When it comes to packing for a trip, there’s always that one thing that doesn’t quite fit in the trunk – whether it’s a set of golf clubs, a bike, or a giant suitcase. That’s where a roof box comes in! But How To Choose A Roof Box that is perfect for you and your vehicle?
In this article, we present our ultimate guide for choosing a roof box that is ideal and perfect specifically for you and your family.
In short, choosing the best roof box possible is important and many factors should be taken into account, stay tuned to know exactly how to choose a roof box that is ideal for you.
What To Do & To Consider Before Choosing A Roof Box?
As roof box become more popular, more options and varieties flood the market, but how to pick a roof box that actually works and provide a pleasant experience? the answer is down below. Keep going to get a detailed look at how to choose a roof box.
Measure Your Vehicle’s Roof And Crossbars
Are you ready to add some extra storage space to your car with a shiny new roof box? Great! Before you start shopping, there’s one important step you can’t skip: measuring your car’s roof and crossbars.
Trust us, this isn’t as boring as it sounds. In fact, it’s a chance to show off your mad measuring skills (or lack thereof, no judgment here). To measure your car’s roof, start by pacing off the length and width of the area where the roof box will be mounted.
Make sure to measure from the highest point on the roof to the lowest point, as well as the distance between the left and right edges of the roof. This will give you a rough estimate of the maximum size of the roof box that will fit on your car (just don’t tell anyone if you have to use your fingers to estimate the inches).
Next, it’s time to measure the crossbars. These are the horizontal bars that run across the width of the roof, and they’re what the roof box will be mounted to. Measure the length and width of the crossbars, as well as the distance between them. And there you have it!
You’re now an expert in car roof and crossbar measurement. Just don’t forget to double-check your measurements before you buy that giant roof box, or you might end up with a very expensive hat rack.
Can You Fit A Roof Box On Top Of Any Car?
So you’ve measured your car’s roof and crossbars and determined the perfect size of a roof box for your storage needs. But before you hit “add to cart,” there’s one more question that pops into mind, can you fit a roof box on top of any car? well, it depends on the compatibility with your car’s roof rack system or crossbars.
To avoid any compatibility issues, make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the roof box you’re considering. They should specify which types of roof rack systems the box is compatible with.
However, if you’re not sure what type of roof rack system your car has, don’t worry – a quick Google search should give you the info you need.
Nonetheless, some roof boxes come with adjustable clamps that slide to match your specific crossbar spacing presenting a good and safe option, on the other hand, there are roof boxes that have a universal fit that can mount on almost any car.
What Are You Gonna Store Inside Your Roof Box?
When it comes to choosing a roof box, it’s not just about finding one that fits your car and roof rack system. You also need to take into account your storage needs. Thus, what’s the point of a roof box if it can’t hold all your stuff?
First off, think about how much storage space you need. Are you going to use the roof box on a long road trip with the whole family or just a weekend getaway for two? The amount of gear you need to bring along will play a big role in the size of the roof box you choose.
Furthermore, the types of items you’ll be storing in the roof box are crucial. it might mostly be suitcases and duffel bags, or you have to fit awkward items like skis or a bike.
The shape is vital when choosing a roof box – for example, an aerodynamic roof box might be a better choice if you’re mostly storing luggage, while a more rectangular box might be better for oddly-shaped items.
Ultimately, never forget about the little things! Make sure the roof box has enough room for all your miscellaneous items, like blankets, pillows, and snacks (because road trips aren’t complete without snacks).
How Much Does The Roof Box Weigh?
Alright, you’ve made it this far in choosing a roof box process. The next thing to think about is the weight and load capacity of the roof box. You see, roof boxes aren’t just for storage – they also have to be able to handle all your gear.
If the roof box is too small, it won’t be able to hold everything you need. Nonetheless, if it’s too big, it might be too heavy for your existing roof to handle. A heavy roof box might be problematic as it might affect the handling of your car and it can decrease your usual MPG, so yea it’s a bad thing to have.
