Garvee 14 Cubic Foot Rooftop Cargo Box: specs, fit and who it suits

The Garvee rooftop cargo box is a hard-shell carrier that mounts on a vehicle's roof rack and adds luggage space outside the cabin. It is aimed at road trips, family holidays and any trip where the boot or cargo area fills up before the gear does. Here is what its specs mean and what to confirm before choosing a roof box.

What the shell is made of

Garvee says the box is made from ABS plastic, a rigid, impact-resistant material commonly used for hard-shell luggage and roof boxes. The brand describes the shell as waterproof and UV-resistant, so that bags inside are protected from rain and sun on long drives. As with any roof box, a well-fitted lid and seal matter as much as the material, so it is worth checking that the lid closes evenly all the way round.

The shape is described as aerodynamic. In general, a smooth, low profile reduces wind noise and drag compared with strapping loose bags to a roof, although any roof load will still add some drag and affect fuel use.

How much it holds

Garvee lists the box in 12 and 14 cubic foot versions. The 14 cubic foot size is quoted at 62.2 in long, 31.5 in wide and 13.4 in tall (about 158 x 80 x 34 cm), which the brand converts to roughly 390 litres. The shorter version is listed at 54.3 in long. The listed maximum load is 165 lb (about 75 kg), and the box itself weighs 43 lb (about 19.5 kg).

The low height is worth noticing. A box that is long and wide but only about 13 inches tall suits soft bags, duffels, camping gear and folded items better than tall, rigid cases.

Opening from both sides

The lid opens from either side of the vehicle, which is handy when you are parked kerbside or next to another car. Garvee includes two keys and two straps. The listing adds one practical instruction: make sure one side is locked while you open the other. As with any roof box, check that both sides are latched before you drive.

Fit and roof racks

Garvee describes the box as compatible with vehicles that have a roof rack, including cars, vans and SUVs, and asks buyers to read the roof rack fitting guidelines first. A roof box needs crossbars, so a bare roof or factory side rails alone will not do. Crossbar width and shape vary, which makes the mounting hardware worth checking.

Two limits apply at the same time: the box's own 165 lb limit and the dynamic roof load limit in your vehicle's manual, which also covers the rack and the box. The lower figure is the one to follow.

Who it suits

It suits families, campers and anyone who regularly carries more than the vehicle's interior holds. A rack-mounted box leaves the cabin free for passengers and keeps wet or dirty gear away from them. It is less suited to people who rarely travel with luggage, as it takes up storage space off the vehicle and is bulky to keep.

What to check before you buy

• Your roof rack: confirm you have crossbars and that their shape matches the box's mounting hardware.
• Load limits: compare the 165 lb limit with your vehicle's roof load limit, and remember the box's own weight counts.
• Height and clearance: a roof box adds height, which matters for garages, car parks and low barriers.
• Boot clearance: make sure a tailgate or hatch still opens fully with the box fitted, and consider the box length.
• Storage: you will need somewhere to keep a box about 5 ft long when it is off the vehicle.
• What's in the box: the listing mentions two keys and two straps; read the manual for fitting and securing.

The short version

• A hard-shell ABS rooftop cargo box with 14 cubic feet (about 390 L) of space in the version listed here.
• Dual-side opening, with two keys and two straps included.
• Listed capacity of 165 lb; the box weighs 43 lb.
• Needs a roof rack; check your vehicle's roof load limit.
• One-year warranty from the brand.

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