3 Best Garvee Hard Shell Roof Cargo Boxes, Compared
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Finding the best garvee hard shell roof cargo boxes requires checking published specs. We compared 3 models to help you choose. The top pick is the Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box. It leads because its 13.8 inch height offers compact storage without sacrificing capacity. This guide compares the 13.5, 11.5, and 17 cubic foot options. You will see how dimensions and weight affect your vehicle. Use this data to decide which size fits your gear.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box Best overall | Drivers needing side access and waterproof storage | Check price of Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box on Amazon |
| 2 | Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box Best budget | Tight parking access and moderate gear loads | Check price of Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box on Amazon |
| 3 | Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box Best 165 lb | side access and weather protection | Check price of Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You need side access and waterproof storage Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box This 13.5 cu ft hard shell features dual-side opening for convenient loading.
- You park in tight spaces with moderate gear Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box The compact 54.3-inch length and 11.4-inch height fit narrow parking spots.
- You carry heavy loads up to 165 pounds Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box This 17 cu ft box supports a 165 lb load capacity.
Our 3 picks
Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box
Best for: Drivers needing side access and waterproof storage
- Shell Type
- Hard Shell (what this guide is about)
- Capacity
- 13.5 cu ft (382 L)
- Opening
- Dual-side
- Load Capacity
- 135 lbs
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Security
- Two keys
View on Amazon: Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box Affiliate link
This Garvee hard-shell roof box offers 13.5 cubic feet of storage in a durable ABS shell. Its dual-side opening design lets you access gear from either side of the vehicle. The unit measures 67.5 inches long and supports up to 135 pounds of cargo. It is waterproof and compatible with all roof racks. You get two keys for security. This carrier is built for practical road trips where side access matters.
Pros
- 13.5 cubic feet of total storage capacity
- Dual-side opening for access from either side
- ABS hard shell provides waterproof protection
- Supports a maximum load of 135 pounds
Cons
- 13.5 cubic feet is smaller than the 17 cubic feet option on this list
- 43-pound weight adds significant bulk to your roof rack
- No mention of a top-opening option for quick access
Good fit if
- You need to load gear from the passenger side of your car
- You drive a sedan or van with limited roof width
- You prioritize waterproof protection for your luggage
Skip if
- You require more than 13.5 cubic feet of space
- You want a lighter carrier to reduce roof load
- You prefer a single top-opening lid for simplicity
Verdict: Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell is a solid choice for drivers who need side access and reliable weather protection. It fits well if you value convenience over maximum volume.
Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box
Best for: Tight parking access and moderate gear loads
- Shell Type
- Hard Shell (what this guide is about)
- Capacity
- 11.5 cu ft (326 L)
- Opening
- Dual-side
- Load Capacity
- 135 lbs
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Security
- Keys and straps
View on Amazon: Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box Affiliate link
This Garvee hard shell cargo box offers 11.5 cubic feet of storage in a compact 54.3-inch length. The dual-side opening feature lets you access gear from either side of the vehicle, which is useful in tight parking spots. It weighs 37 pounds and holds up to 135 pounds of gear. The ABS shell is waterproof and UV-resistant. It fits any vehicle with a roof rack.
Pros
- Dual-sided opening for easy access from both vehicle sides
- Waterproof and UV-resistant ABS hard shell construction
- Includes 2 keys and 2 straps for security
- Aerodynamic design reduces fuel consumption and noise
Cons
- 11.5 cubic feet capacity is smaller than the 17 cu ft option on this list
- 135 lb load limit is lower than typical hard shell carriers
- Weighs 37 pounds, adding more roof load than lighter models
Good fit if
- You need easy access to gear from both sides of your car
- You have a roof rack and need waterproof storage for road trips
- You want a compact box that fits in tight parking spaces
Skip if
- You need to carry more than 11.5 cubic feet of gear
- You plan to load more than 135 pounds of cargo
- You want a larger 17 cubic foot capacity for heavy loads
Verdict: Garvee 11.5 Cu Ft Dual-Side Hard Shell is a practical choice for drivers who prioritize side access and compact dimensions over maximum volume. It suits those with moderate gear needs who park in tight spaces.
Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box
Best for: side access and weather protection
- Shell Type
- Hard Shell (what this guide is about)
- Capacity
- 17 cu ft
- Opening
- Dual-Side
- Load Capacity
- 165 lbs
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Security
- Locking system with two keys
View on Amazon: Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box Affiliate link
This Garvee hard shell roof box offers 17 cubic feet of storage with a 165 lb load capacity. It features dual-side opening for easy access from either side of the vehicle. The ABS shell is waterproof and designed for aerodynamic efficiency. It includes a locking system with two keys for security. This carrier fits most cars and SUVs with roof racks. It weighs 35.3 pounds.
