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Is your car feeling a bit cramped with all your belongings? Whether you're sending the kids off to college or heading out on a road trip, roof boxes for cars can help solve your space dilemmas.
A roof box is an accessory designed to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle to provide additional storage space. It is typically used for transporting luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items that may not fit inside the vehicle. Roof boxes are usually made from durable materials, are weather-resistant, and come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different needs. They can be securely attached to roof racks and are ideal for road trips, camping, or any travel requiring extra cargo capacity.
A car roof box is a specially designed container that attaches to the top of your vehicle. These boxes come with locking mechanisms and provide additional storage capacity for transporting items when your car's trunk is full.
When they’re not needed, you can easily detach them, so you won't have to drive around with them constantly attached. However, it’s not ideal to be installing and removing them every single day. They are designed to be weather-resistant, meaning they can remain on your vehicle for as long as necessary without any issues.
Is it possible to install a roof box on any vehicle?
Nearly there! To accommodate a roof box, you'll require a roof rack. While some vehicles come with roof rails, a roof rack is still necessary to connect to those rails. If your car lacks roof rails, you can still install roof racks and subsequently attach your roof box. Most roof boxes are compatible with nearly all roof racks, but it's advisable to verify compatibility prior to making a purchase.
There are several types of roof boxes available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Here are some common types: 1. **Hard Shell Roof Boxes**: These are made from durable materials like ABS plastic or fiberglass, providing excellent protection for your gear. They often come in various sizes and shapes. 2. **Soft Shell Roof Bags**: Made from heavy-duty fabric, soft shell bags are lightweight and flexible. They can be compressed when not in use and are generally more affordable than hard shell options. 3. **Aerodynamic Roof Boxes**: Designed for minimal wind resistance, these boxes help improve fuel efficiency while driving. Their sleek shapes reduce drag and noise. 4. **Cargo Carriers**: These are typically larger and can be used for carrying oversized items. They often have a more rugged design to accommodate bulkier gear. 5. **Ski and Snowboard Roof Boxes**: Specifically designed for winter sports equipment, these boxes come with features like ski and snowboard racks and insulation to protect your gear. 6. **Bike Roof Boxes**: Designed to transport bicycles securely, these boxes often include bike mounts and padding to prevent damage during transport. 7. **Lockable Roof Boxes**: Many roof boxes come with built-in locks to secure your belongings while traveling, providing added peace of mind. 8. **Universal Roof Boxes**: These are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles and come with adjustable mounting systems for easy installation. Choosing the right type of roof box depends on your specific needs, the type of gear you plan to transport, and your vehicle's compatibility.
While the variety of roof boxes isn't extensive, they do come in specific dimensions. You can choose from narrow, medium-width, or full-width roof boxes, in addition to longer models. Narrow roof boxes are particularly advantageous as they enable you to utilize your roof rack for additional cargo. This feature is especially beneficial when transporting larger items like bikes or kayaks alongside your roof box.
Full-width roof boxes provide additional storage capacity. They are designed to accommodate a single bike on your roof rack while ensuring that there is no excess space.
Medium-sized roof boxes strike a balance between the two extremes. They offer ample storage capacity, suitable for a medium to large family, while still allowing room for additional gear on your roof bars.
Extended roof boxes can be quite bulky, yet they are incredibly practical for transporting items longer than 2 meters, such as skis.
What additional factors should I consider when purchasing a roof box?
Inspect the locks on your roof box—are they sturdy and reliable? Can you secure them effortlessly without requiring the assistance of two others to keep the lid in place? It's likely that you won't always have a crowd available when you're ready to close it up.
We've discussed the importance of ensuring that the box meets your requirements. However, it's equally crucial to consider whether you have sufficient storage space for it when it's not in use. Keeping it mounted on your vehicle throughout the year isn't advisable, as it can increase drag and lead to higher fuel consumption.
Every roof box ought to be weather-resistant, ensuring your gear remains dry even in fierce winds. A key feature to consider is a substantial overhang on the roof box that extends between the lid and the base. This design element aids in preventing water from entering.
An additional feature that would be beneficial is a dual-sided opening. This allows you to access the box without having to open it into oncoming traffic, which is particularly useful if you're driving on the opposite side of the road while traveling overseas.
Discover the finest selections below.
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Judgment
We don’t have a bad word to say about the Atera roof box. It’s easy to use, easy to fit, creates minimal drag and looks smart. It’s a medium box, so should be good for even a relatively large family.
If you want something even bigger, look to the Thule. This premium box is spacious, well made and looks pretty swish too.
