Two people with a dog walks beside a parked car with a roof box on top.

The complete guide to roof boxes

A roof box adds versatile extra space to your vehicle, offering convenient storage for everything from seasonal sports gear to bulky family essentials. With proper use and maintenance, it becomes a long-term investment and a valuable asset for years to come.

In this guide:

Why choose a roof box?
When to use a roof box?
Which roof box should I choose?
Meet the Thule family of roof boxes
What to pack in a roof box?
Roof rack compatibility
Roof box or rear-mounted cargo carrier?

Why choose a roof box?

Roof boxes have been a trusted household companion for decades, helping both curious adventurers and big families to create new memories and manage daily tasks. Today, cargo boxes are not only practical, but carefully designed to fit both your vehicle and your lifestyle, with safety and excellent aerodynamics in mind.

Versatile storage

A roof box enables an active lifestyle by transforming your vehicle’s capacity, ensuring you never have to choose between passenger comfort and bringing along bulky essentials.

Simple handling and access

Roof boxes prioritize ease of use, from dual-side opening to full access to the trunk, making loading and unloading your gear a seamless experience.

Secure and durable

With safety built into the design, roof boxes offer both powerful mounting systems and integrated locking systems to provide peace of mind and ensure your gear is protected.

A person standing beside a parked car, packing a roof box.

When to use a roof box?

When it comes to traveling with extra luggage, sports gear, or bulky items, a roof box can really change the game. They offer flexible solutions for various occasions, from adventurous excursions to daily errands.

Road trips and vacations

Keeps lightweight, bulky items like clothes, camping gear and sleeping bags on the roof, freeing up the trunk for suitcases and ensuring the driver maintains clear rear-view visibility throughout the trip.

Daily life and city logistics

As a convenient accessory for city-dwellers, they provide room for everyday tasks like transporting strollers, gardening supplies, or large grocery hauls that won't fit in a compact trunk.

Sports and outdoor gear

If you’re transporting sports equipment, skis or outdoor gear, a roof box serves as a perfect "locker room" on wheels, and keeps dirty and damp equipment out of your car’s interior.

Which roof box should I choose?

Cargo boxes come in many different styles and sizes. While this may feel overwhelming at first, it means you are able to find the perfect carrier for your specific car and lifestyle.

Start with your needs

There are many different factors to consider when choosing your specific cargo box. A good starting point, and the most important one, is your needs. Look for cargo boxes that match your needs and use case.

Sizes and style variations

Thule roof boxes come in a wide range of sizes and styles:

Standard: Ranging from Small to XXL, these are the most versatile styles and accommodate a wide variety of cargo.
Sport: A narrower profile that leaves room on your roof to bring larger equipment along with the roof box, such as a bike or kayak.
Low: A sleek style specifically designed to sit lower on the car for easier access to low clearance parking garages and improved aerodynamics.

Read more about sizes, styles and fit in our article Will a roof box fit my car?

Good to consider:

Aerodynamics – better aerodynamics offers better fuel efficiency and generates less noise while driving.
Durability – high-quality roof boxes are made from weather-resistant materials that withstand harsh conditions such as rain, snow and UV rays.
Safety – thoroughly tested cargo carriers are designed to live up to the highest standard of safety and performance, keeping both your cargo and your vehicle protected from damage.

Meet the Thule family of roof boxes

When looking for a cargo box, you shouldn’t have to compromise on safety, style, or performance. With a Thule roof box, you can always expect a combination of intelligent design and user-friendly features.

Thule Motion 3 – stylish and functional for the refined traveller

The award-winning Thule Motion 3 is the redesigned version of the world’s best-selling roof box, the Thule Motion XT. Engineered for design-conscious adventurers, this sleek cargo box naturally complements your vehicle’s appearance while offering excellent aerodynamics and intuitive handling. The Thule Motion 3 features ergonomic handles and dual-side opening, and offers advanced accessories such as box liners and interior lighting.

Thule Motion 3 Sport

roof box black glossy

Thule Motion 3 M

roof box black glossy

Thule Motion 3 L

roof box black glossy

Thule Motion 3 XL Low

roof box black glossy

Thule Motion 3 XXL

roof box black glossy

Thule Motion 3 XXL Low

roof box black glossy

Thule box lid cover size 2

box lid cover grey

Thule GoPack duffel set 75L

duffel for cargo carriers 4-pack set

Thule box light

cargo box light

Thule Force 3 - robust and versatile for the active family

The Thule Force 3 is a family-friendly cargo box that combines practicality with peace of mind on every journey. Available in multiple sizes to suit a variety of vehicles and lifestyles, it’s a robust cargo box for year-round use. The rugged AeroSkin material stands up to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting durability and functionality. Whether you're heading out for a weekend adventure or need extra storage for your daily routine, this is a solid and reliable addition to your car for years to come.

