A large roof box has been a game-changer for car enthusiasts, but such a roof box might overhang, can a roof box overhang my windshield? and if that’s so by how much?
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of roof boxes and explore the potential risks and hazards of a windscreen overhang.
In short, roof box overhanging is possible but to a certain level, to determine that there are a lot of criteria to consider stay tuned to figure out all you need to know.
How Does A Roof Box Attach To Your Vehicle?
Before diving into the roof box overhang windscreen issue, we should clarify some information to ensure you are getting a complete understanding of the article.
Attaching your roof box to the roof of your car can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of roof box you have.
Some roof boxes come with built-in mounting hardware, while others require you to purchase additional equipment. And then there are the roof boxes that you just tie down with a rope.
Relating to the topic that we are discussing today, the size of your roof box also matters when mounting a roof box, as well as the position, so don’t push it way ahead to clear your trunk lid and end up with a roof box overhanging way much on the front.
Whatever type of roof box you have, make sure you have your trusty instruction manual handy. And don’t forget to double-check that you’ve attached it securely before hitting the road unless you want to see your roof box flying down the highway.
What Are The Risks Of A Roof Box Overhanging The Windscreen?
Let’s speak about the dangers of a roof box overhang over the windscreen. Sure, it looks good, but it’s more than simply a fashion statement; it’s also a safety concern.
Reduced Visibility
First and foremost, there will be less visibility. Consider driving a curvy mountain road with a large box blocking your field of view. It’s not only unsafe, but it also makes your passengers dizzy.
Added Wind Resistance
Your car is basically a large sail with a roof box overhanging the windscreen. This can make more wind noise than usual, especially in high winds or bad weather.
Might Be Illegal In Some States
let’s not forget about law enforcement, you don’t want to get pulled over for something as silly as a box overhanging too much of the windscreen.
Can Affect Driving Dynamics
Mounting a roof box that is not in the centre of your car’s roof and its overhanging from either front or rear might put you at risk since that undistributed misplaced weight can affect your handling and in some cases cause a flip-over.
So, before you start planning your next great adventure, make sure you’re aware of the risks of a roof box overhanging the windscreen. And remember, if you’re forced to overhang the windscreen, make sure it’s within the safety limits.
How Far Can A Roof Box Overhang My Windscreen?
The question of how far a roof box can overhang a windscreen is a tricky one, and it can be a bit of a balancing act.
On one hand, you want your roof box to be as big as possible so you can fit all your gear, on the other hand, you don’t want it to be so big that it blocks your view. So, how do you strike the perfect balance?
First things first, let’s talk about size. The general rule of thumb is that your roof box should not overhang your windscreen. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always push the limits a little bit. Just make sure that you can still see.
Next, the make and model of your car. Some cars have a larger windscreen or a more compact roof, which can affect the amount of space available for a roof box.
So, make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific car before you start shopping for a roof box. And don’t forget that some cars are too small and you can’t put a roof box on them, like a smart car, it’s like trying to fit a giant elephant in a matchbox.
One point to add is the weight force on your roof rack and cross bars if you position your roof box slightly forward you will put more pressure on certain locations of your roof and that’s not a good idea.
Conclusion: Can A Roof Box Overhang The Windscreen?
To Conclude our article, we can pretty much answer the question and that would be a solid yes, roof box can overhang your windscreen BUT with just a small margin so don’t go all out and mount the biggest roof box available on your little hot hatch, as we showcased in our article it can be pretty dangerous.
Nonetheless, as we mentioned earlier law regulations might defer from one state to another, so make sure you check with your local law enforcement on how much can your roof box overhang.
