12 best roof rack boxes

*Review of the best according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with a specialist before purchase.

The volume of the trunk of a passenger car can be from 170 to 590 liters, depending on the model. But if all the necessary things do not fit to feel comfortable on a long trip, install a box on the roof. It will protect your belongings from precipitation and thieves, and all passengers in the cabin will be comfortable, because you do not have to hold bags. Let’s understand how to choose such an enclosed roof rack and which models are the best according to buyers and experts.

How to choose a box roof rack

For many people the deciding factor will be the price, but pay attention to these key characteristics:

1. Capacity.The parameter is measured in liters and comes in 250 to 1,100 liters. The higher the number, the more things will fit in the compartment. Capacity depends on the length, width and height of the trunk box. Most often, buyers are guided by the length, so that it does not protrude much beyond the dimensions of the roof. For example, for car class A and B trunks are sufficient 300-400 liters with a length of 120-175 cm. The boxes with a length of 190-210 cm will fit wagons and medium-sized crossovers. And only huge SUVs can be equipped with 220-235 cm closed compartments.
2. Carrying capacity. In addition to capacity, the robustness of the box body plays an important role, which determines the load capacity. Different roof rack capacities from 50kg to 100kg. However, it is not always proportional to size, which is important to bear in mind when buying (larger roof boxes are sometimes designed for a smaller payload than their compact counterparts).
3. Form Factor. With the same internal volume in liters, some models can carry more pairs of skis, while others carry larger suitcases. this is influenced by the form-factor of the box carrier, which is matched to the goods to be carried (height, width, length).
4. opening side. Single-sided versions are cheaper, but the contents are only accessible from the passenger side. Double sided are more functional, but more expensive.

Rating of the best roof box carriers

Top premium roof boxes

Here we have collected the best roof racks, distinguished by their quality and functionality. They are suitable for year-round use and withstand use throughout the life of the machine.

Th

e Motion XT XXL (610 L)

Rating: 4.9

Car roof box made with the dimensions 1980x820x450 mm and weighs 20 kg, not much load on the railing. The lid opens both ways, and supporting brackets are provided to make it easy. Effortless locking and unlocking, but holds box top securely. Reviews show that the closure is very airtight and no water or dust gets inside. The manufacturer allows this box on the roof at speeds up to 120 km / h. The recommended load weight is 70-75 kg, which means you can put more than just clothes or shoes inside. Thickness of plastic body is 5 mm (even in premium imported analogues 4 mm) that is why the goods of Russian manufacturer are characterized by high durability.

With almost identical dimensions to the models described above
oomer Venture and Th

e Pacific 780, this car roof box stands out for its increased capacity of up to 480 liters. The extra 50 liters is an extra suitcase, so the product is noted for the best combination of external dimensions and internal usable volume.

Advantages

• two-way opening;
• up to 120 km/h;
• holds 480 L;
• easy locking and unlocking.

Disadvantages

• rustic design.

Menabo Mania 400 (400 L)

Rating: 4.5



The Italian manufacturer Menabo offers practical roof racks Mania 400, which fits even on the roof of small B-class sedans. The length of the box is 165 cm, which means it will only protrude slightly beyond the dimensions of the roof and everything will look proportionate. The box is equipped with fastening belts and a central lock, but opens only on one side. In terms of carrying capacity, the box is able to hold 75 kg, and the internal usable volume is 400 liters. The roof rack is made of quality ABS plastic, but it weighs 15kg, so the cross bars on the roof will not be overloaded. In reviews, owners share that the plastic is easy to clean from dust and dirt, and the product retains its presentable appearance for a long time.

We marked the box for the height of 37 cm (competitors have 40-47 cm), which contributes to a better streamlining of the air flow. We recommend this model for those cars, the owners of which like to drive fast.

Advantages

• easy to clean from dust;
• Non-toxic, durable plastic;
• low weight 15 kg;
• suitable for all-season use;
• load capacity 75 kg.

Disadvantages

• one-way opening;
• only 1 year warranty.

Ficopro Zenith 390 (390 L)

Rating: 4.5



Closed roof rack from Ficopro is available with a black bottom, and the top part can be white, gray or black. The design of the box is wedge-shaped, and it is equipped with a depression in the back, so that it is pressed to the roof of the car by the air currents. This prevents the trunk from being blown away by the headwind while driving fast. Net volume of the box is 390 l. But this model is longer than its predecessor – 192 cm vs. 165 cm, so the skis fit up to 185 cm. fastened to the roof with U-bolt ties. The box can be opened from either side of the car and is locked with a central lock. The domestic manufacturer gives you a 2-year warranty on the product.

In reviews, the trunk box is praised for the lack of noise on the track. This is the merit of developers who invented a special streamlined shape of the case. To ensure that the sounds of rolling equipment do not bother you when you drive over bumps, there are numerous internal locking straps. Recommended product for those who love the silence on the road.

Advantages

• reliable locking system;
• Strong supporting brackets;
• ribbed reinforced bottom;
• 2-year warranty;
• two way opening system.

