Does the thought of packing for a family trip feel like a game of Tetris gone wrong? You cram suitcases, sports gear, and camping supplies into every available inch of your car, only to realize your passengers have nowhere to sit comfortably. We’ve all been there. The adventure is exciting, but the lack of space inside your vehicle can quickly turn into a major headache.
Choosing the right car roof storage is tough. Should you get a cargo box, a basket, or maybe just some simple crossbars? Each option has pros and cons regarding capacity, weatherproofing, and how much it costs. Getting it wrong means wasted money or, worse, gear that gets soaked in an unexpected downpour. You need a solution that works for your lifestyle and your budget.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best types of roof storage available today. You’ll learn exactly which system fits your needs, whether you are hauling skis or just need extra room for groceries. Keep reading to transform your cramped car into an organized, ready-for-anything road warrior.
Top Car Roof Storage Recommendations
- 【840D CHAMPION QUALITY MATERIAL】 Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this ultra-durable car roof cargo carrier stands up to any rough treatment or harsh weather. Better still, the triple-reinforced welded seams make it hard to tear or rip for years to come.
- 【MORE THAN WATERPROOF】 Featuring waterproof zipper wrapped with 6 inches widened velcro zipper flaps, our vehicle cargo carriers will exceed your expectations with the waterproof effet. The reinforced seams will make it possible "zero leakage" even in downpours.
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】 Our roof rack cargo carrier comes with an anti-slip mat and 8 thickened adjustable straps that will keep the cargo bag in place. The smooth zipper, adjustable straps, door hooks and robust buckles allows you to effortlessly secure it to any car.
- 【SECURE FIT & LARGE CAPACITY】 Our 21 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag is compatible with vehicles with our without roof rack, the large capacity can keep the shape nicely, even when holding many luggage cases, blanket, tents, sleeping bags and more.
- 【PACKAGE LIST】You will receive 1x roof top carrier bag, 1x storage bag, 1x anti-slip mat, 6x padded door hooks, 2x extra luggage straps, 1x luggage lock.
- [840D CHAMPION QUALITY MATERIAL] Made with heavy-duty 840D abrasion-resistant PVC fabric, this ultra-durable car roof cargo carrier stands up to any rough treatment or harsh weather. Better still, the triple-reinforced welded seams make it hard to tear or rip for years to come.
- [MORE THAN WATERPROOF] Featuring waterproof zipper wrapped with 6 inches widened velcro zipper flaps, our vehicle cargo carriers will exceed your expectations with the waterproof effet. The reinforced seams will make it possible "zero leakage" even in downpours.
- [EASY INSTALLATION] Our roof rack cargo carrier comes with an anti-slip mat and 8 thickened adjustable straps that will keep the cargo bag in place. The smooth zipper, adjustable straps, door hooks and robust buckles allows you to effortlessly secure it to any car.
- [SECURE FIT & LARGE CAPACITY] Our 15 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag is compatible with vehicles with our without roof rack, the large capacity can keep the shape nicely, even when holding many luggage cases, blanket, tents, sleeping bags and more.
- [PACKAGE LIST] You will receive 1x roof top carrier bag, 1x storage bag, 1x anti-slip mat, 6x door hooks, 2x extra luggage straps, 1x luggage lock.
- Spacious Capacity for Every Journey: This rooftop cargo carrier offers 390L (14 cu ft) of storage space, making it the perfect car top carrier for family trips, camping gear, or ski equipment, freeing up valuable cabin space.
- Durable Hard Shell Protection: Crafted from high-quality, UV-resistant ABS, the rooftop cargo carrier hard shell shields your belongings from rain, sun, dust, and road debris, ensuring your items stay safe in any weather.
- Secure and Safe Transport: The roof cargo box features integrated straps and a reliable locking system with included keys, keeping your cargo box contents stable and securely fastened to the roof rack throughout your travels.
- High Load Capacity & Easy Installation: Supporting up to 165 lbs, this cargo box is designed for quick, tool-free mounting on most roof racks or crossbars, making setup effortless. (Please check roof rack compatibility before purchase.)
- Aerodynamic, Universal Fit: The streamlined, low-profile roof cargo box minimizes wind resistance and road noise, while its universal design fits most cars, SUVs, and vans, delivering additional rooftop storage without sacrificing driving comfort.
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 10 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in place even in high speed road or bump road, no slip, no scratch to your car.Also a security lock to prevent theft of your luggage.
- 【Large Storage Space】: FIVKLEMNZ roof bag (52 x 40 x 18 inches) was designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. 21 cubic feet rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 6-8 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more. Free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- 【Easy to Install】：FIVKLEMNZ rooftop cargo carrier fits for any car, truck, or SUV. If there is not roof side rails on your car, it can be quickly and easily installed to roof rack in minutes with 6 door hooks.
- 【Durable Material】: Made from 700D PVC, the FIVKLEMNZ roof bag features a double-layered waterproof cover design. All seams are constructed using heat-sealed welding and stitching techniques to ensure a completely seamless and waterproof structure. However, under extreme weather conditions or in cases of improper use leading to tears, 100% waterproof and rainproof functionality cannot be guaranteed. Please follow the user manual and use the product correctly.
