How tall is my car with a roof box?
The three numbers
- Car height: in the handbook or spec sheet. Use the figure with roof rails if your car has them.
- Bars and feet: measure from the roof to the top of the bar once fitted. Feet that clamp to raised rails sit higher than flush or fixpoint feet.
- Box height off the bar: in the box maker's spec. Thule lists the Force XT L at 43 cm off the crossbar and the Motion 3 XL at 43 cm external height.
Worked example
A car listed at 1.60 m, bars that sit 10 cm above the roof and a box 43 cm high: 1.60 + 0.10 + 0.43 = 2.13 m. Many multi-storey car parks have barriers around 2.0 to 2.1 m, so this car would not fit. Always read the sign at the entrance.
Checks that catch people out
- Your home garage and any carport.
- Drive-throughs, car washes and some hotel car parks.
- Ferry and Eurotunnel bookings ask for height bands: book the height with the box fitted.
- Measure with a tape and a spirit level across the top of the box, on level ground.
Where to buy
Prime members get free delivery on eligible items: try Amazon Prime free.
Frequently asked questions
How much height does a roof box add?
The box itself typically adds about 40 to 46 cm off the bar, plus the bars and feet, so roughly half a metre in total on many cars.
Does the box count towards the roof load?
Yes. The box, the bars and the contents all count towards your car's roof load limit.
Are there low roof boxes?
Yes, slimmer boxes exist with less volume. Check the external height in the spec, not just the litres.