A roof box is one of the easiest ways to create extra storage space when you're travelling. Whether you're heading off on a family holiday, a camping trip, a skiing adventure or simply need more room for luggage, a roof box can make your journey far more comfortable.
However, many people hiring a roof box for the first time ask the same question:
"What can I actually put in it?"
The answer is more varied than you might think, but there are also some important safety considerations to keep in mind.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, we regularly help families, couples and adventurers across Birmingham, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and the surrounding Midlands prepare for their journeys. Here's everything you need to know about packing your roof box safely and making the most of the extra space.
Why Use a Roof Box?
Modern vehicles often have limited boot space, especially once passengers are seated and child seats have been fitted.
A roof box provides additional storage without compromising passenger comfort.
Instead of cramming bags into footwells or stacking luggage high enough to block rear visibility, you can safely store suitable items on the roof while keeping your vehicle organised.
Perfect Items to Pack in a Roof Box
Roof boxes are ideal for lightweight but bulky items.
Some of the most common things our customers pack include:
Holiday Suitcases
Large suitcases often take up most of the boot.
Moving them into a roof box instantly frees valuable space inside your vehicle for pushchairs, shopping or pets.
Soft-sided suitcases are particularly useful because they fit around other luggage more easily.
Clothing
Clothes are one of the safest things you can transport.
Holiday wardrobes, coats, shoes, towels and bedding are all perfect roof box items because they're lightweight and easy to arrange.
Using packing cubes or travel bags helps keep everything organised.
Camping Equipment
Camping holidays generate an incredible amount of luggage.
Roof boxes are excellent for storing:
🚗 Sleeping bags 🚗 Air mattresses 🚗 Camping chairs 🚗 Blankets 🚗 Tent accessories 🚗 Pillows 🚗 Lightweight cooking equipment
This leaves your boot available for heavier camping items that are better carried lower down.
Children's Equipment
Travelling with children often means bringing far more than just clothes.
Many families use roof boxes for:
🚗 Toys 🚗 Soft play items 🚗 Beach equipment 🚗 Nappies 🚗 Blankets 🚗 Baby travel accessories 🚗 Soft luggage
Keeping these items on the roof means children have more room inside the car during longer journeys.
Ski Equipment
Many roof boxes are specifically designed with winter sports in mind.
Depending on the model, you may be able to carry:
🚗 Skis 🚗 Snowboards 🚗 Ski clothing 🚗 Helmets 🚗 Winter boots 🚗 Snow accessories
Always check the dimensions of the roof box before travelling to ensure your equipment fits comfortably.
Beach Essentials
Heading to the coast?
Roof boxes are ideal for transporting:
🚗 Beach towels 🚗 Windbreaks 🚗 Bodyboards 🚗 Beach toys 🚗 Parasols 🚗 Folding chairs 🚗 Picnic blankets
These bulky items quickly fill a standard boot but fit neatly into a roof box.
Sports Equipment
Many customers hire roof boxes specifically for sporting trips.
Suitable items include:
🚗 Cricket equipment 🚗 Football kit 🚗 Tennis rackets 🚗 Golf clothing 🚗 Cycling accessories 🚗 Walking boots 🚗 Hiking rucksacks
Again, lighter items are always preferable.
Christmas Presents
Roof boxes are surprisingly popular during Christmas.
Families travelling to visit relatives often use them to transport wrapped presents while leaving the boot free for everyday luggage.
This also helps keep gifts hidden from excited children before Christmas Day.
University Moves
Students moving into halls often have far more belongings than expected.
Extra clothing, bedding, shoes and personal items can all travel safely in a roof box, making move-in day considerably easier.
What Shouldn't You Put in a Roof Box?
While roof boxes are extremely versatile, certain items should never be stored inside.
Heavy Items
Roof boxes have a maximum load limit.
Placing heavy objects on the roof affects your vehicle's handling, braking and fuel economy.
Heavy toolboxes, weights or large machinery should always travel inside the vehicle where practical.
Valuable Items
Although roof boxes are lockable, expensive valuables should remain inside the car whenever possible.
This includes:
🚗 Laptops 🚗 Cameras 🚗 Jewellery 🚗 Important documents 🚗 Cash
Keeping these items within the vehicle provides greater security.
Fragile Items
Glassware, delicate ornaments and breakable items may become damaged during transport if the road surface is uneven.
If fragile items must travel, wrap them carefully and surround them with soft luggage.
Hazardous Materials
Never transport:
🚗 Fuel containers 🚗 Gas cylinders 🚗 Paint 🚗 Chemicals 🚗 Fireworks 🚗 Flammable liquids
These present obvious safety risks and should never be carried inside a roof box.
Loose Items
Everything should be packed securely.
Loose objects can move during braking or cornering, potentially damaging both your belongings and the roof box itself.
How to Pack a Roof Box Properly
Packing efficiently is just as important as choosing the right items.
Some simple tips include:
Place heavier permitted items towards the centre of the roof box.
Distribute weight evenly from side to side.
Fill gaps with soft bags or clothing to reduce movement.
Avoid overfilling, as forcing the lid closed can damage the locking mechanism.
Always double-check that the roof box is securely closed before setting off.
Don't Exceed Weight Limits
Every roof box has a maximum load capacity, and your vehicle's roof also has a maximum dynamic roof load.
These limits include:
🚗 The weight of the roof bars 🚗 The roof box itself 🚗 Everything packed inside
Exceeding these limits can affect vehicle safety and handling.
When you hire from Midlands Roof Box Hire, we'll explain your roof box's loading limits and ensure it's fitted correctly before you travel.
Driving with a Roof Box
Once loaded correctly, driving with a roof box is straightforward.
However, it's worth remembering:
Allow a little more braking distance.
Take corners more smoothly.
Be aware of increased vehicle height when entering car parks or driving under height restrictions.
Expect a slight increase in fuel consumption due to additional wind resistance.
Most drivers adapt within just a few miles.
Why Hire Instead of Buying?
If you only need additional storage once or twice a year, hiring makes excellent financial sense.
Instead of spending hundreds of pounds purchasing and storing a roof box, you can simply hire one for the duration of your trip.
At Midlands Roof Box Hire, our roof boxes are professionally maintained, thoroughly cleaned and expertly fitted to your vehicle.
We also deliver and fit roof boxes at your home or workplace throughout Birmingham, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and many surrounding areas, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Why Choose Midlands Roof Box Hire?
We understand that every journey is different.
Whether you're heading to Cornwall for a family holiday, Scotland for hiking, France for skiing or simply visiting relatives, we'll help you choose the right roof box for your vehicle and luggage.
Our service includes:
🚗 Professional fitting
🚗 Safety checks before every hire
🚗 Delivery to your home or workplace
🚗 High-quality Thule roof boxes
🚗 Friendly advice on packing and loading
🚗 Flexible hire periods to suit your trip
We take the stress out of travelling, allowing you to focus on enjoying your holiday.
Final Thoughts
A roof box is one of the most practical travel accessories you can hire.
From holiday luggage and camping equipment to beach gear and winter sports kit, it creates valuable extra storage while making your journey more comfortable.
The key is to pack thoughtfully, stay within the recommended weight limits and avoid transporting unsuitable items.
If you're planning your next adventure and need extra luggage space, Midlands Roof Box Hire has the perfect solution. Our premium Thule roof boxes are professionally fitted and ready to help you travel with confidence, wherever the road takes you.
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