The roof box dilemma
Every year, thousands of families across the UK face the same question: should we buy a roof box, or is it better to hire one? At first glance, buying might seem like the convenient choice — something you can use again and again. But once you look a little closer, it’s clear that hiring often makes far more sense for most people.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we meet customers every week who’ve reached the same conclusion. They want a quality product, fitted properly, without the storage issues, maintenance, or expense that come with owning one. If you’re planning a winter getaway, a Christmas visit, or a ski holiday, here’s why hiring beats buying every time.
The true cost of buying
A high-quality roof box, like the Thule models we use, is an investment — and a significant one. Buying a new Thule roof box can cost anywhere from £450 to over £800, depending on the size and features. That’s before you factor in the cost of roof bars, fittings, and professional installation.
For families who only use a roof box once or twice a year, that’s a lot of money for something that will spend most of its life gathering dust in a garage or shed.
Hiring, on the other hand, lets you access the same premium Thule quality for a fraction of the cost — and only when you need it. It’s a pay-as-you-go approach that makes practical and financial sense.
The hidden problem: storage
One of the biggest challenges for anyone who owns a roof box is finding somewhere to keep it. These boxes aren’t small. The Thule 580L XXL, for example, is over two metres long — too large to tuck neatly into most storage spaces.
That means you’re either hanging it on a garage wall, balancing it in a loft, or leaving it to take up valuable floor space. And because it’s big and awkward, most people rarely move it once it’s stored.
By hiring, you skip all that hassle. Once your trip is over, simply return the box to our Tamworth unit. We remove it, check it, and store it safely until your next adventure. You get the benefit, without the burden.
Professional fitting — no stress, no tools
When you buy a roof box, you also take on the responsibility of fitting it yourself. That can be a fiddly, time-consuming process — especially if you’ve never done it before.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we take care of everything for you. Every box is fitted by our experienced team while you wait, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned, balanced, and secure. You don’t need any tools, instructions, or guesswork.
We use Thule’s precision mounting systems to fit boxes quickly and safely. When you return, we remove the box just as easily — it takes minutes, not hours.
Maintenance and peace of mind
Roof boxes might look simple, but they still need proper care. Hinges, locks, and mounting points all require occasional maintenance to keep them working safely. If you buy your own, that responsibility falls on you.
When you hire from us, all maintenance is included. We clean, inspect, and service every Thule box before each hire. You can be confident your roof box is weatherproof, secure, and in perfect working order every time you use it.
It’s peace of mind without the effort.
Flexibility for every occasion
A roof box is not a one-size-fits-all product. You might need extra space for a quick weekend getaway this month and something much larger for a ski holiday in February. If you own one, you’re stuck with whatever you bought — whether it fits your current trip or not.
When you hire, you can choose the right size each time. Our Thule 470L Large and 580L XXL models cover everything from family holidays to long-distance European road trips. You always have the flexibility to match your box to your plans.
And because hiring is so straightforward, you can book for a few days or several weeks, depending on what suits you best.
Environmentally friendly travel
Hiring also helps reduce waste and unnecessary production. Instead of thousands of people buying roof boxes they’ll rarely use, a smaller number of high-quality products can be shared among many families.
By maintaining and reusing our Thule boxes to professional standards, we extend their lifespan and minimise environmental impact. It’s a practical way to make modern travel more sustainable — something many of our customers appreciate.
Customer story: why the switch makes sense
One customer, Andy from Solihull, owned a roof box for several years but eventually switched to hiring.
“We had a Thule box in the garage for ages, but we only used it once or twice a year. It was constantly in the way. When I realised I could hire one for a weekend for a small fraction of the cost, it was a no-brainer. Now I just pick it up when I need it, and it’s always spotless and ready to go.”
It’s a common story — once people experience how easy and affordable roof box hire is, they rarely go back to ownership.
Perfect for seasonal travel
Roof boxes are most in demand during the winter and summer — Christmas, Easter, and school holidays. Outside of those times, most boxes sit unused.
That’s why hiring is especially ideal for families who only travel heavily during specific seasons. It’s a flexible, affordable option that keeps your money and space free the rest of the year.
You get the benefit when you need it, and none of the inconvenience when you don’t.
Hire from your local experts
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we’ve built our reputation on reliability, convenience, and great service. From our Tamworth base, we serve customers across the West Midlands, offering high-quality Thule boxes fitted professionally every time.
We’re easy to find, with Unit 154, Amington Industrial Estate, Sandy Way, Tamworth (B77 4ED) providing convenient access and quick service. Most fittings take under 15 minutes, and our friendly team makes sure everything’s perfect before you drive away.
We also check every lock, hinge, and mount — because safety always comes first.
The verdict: hiring wins every time
When you add it all up — the cost, the storage, the maintenance, and the convenience — hiring a roof box isn’t just easier. It’s smarter.
You get the same premium experience for a fraction of the price, without any of the hassle. And because every box is fitted by experts, you can focus on enjoying your journey instead of worrying about equipment.
So before you consider buying, ask yourself how often you’ll really use a roof box. If the answer is “a few times a year,” hiring from West Midlands Roof Box Hire is undoubtedly the best choice.
Contact Details
West Midlands Roof Box Hire
Unit 154, Amington Industrial Estate, Sandy Way, Tamworth, B77 4ED
Phone: 07903 839112
Email: westmidlandsroofboxhire@gmail.com
Websites: westmidlandsroofboxhire.co.uk