Can You Take A Roof Box To Europe?
Yes, you can take a roof box on a European road trip, provided your vehicle, roof bars and roof box are suitable and you comply with the relevant rules for the countries you're visiting.
For families driving from the Midlands to France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and other European destinations, a roof box can be particularly useful. Instead of trying to fit a longer holiday's worth of luggage into the boot and passenger compartment, you can move suitable bulky items into enclosed storage above the car.
There are, however, a few extra things worth checking before heading for the Channel. Here's what to consider when taking a hired roof box abroad.
Can I Take a Hired Roof Box Outside the UK?
Midlands Roof Box Hire allows our roof boxes to be used for European travel, making them a practical option if you're driving abroad rather than flying.
When booking, tell us where you're planning to travel and provide the details of the vehicle you'll be using. We'll establish the appropriate setup and professionally fit the hired equipment before your journey.
If you're new to hiring, Does roof box hire include fitting? explains what's included in our service.
Why Are Roof Boxes So Useful for European Driving Holidays?
A week or two abroad can generate a formidable packing list. Suitcases are only the beginning. Depending on the holiday, you might also have coats, footwear, beach equipment, children's belongings, camping gear and everything needed for the journey itself.
Our Large roof box provides around 470 litres of additional capacity, while the Extra Large option offers around 580 litres.
That additional storage can help leave more of the vehicle's interior available for passengers rather than filling rear seats and footwells with luggage.
If you're unsure how much space you'll need, take a look through our Roof Box Range before booking.
Check Your Car Insurance Before Travelling
Don't assume that your UK motor insurance provides exactly the same cover everywhere you intend to travel.
Before leaving the UK, check the countries covered by your policy, the level and duration of overseas cover provided and whether your insurer needs to know about your journey or the temporary roof box and bars.
Insurance policies differ, so your own insurer or broker is the right place to confirm the requirements that apply to you.
You should also check whether and to what extent your policy covers hired equipment and belongings carried in the roof box, rather than assuming these are automatically included.
Remember That Every Country Has Its Own Driving Rules
A European road trip may take you through several countries, and the driving requirements can change when you cross a border.
Before travelling, check current official guidance for every country on your route. Depending on your journey, considerations can include vehicle documentation, insurance, breakdown equipment, emissions requirements, tolls, speed limits and mandatory equipment.
Don't rely on an old European driving checklist from a previous holiday. Requirements can change, so check the current rules shortly before departure.
Know Your Car's New Height
This is one of the easiest things to forget.
Once a Thule roof box and bars have been fitted, your vehicle is taller than usual. That additional height remains relevant for the entire journey, including when the roof box is empty.
Pay particular attention when approaching:
- Underground and multi-storey car parks.
- Hotel parking entrances.
- Height barriers.
- Garages.
- Covered filling stations and other restricted structures.
- Ferry and vehicle transport facilities.
Find out the approximate total height of your vehicle with everything fitted and keep the measurement somewhere readily available to the driver.
Taking a Roof Box on a Ferry
A roof box doesn't prevent you from using a ferry, but it changes the dimensions of the vehicle.
When booking, check the ferry operator's vehicle categories and measurement requirements. If you're asked for the overall height of the vehicle, make sure the figure includes the roof box and supporting equipment rather than entering the standard manufacturer's height for the car alone.
Requirements vary between operators and routes, so check directly with the company you're travelling with before completing your booking.
Taking a Roof Box Through LeShuttle
If you're travelling between the UK and France using LeShuttle, the roof box again forms part of the overall vehicle dimensions.
Check the operator's current vehicle and booking requirements when making your reservation and make sure the vehicle category you've selected is appropriate for the complete setup you're travelling with.
The same principle applies throughout the trip: think about the car as it is actually travelling, not its dimensions before the roof box was fitted.
Will a Roof Box Affect Fuel Consumption on a European Journey?
It can. Adding a roof box changes the aerodynamics of your vehicle and adds weight, so you should expect some effect on fuel or energy consumption.
How noticeable that effect is will depend on factors including your vehicle, speed, route, weather conditions, box, load and driving style.
That becomes particularly relevant on a European road trip involving hundreds or thousands of miles. Allowing a little extra in your fuel or charging budget is therefore sensible.
We've looked at the subject in more detail in Do Roof Boxes Reduce Fuel Economy?.
Pack for the Long Drive, Not Just the Holiday
Think carefully about which belongings go into the roof box.
Items that won't be needed until you reach your accommodation are obvious candidates for suitable roof storage. Passports, travel documents, medication, snacks, children's essentials and anything required during the journey should remain readily accessible.
Stay within the applicable vehicle, roof-bar and roof-box load limits, distribute suitable luggage sensibly and secure the contents so they cannot freely move around.
A 580-litre box provides lots of physical space, but available space isn't an instruction to exceed the permitted weight.
Check the Equipment During Your Journey
A European road trip can involve considerably more driving than a typical UK weekend away.
Before setting off, make sure the box is properly closed and locked and that everything is secure. On a long journey, carry out appropriate checks during stops in accordance with the guidance supplied with the equipment.
If anything appears loose, damaged or unusual, deal with it safely rather than simply continuing the journey.
Can I Use a Roof Box on an SUV or 4x4 in Europe?
European travel isn't restricted to small family cars. We provide SUV and 4x4 roof box options as well as setups for many popular manufacturers, including VW, Audi, Toyota, Vauxhall, Mercedes and Hyundai.
Compatibility depends on the particular vehicle and fitting arrangement rather than the badge on the bonnet alone. Even cars without traditional raised roof rails may have suitable fitting options, as explained in Can I fit a roof box to a car with no rails?.
What About Electric Cars?
A roof box can also be useful on an electric vehicle where a suitable compatible fitting system is available.
As with petrol and diesel vehicles, additional weight and aerodynamic drag can affect efficiency. For an EV, that can mean reduced driving range between charges, so factor this into route and charging-stop planning rather than assuming the car will achieve exactly the same range as it does without a roof box.
Before Leaving the UK
A few checks can make the beginning of the holiday considerably easier:
- Confirm that the roof box and bars are suitable for your vehicle.
- Check the applicable vehicle and equipment weight limits.
- Pack and secure suitable luggage correctly.
- Make sure the roof box closes and locks properly.
- Know the overall height of your fitted vehicle.
- Check your motor insurance and breakdown cover.
- Check current driving requirements for every country on your route.
- Enter the correct vehicle details when booking ferries or other vehicle transport.
- Plan for the potential effect on fuel consumption or EV range.
European Roof Box Hire From the Midlands
You don't have to buy a roof box simply because you're planning a big European holiday. Hiring can give you the additional capacity for the weeks you actually need it without leaving a large box occupying space at home for the rest of the year.
Midlands Roof Box Hire helps customers travelling from Burton-upon-Trent, Solihull, Hinckley, Redditch and Sutton Coldfield, with our main base in Tamworth.
We can supply a suitable roof box together with Roof Bar Hire where required and professionally fit the equipment before your trip.
If you're comparing the cost with purchasing your own equipment, see Is it cheaper to hire or buy a roof box? and How much does it cost to hire a roof box?.
More Space for the Road to Europe
A roof box can be an excellent addition to a European driving holiday. The key is to treat it as part of the vehicle rather than simply an extra suitcase: load it correctly, remember the additional height, allow for changes in efficiency and check the relevant insurance, transport and driving requirements before departure.
Browse our Roof Box Range or Contact Us with your registration, travel dates and requirements to arrange roof box hire for your European trip.