Wheelchair-accessible vehicles allow wheelchair users to enter and exit a car without leaving their wheelchair. But when you need to transport your wheelchair outside of the car, a roof box is necessary.
Roof boxes and racks serve as extra storage when the trunk is too small or filled with luggage. It is an easy-to-use device that can make transporting a wheelchair more accessible and more convenient.
They are handy for people who use wheelchairs or scooters because they are the only way to transport their mobility aid when it doesn’t fit into the trunk of their car.
There are many different models of roof boxes available for purchase, and they all have their unique characteristics and drawbacks. For example, some only work with specific car types or don’t offer enough space for carrying a wheelchair.
So in this article, we’re going to unveil the best car roof box for carrying a wheelchair. If you have a wheelchair and thinking of purchasing a roof box, this guide is for you.
Best Car Roofbox For Transporting Wheelchair Compared
This is an innovative way to transport your wheelchair-accessible vehicle without having to install a rack on your vehicle. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier works with most wheelchair vans and can transport two wheelchairs or other items weighing up to 300 lbs. A convenient tarp arrangement allows you to cover the optional tarp with waterproof tarp material for traveling in wet conditions. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the ideal roof top cargo carrier for wheelchair and scooter transport. The roofbox offers a reliable and universal fit for sedans, vans, and SUVs.
DNA MOTORING Car Roofbox is durable, hiqh quality roof which is perfect for carrying all kinds of wheelchairs. It was specially designed to be able to transport wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and stretchers. This complete solution will make it easy to transport patients safely and comfortably. The DNAMotor Universal Wheelchair Roof Rack carrier is the most versatile car roof rack for transporting wheelchairs, surfboard or snowboard, bikes, camping gear, and small motorcycles.The DNA Motor Universal Car Roof Rack Fits All Vehicles and is made of very durable, high-quality aluminum alloy that is strong enough to hold up to over 225 lbs.
Thule’s Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box is an easy-to-install addition to the Thule Pack ‘n’ Pedal system that allows you to transport your wheelchair comfortably and safely atop your vehicle. With the Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box, you can take all of your favorite gear with you… even that bulky wheelchair. Its innovative design allows you to carry up to 165 pounds of gear on the roof of your car.
When it comes to transporting your wheelchair you need something dependable and versatile. The tall and expansive Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box is the answer. Featuring a coil spring-assisted lid for easy opening, full-length piano hinge, impact-resistant polyethylene construction, conveniently located handles, and watertight gasketing. This is the ultimate in cargo boxes for wheelchair transportation. It was designed to carry heavy loads by strategically distributing its weight to sit on the strongest section of the roof. Because it mounts directly to standard factory crossbars without tools, it can be installed on most vehicles within minutes.
This DNA Motoring Aluminum car roof rack and Box is designed to adapt the standard cross rails to the contour of modern-day vehicle roof rails. Unlike round bars, these crossbars fit perfectly on a flat surface and enhance the aerodynamics of your vehicle. This set consists of heavy-duty 40-inch cross rails with wings that fit nicely into factory roof rails and come with all fittings and bolts required for assembly. The Aluminum alloy construction gives the cargo box sturdiness and enhances its durability along with its long-lasting nature. It is the perfect solution to move your wheelchair when mounted on a roof rack or roof basket. The roof bars come with multiple mounting holes for easier installation.
If you need a roof box for transporting items other than your wheelchair, this is the perfect roofbox for you. The RoofPax Car Roof Bag is perfect for long weekend getaways or cross-country ventures, thanks to its roomy packing capacity and weather-resistant fabric. This car roof bag comes complete with its own luggage carrier, making it easy to take your luggage with you wherever you go. It’s constructed with lightweight, waterproof fabric that protects your belongings from the sun, moisture and light rain showers while keeping them visible on the roof. Plus, since it’s packed away on your vehicle’s roof (and not jiggling around in your trunk), there’s more room for passengers and luggage inside your vehicle.
The Auto Dynasty Waterproof Cargo Box is a roof-top carrier that easily fits onto most vehicles with standard factory installed roof rails and allows for the safe and fast transport of travel and sports equipment and more. This easy-to-install carrier makes baggage handling and travel a breeze. It’s compatible with your car’s existing roof bars, leaving your car’s interior completely free while offering oversized carrying capacity for all of your sporting gear – use it to carry any wheelchair, bikes, skis, boards, kayaks, bags and more.
