Roof Box Under $500 Guide

Roof boxes are an important accessory for your car. Especially, if you are a frequent traveler and have a small vehicle, maybe a hatchback. A roof box sits tight on the roof of your car and carries your luggage. They come in different sizes, shapes and of course prices.

Buying a roof box shouldn’t break your bank as there are so many options at an affordable range. In this article, I will talk about the 7 Best Roof Box Under $500. I will discuss each product in-depth so that you get a clear view and make your decision, shrugging off all the skepticism.

Comparisons table

Best Roof Boxes Below $500

Scouring the market for a proper roof box in your budget can be tedious. so here are the 7 best roof boxes under $500 currently in the market:

1. Thule Interstate Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag

The Thule Interstate rooftop cargo box is the first on our list because of its simplicity. It looks just like any other travel bag with a unique shape. The fact that it is priced at only $220 makes it a wonderful grab for anyone looking for a budget rooftop cargo box. It's easy to install and uninstall. You won't even need a user manual when you use it for the first time.

The Thule Interstate rooftop cargo box offers 16 cubic feet of space which is enough in my opinion, unless you are packing your whole house and making a run for it. You can access the contents of this bag easily thanks to the coated 3-sided zipper.

This cargo box has heavy-duty double-stitched webbing straps to securely attach the bag to roof rack crossbars or side rail. Even if the ride is bumpy, the bag will stay secure and tight on the roof of your vehicle. You can also fold it easily for storage.

Specifications

• Brand: Thule
• Material: Phthalate-free TPE laminate material
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 40 x 38 x 18 inches
• Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Features

Weather-resistant: The Thule Interstate rooftop cargo box is made from Phthalate-free TPE laminate material. This makes the bag weather resistant. Storm, heavy rain, or turbulent wind; no matter what, the contents of your bag will remain secure.

Aerodynamic Shape: The manufacturers have put a lot of effort and thought into designing this bag. Its aerodynamic design makes sure that oncoming air will slide smoothly without affecting the speed or stability of your vehicle.

Padded Base: You don't want your shiny car to get an abrasion mark from the cargo that you put on the roof. To prevent that, the manufacturers have used padded bases on the bag. This will protect the roof of your car from unwanted scratch marks.

Pros

• Top-quality material
• High-quality seam
• Compact design
• Durable

Cons

• Doesn’t do well in extreme weather conditions
• Warranty and return policy are not consumer-friendly

2. JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier

If you need more space, more than what standard roof boxes offer; you can check the JEGS rooftop cargo carrier. This has 18 cubic feet of space which is more than enough for regular family trips. Its interior dimension is quite spacious. The design is also aerodynamic which is good for fuel-efficiency.

The JEGS rooftop cargo carrier comes with a four-corner locking system and a front latch to tightly secure the box on the roof of your vehicle. Finding out that all your luggage is gone after returning home is nothing pleasant. The weather-tight seal protects all your belongings in rainy conditions.

The JEGS rooftop cargo carrier is made in the USA and the manufacturers provide a limited lifetime guarantee. The built quality and the warranty policy alone make this product a temptation. Also, the $249 price tag just makes it more lucrative.

Specifications

• Brand: JEGS
• Material: Plastic
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 61.25 x 39 x 12 inches
• Weight: 35 lbs.

Features

Easy Loading and Unloading: The JEGS rooftop cargo can be opened from either side. Doesn’t matter which side of your vehicle you are on; you won't have to go to the other side. This feature makes your travel smooth and hassle-free.

Easy Assembly: When you buy a product for the first time, assembling can be a big challenge. But that’s not the case with the JEGS rooftop cargo carrier. It comes with all mounting hardware and instructions. You won even need a hand, you can do it all by yourself.

Superior Build Quality: The JEGS rooftop carrier is made from HDPE plastic hard shell. The top-quality material and skilled hands of the manufacturers have made this roof box a robust unit capable of withstanding inclement weather.

Pros

• Perfect for large families
• Easy to put together
• Solid plastic shell
• Simple to remove

Cons

• Might seem too big for some
• Latches are not suitable for high-speed drives
• The screws and latches could be of better quality

3. MeeFar XBEEK Car Roof Bag

The MeeFar car roof bag is the personification of weather resistance and durability. It is made from 100% waterproof material, 700D PVC tarpaulin, and grid material with high-frequency voltage technology. This makes this car roof bag very durable and capable of withstanding anything you throw at it.

This roof bag comes with 1x anti-slip mats to prevent slipping from the car roof when driving. The luggage lock and the security hooks are there for securing it to the car roof. You won't have to worry no matter how fast you drive.

