How much does it cost to rent a roof box?

From private owners a roof box usually costs 3 to 7 euros per day, often with discounts for longer periods. Two holiday weeks come to around 50 to 100 euros – a new box with roof bars quickly costs four to six times that.

Does every roof box fit my car?

You need crossbars (roof bars) on the roof – most boxes attach with a clamp system that fits common bars. Before booking, briefly check with the owner which mounting system the box has and whether your bars match.

How fast can I drive with a roof box?

There is no general speed limit in Germany, but manufacturers usually specify a maximum of 130 km/h. Also mind your car's permitted roof load: box plus contents must not exceed it.

Is buying worth it if I go on holiday every year?

At two weeks of use per year, a purchased box takes several years to pay off – and by then you may have changed cars or the box is just in the way. For most people, renting stays the more flexible deal.

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Travel

Rent a roof box & camping gear: stress-free into your holiday

Published on July 22, 20264 min read

Car with a roof box on a road in evening light

Summer holidays, the estate car is full, and the roof box is missing. New, it costs 300 to 600 euros – plus roof bars. Afterwards it hangs on the garage wall for fifty weeks. This is exactly what neighbours are for who don't need their box right now.

The roof-box maths: renting beats buying almost every time

Let's do the numbers. A solid box costs around 400 euros to buy, plus crossbars. Rented from a private owner you often pay 3 to 7 euros a day – so 50 to 100 euros for two weeks of holiday. Even if you travel every year, it takes many summers before buying pays off. And by then you've changed cars and the mounting no longer fits.

Holiday gear especially worth renting

Roof box and bike carrier – expensive, bulky, only needed during holidays.
Tent, camping furniture and cool box for a trial camping trip.
SUP board or kayak – skip the hauling: just borrow at your destination.
Power station for a festival or road trip.
Travel cot, buggy or child seat when family with kids visits.

Will the box fit my car?

The most important question before booking. You need crossbars on the roof; the box itself usually attaches with a clamp system and fits common bars. Message the owner which car and bars you have – then there are no surprises at handover.

How renting works

In the Tavaa app you search for a roof box, tent or SUP nearby, book the period and pick everything up. Payment and deposit run securely through the app. After the holiday you return it all – and your basement stays empty.

Own a roof box or camping gear yourself? Demand peaks in summer. List it on Tavaa and earn while others drive it into their holiday.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a roof box?: From private owners a roof box usually costs 3 to 7 euros per day, often with discounts for longer periods. Two holiday weeks come to around 50 to 100 euros – a new box with roof bars quickly costs four to six times that.
Does every roof box fit my car?: You need crossbars (roof bars) on the roof – most boxes attach with a clamp system that fits common bars. Before booking, briefly check with the owner which mounting system the box has and whether your bars match.
How fast can I drive with a roof box?: There is no general speed limit in Germany, but manufacturers usually specify a maximum of 130 km/h. Also mind your car's permitted roof load: box plus contents must not exceed it.
Is buying worth it if I go on holiday every year?: At two weeks of use per year, a purchased box takes several years to pay off – and by then you may have changed cars or the box is just in the way. For most people, renting stays the more flexible deal.

Ready to get started?

Find things to rent nearby – or earn money from what sits unused at your place.