A good roof box doesn’t have to be expensive
Roof boxes make it possible to stow bulky items such as skis that need storage in winter or the entire family’s luggage on summer breaks, and expand transport capacity beyond the trunk. To help drivers choose the right box, the ADAC recently tested models with a capacity of around 400 litres. For the first time, testers evaluated not only luggage boxes from accessory manufacturers but also those from carmakers.
And the results are in! While high-priced models occupied the top spots, drivers with a tighter budget can still find alternatives that offer a reasonable price-performance ratio. Eight luggage boxes received good ratings, while three were rated only satisfactory. The two models that scored merely “adequate” showed significant deficiencies, particularly in crash safety. The testers assessed the performance of a fully loaded box during a simulated crash at 30 kilometers per hour.
The top three
The top three positions were claimed by the Audi ski and luggage box, the Thule Motion 3 XL Low, and the Mercedes Benz Roof Box M, all priced between 830 and 900 euros, placing them among the priciest models in the test. Only the BMW model, which also performed well, is in the same price range. The top three all achieved very good results in the crash test. With a “Good” rating in the driving characteristics test, which covers dynamic evasive manoeuvres and braking, Audi ultimately took the top spot as the test winner. Thule and Mercedes Benz scored a “satisfactory” rating for their driving performance, falling short of the top marks in this category. What set the leaders apart is that all proved easy to handle (during set up, mounting, and loading) and their construction quality is equally impressive. However, the testers noted the high weight of the boxes – each weighed in at around 23 kilograms.
Performing well in many categories
Other highly rated roof boxes include the Hapro Traxer 6.6, the Kamei Base400, the Atera Casar L, the BMW Roof Box 420, and the Norauto Bermude 300. Priced at around 350 euros, the Norauto Bermude 300 offers a great solution for budget-conscious drivers; it is sold by A.T.U, a company that operates workshops and offers automotive accessories in Germany, with a branch network extending into the border regions. In this price range, users will have to compromise a bit in terms of comfort. It comes with only two straps, can be opened from just one side, and has a usable length of just under 170 centimetres, so winter travellers should check in advance if their skis will fit.
A unique feature of the BMW roof box is that its installation requires the carrier system from the Bavarian automaker, which is specifically tailored to the vehicle model. This means that with a change of car, the box may not be reusable, or if a new BMW is purchased, new base carriers may need to be bought.
Compromises in comfort
The G3 Spark 480, the Skoda ski and luggage box, and the VW Roof Box 340 all achieved a satisfactory result. At around 300 euros, the G3 model is the cheapest in the test, offering advantages like low weight, dual-side opening, and well-utilised cargo space, but during a crash simulation with four pairs of skis, the plastic latch cracked, causing the cargo to spill. The manufacturer specifies that the roof box is only approved for up to three pairs of skis. According to the ADAC, however, this limitation was not clearly stated in the user manual or product specifications. The automobile club recommends limiting the Spark 480 to a maximum of three pairs of skis.
The models from VW and Skoda impress with their build quality, but their handling was less favourable, with cumbersome installation and removal on the vehicle, among other issues. Additionally, the measured volume of the VW model is 310 liters, rather than the 440 liters stated by the manufacturer.
The lowest-rated models, with a rating of “adequate”, are the Northline EVOspace TEF XL and the VDP Xtreme 400, which barely avoid a “poor” rating in crash safety. Although the testers’ requirements exceed the standard, the ADAC warns that both boxes pose a risk of completely detaching in a real accident, potentially injuring pedestrians. Additionally, during the cold test at -20°C, the lid of the VDP model broke. In this test, the testers drop a 2.5-kilogram test body from a height of one meter onto various parts of the roof box. Again, the requirements exceeded the standard.
Things to keep in mind when using it
Check the car user manual to find out the maximum roof load allowed. The weight of the roof box and carrier should be subtracted to calculate the remaining load capacity. Weigh the travel items and store heavy items in the boot. Secure luggage in the roof box with straps and place soft items at the front. Since the roof box and carrier increase fuel consumption, they should be removed when not needed.