It comes with a storage bag. And due to being made of soft-shell material, you can fold it and put it in the bag when not in use. This is a great advantage of the MeeFar roof bag over other solid plastic-made boxes. It takes something special to be the #1 best seller on amazon and the MeeFar XBEEK has all of them.

Specifications

• Brand: MeeFar
• Material: 700D PVC tarpaulin
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): ‎51 x 40 x 17 inches
• Weight: 10.33 lbs.

Features

Wide Compatibility: If you are concerned about compatibility, don’t be. The MeeFar XBEEK car roof bag can be used with any sized car or SUV. No matter whether the car has a roof rack or not, it will work.

More Secure: The manufacturers have not only thought about safely attaching the box to your car, but they also have thought about the safety of the things you’d put inside. That’s why they have added a combination lock to open the zippers.

Large Space: The 20 cubic feet space allows you to put 4-6 suitcases inside. This actually might seem overkill unless you have a huge family or are going on a trip with a lot of friends.

Pros

• Well made
• Huge capacity
• Very durable
• Affordable
• Soft material makes it portable

Cons

• Straps might seem difficult to adjust

4. Vetoos Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag

The first thing I must talk about the Vetoos rooftop cargo carrier bag is its gigantic size. It has a massive 21 cubic feet of space that can accommodate everything from a family of 5 to 6 members. Many people after buying roof boxes complain of low space. But the Vetoos rooftop cargo carrier bag won't give you that chance.

It is completely waterproof. Even during heavy rain, you can carry your luggage in it without any worries. Not only water, but it is also dust and snow proof. So, if you are traversing the desert or piercing through a blizzard, the Vetoos rooftop cargo has got your back.

The Vetoos roof cargo box fits almost any car with or without a roof rack. The 4 door-hooks and 8 straps are enough to secure the bag to the roof of your car. The added anti-slip mat prevents the bag from slipping and also protects the car roof from scratches or damage.

Specifications

• Brand: Vetoos
• Material: Fabric
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): ‎15 x 11.5 x 7.6 inches
• Weight: 8.63 lbs.

Features

High-quality Material: To make it all weatherproof, the manufacturers had to come up with something exceptional. The triple layer high-density 700D PVC fabric does exactly that. It is 1.5 times stronger than 500D PVC fabric. The coated surface can protect your luggage from rain, snow, grit, sun, etc. with ease.

Waterproof Zipper: No matter how ‘waterproof’ the bag is, water can somehow leak through the zippers which is a common trait of low-quality roof boxes. The manufacturers of the Vetoos have upgraded regular zippers to waterproof zippers to make the roof box 110% waterproof.

Reinforced Seam: The straps of any bag, whether car roof bags or any other travel bags; they undergo tremendous pressure. That’s why sometimes they rip from the seam. So Vetoos have double reinforced the strap seam, heat welded, and stitched to make it more secure and watertight.

Pros

• Heavy-duty material
• Different straps for different mounting
• Freeform design
• Fits all vehicle
• Weather-resistant
• Foldable to a small size for easy carrying

Cons

• The storage bag that comes with is low quality

5. RoofPax Car Roof Bag & Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The RoofPax car roof bag is all about safety. This is the only brand that comes with their licensed 4+2 extra door hook straps. Many roof bags include straps that go through inside the car. This is very dangerous because sometimes they interfere with airbags. The RoofPax straps hook to the door instead of going inside the car which makes them very safe.

The RoofPax car roof bag is a complete package. It comes with 6 door-hook straps, a TSA-approved lock, and a storage bag. It offers 19 cubic feet of space which is plenty for a standard family. The additional storage bag provides you an option to safely store the bag when not in use.

The RoofPax car roof bag is made of high-quality 1680-D coated PVC material. It is built to last for years to give you peace of mind. The protective mat below does the same job like others of its kind, preventing slipping and scratching the surface.

Specifications

• Brand: RoofPax
• Material: 1680-D coated PVC material
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 47.2 x 35.4 x 19.8 inches
• Weight: 10.58 lbs.

Features

Double Zippers: The RoofPax car roof bag is made from military-grade materials. To top it off, the manufacturers have added two waterproof closing zippers, waterproof dual seam technology, and water repellent double coating.

Works without a Roof Rack: This bag fits any car of any size, from mid-size sedans to SUVs. Even if the car doesn’t have a roof rack, you can easily install it using the six-door hook straps that attach under the door's rubber seal gasket.

