Packing for a holiday can often feel like a challenge. No matter how carefully you plan, there never seems to be quite enough room in the car. Suitcases, pushchairs, camping equipment, beach toys and all the little extras soon begin to take over every available space.
Fortunately, a roof box provides the perfect solution, giving you additional storage without compromising passenger comfort. However, one question we are asked time and time again at Midlands Roof Box Hire is:
"What size roof box do I actually need?"
The answer depends on several factors, including the number of people travelling, the type of holiday you're taking and how much luggage you plan to bring.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know to help you choose the perfect roof box for your next adventure.
Why Choosing the Right Size Matters
Selecting the correct roof box is important for several reasons. A roof box that is too small may leave you struggling for space and forcing luggage into awkward gaps inside the vehicle. On the other hand, choosing a box that is unnecessarily large can make loading more difficult and add unnecessary weight.
The ideal roof box should provide enough storage to make your journey comfortable while allowing you to pack safely and efficiently. When chosen correctly, a roof box transforms your travelling experience, giving everyone more room inside the car and making long journeys much more enjoyable.
Understanding Roof Box Sizes
Roof boxes are generally categorised into four sizes:
Small Roof Boxes
Typically around 300 litres.
Suitable for:
🚗 Couples. 🚗 Weekend breaks. 🚗 Short holidays. 🚗 Additional luggage space.
Medium Roof Boxes
Usually between 350 and 450 litres.
Ideal for:
🚗 Small families. 🚗 One-week holidays. 🚗 Beach trips. 🚗 Additional family luggage.
Large Roof Boxes
Generally between 450 and 550 litres.
Perfect for:
🚗 Families of four or five. 🚗 Two-week holidays. 🚗 Camping trips. 🚗 Pushchairs and larger items.
Extra-Large Roof Boxes
Usually 600 litres and above.
Best suited for:
🚗 Large families. 🚗 Long holidays. 🚗 Ski trips. 🚗 Extensive camping equipment. 🚗 Bulky luggage.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, our Thule roof boxes provide generous storage while maintaining excellent aerodynamics and ease of use.
Consider the Number of People Travelling
Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a roof box is the number of passengers.
Two People
Couples heading away for a long weekend or summer break often find a smaller roof box perfectly adequate.
With only two people in the vehicle, there is usually spare space inside the car as well.
A medium-sized roof box normally provides plenty of room for suitcases and additional items.
Family of Three
Once children enter the equation, luggage requirements increase dramatically.
Alongside clothing and toiletries, parents often need to accommodate:
🚗 Pushchairs. 🚗 Travel cots. 🚗 Toys. 🚗 Beach equipment. 🚗 Snacks and supplies.
A large roof box is usually the ideal solution.
Family of Four
For many families, a large or extra-large roof box offers the perfect balance.
Two adults and two children can quickly fill even a sizeable boot, particularly on longer holidays.
The additional storage space provided by a roof box allows everyone to travel comfortably without sacrificing legroom.
Families of Five or More
Larger families naturally require more luggage space.
An extra-large roof box provides enough capacity for multiple suitcases and holiday essentials, making journeys significantly more comfortable.
Think About the Type of Holiday
Different holidays require different amounts of luggage.
Beach Holidays
Beach holidays often involve:
🚗 Towels. 🚗 Inflatable toys. 🚗 Parasols. 🚗 Folding chairs. 🚗 Swimwear. 🚗 Suitcases.
These items take up considerable room.
For a family holiday abroad or a UK seaside break, a large roof box is usually recommended.
Camping Holidays
Camping trips generate some of the biggest packing challenges.
Equipment may include:
🚗 Sleeping bags. 🚗 Air beds. 🚗 Camping chairs. 🚗 Cooking equipment. 🚗 Clothing. 🚗 Outdoor games.
Because many items are bulky, a large or extra-large roof box is often essential.
Ski Holidays
Ski holidays involve specialist equipment and winter clothing.
Ski jackets, boots and accessories consume a surprising amount of space.
Longer roof boxes are particularly useful for carrying skis and snowboards safely.
Weekend Breaks
Short city breaks or weekend getaways require considerably less luggage.
A small or medium roof box is usually more than adequate.
Staycations
More families are choosing UK holidays, and roof boxes are perfect for these adventures.