Designed specifically to fit on the roofs of small cars, the Ridge Cargo Box now comes with an additional receiver hitch coupler, which fits most small cars. The INNO roof top cargo box will fit almost any car and only takes ten minutes to install. It is designed to mount easily on your vehicle and carry as much as 140 pounds of gear. The lightweight, powder-coated aluminum bars provide a sturdy base for any type of cargo box.
The StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame was designed to carry your chair on the car roof without the hassle of straps, bungees or tie downs. It can be easily lifted by hand to remove or stow it out of the way. This cargo box will fit on both standard and aerodynamic bars up to 40″ wide. It can either be used as a storage box or be used to transport wheelchairs, scooters, kayaks, lawnmowers, and other construction equipment.
The King Bird Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a safe and secure way to transport your gear. The easy-to-use locking system holds the carrier upright while being loaded for maximum space, and down when in use for quick access to what you need. The best thing about this car accessory is that you get a car rack and cargo bag for the usual price.
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How Long Do Roofbox Last?
The average lifespan of a roofbox is six years.
Metal roofboxes tend to last much longer than the ones that are made out of plastic and other synthetic materials. If you want a roofbox that will last you a long time, you should look consider getting one made of metal.
How Much Weight Can You Put In A Roof Bag?
Most roofboxes come with information on how much weight they add to the roof of your car and how much load they can carry. Most roof bags are designed to carry and transport luggage between 150 lbs and 300 lbs.
How Long Does It Take To Fit A Roof Box?
The actual fitting time will vary depending on the type of van you have, the size of your van, and the type of roof box you buy. However, you should allow approximately one hour to fit a roof box into your van. This includes the removal of the old roof rack if necessary, as well as fitting the new equipment.
What Is The Difference Between A Roofbox And A Roofbag?
A Roofbox and a Roofbag can both be used to carry gear on the roof of your car, but the main difference between them is that a Roofbox has a hardened case that is designed to be securely fastened to your vehicle whereas a Roofbag is simply strapped on.
Will A Wheelchair Fit In A Roofbox?
A wheelchair will fit in a roof box provided it is the right size and the wheelchair is properly folded to accommodate the dimensions of the box.
Best Cargo Box For Carrying A Wheelchair
A roof box for transporting wheelchairs is a practical solution for people who need to transfer physical mobility aids from one place to another.
It is also an affordable solution that doesn’t require any extra installation or construction work, which means you can install it straight onto your vehicle with straps.
If you are thinking of buying a vehicle cargo carrier to transport your wheelchair, here are some of the best and most reliable ones we know.
The SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box is the best car roof box for transporting wheelchairs. Side rails make it easy to lift your wheelchair into and out of the box.
The spacious interior has a divider with vertical blinds to protect valuables from scratches by accessories mounted on the rack.
Best of all, it has a max weight capacity of 100 pounds. This means that you can easily transport a wheelchair and any other accessory of your choice on this heavy-duty roof box. It is the best roof box for transporting lightweight manual wheelchairs.
When you need to transport a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility devices, there is nothing better than the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This rooftop carrier features a universal folding design allowing it to be used by people of all ages and sizes.
The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the best and most secure way to transport your wheelchair or mobility scooter. It mounts to most vehicles’ roof rails and features a lockable latch that secures the carrier to your car, ensuring that cargo does not fall off while you are driving.
The carrier’s mounting design allows it to carry up to 120 lbs, and its robust construction keeps your cargo safe on the road.
The roof cargo carrier is made from high-quality, all-weather materials to guard it against all weather conditions. In addition, it comes with a leak-proof lid that can take the wear and tear of everyday use.
The Vetoos Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag offers the highest load capacity and comprehensive loading options for any vehicle roof box. Although it can accommodate two to three wheelchairs, it also mounts securely on a luggage rack or truck bed.
Tandem surfboards, skis, kayaks, and canoes are no problem either. Vetoos Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag is available with complete mounting hardware for large vehicles and small cars.
This Cargo Box is the only roof box designed by and for wheelchair users. It can be mounted on either side of a vehicle at wheelchair height for easy loading or stowed away out of view.
Although cargo boxes are one of the easiest and safest ways to transport a wheelchair, it is crucial to make sure that you know exactly how to use a roof box for storing your wheelchair while in transit to avoid damages.
