How Do You Pack a Roof Box Properly?
Getting a roof box is an easy way to create more luggage space, but how you pack it matters. The aim isn't simply to squeeze as much as possible inside. A properly packed roof box should stay within the relevant weight limits, have its contents distributed sensibly and close normally without luggage interfering with the lid or locking mechanism.
Whether you're packing for a family holiday, camping trip, weekend away or a longer drive into Europe, a little planning before you start loading can make the journey considerably easier.
Here's how to make good use of your roof box space without treating it like an oversized suitcase that needs to be filled at all costs.
1. Start With Weight, Not Empty Space
A roof box can look enormous when you first open it, particularly if you're using our Extra Large option with around 580 litres of capacity.
But available space and permitted weight are two different things.
You need to consider the applicable limits for the vehicle, roof bars and roof box. The weight of the roof box, bars and associated equipment may also count towards the maximum roof load specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Never assume that you can keep adding belongings until every available litre is occupied.
For a detailed explanation, read How Much Weight Can A Roof Box Hold?.
2. Decide What Belongs in the Roof Box
Before carrying anything upstairs, look at everything you're taking and divide it between the roof box and the car.
A roof box is particularly useful for suitable bulky, relatively lightweight belongings that otherwise consume a lot of boot space. Depending on your journey, that might include:
- Clothing and soft travel bags.
- Coats and jackets.
- Suitable camping equipment.
- Sleeping bags.
- Lightweight holiday equipment.
- Other bulky items that fit safely within the box.
Dense and particularly heavy belongings may be better carried securely and low down inside the vehicle where appropriate, subject to the vehicle manufacturer's guidance and its loading limits.
If you're deciding what should and shouldn't go above the car, see What Can You Put in a Roof Box?.
3. Use Soft Bags Where They Make Sense
Rigid suitcases aren't always the most efficient way to use the unusual shape of a roof box.
Soft holdalls and travel bags can often fit around one another more easily, allowing you to make better use of tapered sections and awkward spaces without forcing the lid.
That doesn't mean everything needs to be transferred into soft bags. The useful principle is simply to think about the shape of your luggage as well as its total volume.
If three rigid suitcases leave large unusable gaps, a mixture of cases and flexible bags may make considerably better use of the same box.
4. Spread the Load Sensibly
Avoid putting all of the heavier suitable belongings at one end of the roof box.
Distribute the contents appropriately rather than creating one concentrated section of weight. Your particular roof box and equipment instructions should be followed when positioning and securing the load.
This becomes particularly important on longer journeys where the car will be accelerating, braking and cornering repeatedly.
5. Stop Your Luggage Moving Around
Leaving large gaps around unsecured luggage can allow belongings to move as the vehicle changes speed or direction.
Use the appropriate securing system for the roof box and follow its instructions. Pack belongings so that they are stable rather than simply placing loose bags into the box and shutting the lid.
A neatly packed box at the beginning of the journey shouldn't turn into a pile of luggage at one end after the first roundabout.
6. Don't Put Everything You Need During the Journey on the Roof
One of the easiest packing mistakes is putting an item in the roof box and then realising you need it 45 minutes later.
Keep journey essentials somewhere appropriately accessible inside the vehicle.
Depending on your trip, these could include:
- Travel documents.
- Medication.
- Phone chargers and power banks.
- Food and drinks for the journey.
- Children's essentials.
- A change of clothing you expect to need en route.
- Anything required at a ferry terminal or border crossing.
The roof box is excellent for luggage you won't need until you reach your destination. It is less convenient for something you'll want at every motorway service station.
7. Give Moisture-Sensitive Items Extra Protection
A quality roof box provides useful enclosed, weather-resistant storage, but it shouldn't be treated as a guaranteed watertight container.
If you're carrying electronics, important paperwork, sleeping bags or anything else that absolutely needs to stay dry, place it in an appropriate waterproof bag or sealed container inside the roof box.
This is particularly sensible for long journeys where you could encounter several hours of heavy rain.
8. Never Force the Roof Box Closed
If the lid won't close normally, something needs to change.
Don't sit on the box, pull excessively on the lid or try to force the locking mechanism because you've managed to fit one suitcase too many inside.
Instead, identify what is obstructing the lid and rearrange or remove it.
Before setting off, make sure the lid has closed correctly, the locking mechanism is properly engaged and the key has been removed.
9. Remember That Bigger Doesn't Mean Unlimited
Midlands Roof Box Hire offers different capacities to suit different journeys.
Our Large roof box provides around 470 litres of additional storage, while the Extra Large option offers around 580 litres.