Consumer-friendly Warranty Policy: The customer is the main priority of RoofPax. Their warranty policy is proof of that. The car roof bag comes with a lifetime warranty on zippers and buckles and 5 years warranty on tears and fabric. Also, you can contact customer service 24/7.

Pros

• Robust built quality
• Sturdy materials
• Durable zippers
• Substantial space

Cons

• Doesn’t fit all cars without roof racks

6. FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag

The manufacturers of the FIVKLEMNZ have taken safety measures to the next level. They have added 8 reinforced adjustable straps so that the bag stays in place. Also, they haven't forgotten to add an anti-slip mat. Even at high speed, the cargo will stay tight and leave no scratch on your car.

This bag is made to solve the most prevalent problem among small car owners; shortage of space. You can fit about 4-5 suitcases, luggage, tents, sleeping bags, and more. With this, you can free up more space inside of your car and enjoy a comfortable ride.

The door hooks solve the problem of not having a roof rack. You can use it in virtually any vehicle. The four-door hooks not only ensure secure attachment but also lets you fit the bag to your car roof fast.

Specifications

• Brand: FIVKLEMNZ
• Material: Military-grade
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 15 x 12 x 6 inches

• Weight: 6.6 lbs.

Features

Easy Installation: The hooks and straps are designed not only for properly securing the bag on the roof, the primary focus was the ease of installation. You can easily attach the bag on top of your vehicle without even needing any tool or instruction.

Designed for Safety: The adjustable straps secure the bag tightly on the roof. It doesn't slip even at high speed so that your stuff stays safe during your travel.

Great Refund Policy: If you are skeptical about the product quality, don’t be. If anything seems unsatisfactory, you have the option to refund within 30 days. This product comes with a 12 months limited warranty and customer care is available online 24/7.

Pros

• The build material is quite handy.
• Easy installation
• Consumer-friendly policy

Cons

• The strap seams aren't good quality

7. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

The Vista XL by SportsRack is a great and versatile roof box. Its 18 cubic foot internal cargo capacity is capable enough to accommodate luggage for any medium-sized family. You can easily fit a few suitcases with tents or a sleeping bag inside this roof box. At this price point, the SportsRack Vista XL is a great deal I must say.

Even though it doesn’t fit universally, it fits SportsRack systems, square bars, round bars, and most factory racks. So, you can be assured that your vehicle will fit the Vista XL roof box unless you are really unlucky.

Instead of opening from the sides, you can open it from the rear. This feature is particularly important if you need to stop on a highway. You can open the box without the risk of being hit by high-speed oncoming traffic.

Specifications

• Brand: SportsRack
• Material: Plastic
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 62.5 x 19 x 39 inches
• Weight: 28 lbs.

Features

Easy Mounting: You can easily fit this into your car without needing any tools or instruments. The tool-free mounting feature for easy installation and removal makes the SportsRack vista a highly convenient purchase.

Enhanced Safety: The manufacturers have added lock and key features. You can not only lock the box to secure contents but also lock the box to the rack of your car.

UV Resistant Material: The SportsRack Vista XL is made from UV resistant ABS material to protect the contents of the box from harmful UV rays.

Pros

• Huge space
• Easy to use
• Rear loading

Cons

• The locks are not durable
• Not built from soft material so you can't store it in a box

What To Look For When Getting A Roof Box For Your Car?

You don't necessarily have to pick your product from the ones I mentioned; there are countless other options. If you have the basic understanding about car roof boxes, you pick the right product on your own. Here is how to choose a roof box for your car:

Size: When traveling, you’d want to fit everything you need inside the roof box. You know your family size and you know what you are taking with you. So, choose the size accordingly. 15 to 18 cubic feet do the job quite well.

Material: The roof box will be subjected to adverse weather, mostly rainwater. So, make sure it's sturdy and can withstand harsh nature.

Attachments: If it doesn't fit well to the roof of your car, the bag might fall off when you are driving fast. Even if you don’t end up losing the bag, valuable items might get damaged. So, check for extra security straps and hooks to ensure that the bag sits securely on the roof.

Warranty policy: A good warranty policy means your investment is safe. Whether it's 6 months or a lifetime warranty, be sure before buying. Many manufacturers are vague about their warranty policy. Don’t fall for those.

Conclusion

There are countless roof boxes in the market, but most of them are pricey. Getting the perfect product at a lower price can be quite a challenge. However, there is no shortage of good-quality roof boxes at an affordable range.

After reading this list of 7 best Roof Box Under $500, I sincerely believe you can easily make up your mind.