- 【Important Notes】: This is a soft rooftop cargo carrier, not hard. The front and back straps should not beattached to the side bars during installation to prevent tearing over time. This may cause leaks or holes!!!
- 【Most Safe Design】: For security reasons, we use 8 reinforced adjustable straps to keep the cargo carrier in place. In addition, equipped with free anti-slip mat to keep the cargo bag stay in place even in high speed road or bump road, no slip, no scratch to your car.
- 【Large Storage Space】: FIVKLEMNZ roof bag (46*34*17 inch) was designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in the car. 15 cubic feet rooftop cargo carrier allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage cases, tents, sleeping bags, and more. Free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- 【Easy to Install】：FIVKLEMNZ rooftop cargo carrier fits for any car, truck, or SUV. If there is not roof side rails on your car, it can be quickly and easily installed to roof rack in minutes with 6 door hooks.
- 【Durable Material】: Made from 700D PVC, the FIVKLEMNZ roof bag features a double-layered waterproof cover design. All seams are constructed using heat-sealed welding and stitching techniques to ensure a completely seamless and waterproof structure. However, under extreme weather conditions or in cases of improper use leading to tears, 100% waterproof and rainproof functionality cannot be guaranteed. Please follow the user manual and use the product correctly.
- 【Note】: This is a soft rooftop cargo carrier, not hard. The front and back straps should not be attached to the side bars during installation to prevent tearing over time.
- Compatibility issues:Not suitable door hook installation requires exposed metal frame (not glued seals). For crossbars, ensure at least 51 inch spacing. Avoid very small cars where the car roof luggage carrier may overhang.
- LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY: This premium Sailnovo Rooftop Cargo Bag 20 cubic feet of storage car bag capacity and can hold 5-7 suitcases, camping tents, sleeping bags, and more. Made of soft shell material, roof rack cargo carrier can be folded into a storage bag to save space when not in use! Note: Our roof bag is not suitable for vehicles with sliding doors.
- MORE SAFETY: Besides load capacity, stability is arguably the most essential factor in a vehicle's top carrier. Our car roof cargo carriers are designed with 6 built-in reinforced straps, extra 6 door hooks, and 2 long luggage straps. For safety reasons, the more straps and clips for securing the bag to the roof, the better!
- TEAR-RESISTANT & WATERPROOF: Features three layers of 1000D Oxford cloth waterproof material, Sailnovo rooftop cargo carrier bag is twice as strong as other brands' 500D fabrics. We found that different brands could easily tear through the seams, so our roof rack cargo carrier doubled up our seams and widened the waterproof zipper flaps!
- EASY TO INSTALL: We provide 6 heavy-duty tie-down straps and 6 safety hooks that can be easily attached to the vehicle's Luggage rack in minutes; fits most roofs with crossbars/side rails/baskets or bare tops without racks; fits most size vehicles such as cars, SUV's, pickups, station wagons, hatchbacks, hardtop crossovers.
- Spacious Overhead Storage: This car ceiling cargo net offers ample 31.5" x 21.7" storage space, creating a versatile overhead compartment ideal for organizing luggage, bags, sports gear, or seasonal items without occupying cabin floor space.
- Universal Adjustable Buckles: Equipped with adjustable quick-release buckles, this roof storage net fits securely across the interior ceiling of most cars, SUVs, and trucks. Straps can be easily shortened or lengthened for a taut and stable setup.
- Heavy-Duty Double-Layer Design: Featuring reinforced dual-layer mesh construction, this organizer provides reliable strength for carrying heavier items. The robust weave ensures durability while maintaining breathable visibility for stored contents.
- Secure Zipper Access: The full-length zipper closure allows quick and convenient access to stored items while keeping them safely contained during travel. It prevents contents from shifting or falling while driving.
- Compact & Foldable Convenience: When not in use, the cargo net can be easily detached and folded flat for space-saving storage. Its lightweight mesh design ensures convenient portability and hassle-free reinstallation whenever needed.
- 21 cubic feet - Designed to solve the problem of limited storage space in your car. That's why capacity is critical! The overall dimensions of the rooftop cargo carrier bag are 51.9''W*39.37''D*16.9''H, carrying 20 cubic feet. Larger capacity than most brands. Easily carry around 6 people's luggage.
- Resistant Waterproof Material - Made from military grade waterproof material, 1000D PVC tarpaulin, Waterproof and durable car top carrier. Protects against wind and dust, rain and snow, and protects property from damage!
- Universal Compatibility - Easy to operate and install in a short time. Equipped with 6 door hooks, Anti-slip mat, and Combination Lock, the Sailnovo car roof cargo carrier can fit most roofs with crossbars/side rails/baskets or bare tops without racks; fit most size vehicles such as Sedan, SUV, Truck, station wagons, hatchbacks, hardtop crossovers.
