Clothes, bedding, soft bags and other bulky holiday essentials are well suited to a roofbox. The important questions are whether they fit properly, can be secured and stay within the weight allowance for your car and equipment.
What packs well in a roofbox?
Soft, flexible items generally make the best use of the space. Useful examples include:
- Clothes packed in holdalls or soft luggage.
- Sleeping bags, bedding and pillows.
- Camping equipment that fits within the usable dimensions.
- Pushchairs and other bulky items, subject to their size and weight.
- Skis and snowboards in a suitably sized roofbox.
You don’t need specialist bags, although suitable roofbox bags can make packing and moving your luggage easier. Ask us about our Thule GoPack options when requesting your quotation.
Can I put suitcases in a roofbox?
Yes, provided they fit with enough clearance for the lid to close and lock properly. However, rigid suitcases can leave unused space around the roofbox’s curved sides and lid.
Moving the same contents into soft bags will often make better use of the available space. If you want to carry a particular suitcase, pushchair or other large item, send us its packed length, width and height so we can help assess a suitable box.
Our guide to roofbox capacity explains how the litre figure relates to practical packing space.
How much weight can I carry?
The available luggage allowance depends on your vehicle, roofbar system and roofbox. You must stay within every applicable limit.
Your vehicle’s roof-load allowance includes the weight of the roofbars, fitting equipment, roofbox and its contents. The equipment’s own weight must therefore be deducted before working out how much luggage you can carry.
A roofbox rated to carry 75kg does not automatically give your car a 75kg luggage allowance. Follow the vehicle handbook and the instructions for the equipment fitted. If you are unsure, ask us before loading.
What about heavy or awkward items?
Keep heavy items low down in the car where practical, allowing for the vehicle’s overall load limits. Use the roofbox for lighter, bulkier luggage.
Remember that you will need to lift items up to roof height. A large tent bag, for example, may be easier to handle if its contents are divided into smaller loads before packing.
If you need to carry something unusual, tell us what it is, how much it weighs and its dimensions. We’ll help establish whether a roofbox or another carrying option would be suitable.
How should I secure the contents?
Distribute the load according to the roofbox instructions and use the supplied internal straps to secure it. Contents should not be left loose to move around during the journey.
Keep luggage clear of the locking mechanism. The lid must close and lock properly without being forced down over the contents.
At fitting, we’ll demonstrate how to use the roofbox and its straps, explain the relevant checks and confirm your car’s fitted height.
Are the contents insured?
please don’t assume that your luggage is covered simply because it is inside a hired roofbox. Check with your insurer that your belongings are covered while being carried this way, including any security requirements or exclusions.
Not sure which roofbox you need?
Tell us about your car, your dates and your clobber. Mention any particularly large or awkward items and we’ll help you choose suitable equipment.
Request your personalised quotation — we’ll reply in less than two working hours.
You can also read our guide to choosing the right roofbox or call 01438 289030.
Advice from Nigel, Owner of Welwyn Roofbox Hire.
Based on our experience helping customers choose suitable Thule equipment and professionally fitting it for their cars and journeys.
Updated October 2026.