Thule Force 3 L Sport

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Force 3 S

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Force 3 M

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Force 3 L

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Force 3 XL

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule Force 3 XXL Sport

versatile roof-mounted cargo box

Thule box lid cover size 2

box lid cover grey

Thule GoPack duffel set 75L

duffel for cargo carriers 4-pack set

Thule Pulse 2 – reliable space for everyday adventures

A reliable roof box offering plenty of extra storage, the Thule Pulse 2 is designed for daily use and quick getaways. With smart features and functional design, it provides the renowned Thule premium experience and secure performance in a competitive package. This is a cargo box that was built for everyday convenience, made for those who want extra storage space and dependable performance without extra features.

Thule box lid cover size 2

box lid cover grey

Thule GoPack duffel set 75L

duffel for cargo carriers 4-pack set

Thule box light

cargo box light

What to pack in a roof box?

The roof box is great for lighter and bulky items such as camping gear, sleeping bags, clothes or sporting equipment like skis and snowboards.

Avoid packing things that are especially heavy in the cargo box. Heavier items are stored more safely inside the vehicle, both for maintaining a low center of gravity and for the performance of the box.

For more packing best practices and tips, take a look at our article How to pack safely with a roof box.

Roof rack compatibility

To install and use a roof box, you first need a roof rack system. Thule roof boxes are designed to , but depending on your vehicle and rack setup, some combinations may require additional components.

Thule roof racks:

All Thule roof boxes can be mounted on Thule roof racks. In certain cases, some racks may need an adapter for a perfect fit. For example, the Thule SlideBar or Thule ProBar require a T-track adapter to ensure a secure fit.

External roof racks

If your vehicle is equipped with roof racks from another brand, you can often still use a Thule roof box. With special kits or adapters, it’s possible to mount the box securely to an existing setup.

Roof platforms

Aside from the regular roof rack systems, Thule roof boxes can also be mounted to roof platforms such as the Thule Caprock. To mount a cargo box to the platform, you will need the Thule Caprock cargo box kit, creating a raised crossbar mounting position for a perfect fit.

Close‑up of a rooftop cargo box mounted on a car.

Roof box or rear-mounted carrier?

If you know you need a cargo carrier but aren’t certain that a roof box is the right solution for you, perhaps a rear-mounted carrier might be a better fit.

A short benefits guide

Roof boxes:

mount on the roof.
offer more packing volume.
are great for long, lighter gear like skis (up to 215 cm).
don’t add extra length to the vehicle, making it easier to parallel park.

Rear-mounted cargo carriers:

offer easier loading and unloading due to its lower position.
free up space on the roof for other accessories and equipment.
sit in the vehicle’s slipstream, more efficient aerodynamics – especially beneficial for EV owners, potentially extending driving range.

If you’re curious about if a rear-mounted solution is a good option for you, check out our Complete guide to rear-mounted cargo carriers.

FAQ

When should I use a roof box?

Use a roof box whenever you need extra space for bulky gear and want to keep the interior free and comfortable for passengers. It’s ideal for road trips, camping, winter sports, and everyday city use for errands, tools, or strollers.

What can I pack in a roof box?

Pack lightweight, bulky items such as clothes, camping gear, sleeping bags, and long sports equipment like skis or snowboards. Avoid heavy items to maintain safe handling. Read more about packing best practices in our article How to pack safely with a roof box.

What do I need to install a roof box?

You need a roof rack system with crossbars. Most roof boxes use universal mounts, but some specialized racks may require an adapter for a secure fit.

Will a roof box fit my car?

Most vehicles can use a roof box with compatible roof racks. Check your car’s roof load limit and roof measurements to ensure the box fits and allows the trunk to open fully. See our guide Will a roof box fit my car? for more details.

How does a roof box affect wind resistance?

All external accessories affect aerodynamics, but modern roof boxes are designed to minimize wind resistance and noise. Low-profile, aerodynamic models can further reduce drag.

Two people stand near a parked car with a roof box, holding gear while a dog walks beside them.

With a roof box, you can embrace an active lifestyle without compromising on comfort, cargo, or space for your four-legged friends. This is Thule Motion 3 L roof box on Thule WingBar Edge roof rack on an Audi Q8

Two people prepare gear beside a parked car with a roof box.

Pack your light and bulky items in the roof box, such as camping gear, sleeping bags, clothes or sporting equipment like skis and snowboards. This is Thule Force 3 L roof box on Thule WingBar Edge roof rack on a Toyota Highlander.

A person stands beside a parked car with a roof box.

A roof box is perfect for both big adventures and everyday city life, giving you valuable extra space for daily tasks and errands. This is Thule Motion 3 L roof box on Thule WingBar Edge roof rack on an Audi Q8 e-tron.

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