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How to Pay for a Roof Cargo Box

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Roof Cargo Box

Clearance sales make this the right time to add storage for the long road ahead without stretching your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A roof box turns a cramped sedan into a capable hauler for camping gear and luggage. It saves you the headache of playing Tetris with suitcases every time the family hits the road.

Retailers clear out seasonal outdoor gear at the end of summer, which is when you will find the deepest discounts. Aim to pay around $750 for a quality hardshell unit and use this timing to your advantage.

The 15-month intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left after those 15 months, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is still owed.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the clearance

    Watch major outdoor retailers starting in late August. They need to move current inventory to make room for winter gear, which often drops the price on boxes by a few hundred dollars.

  2. 02

    Check the mounting hardware

    Before you buy, make sure your specific car roof rails are compatible with the box clamps. Not every box fits every rack, and buying adapters separately adds unexpected costs.

  3. 03

    Use your financing window

    If you use the Discover it® Cash Back, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This lets you pay off the $750 box over time at $50 per month without paying a cent in interest.

  4. 04

    Test the wind noise

    Once installed, take it for a short highway drive. If it whistles, adjust the box position slightly forward or backward on your roof rails to improve the aerodynamics.

  5. 05

    Store it carefully

    When you are not using the box, keep it in a garage or shed. Keeping it out of the sun and rain when empty will double its lifespan and keep the plastic from getting brittle.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Will a roof box kill my gas mileage?

Yes, it adds drag. You can expect to lose a few miles per gallon, so take it off the car when you are just commuting around town.

Can I install this alone?

Most boxes are light but awkward. It is much easier to have a friend help you lift it onto the roof so you do not scratch your paint.

Do I need to lock the box?

Always. Even if you are just making a quick stop for gas, lock the latch to keep the lid secure and prevent theft of your gear.

Is the cheapest box okay?

Look for a sturdy latching mechanism and UV-resistant plastic. The absolute cheapest models often feel flimsy and can be a pain to open in cold weather.