How to Pick the Right Size Roof Box

How to Pick the Right Size Roof Box

A roof box is a game-changer

It opens up space inside your vehicle and makes packing for your next trip way easier.

Why Choose a Roof Box?

Rain, hail, snow, or sunshine – a roof box keeps your gear safe and dry, no matter the weather. But it’s not just for luggage on road trips.

They’re handy for hauling all sorts of gear:
Camping stuff, beach gear, sports equipment, gardening tools, prams, skis, golf clubs – you name it.


What should you consider when choosing a cargo box?

First, think about what you're planning to carry.
Roof boxes are ideal for bulky, lightweight items like tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and camp chairs – things that take up space but don’t weigh much.

Consider Your Vehicle

Before buying, check the size of your vehicle and the distance between your roof racks.
All Thule and Rhino-Rack Roof Boxes we stock are compatible with the roof racks we sell - you’ll find full dimensions in each product listing.

Also, think about how the box might affect your boot. If your tailgate tilts up, a long box might hit it.
A 500L XL box on a Mini? Not ideal.

💡 Not sure what size will work?
Check out our Roof Box Hatch Clearance Guide - it’s a quick reference to help you avoid any surprises.


How do you determine the size of the cargo box you need?

Think about the longest or bulkiest gear you’ll carry — like skis, poles, or beach umbrellas.
You can filter by Max Internal Length and Load Capacity on our Roof Box Collection Page.

That’ll help you find the right size box without guessing.

Thuel Motion XT XL Roofbox Stoke Equipment Co Nelson

Pack your Gear with Care

When loading your roof box, balance and organization go a long way.
Put around 60% of the weight in the centre of the box (between your crossbars), and split the remaining 40% evenly between the front and back.

To make packing easier and keep things tidy, we recommend the Thule GoPack Duffel Set.
It includes four soft-sided bags that fit neatly inside most roof boxes – ideal for separating wet gear, dirty shoes, or just making unpacking faster when you arrive.

A well-packed box = less shifting, better weight distribution, and less stress.

Don’t Forget the Roof Racks

Roof boxes need roof racks to mount to.
Already got some? Make sure they’re compatible.
If not, we’ve got you sorted — check out our roof racks here.

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