- Secure Design - 10 reinforced adjustable straps, 6 door hooks, 1 slip mat, help your luggage stay in place even on bumpy highways. With the storage bag, when not in use, the roof bag can be placed in the trunk of the car - extremely space-saving.
- WHAT YOU GET- roof cargo carrier bag, roof bag storage bag, combination lock, anti-slip mat, safety hooks, safety hooks storage bag, user manual.
Your Road Trip Essential: The Car Roof Storage Buying Guide
Planning a family vacation or weekend adventure? You need more space! Car roof storage is the answer. This guide helps you pick the best roof carrier for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Capacity and Size
First, think about what you need to carry. Do you pack light, or do you need room for camping gear and skis? Roof boxes come in different sizes, usually measured in liters (L). A small family might need 10 cubic feet (about 300L). A large group needs 18 cubic feet or more.
- Determine Needs: Measure your biggest items (like golf bags).
- Vehicle Fit: Make sure the box fits your car’s roof without hanging over the windshield or trunk too much.
Security and Locking Mechanisms
You must keep your gear safe. Good roof boxes come with strong locks. Look for dual-locking systems. This means one lock secures the lid to the shell, and another secures the box to the crossbars. Quality latches prevent the box from popping open on the highway.
Ease of Installation
No one enjoys a tough setup. Check how easy the mounting system is. Most modern carriers use quick-clamp systems. These let you attach the box to your existing roof racks in minutes. Complex mounting systems waste valuable trip time.
Important Materials
The material determines durability and weight. Most high-quality roof carriers use plastic.
ABS Plastic
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic is very common. It is lightweight and strong. It handles road vibrations well. Good ABS plastic resists fading from the sun.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is tougher and often used in premium models. It offers excellent protection against scratches and dents. However, fiberglass carriers usually cost more.
Water Resistance
Ensure the seams and hinges are sealed well. Rain should never get inside your expensive luggage. Always check user reviews regarding water tightness during heavy storms.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Aerodynamics (Improves Quality)
A poorly shaped box creates drag. This wastes gas. Look for sleek, curved designs. Aerodynamic shapes reduce wind noise, making your drive much quieter. Box quality is often reflected in how quiet it is at highway speeds.
Weight Capacity (Reduces Quality Risk)
Every car has a maximum roof load limit. Exceeding this limit is dangerous. Check the box’s maximum load rating and compare it to your car’s limit. A lighter box lets you carry more gear safely.
Warranty and Build
A long warranty (five years or more) shows the manufacturer trusts their product. Poorly molded plastic or weak hinges significantly reduce the lifespan of the storage unit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Road Trips and Family Travel
This is the most common use. Roof boxes free up precious interior space. Kids stop kicking seatbacks when jackets and toys are stored above. Loading soft bags (like duffels) is easier than loading hard suitcases.
Sports and Outdoor Gear
Do you cycle, ski, or snowboard? Many roof boxes are designed to hold specific gear. Some specialty carriers hold multiple skis or snowboards vertically. Kayaks and paddleboards usually require different types of racks, but general cargo boxes hold helmets and boots perfectly.
Access and Loading
Consider which side the box opens from. If you park next to a curb, you want the opening side facing the street. Many premium boxes open from both sides, which is very convenient.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Car Roof Storage
Q: What is the difference between a roof box and a roof basket?
A: A roof box is fully enclosed and locks, protecting items from weather. A roof basket is an open frame, best for bulky, dirty items that do not mind getting wet, like firewood or muddy boots.
Q: Do I need roof racks before buying a carrier?
A: Yes, almost always. Most roof boxes attach to existing crossbars (the bars running side-to-side across your roof rails). You must install these racks first.
Q: Will a roof box lower my gas mileage?
A: Yes, it will slightly lower your gas mileage. Increased wind resistance means your engine works harder. Good aerodynamics help reduce this effect.
Q: How heavy can the items inside the box be?
A: Check the box’s weight limit and your car’s roof weight limit. Usually, boxes hold between 100 to 165 pounds. Do not overload the box.
Q: How fast can I drive with a roof box installed?
A: Most manufacturers recommend driving no faster than 75 to 80 mph. Always check the specific instructions that came with your carrier.
Q: Are all roof boxes waterproof?
A: Most modern, hard-shell boxes are highly water-resistant. True waterproofing depends on the seal quality. Read reviews about performance in heavy rain.
Q: Can I open my trunk with a roof box installed?
A: Sometimes. If the box is mounted too far forward, it might hit the trunk when opened. Test the clearance before you leave for your trip.
Q: What is the easiest way to install a roof box?
A: Look for boxes with built-in clamps or tool-free mounting systems. These systems let you tighten the clamps onto your crossbars quickly from inside the box.
Q: Do I need a special key to remove the box?
A: Yes. Most secure boxes require the key to be inserted and turned to tighten or loosen the mounting clamps. This keeps thieves from stealing the whole unit easily.
Q: Are soft-sided roof bags better than hard boxes?
A: Soft bags are cheaper and store easily when not in use. However, hard boxes offer much better protection against impact, theft, and weather for your important belongings.