Pros
- 17 cubic feet internal capacity
- 165 lb maximum load weight
- Dual-side opening mechanism
- Waterproof ABS hard shell
- Includes locking system with two keys
Cons
- 35.3 lb weight may be heavy for single-person handling
- No mention of integrated mounting rails for crossbars
- Dimensions listed as 3.94 inches suggest a placeholder error
Good fit if
- You need side access without moving the vehicle
- You carry gear up to 165 lbs
- You drive a car or SUV with roof racks
Skip if
- You require a capacity larger than 17 cubic feet
- Your roof rack cannot support 165 lbs
- You prefer a soft-sided carrier for compact storage
Verdict: Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell provides ample space and secure locking for families. It suits travelers who prioritize side access and weather protection for their cargo.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Garvee 13.5 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box | Garvee 11.5 cu ft Dual-Side Hard Shell Box | Garvee 17 cu ft Dual-Side Opening Roof Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 13.5 cu ft (382 L) | 11.5 cu ft (326 L) | 17 cu ft |
| Shell Type | Hard shell (ABS) | ABS hard shell | ABS |
| Opening | Dual-side | Dual-side | Dual-Side |
| Load Capacity | 135 lbs | 135 lbs | 165 lbs |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Security | Two keys | Keys and straps | Locking system with two keys |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Vehicles equipped with roof racks | Vehicles equipped with roof rack | Universal fit for most cars and SUVs |
| Dimensions | 67.7 x 31.5 x 13.8 in | 54.3 x 31.5 x 11.4 in | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 in |
| Recommended Use | Luggage, road trips | Luggage | not stated |
| Vehicle Type | not stated | not stated | Car, SUV |
| Mount Type | Roof Mount | Roof Mount | Roof Mount |
| Weight | 43 pounds | 37 pounds | 35.3 pounds |
| Size | 13.5 Cubic Feet | 11.5 Cubic | 17 Cubic Feet-Gray |
| Color | Black | Black | grey |
| Model | bxA-Hw4tBMvF-RuHz9G5x-8cGn | a3EHag9CC3YwtxBJV0mGHQXT5V | bLN-Hw4t-BTGWwgi3-4Mn |
How to Choose the Right Garvee Roof Box
-
Check dual-side opening
You should verify if the box opens from both sides. All three Garvee models listed here feature dual-side opening. This design lets you load gear from either side of your vehicle. It is especially useful when you are parked between two cars. You do not need to walk around the entire vehicle to reach the interior. This feature adds convenience for daily use or quick stops. Confirm this spec before buying if side access is a priority for your routine.
-
Match length to roof
The length of the box must fit your roof rack. The 11.5 cu ft model is 54.3 inches long. The 13.5 cu ft version extends to 67.5 inches. The 17 cu ft option has specific dimensional needs. Measure your roof rack rails before selecting a size. A box that is too long may overhang dangerously. A box that is too short may waste available space. Ensure the length aligns with your vehicle's roof dimensions for safe travel.
-
Assess weight capacity
You must check the load capacity if you carry heavy gear. The 17 cu ft model supports up to 165 pounds. This limit is crucial for families transporting sports equipment or camping supplies. Exceeding the weight limit can damage the box or affect vehicle handling. The other models do not list a specific weight capacity in the provided data. If you have heavy loads, prioritize the model with the stated 165 lb limit. Always stay within the manufacturer's specified weight range.
-
Consider vehicle compatibility
Ensure the box fits your specific vehicle type. The 17 cu ft model is explicitly listed for cars and SUVs. This indicates it is designed for standard roof rack systems found on these vehicles. Hard shell boxes require a secure mount type. All listed Garvee boxes use a standard roof mount. Verify that your vehicle has crossbars or a compatible rack system. This ensures the box attaches safely and does not interfere with doors or windows.
-
Evaluate height for clearance
Height affects garage clearance and aerodynamics. The 11.5 cu ft box is 11.4 inches tall. The 13.5 cu ft box is 13.8 inches tall. The 17 cu ft model has identical height specs listed. Lower profiles may fit better in tight parking garages. Higher profiles offer more volume but may reduce fuel efficiency. Choose a height that fits your daily driving environment. Check your garage door height if you plan to store the vehicle indoors with the box attached.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Garvee hard shell roof boxes open from the side?
Yes, every model in this comparison features a dual-side opening design. This allows you to access your gear from either side of your vehicle. It is particularly useful when you are parked in tight spaces between other cars. You do not need to walk around the entire box to load or unload items.
What is the maximum weight capacity for the largest Garvee box?
The 17 cubic foot model supports a load capacity of 165 pounds. This makes it suitable for heavier gear or larger families. The smaller 13.5 and 11.5 cubic foot models do not list a specific weight limit in their published specifications. Always check your vehicle’s roof rack limits as well.
How wide are these Garvee roof cargo boxes?
The listed models share a consistent width of 31.5 inches. This dimension helps ensure they fit standard roof rack crossbars. The width remains the same across the 11.5, 13.5, and 17 cubic foot options. You should verify that your crossbar spacing accommodates this width for secure mounting.
Which Garvee box is the lightest option?
The 17 cubic foot model is the lightest at 35.3 pounds. This is surprising given its larger volume. The 11.5 cubic foot box weighs 37 pounds, and the 13.5 cubic foot version weighs 43 pounds. A lighter box may help reduce overall vehicle weight and fuel consumption.
Are these boxes suitable for SUVs and cars?
Yes, the 17 cubic foot model is explicitly listed for use with cars and SUVs. The dual-side opening and hard shell design benefit both vehicle types. Smaller models with reduced lengths, like the 54.3-inch version, are ideal for compact cars. Larger models suit SUVs with longer roof racks.
What colors are available for these Garvee hard shell boxes?
The data shows black and grey color options. The 13.5 and 11.5 cubic foot models are available in black. The 17 cubic foot model is listed in grey. Color choice is primarily aesthetic, as all models offer hard shell protection. Ensure the color matches your vehicle for a cohesive look.
How tall is the most compact Garvee roof box?
The 11.5 cubic foot model has a height of 11.4 inches. This makes it the shortest option in the group. The 13.5 cubic foot model is slightly taller at 13.8 inches. The 17 cubic foot model’s height is not clearly specified in the provided dimensions. Lower height improves aerodynamics and garage clearance.
Does the top pick include side access?
Yes, the best overall pick, the 13.5 cubic foot model, features dual-side opening. This allows you to load gear from the left or right side of your vehicle. It is designed for drivers who need convenient access without moving the car. The hard shell construction also provides weather protection for your cargo.