With 21 cubic feet of storage, this box is perfect for long trips. It has a sleek design and is easy to install.
- Sportrack Horizon XL: This budget-friendly option provides 17 cubic feet of space. It’s durable and weather-resistant, ensuring your gear stays protected.
Compact Choices
If you have a smaller vehicle or don’t need as much space, compact roof boxes are a great choice. They offer enough room for essentials without being too bulky.
- Thule Sidekick: This compact box offers 8 cubic feet of space. It’s lightweight and easy to mount, perfect for smaller cars.
- Yakima RocketBox Pro 12: With 12 cubic feet of storage, this box is ideal for short trips. It has a sleek design and fits well on most vehicle sizes.
- Inno Wedge 660: This option provides 11 cubic feet of space. It’s aerodynamic and provides a quiet ride, making it a great choice for city driving.
Choosing the right roof box depends on your specific needs. Consider the size of your vehicle and the amount of gear you plan to carry. Whether you need a spacious option or a compact choice, there’s a roof box that will fit your road trip needs perfectly.
Best Roof Boxes For Skiing
Choosing the right roof box for skiing is essential. Your gear needs protection from the elements. Here we highlight the best options. Key factors include aerodynamic design and durability in snow.
Aerodynamic Designs
An aerodynamic roof box reduces wind resistance. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces noise. Here are some options:
Model | Aerodynamic Rating | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Thule Motion XT | High | 18 cubic feet |
Yakima SkyBox Carbonite | Medium | 21 cubic feet |
SportRack Vista XL | Moderate | 18 cubic feet |
The Thule Motion XT has a sleek profile. It’s designed for minimal drag. This makes it ideal for long trips. The Yakima SkyBox Carbonite balances size and aerodynamics. It’s perfect for larger families. The SportRack Vista XL offers good aerodynamics at a budget price.
Durability In Snow
Durability is crucial for skiing gear. The roof box must withstand harsh weather. Here are some durable options:
- Thule Force XT
- Material: ABS plastic
- Capacity: 16 cubic feet
- Weather resistance: High
- Yakima RocketBox Pro
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Capacity: 14 cubic feet
- Weather resistance: Medium
- INNO Wedge Plus
- Material: Reinforced plastic
- Capacity: 13 cubic feet
- Weather resistance: High
The Thule Force XT is made from ABS plastic. It offers excellent durability and weather resistance. The Yakima RocketBox Pro is made from polycarbonate. It’s slightly less durable but still reliable. The INNO Wedge Plus uses reinforced plastic for top-notch durability.

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Ideal Roof Boxes For Camping
Camping trips need a lot of gear. A roof box can help you carry everything. These roof boxes provide extra space and keep your gear safe. Let’s dive into the best choices for camping.
Extra Storage Capacity
Camping often requires bulky items. Extra storage capacity is crucial for a roof box. Look for boxes with at least 15 cubic feet of space. This will fit tents, sleeping bags, and more.
Brand | Capacity | Dimensions |
---|---|---|
Thule Motion XT XL | 18 cu ft | 84.5 x 36 x 17 in |
Yakima SkyBox 16 | 16 cu ft | 81 x 36 x 15 in |
SportRack Vista XL | 18 cu ft | 63 x 38 x 19 in |
These options offer ample space for your camping needs. Thule Motion XT XL and SportRack Vista XL both provide 18 cubic feet. The Yakima SkyBox 16 offers a slightly smaller but still substantial 16 cubic feet.
Weather Resistance
Weather conditions can change quickly during camping trips. A weather-resistant roof box keeps your gear dry and safe. Look for boxes with waterproof seals and UV protection.
- Thule Motion XT XL: Features tight seals and UV protection.
- Yakima SkyBox 16: Known for its waterproof design.
- SportRack Vista XL: Offers water resistance and durability.
These features ensure your camping gear stays protected. Weather resistance is vital for any camping trip. Always choose a roof box that can handle different weather conditions.
Family-friendly Roof Boxes
Traveling with family means more luggage and gear. A family-friendly roof box can make your trips easier. These roof boxes offer convenient features. They ensure your family’s safety and comfort on the road.
Easy Access
Family-friendly roof boxes should provide easy access. A dual-side opening is helpful. This feature lets you open the box from either side of the vehicle. It makes loading and unloading simple.
Consider the height of your vehicle. A lower-mounted box is easier to reach. Look for boxes with quick-release clamps. These clamps allow fast installation and removal.
Roof Box Model | Opening Mechanism | Mounting System |
---|---|---|
Thule Motion XT | Dual-Side Opening | Quick-Release Clamps |
Yakima SkyBox | Dual-Side Opening | Tool-Free Mounting |
Safety Features
Safety is crucial for family roof boxes. Look for built-in locks. These locks secure your belongings and prevent theft. Some boxes offer multiple locking points. More locks mean better security.
Check the aerodynamic design. A well-designed box reduces wind resistance. This feature enhances fuel efficiency and stability. Consider boxes with reinforced lids. These lids provide extra protection for your gear.
- Built-in Locks: Secure your items.
- Aerodynamic Design: Enhances fuel efficiency.
- Reinforced Lids: Offers extra protection.
