One of the most common questions we receive at South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire is:

“Can you fit a roof box to my car?”

In many cases, the answer is yes.

However, fitting a roof box isn’t simply a matter of placing one on top of your vehicle.

Before a roof box can be installed, the car normally needs the correct roof bar system. Which bars and fittings are required depends on the make, model, year and roof design of your particular vehicle.

At South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire in Codsall, we have roof bars available for a wide range of vehicles and professionally fit the equipment for our customers.

So, if you’re wondering whether you can hire a roof box for your car, here’s what you need to know.

Does a Roof Box Fit Directly to the Car?

Normally, no.

The roof box is attached to a set of roof bars that run across the width of the vehicle.

Those roof bars then connect securely to the car using a fitting system appropriate for that particular roof design.

This is an important distinction.

When customers contact us about hiring a roof box, we’re not simply checking whether we have a suitable box available.

We also need to make sure we have the correct roof bar equipment for the vehicle.

Fortunately, we stock a large selection of roof bars covering many popular makes and models.

Why Aren’t Roof Bars Universal?

Cars are designed differently.

Even vehicles that appear quite similar can have completely different roof configurations.

Manufacturers use several common types of roof design, including:

Raised roof rails

Flush roof rails

Fixed mounting points

Smooth or normal roofs

Each can require a different roof bar system.

The model year can also matter because manufacturers sometimes change the body design of a vehicle while keeping the same model name.

This is why we ask customers for accurate vehicle information before confirming their equipment.

What Are Raised Roof Rails?

Raised roof rails run from the front towards the rear of the vehicle and have a visible gap between the rail and the roof.

They’re commonly found on estate cars, SUVs and crossovers.

You can normally identify them easily because it’s possible to put your fingers underneath the rail.

Roof bars designed for raised rails attach securely around those existing rails.

However, the fact that your car has raised rails doesn’t mean every set of roof bars will necessarily be suitable.

The dimensions and shape of the rails can vary between vehicles.

What Are Flush Roof Rails?

Flush rails also run along the length of the vehicle but sit much closer to the roof.

Unlike raised rails, there isn’t a substantial gap underneath them.

They’re increasingly common on modern SUVs, estates and crossover vehicles because they provide a streamlined appearance.

Flush rails generally require a specific mounting system designed to attach securely to the rail.

Again, compatibility depends on the vehicle.

What Are Fixed Points?

Some vehicles have dedicated mounting points built into the roof.

These may be hidden beneath small plastic covers or flaps.

When the covers are removed, the roof bar fitting attaches to the manufacturer’s designated mounting point.

This can provide a very neat roof bar installation, but the correct vehicle-specific fittings are still required.

What About Cars with a Completely Smooth Roof?

This is where customers are often surprised.

A car doesn’t necessarily need visible rails to take a roof box.

Many vehicles with what appears to be a completely smooth roof can still accommodate roof bars.

Depending on the vehicle, a specially designed fitting system may attach around the upper door frame or use mounting points incorporated into the car’s design.

However, not every vehicle is suitable, which is why it’s important to check compatibility rather than assume.

Can You Fit Roof Boxes to Electric Cars?

In many cases, yes.

As electric vehicles have become increasingly popular, we receive more enquiries from EV owners.

Just like petrol and diesel cars, compatibility depends on the particular make, model and roof configuration.

Some electric cars are designed to accept roof bars, while certain models or versions may have restrictions.

If you have an electric vehicle, contact us with the exact model and year and we can check the available fitting options.

What About Cars with Panoramic Glass Roofs?

Panoramic roofs are another common source of questions.

Having a panoramic or glass roof doesn’t automatically mean that roof bars cannot be fitted.

What matters is whether the vehicle manufacturer has designed the car to accept a roof bar system.

Some cars with panoramic roofs have raised rails, flush rails or dedicated mounting points.

However, vehicle-specific restrictions can apply.

This is another reason we check the exact vehicle rather than simply looking at the general size or style of car.

Can Roof Boxes Be Fitted to Small Cars?

Absolutely, depending on the vehicle.

You don’t need a large SUV or estate car to benefit from a roof box.

In fact, owners of smaller cars can sometimes gain the greatest benefit because their existing boot capacity is limited.

Adding a roof box can dramatically increase the amount of luggage space available for a holiday.

The important factors are whether an approved roof bar system is available for the vehicle and what roof-load limits apply.

Can Roof Boxes Be Fitted to SUVs?

SUVs are among the vehicles we frequently fit.

It might seem strange that somebody with a large SUV would need additional luggage space.

But anyone with a family knows what happens.

However large the boot is, somehow it gets filled.

SUVs are also popular with families who travel with dogs.

If the dog occupies much of the boot, luggage needs to go somewhere else.

A roof box can therefore be just as valuable on a large SUV as it is on a smaller hatchback.

