A roof cargo box is becoming an essential accessory for your car to have the biggest storage capacity possible. The best thing about it is that it comes in handy whether you’re off skiing or snowboarding or need to pack a few extra bags the car trunk won’t take.
But here’s the catch: most roof cargo boxes come in dark finishes, like black or gray. If you have a white car and would like to get the best white roof box to match, keep on reading!
1. MENABO Diamond 15.9 Cubic Feet Duo Roof Box
The Menabo Diamond Duo is an Italian-built beauty, offering a sleek glossy white finish that would match any white car. It provides a storage volume of 15.9 cubic feet and can be opened from both the driver’s and the passenger’s sides.
The only downside to the Menabo is that it’s a bit heavy, at 45 lbs. However, it more than makes up for it with the 165 lbs. maximum weight capacity. It also comes with a 90-day limited warranty and can be returned for free.
Pros
- Great storage capacity
- Dual-sided opening
- Attractive design
Cons
- Slightly heavy in weight
2. INNO BRM466WH PHANTOM 466 Cargo Box
The monstrous INNO Phantom 466 is the largest white roof box option available on the market. It boasts 18 cubic feet of volume and can hold up to 165 lbs. of cargo. That means you can fit up to 10 pairs of skis or six snowboards in there and still have some space left.
The INNO Phantom is very hefty, at a little over 70 lbs. so it’s wise to check the weight limit of your car. However, its sturdy locking system and huge storage space are leaving customers very satisfied. The company also offers a lifetime warranty on this item.
Pros
- Huge volume
- Lifetime warranty
- Dual-sided opening
Cons
- Very heavy in weight
3. INNO BRM660WH Wedge Cargo Box
Our last contender also comes from INNO; it’s their Wedge model, and it offers some impressive features. Its aerodynamic design helps minimize drag and makes for better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the 11 cubic feet of storage volume are distributed well, so you can fit 6–8 skis or four snowboards in there.
The maximum weight on the INNO Wedge is 110lbs, which is a bit low considering the box itself weighs 42 pounds. But with the sleek design, lifetime warranty, and the container being so easy to mount, it’s worth it.
Pros
- Sleek, aerodynamic design
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightest option
Cons
- Less loading capacity
What Are Rooftop Cargo Boxes? And What Are They Used For?
A rooftop cargo box, also known as a hard-shell rooftop carrier, is a box you mount on the roof bars of your car to store things in. It has an obvious advantage over other roof storage applications, such as a rooftop bag, because it secures your items inside a hard, protective shell.
Roof cargo boxes are used to store many things, such as sports equipment (skis, snowboards, and skateboards), luggage, and emergency equipment for crises such as snowstorms.
These cargo boxes are indispensable for road trips and ski vacations or to carry random things you don’t want rattling in the backseat of your car.
How to Choose the Right Roof Box for Your Car?
Roof cargo boxes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. To make the right purchase, you should have a clear idea of what you want to use your cargo box for and how often you intend to use it. Here’s a quick roundup.
Material
There are many cheap, lightweight options available, but if you intend to store valuables in the cargo box, it’s a good idea to get one made of heavier materials. Those heavy-duty boxes tend to have more secure locks that won’t break easily and will withstand more use.
And if you live somewhere with extreme weather, it’s advisable to get a waterproof cargo box. Sun heat, rain, and wind can damage your items if you get a flimsy box that’s not well-sealed.
Design
It’s essential to look for an aerodynamic design. Rooftop cargo boxes elevate the center of gravity in your car, which creates more drag and resistance during driving. When this happens, your vehicle requires more fuel per mile as it’s being held back by the extra height.
This drag problem seems to be worse with more boxy, squared-off cargo box designs. So, choosing a flat, wide, and sleek design will help your car glide without much drag holding it back.
Visibility
Choose a roof cargo box that doesn’t compromise your road visibility, as boxes that are too far to the front can create shadows, which may be distracting. On the flip side, those too far to the back can block access to the car trunk unless you unmount them first, which can be a hassle.
You should also be aware of the weight limit for your car’s model, so you don’t overload it. It’s critical for your road safety and to make sure the cargo you have inside your box is secure.
Compatibility
Last but not least, you should check on the compatibility of the cargo box mounts with the type of roof rails your car uses. Some car owners end up having to create make-shift mounts because the box doesn’t come with the correct ones, and this can be dangerous in case they fail on a busy highway.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a good roof box, you should check for sturdiness, security, and a design that prevents drag and has decent fuel mileage.
It’s a good thing that manufacturers are being competitive in producing cargo boxes. This way, you’ll find more models with larger volumes, sleeker designs, and higher capability to carry heavy weights without being distorted or caving.
When you do get your cargo box, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never overload it. This way, you’ll enjoy your roof cargo box for years on end without compromising its structural integrity or your safety on the road.