Does U-Haul Rent Rooftop Carriers? What to Do Instead
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No. U-Haul’s product page for its Roof Top Cargo Carrier states that U-Haul does not rent rooftop cargo carriers, as of October 2026. U-Haul sells them instead, along with hitch-mounted carriers. Here’s what that means and the other options you have.
Table of Contents
What U-Haul Offers
U-Haul sells a Roof Top Cargo Carrier and a waterproof rooftop cargo carrier. According to U-Haul, the standard Roof Top Cargo Carrier works only on vehicles with 4-way roof racks (side rails and crossbars) and is weather resistant, not waterproof. Search listings showed prices around $49.95 for the standard carrier and $79.99 for the waterproof version in October 2026. Check U-Haul’s site for current prices and availability.
Your Options
| Option | Typical cost (Oct 2026) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy a soft roof bag | About $50 to $95 | Cheap, folds flat | Less secure, less aerodynamic |
| Buy a hard-shell cargo box | About $320 to $930+ | Lockable, weather-tight | Expensive, bulky to store |
| Borrow from a friend | Free | No cost | Must match your rack |
| Rent from a specialty or outdoor shop | Varies | Use premium gear briefly | Availability varies locally |
| Use a hitch cargo carrier | Varies | Better fuel economy | Needs a hitch |
Do You Need a Roof Rack?
Most carriers work best with a roof rack. U-Haul’s standard carrier specifically requires a 4-way rack. Hard-shell boxes always need crossbars. See what is a roof rack.
Tips for Moving Day
- Keep heavy boxes inside the car or trailer and put light, bulky items on the roof.
- Respect your roof load limit. See how to use a roof rack.
- Protect electronics and documents from rain inside the vehicle.
- Expect lower gas mileage. FuelEconomy.gov notes rear-mount cargo boxes reduce fuel economy much less than roof-top boxes.
Our Picks If You’re Buying
- 【100% Waterproof & Heavy-Duty Material】 Made with upgraded durable 840D PVC material and high-frequency welded seams, features a double-layered waterproof cover, this rooftop cargo carrier keeps your luggage dry even in heavy rain, snow, or long-distance travel. Built for road trips, camping, and family vacations.
- 【21 Cubic Feet Extra Storage Space】 Expand your vehicle’s storage instantly. The large 21 cubic feet roof top cargo bag (52 x 40 x 18 inches) easily fits 4–6 suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, and travel gear, free up inside vehicle space for more comfortable on the way.
- 【More Secure with 10 Reinforced Straps & 6 Door Hooks】 Upgraded safety system includes 10 reinforced straps, 6 door hooks and anti-slip mat for stronger stability at highway speeds and prevent scratch from your car simultaneously. Keeps the roof bag firmly in place even on long drives or windy conditions.
- 【Fits All Vehicles With or Without Roof Rack】 Designed to work with cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks — no matter if you have side rails, crossbars, or no rack at all. Quick installation in minutes.
- 【Complete Travel Kit Included】 Comes with anti-slip mat, luggage lock, reinforced straps, door hooks and storage bag for easy setup, safe travel, and compact storage when not in use.
For hard-shell boxes, see our guide to the best rooftop cargo box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul rent rooftop cargo carriers?
No. U-Haul’s product page says it does not rent rooftop cargo carriers. It sells them.
How much is a U-Haul rooftop carrier?
Listings showed about $49.95 for the standard carrier and $79.99 for the waterproof version in October 2026. Check U-Haul for current prices.
Does U-Haul’s rooftop carrier work without a roof rack?
U-Haul says its standard carrier only works on vehicles with 4-way roof racks.
Where can I rent a rooftop cargo box?
Some outdoor retailers and specialty rental companies rent them. Availability varies by area.
The Bottom Line
U-Haul doesn’t rent rooftop carriers, but it sells soft carriers starting around $50. For a one-time move, a soft roof bag is usually the cheapest option. For regular trips, a hard-shell cargo box is worth considering.