Moreover, consider the maximum load capacity of the roof box. This is the maximum weight that the roof box is designed to hold. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the roof box you’re considering, and choose one that has a load capacity that meets your needs.
Finally, don’t forget about the weight of the items you’ll be storing in the roof box. Make sure to add up the weight of everything you’ll be bringing along plus the weight of the roof box itself, and make sure all of that combined doesn’t exceed the load capacity of the car’s roof, which is a major factor when choosing a roof box to buy.
How Sleek Does The Roof Box Look?
Okay, we know what you’re thinking: “Appearance and style? Really? I just want a roof box to hold my stuff!” But hear us out. A roof box is more than just a storage solution – it’s also an extension of your car’s style. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want their car to look cool?
Now how to choose a roof box that looks good and complements your car’s style? you should choose the color of the roof box. Are you looking for something that matches your car, or just a pop of contrast?
Moreover, the shape of the roof box, an aerodynamic roof box is always recommended to decrease drag, don’t forget about the overall appearance of the roof box as well. Is it well-made and stylish, or does it look cheap and flimsy?
If you take the time to pick the appearance and style of the roof box, you can choose a roof box that looks great on your car and makes you proud to hit the road. And who knows – you might even turn some heads on the highway.
What Additional Features Does The Roof Box Offer?
Don’t forget to take into account all the small extras that might make a significant impact when choosing a roof box. Here are a few to check out:
- If you want to keep your equipment safe and stop someone from opening the roof box without your permission, a lockable lid is a must-have.
- Nobody likes to fight with a bulky, obstructionist roof box. Look for one with smooth-operating latches or an open/close assist mechanism.
- A roof box with UV resistance might assist prevent fading and discoloration if you live in a sunny location.
- Look for a roof box that has noise reduction technology if you don’t like the wind noise that comes with using one while driving.
- A built-in light is useful for setting up camp at night or for finding your things in the dark.
- A mounting kit is included with certain roof boxes, making it simpler to put and remove the box from your vehicle.
- Smaller goods can be kept in place and kept from moving around within the roof box by using a cargo net.
That’s some small yet important features that might be crucial when choosing a roof box.
What Materials Is The Roof Box Made From?
You’re almost there! The final thing to consider when choosing a roof box is the material and durability. After all, you don’t want to spend all your hard-earned cash on a roof box that’s going to fall apart after one trip.
So, what should you look out for? First and foremost, the material of the roof box. Are you looking for something lightweight and easy to handle, or a more heavy-duty option might be more suitable? Since different materials have different Pros & Cons.
For example, plastic roof boxes are generally more budget-friendly and easier to handle, but they might not be as durable as metal or fiberglass options.
Moreover, think about the durability of the roof box. How well will it hold up to the elements? Will it be able to withstand high winds and cold temperatures?
Finally and most importantly, don’t forget about the warranty. Hence with a longer warranty, you can have peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Conclusion: How To Choose A Roof Box That Is Ideal For You?
Phew, you made it to the end! By now, you should be an expert in choosing the right roof box for your car. But just in case you need a little refresher, here is a recap of how to choose a roof box:
- Measure your car’s roof and crossbars
- Consider your storage needs
- Make sure the roof box is compatible with your car’s roof rack system.
- Consider the weight and load capacity of the roof box and your roof
- Look for a roof box that’s made of durable material and has a good warranty
- Don’t forget about the appearance and style of the roof box
- Look for any additional features that might be useful
After following the steps and guidelines we presented in our article, we can guarantee that you would end up with a perfect roof box that won’t damage your roof or car. Please note that choosing the wrong roof box might cause damage to your roof or car.
At the end of our small How to choose a roof box article, we hope we have provided the essential information to assist you in pursuing the ultimate roof box experience out there.
With that being said, we recommend taking all necessary measures while installing a roof box or changing any type of equipment; remember, safety comes first!
Also, we hope you found our roof box buying guide useful and pleasant, and if so, please assist us by sharing it, since sharing drives us to create more relevant content.