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Credit: www.travelandleisure.com
Roof Boxes For Water Sports
Transporting water sports equipment can be challenging. Roof boxes designed for water sports make this easy. They offer the right size, waterproof features, and durability.
Waterproof Materials
Having waterproof materials in your roof box is essential. Your equipment needs protection from rain and moisture. Look for roof boxes made from high-grade, waterproof materials.
ABS plastic is strong and lightweight. High-density polyethylene is flexible and impact-resistant. Thermoplastic elastomers offer high weather resistance.
Longer Lengths
Water sports equipment often requires roof boxes with longer lengths. This is crucial for items like kayaks, surfboards, and paddleboards.
Consider roof boxes with these features:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Longer lengths | Fits larger equipment |
Aerodynamic design | Reduces wind resistance |
Longer lengths ensure your equipment fits securely. An aerodynamic design helps maintain fuel efficiency.
Popular roof boxes for water sports include:
- Thule Vector Alpine
- Yakima SkyBox 21
- SportRack Vista XL
These models offer both length and durability. They keep your gear safe and dry.
Budget-friendly Roof Boxes
Finding the best roof box on a budget can be challenging. You need a solution that offers both affordability and quality. Here, we explore some budget-friendly roof boxes that provide great value without breaking the bank.
Affordable Options
There are several affordable roof boxes available that don’t compromise on quality. These options can meet your storage needs while staying within your budget.
- SportRack Vista XL: This roof box offers 18 cubic feet of space. It’s made of durable ABS material, ensuring long-lasting use.
- JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier: With a capacity of 18 cubic feet, it’s both spacious and affordable. It features a four-corner locking system for added security.
- Rightline Gear Sport 3: This soft-sided cargo box is weatherproof and budget-friendly. It provides 18 cubic feet of storage and fits most roof racks.
Value For Money
Getting the best value for your money involves more than just a low price. It also means getting quality and durability. Here are some roof boxes that offer excellent value for their cost.
Model | Capacity | Material | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Thule Sidekick | 8 cubic feet | Polypropylene | $$ |
Goplus Cargo Box | 14 cubic feet | ABS Plastic | $$$ |
Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier | 15 cubic feet | Soft-sided | $ |
Thule Sidekick is a great choice for small families. It is compact but durable, making it perfect for city dwellers.
Goplus Cargo Box offers a balance of size and durability. Its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind resistance.
Amazon Basics Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the most budget-friendly option. It provides ample storage space and is easy to install.
Premium Roof Boxes
Premium roof boxes offer a blend of luxury and high performance. They are designed to provide ample storage, durability, and advanced features. If you want the best, premium roof boxes are the way to go.
Luxury Features
Premium roof boxes come with exceptional luxury features that stand out. These features include:
- Aerodynamic design to reduce wind resistance.
- Dual-sided opening for easy access from both sides.
- LED lights inside for better visibility at night.
- Central locking system for added security.
These luxury features make premium roof boxes a top choice. They offer convenience and peace of mind for travelers.
Top Performance
Premium roof boxes deliver top performance in various conditions. They are built with high-quality materials for durability. The top performance characteristics include:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Weather Resistance | Protects contents from rain, snow, and UV rays. |
Weight Capacity | Can carry heavy loads without compromising safety. |
Ease of Installation | Quick and hassle-free mounting system. |
Noise Reduction | Minimizes wind noise for a quieter ride. |
With these performance features, premium roof boxes ensure a reliable and enjoyable journey.
Roof Box Installation Tips
Installing a roof box can make your trips more enjoyable. It can be tricky if you are new to it. Follow these tips to ensure a proper installation.
Mounting Techniques
Proper mounting techniques are crucial for safety. Start by reading the roof box manual. Make sure all parts are included. Clean the roof of your car. Place the roof box on the roof bars. Align it properly. Use the provided clamps to secure the box. Tighten them evenly. Check for stability by shaking the box. It should not move. Lock the roof box if it has a lock.
Maintenance Advice
Maintaining your roof box ensures its longevity. Clean it after every trip. Use mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Check the clamps and locks regularly. Make sure they are not rusty. Lubricate the locks if needed. Store the roof box in a dry place. Cover it with a cloth to protect from dust.
Task | Frequency |
---|---|
Clean the roof box | After every trip |
Check clamps and locks | Monthly |
Lubricate locks | Every 3 months |
Store in dry place | Always |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Roof Box For Suvs?
The best roof box for SUVs is spacious, durable, and aerodynamic. Brands like Thule and Yakima offer top choices. Consider your storage needs and vehicle compatibility when selecting.
How Do I Choose A Roof Box Size?
Choose a roof box size based on your storage needs and vehicle roof space. Measure your roof and consider the type of items you’ll store. Always check the weight capacity.
Are Roof Boxes Waterproof?
Most high-quality roof boxes are waterproof or water-resistant. Look for models with tight seals and durable materials. Check product descriptions for water resistance ratings.
Can I Install A Roof Box Myself?
Yes, most roof boxes come with installation instructions. It’s generally a simple process. Ensure you have the correct mounting system and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Selecting the best roof box depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider size, material, and ease of installation. Make sure to compare different brands and read customer reviews. With the right roof box, you can enhance your vehicle’s storage capacity for any adventure.
Choose wisely and travel with confidence.