Whether you're visiting Cornwall, Wales, Scotland or the Lake District, extra storage space allows you to pack everything you need without cramming the car full.
Don't Forget About Pushchairs
Parents with young children often underestimate just how much room a pushchair occupies.
Travel systems and strollers can consume a huge percentage of boot space.
By placing suitcases and soft luggage inside the roof box, the pushchair can remain safely stored in the boot for easy access.
Many customers are amazed at how much difference this makes.
More Space Means More Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of a roof box isn't simply the additional storage.
It's the extra comfort.
Without luggage piled around the children or stacked behind seats, passengers enjoy:
🚗 More legroom. 🚗 Better visibility. 🚗 Improved comfort. 🚗 Less stress. 🚗 Easier access to essentials.
Long journeys become significantly more enjoyable when everyone has room to relax.
Avoid Overpacking the Car
Without a roof box, many people resort to placing bags:
🚗 On seats. 🚗 Under feet. 🚗 Around children. 🚗 Against rear windows.
Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also obstruct visibility and create safety concerns.
A roof box keeps luggage secure and organised while allowing the vehicle interior to remain spacious and comfortable.
Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy
Modern roof boxes are designed with aerodynamics in mind.
Thule roof boxes, in particular, are renowned for their sleek design and minimal impact on driving performance.
Choosing the right size helps maintain efficiency while providing all the storage you require.
An appropriately sized roof box ensures you're not carrying more than necessary while still benefiting from valuable extra space.
Which Size Do Most Families Choose?
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, the majority of customers opt for large or extra-large roof boxes.
These sizes are ideal for:
🚗 Families of four. 🚗 Two-week holidays. 🚗 Camping trips. 🚗 European road trips. 🚗 Staycations. 🚗 Airport journeys.
Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of adventures.
Many customers are surprised at just how much additional storage they gain.
Why Hire Instead of Buy?
For many people, a roof box is only required once or twice a year.
Hiring offers several advantages.
You avoid:
🚗 Large upfront costs. 🚗 Storage problems at home. 🚗 Maintenance. 🚗 Cleaning. 🚗 Long-term ownership expenses.
Instead, you receive a professionally fitted roof box exactly when you need it.
Once your holiday is over, simply return it and enjoy the extra garage space.
Professional Fitting Provides Peace of Mind
One concern many people have is fitting a roof box correctly.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, we professionally fit all roof boxes and roof bars to ensure everything is secure and ready for your journey.
Our fitting process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to begin your holiday with complete confidence.
We also provide guidance on loading and safe usage to help you get the most from your hire.
Popular Holidays That Benefit from Roof Box Hire
Our customers regularly hire roof boxes for:
🚗 Family holidays in Cornwall. 🚗 Camping trips in Wales. 🚗 Scottish road trips. 🚗 Lake District adventures. 🚗 European driving holidays. 🚗 Airport transfers. 🚗 Festivals. 🚗 Ski trips.
Whatever your destination, additional storage space makes travelling easier and more enjoyable.
How to Decide Which Size You Need
Ask yourself these questions:
🚗 How many people are travelling?
🚗 How long are you going away for?
🚗 Will you be taking bulky items?
🚗 Are you bringing a pushchair or travel cot?
🚗 Will you need space for sports equipment or camping gear?
If you're unsure, it's often better to choose slightly larger capacity rather than risk running out of room.
Our team is always happy to advise on the most suitable option based on your vehicle and holiday plans.
Why Choose Midlands Roof Box Hire?
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, we supply high-quality Thule roof boxes and roof bars for customers across Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Solihull and the surrounding areas.
We offer:
🚗 Large and extra-large Thule roof boxes. 🚗 Professional fitting. 🚗 Home and workplace delivery options. 🚗 Competitive hire prices. 🚗 Friendly expert advice. 🚗 Safe and secure equipment.
Our aim is simple: to help make your holiday more comfortable and less stressful.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roof box size can make a huge difference to your holiday experience.
The perfect roof box provides valuable extra storage, improves passenger comfort and allows you to travel without compromising on what you bring.
Whether you're heading to the beach, embarking on a camping adventure or planning a European road trip, there's a roof box perfectly suited to your needs.
And if you're still wondering which size is right for you, Midlands Roof Box Hire is always happy to help.
Because the only thing you should be worrying about on holiday is making memories not finding somewhere to squeeze in another suitcase.
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