The larger option can be useful when bulky family luggage is the main problem, but neither box should simply be filled without considering weight and the suitability of the items you're carrying.
If you're unsure which capacity makes sense for your trip, Which Is The Best Roof Box? and How Much Can You Put in a Roof Box? are useful next reads.
10. Pack the Boot and Roof Box Together
It can be easier to think of the car and roof box as one luggage system rather than packing the boot first and putting whatever is left onto the roof.
Start by laying out what you're taking. Decide which suitable bulky and lighter belongings can go into the roof box, then use the boot for items better carried lower down in the vehicle.
This approach can also help keep rear seats and passenger footwells free of unnecessary luggage.
That extra usable passenger space is one of the main reasons roof boxes are useful for family holidays.
11. Make Sure Your Roof Bars Are Part of the Calculation
The roof box needs an appropriate supporting system.
If your vehicle doesn't already have suitable equipment, we can provide compatible Roof Bar Hire where required. The exact fitting arrangement varies according to the vehicle.
Even a car without traditional raised roof rails may have a compatible solution. See Can I fit a roof box to a car with no rails? and How Do Roof Boxes Attach To Cars? for more information.
12. Do a Final Check Before Driving Away
Once everything is packed, don't immediately start the engine and leave.
Take a moment to check:
- The luggage is within the relevant weight limits.
- The contents are appropriately distributed.
- Nothing can move freely around the box.
- No item is interfering with the lid.
- The roof box has closed correctly.
- The locking mechanism is properly engaged.
- The key has been removed.
- The fitted equipment appears secure.
It's a small routine that is worth repeating whenever you repack the roof box during your holiday.
13. Check the Setup During Longer Journeys
A long motorway journey is a good reason to include the roof box in your normal vehicle checks.
At an appropriate stop, make sure everything still appears secure and the box remains correctly closed and locked. Follow any inspection or retightening instructions supplied for the particular equipment.
If you notice an unusual noise or movement while driving, stop somewhere safe and investigate rather than continuing and hoping it disappears.
Can You Drive on the Motorway With a Roof Box? covers motorway journeys in more detail, while How Fast Can You Drive With A Roof Box? looks specifically at speed, weather and equipment guidance.
A Simple Family Holiday Packing System
If you're staring at a driveway full of luggage wondering where to begin, divide everything into three groups.
Roof Box
Suitable bulky and relatively lightweight luggage that you won't routinely need during the journey.
Boot
Heavier belongings and items that are more appropriately carried low down, while remaining within the vehicle's loading limits.
Passenger Compartment
Only suitable items that genuinely need to be accessible while travelling, stored so they don't create unnecessary obstruction or loose objects inside the cabin.
This is usually more effective than filling the boot until it won't close and then trying to find somewhere for everything left on the driveway.
Packing for a Ferry or European Road Trip
Longer journeys need a little more planning because some belongings may be required before you reach your final destination.
If you're taking a ferry, consider what you'll need during the crossing before placing everything in the roof box. Depending on the operator and crossing, access to the vehicle deck may be restricted while the ship is underway.
Can You Take A Roof Box On A Ferry? explains the additional considerations, including vehicle height and booking information.
For longer international journeys, Can You Take A Roof Box To Europe? covers preparation for European road trips.
Remember Your Vehicle Is Taller Once Packed
Packing the box doesn't alter its basic external dimensions, but fitting a roof box and roof bars does increase the overall height of your vehicle.
Keep this in mind when approaching multi-storey car parks, underground parking, garages, height barriers and other restricted entrances.
How Much Height Does A Roof Box Add To A Car? explains why it's useful to know your complete fitted vehicle height before setting off.
Professionally Fitted Roof Box Hire in the Midlands
Midlands Roof Box Hire provides professionally fitted roof boxes for family holidays, camping trips, weekends away and longer road journeys.
Customers come to our Tamworth base from areas including Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, Birmingham, Burton-upon-Trent, Solihull and elsewhere in the Midlands.
We use quality Thule roof boxes, with compatible roof bars available where required. Professional fitting is included with roof box hire, so you don't need to work out the installation yourself. See Does roof box hire include fitting? for more information.
Pack for the Journey, Not Just the Box
The best-packed roof box isn't necessarily the one with every centimetre of space occupied. It's the one that uses the additional storage intelligently.
Choose suitable belongings for the roof, respect all relevant weight limits, distribute and secure the contents appropriately, keep journey essentials accessible and make sure the lid closes and locks normally.
Done properly, the roof box becomes part of an organised luggage system rather than simply somewhere to put whatever wouldn't fit in the boot.
Browse our Roof Box Range, compare roof box hire prices or Contact Us with your vehicle registration and travel dates to arrange your hire.