Disadvantages

• Inferior in capacity to the aforementioned models.

Best inexpensive roof boxes

The category includes economy versions of roof boxes, which are suitable for infrequent use, such as trips on vacation or to relatives. If they are used three months a year, the product will last a long time and retain its attractive appearance. It’s a great way to take everything you need and go on a full trip.

Lux Tavr 175 (450 L)

Rating: 4.7



Luggage compartment closed roof is available with the size of 175x85x40 cm and holds 450 liters. ABS plastic has a matte finish and is less likely to show dust, scratches or fingerprints. Lid raises to both sides, making the box more convenient to use. The bottom is reinforced with a corrugated configuration and features a quick-release “claw” mount, so it takes 5 minutes to install the box on the roof. The load capacity is not inferior to the famous brands and amounts to 75 kg. Includes straps to secure your luggage.

The box features a particularly sturdy top. The design is reinforced by six ribs and additional relief elements, which makes the plastic top very resistant to deformation. When the driver begins to drive with a roof rack, there is a great risk of damaging it, forgetting about the increased dimensions of the car (when driving into someone else’s garage, covered parking lot, under the barrier or when passing under a pipe). With this closed compartment, there’s a better chance of surviving an impact safely, getting away with a scratch on the plastic rather than a fracture.

Advantages

• powerful ribs on the bottom;
• double-sided opening system;
• matte texture of plastic;
• quick fixation to the crossbars;
• durable cover.

Disadvantages

• Some people are uncomfortable with the key insertion point – bumps their fingers on the middle rim of the box.

Atlant Sport 431 (430 L)

Rating: 4.6



Roof box has dimensions of 171x73x39 cm and holds 430 liters. Payload is slightly less than the competition – 50kg vs. 75kg. Trunk base has reinforcing ribs and is mounted on crossbars with L-shaped arms. Width of beams is allowed from 49 to 87 mm. The top attaches on three attachment points and is equipped with a lock, but it is only available on the passenger side. Reviews show that the roof chamber is well insulated from dust and water, which was achieved by the absence of rivets on the body. For this model, the manufacturer produces special bags, which fit different compartments of the trunk, but they are bought separately. the color of the lid “wet asphalt” perfectly blends with any shade of car body.

Of the budget roof racks, this one is one of the most streamlined, which reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient. Unlike the classic series, it has sharp shapes and more aggressive lines.

Advantages

• airtight closure;
• can be mounted on crossbars from 49 to 87 mm wide;
• The model has a small weight of 15 kg;
• Provides a key ejection lock when the lock is in the open position.

Disadvantages

• The lock is only available on the passenger side.

Lux Irbis 175 (450 L)

Rating: 4.5



Model has dimensions of 1750x850x400 mm and a volume of 450 l. Lockable to cross bars with 4 claw clamps. Exterior plastic has a matte finish and screens out fingerprints well. The compartment can be opened from either the driver’s or front passenger’s side. Next to the lock hole, there is an intuitive designation for unlocking and locking the system, which any user will understand. In reviews, owners are pleased with the size of the “winglets”, designed to secure the trunk-box on the roof. They are very compact, so they do not “steal” useful space inside the compartment. But it is not convenient to twist them (unlike the big flywheels of competitors), so the installation is delayed.

Among the economy versions, this version on the roof is distinguished by a five-point attachment in the open position. Lid is held in closed position by 8 points, so it holds tight and will not fly off even from strong air resistance. Breaking it out by force is also quite difficult, which means you don’t have to take things back to your room when you’re staying just one night on a long trip.

Advantages

• The matte texture hides traces well;
• rear with a “ramp” for a better airflow fit of the trunk;
• Intuitive designation of the locking system controls;
• Tilting the lid to either side;
• in closed position 8 locking points.

Disadvantages

• small “thumbs” for fastening to the crossbars.

Eurodetal Magnum 300 (300 L)

Rating: 4.4



The roof box for small cars such as Hyundai i10, KIA Picanto, Chery QQ, Chevrolet Spark, etc. completes the category. Dimensions box is 1250x780x420 mm, so it will not look incongruous on a small hatchback body. The box holds 300 liters and can hold up to 50 kg. the lock has two attachment points on each side and together with the brackets forms 6 locking points in the closed position. The lid can be opened to either side. The model is attached to the crossbars of the roof rack with U-shaped steel clips and wingnuts. It’s reliable, but takes longer than other systems. The manufacturer provides two straps to pull things down and reduce noise while driving.

We noted the product for the embossed plastic “carbon”, which visually enhances its presentability. Car accessory looks very expensive, although it belongs to the economy segment.

Advantages

• Two pressure straps included;
• sturdy bottom with reinforcing ribs;
• The rubber band around the perimeter for an airtight closure;
• opens to both sides;
• Suitable for the smallest cars.

Flaws

• Installation on the U-shaped brackets takes more time;
• hinged brackets made of plastic;
• no skis inside.
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