Are Roof Boxes Waterproof?
Roof boxes are designed to protect luggage from the weather, but it is better to think of them as weather-resistant enclosed storage rather than completely waterproof containers.
A good-quality, correctly closed roof box provides considerably more protection from rain and road spray than carrying belongings in an exposed roof basket. However, if something absolutely must remain dry, such as electronics, important documents or moisture-sensitive clothing, we recommend protecting it inside a waterproof bag or suitable sealed container as an additional precaution.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, our Roof Box Range includes premium Thule roof boxes suitable for holidays and road trips throughout the year.
Will Rain Get Into a Roof Box?
A correctly fitted and properly closed roof box is designed to provide enclosed storage in normal driving conditions, including wet weather.
The shape of the box, overlapping lid and closing system help protect its contents from rain while you're travelling. That's one reason roof boxes are useful for autumn and winter journeys as well as summer holidays.
However, no sensible packing plan should depend on assuming that absolutely no moisture could ever reach the contents. Conditions can vary, and factors such as how the box is closed, its condition and the severity and duration of the weather all matter.
Weather-Resistant and Waterproof Aren't Quite the Same Thing
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there's an important practical difference.
Calling something completely waterproof suggests that water cannot get inside regardless of the conditions. A roof box is vehicle luggage equipment with openings, hinges, mounting points and a closing mechanism, rather than a sealed waterproof container.
For ordinary holiday luggage, the enclosed design provides useful protection from the elements. For belongings where even a small amount of moisture could cause serious damage, use additional waterproof protection inside the box.
What Should I Put in Waterproof Bags?
You don't necessarily need to individually waterproof every sock you're taking on holiday. It makes more sense to prioritise belongings according to how badly they would be affected by moisture.
Consider additional protection for items such as:
- Electronic equipment.
- Important paperwork and documents.
- Clothing that absolutely needs to remain dry.
- Sleeping bags and other absorbent camping equipment.
- Books and paper products.
- Other particularly moisture-sensitive belongings.
Waterproof travel bags, dry bags or suitable sealed containers can provide a useful second layer of protection.
Are Suitcases Safe in a Roof Box When It Rains?
Suitcases and travel bags are common items to carry in a roof box, provided they're suitable for the available space and the applicable weight limits are observed.
If you're expecting prolonged heavy rain, putting clothing into waterproof inner bags can provide additional reassurance. This is particularly useful with fabric suitcases and holdalls that may themselves absorb moisture.
If you're deciding what belongs upstairs and what should stay in the boot, What Can You Put in a Roof Box? provides a more detailed guide.
Does How You Pack the Roof Box Matter?
Yes. Weather protection is only one part of sensible roof-box packing.
Don't overfill the box or pack luggage in a way that prevents the lid from closing normally. If an item is pushing against the lid and you have to force the box shut, remove or reposition it.
Contents should also be distributed sensibly and appropriately secured rather than being able to move freely during the journey.
See How Do You Pack a Roof Box Properly? for our complete packing guide.
Don't Confuse Available Space With Available Weight
A large roof box can provide a substantial amount of additional luggage space, but litres and kilograms measure two different things.
Our Large option provides around 470 litres of storage, while our Extra Large roof box offers around 580 litres. Neither figure tells you how much weight your particular vehicle setup is permitted to carry.
You must stay within the relevant limits for the vehicle, roof bars and roof box. How Much Weight Can A Roof Box Hold? explains how these limits work together.
Are Roof Boxes Useful in Autumn?
Very much so. Roof boxes aren't only for sunny summer road trips.
Autumn weekends can involve coats, walking equipment, extra footwear and bulkier clothing, just as the weather becomes wetter and the car becomes more difficult to pack comfortably.
An enclosed roof box gives you somewhere separate to carry suitable luggage without filling rear seats and footwells. Adding waterproof inner bags for particularly sensitive belongings gives you another level of protection when the forecast looks decidedly British.