Suppose you’ll be plan on getting a roof box. Here are some tips for transporting your wheelchair in a cargo carrier:
Check the roof box you plan on transporting the wheelchair in to ensure that it has enough room for the chair.
Remove the armrests, backrests, headrests, footrests, and handles from the chair. If you use an electric wheelchair, disconnect the chair from the battery source before placing it on the roof box. It’s essential to make sure that all batteries are off before transporting the chair.
Place a towel or blanket under where you will place your chair to prevent any scratches on your roof box or wheelchair during transit. The towel will absorb most of the force and protect your wheelchair from damages if you have a bumpy ride.
Place your wheelchair on the roof box and use the straps, rubber bands, or bungee cords to hold the chair down, so it doesn’t fall off during transportation.
How to Choose the Best Roof Box for Your Vehicle
Car roof boxes are the perfect solution for transporting wheelchairs, and with a few simple steps, they can be installed on top of your car.
However, before buying a roof box or roof rack for hauling your wheelchair, here are a few things that you should consider.
1. The Size Of Your Vehicle/Wheelchair
The most fundamental thing to consider when looking for a roof box is the size of your vehicle. It would be best if you get a roof box that is big enough to accommodate your wheelchair and small enough to fit on top of your car.
Ideally, you want a box that will fit within your specific vehicle’s space limitations. This way, there is always extra space to store or transport other items, not just your wheelchair.
If the box is too large, it may obstruct other vehicles in the parking lot or driveways. So, it is best that you go for something compact and not excessively large.
2. Build Quality And Materials
The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a roof box is materials and quality. Choose a roof box made from long-lasting and weather-resistant materials that are lightweight, strong, and well ventilated.
Most roof boxes are made of plastic or fiberglass to give a comfortable, airy feel when sleeping on your vehicle.
Most people recommend getting a Fiberglass polyester roof box with embedded metal reinforcements because they are strong enough to hold up your wheelchair and easy to install with minimal tools.
3. Budget
What is the maximum cost that you are willing to spend? Choosing the best roof box for your car is not just about looking at features and deciding which looks better.
Once you’ve decided on one, it’s time to determine how much it will cost.
The upfront cost for a roof box can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the quality of the box and the materials used.
There is also the possibility of inspection fees (this will usually be a percentage of the purchase price).
It’s essential to consider these things before making any purchase. They will help you make an informed decision and prevent any disappointment down the track if something doesn’t work out for various reasons, such as budget constraints and incompatibility with your vehicle.
4. Weight Capacity Of The Roof Box
There are several factors to take into consideration when purchasing a roof box. One of them is how much weight can you safely put inside? The most common guideline is 80 pounds.
Since most wheelchairs weigh under 80 pounds, you can safely transport your wheelchair and other luggage on any car roof box. However, if you use a heavier or more specialized wheelchair, you should go for a more dedicated roof box to handle that weight.
Tips on Installing Car Roof Boxes for Wheelchairs
Not all car owners have a lot of space for carrying around large items. In these cases, car roof boxes are an excellent option to transport equipment without taking up too much space.
Wheelchair roof boxes can be installed on most roof bars and may come with various attachment systems such as straps, wedges, or spikes.
Always ensure that the brackets or power click mount is strong enough for your weight (the weight of your wheelchair plus any additional equipment).
It is advisable to check that you have enough clearance around the box to deploy it – Avoid placing boxes on areas where they could obstruct mirrors or visibility.
Wheelchair cargo boxes typically have solid handles and wide.
When it comes to transporting wheelchairs, there are a variety of options you can choose from. However, the best car roof box for transport is a hardtop box with an opening on the side.
Hardtop boxes will protect your wheelchair and other items you store in your vehicle while also giving you plenty of extra room when needed!
Hardtop boxes are designed to be waterproof, and they’re perfect for keeping things safe in the rain or snow. Plus, they offer a lot of storage space! They can be securely strapped to your roof rack and even have extra space around them that can hold other items like chairs or bikes.
Some wheelchair cargo boxes are even designed with straps so that you can secure your belongings inside the roof rack while you’re driving. Make sure you do your research before purchasing a roof box so it can best suit your needs and fulfill your desires.
We’ve reviewed some of the best roof boxes for transporting wheelchairs. If you have a wheelchair and need a cargo carrier to go with it, then any roof boxes recommended in this article will do just fine.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