Vehicle Roof-Load Limits Matter

Every vehicle has limits specified by its manufacturer, including the maximum permitted load on the roof.

The roof load doesn’t simply mean the contents of the roof box.

The weight of the roof bars and roof box themselves also contributes to the total.

This is one reason it’s important not to treat the roof box as somewhere to place unlimited heavy items.

Roof boxes are generally best used for bulky but relatively lightweight luggage.

Always follow the vehicle and equipment manufacturer’s load limits.

What Should Go in a Roof Box?

Roof boxes are excellent for items that consume lots of space without necessarily being extremely heavy.

Depending on your trip, this could include clothing, holdalls, coats, footwear, bedding and other suitable holiday luggage.

The exact way you load the box is important too.

Luggage should be distributed sensibly rather than concentrating excessive weight in one area.

Items should also be secured appropriately so they aren’t able to move around significantly during the journey.

Why We Use 470-Litre Thule Roof Boxes

At our Codsall location, our hire fleet consists of large 470-litre Thule roof boxes.

We’ve chosen this size because it provides a meaningful increase in luggage capacity for family holidays and longer journeys.

A very small roof box may help, but customers generally come to us because they have a substantial luggage problem.

An extra 470 litres can make a dramatic difference.

Our boxes are also gloss black and dual opening, allowing them to be accessed from either side of the vehicle.

Why Dual Opening Is Useful

Dual opening may not sound particularly important until you actually start travelling with a roof box.

Imagine parking at a busy motorway service station.

There’s another car close to the passenger side.

If your roof box only opens from that side, accessing your luggage becomes awkward.

With a dual-opening roof box, you can simply use the driver’s side instead.

The same applies at hotels, campsites and holiday accommodation where parking space may be restricted.

It’s a simple feature that makes the roof box considerably more convenient to use.

Professional Roof Box Fitting in Codsall

One of the major advantages of hiring rather than purchasing your own equipment is that we take care of the fitting.

You don’t need to research roof bar kits.

You don’t need to work out which feet or adapters fit your car.

And you don’t need to spend the evening before your holiday trying to decipher an instruction manual.

When you contact South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire, we’ll establish what vehicle you have and check the appropriate equipment.

We’ll then arrange an appointment at our Codsall location near Wolverhampton.

Your roof bars and roof box are professionally fitted before you leave.

What Information Do We Need from You?

When contacting us about a roof box hire, please provide as much vehicle information as possible.

The most useful details are:

Vehicle manufacturer

Vehicle model

Year of manufacture

Your required hire dates

If there are different body styles of your vehicle, it’s helpful to mention this too – for example hatchback, estate or SUV.

You can also tell us whether you have raised rails, flush rails or a smooth roof if you know.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry.

We can help establish the correct equipment.

Why Hiring Can Be Easier Than Buying

Buying a roof box online can appear straightforward.

Then you discover you need roof bars.

Then you need the correct fitting kit.

Then you need to work out whether everything is compatible with your vehicle.

Once your holiday is over, you also need somewhere to store all of it.

Hiring avoids much of that inconvenience.

We supply the appropriate equipment, fit it to your vehicle and remove it again after your trip.

You get the additional luggage space when you need it without having to own and store the equipment permanently.

Roof Box Hire Near Wolverhampton

South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire is based in Codsall, making us particularly convenient for customers throughout Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

We regularly help customers from Codsall, Bilbrook, Perton, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, Wombourne and surrounding parts of South Staffordshire.

Our location is also convenient for customers travelling from parts of Shropshire, Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands.

Planning an October Half-Term Trip?

With October half-term approaching, now is a good time to check whether we have equipment available for your vehicle.

School holidays naturally generate increased demand.

Although we have a large selection of roof bars, customers with similar vehicles can sometimes require the same fitting equipment.

That means particular roof bar sets can become fully booked even when roof boxes themselves remain available.

If you already know your October half-term travel dates, booking ahead is recommended.

So, Will a Roof Box Fit Your Car?

The easiest way to find out is simply to ask us.

Don’t worry about trying to identify your own roof bar system.

Send us your vehicle make, model and year together with the dates you’re travelling.

We’ll check whether we have the appropriate equipment available.

If we do, we’ll arrange a convenient appointment and take care of fitting everything for you.

Check Roof Box Compatibility Today

If you’re planning a holiday, family break, camping trip or road trip and need additional luggage space, contact South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire.

Our Codsall location provides convenient roof box hire for customers throughout Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire.

We supply large 470-litre Thule gloss-black dual-opening roof boxes and stock roof bars suitable for a wide range of vehicles.

Simply tell us what car you drive and when you’re travelling, and we’ll check availability.

Telephone / Text / WhatsApp: 07903 839112

Email: boxhirestaffs@gmail.com

Contact South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire today and find out whether we can fit a roof box to your vehicle.