What About Winter Roof Box Hire?
The same advantages continue into winter. Christmas travel, family visits and winter breaks can all involve bulky luggage at a time when coats and cold-weather equipment are taking up additional room.
Before a winter journey, check the roof box and its fittings as normal and make sure the lid and locking mechanism are free to operate correctly. Snow, ice and severe weather can create additional driving considerations, so always prepare for the conditions you're likely to encounter.
Can You Drive in Heavy Rain With a Roof Box?
Roof boxes are intended for normal road use in varying weather conditions, but heavy rain should affect how you drive regardless of where your luggage is stored.
Reduce your speed when conditions require it, allow additional stopping distance and pay attention to visibility and standing water.
A roof box also changes the vehicle's aerodynamics. Our How Fast Can You Drive With A Roof Box? guide explains why speed, weather and crosswinds should all be considered when travelling with equipment on the roof.
What If My Luggage Is Already Wet?
A roof box can also be useful for separating suitable outdoor equipment from the passenger compartment, but be careful when packing belongings that are already soaked.
Wet coats, footwear and outdoor equipment can transfer moisture to other luggage. Keep wet and dry belongings appropriately separated and protect anything that shouldn't come into contact with them.
Remember that enclosing wet belongings can also trap moisture inside bags and equipment. Unpack and dry them appropriately when you reach your destination.
Can Water Damage a Hired Roof Box?
Normal exposure to rain during appropriate road use is very different from mistreating hired equipment.
Use the roof box in accordance with the instructions provided and don't attempt to modify, drill, seal or otherwise alter it yourself. If you notice damage or a problem with hired equipment during your trip, contact us for advice.
Professional fitting is included with our hire service, as explained in Does roof box hire include fitting?.
Are Roof Boxes Suitable for European Holidays in Wet Weather?
Yes. A European road trip doesn't guarantee sunshine, particularly when your route involves several countries and hundreds of miles.
Pack with changing weather in mind rather than relying entirely on the forecast at your destination. Waterproof inner bags are easy to add before departure and can be particularly worthwhile when you're carrying belongings for a longer holiday.
For the wider practicalities of travelling abroad, read Can You Take A Roof Box To Europe?. If you're travelling by sea, Can You Take A Roof Box On A Ferry? covers vehicle dimensions, ferry bookings and luggage considerations.
Keep the Roof Box Properly Closed
Weather resistance depends on using the box correctly.
Before driving away, make sure:
- Nothing is trapped between the lid and lower section of the box.
- No luggage is preventing the lid from closing normally.
- The box has closed correctly.
- The locking mechanism is properly engaged.
- The key has been removed.
- The contents are appropriately packed and secured.
If the box doesn't close correctly, don't force it and hope for the best. Rearrange or remove luggage until the box can be operated normally.
Quality Roof Boxes for Year-Round Travel
Midlands Roof Box Hire supplies professionally fitted roof storage for summer holidays, autumn breaks, Christmas journeys and trips further afield.
We regularly help customers travelling from Coventry, Bromsgrove, Burton-upon-Trent, Solihull and Nuneaton, as well as customers using our Tamworth base.
Our range includes lockable Thule roof boxes together with compatible Roof Bar Hire where required. If you're new to roof boxes, What Is A Roof Box? and Why Are Roof Boxes Useful? are useful starting points.
So, Will My Belongings Stay Dry in a Roof Box?
A good-quality, correctly used roof box provides useful enclosed, weather-resistant storage and is designed to protect suitable luggage during normal road travel. What we wouldn't recommend is treating any roof box as though it were a guaranteed watertight container.
Pack sensibly, make sure the lid closes properly and use waterproof bags or sealed protection for anything particularly vulnerable to moisture. That gives you the benefit of the additional roof storage without relying on the box as the only line of defence against bad weather.
Browse our Roof Box Range, see how much it costs to hire a roof box or Contact Us with your vehicle registration and travel dates to arrange your hire.