There’s nothing worse than packing for a trip with the family and not being able to fit things into your car. And even if you do manage to ‘Tetris’ the luggage into position, no one will have room to breathe. So, if you’re cramped and need a little extra space, there are things you can do.
Installing a rooftop box is a great way to safely add space to your Fiat 500L. There are several great options out there. That said, let’s take a look at the best Fiat 500L roof box.
1. Thule Force XT Roof Boxes XL
- Length (in): 82.75
- Height (in): 17.75
- Width (in): 33.75
- Volume (cu. ft.): 17.25
- Load Capacity (lb): 165
- Weight (lb): 47
- Box opening: Dual side
If you’re an outdoorsy person looking to splurge on a lot of extra room for gear, the Thule Force XT may be what you’re looking for.
The Force XT is long and wide, making it perfect for large and clunky gear. And if you like skiing, it can carry up to seven ski pairs.
The Force XT is also a breeze to mount, and it’s compatible with most roof bars. It’s actually one of the easiest models to install, arriving pre-assembled.
One of the few problems with the Force XT is how expensive it is. This is a luxury box that can handle a lot of wear and tear, but it can also break the bank.
Pros:
- Can fit large gear
- Central locking for security
- Comes with bars pre-installed to make mounting faster
- Mounting brackets are adjustable to fit any roof bars
- Has internal straps to secure your cargo
Cons:
- Expensive
- No handle can make closing a full box difficult
2. DNA Motoring Roof Top Box
- Length (in): 78
- Height (in): 15
- Width (in): 31
- Volume (cu. ft.): 17
- Load Capacity (lb): 110
- Weight (lb): 37
- Box opening: Single side
DNA Motoring is the way to go if you’re looking for an all-purpose roof box. Its large size makes it ideal for carrying around bulky gear, especially irregular-shaped gear.
Because of its design, even with the large size, air resistance is pretty low. That means it’ll make less noise and won’t impact gas mileage that much.
The main issue with The DNA roof box is that you can only mount it if you have cross bars. So, if you already have another roof rack installed, it may not be for you. And, it’s a bit pricey.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design to reduce noise
- Can fit a lot of gear
- Doesn’t affect gas mileage much
- Easy to install
- Secure lock to keep all gear in place
Cons:
- Only compatible with cross bars
- Expensive
3. Thule Pulse M Rooftop Box
- Length (in): 67
- Height (in): 16
- Width (in): 35
- Volume (cu. ft.): 14
- Load Capacity (lb): 110
- Weight (lb): 31.25
- Box opening: Single side
Few rooftop boxes are as durable as the Thule Pulse. It’s made out of ABS, which means it’s lightweight and can handle a lot of wear and tear.
It’s perfect for long road trips. And no matter what time of year it is, because of its outer shelf, it can handle the weather.
The Thule Pulse has an impressive secure lock, but it can be tricky to get the hang of. It also doesn’t have an external handle, which makes it harder to load.
Pros:
- Compatible with most factory rooftop racks
- Easy to install with straightforward instructions
- Textured finish to hide scratches and dents
- The strong shell can endure harsh weather
- Lightweight, so you can mount and remove it easily
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a handle, which makes it harder to open
- The lock can be a little finicky
4. JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- Length (in): 57
- Height (in): 19
- Width (in): 39
- Volume (cu. ft.): 18
- Load Capacity (lb): 110
- Weight (lb): 28
- Box opening: Dual side
If you have a big family and you’re always on the move, the JEGS cargo carrier is a lifesaver. It can fit hiking gear for the whole family.
It’s made of HDPE black plastic, which means it can handle all sorts of weather conditions. Also, if you’re environmentally conscious, you can recycle HDPE once you no longer need it.
If you’re a fan of speed, the JEGS cargo carrier may not be the best choice. Any speeds higher than 45 miles per hour can affect gas mileage. It can also get quite noisy when you’re speeding.
Pros:
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Easy installation with no tools required
- Four corner lock system so it won’t open on the road
- Opens from both sides to make loading easier
- Lightweight, so you can move it alone
Cons:
- Can affect gas mileage when driving at high speeds
5. SportRack Skyline XL Cargo Box
- Length (in): 55
- Height (in): 14
- Width (in): 41
- Volume (cu. ft.): 18
- Load Capacity (lb): 110
- Weight (lb): 30
- Box opening: Single side
Most roof boxes are for long trips and harsh weather, but if you’re not using your roof box on a daily basis, the SportRack Skyline is an excellent choice. It has plenty of space to carry around large objects. You can even use it to help someone move.
The biggest complaint is that it does need some assembly. It’s not too complicated, but it can be annoying. It’s also not the most durable model. If you’re rough with your roof box, this may not be a good choice.
Pros:
- Has security lock to keep cargo in place
- Compatible with most roof bars and racks
- Large opening for easy access
- Easy to install
- Aerodynamic design reduces noise
Cons:
- You have to assemble parts of the box yourself
Wrapping Up
Rooftop boxes can be very useful when traveling or moving cargo. Depending on your needs, you can find the best Fiat 500L roof box.
If you like being outdoors and going on long road trips, you might want the Thule Force XT. It can carry a lot and, because of its design, won’t affect gas mileage greatly. You can also use it no matter the weather.
But if you need a roof box to use every once in a while, the SportRack Skyline is the way to go. It’s large enough to carry a lot of cargo while maintaining an aerodynamic shape.