If you're like most people, it doesn't take long for that once spacious automobile to become somewhat full of your belongings.
Without a lot of space, it's sometimes difficult to bring everything you need. So whether you need this space for a weekend getaway or something else, a roof cargo box might be the perfect solution to space-related problems.
Not to discourage you, but there are quite a few types of roof cargo boxes online. So with that in mind, it's perfectly understandable to want some help finding the correct type of roof cargo box.
If you're wondering how to choose a roof cargo box for your vehicle, we've all the information you need.
Also read Here are thirteen essential things to keep in mind when buying a roof cargo box.
Choosing the correct rooftop cargo box can be a challenge for people who don't know what to look for. Some of the most important factors to consider are the size and type of box, the weight capacity, and the vehicle type. You also need to make sure that the box you choose is compatible with your roof rack system.
1. What is a rooftop cargo box, and why do you need one
A rooftop cargo box is a great way to safely and efficiently transport all your gear. They come in various sizes and styles, so choosing one compatible with your vehicle and roof rack system is essential. Rooftop cargo boxes are a must-have for anyone who loves to explore, and they can be a great way to make your adventures more convenient and enjoyable.
How do you use a roof cargo box?
To use a rooftop cargo box, you will need to install the box onto your roof rack system using the included mounting hardware. Once your box is securely in place, you can load it up with all your gear and start exploring! When not in use, remember to remove the box from your vehicle for safety and security.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a rooftop cargo box.
- First: be sure to distribute the weight of your gear in the box evenly. This will help to prevent damage to your vehicle or roof rack system.
- Second: make sure that the box is securely closed and locked before you start driving. This will help prevent your belongings from spilling out or falling out of the box while on the road.
- Finally: be sure to check the weather conditions before you head out. If it is windy or rainy, it is best to drive carefully to prevent damage to your belongings or other vehicles on the road.
How much do rooftop cargo boxes cost?
Rooftop cargo boxes can range from $259.99 to over $2,449.13; It depends on the type and size of box you choose and the brand and material.
One of the most significant factors is material. Rooftop cargo boxes can be made from various materials, including plastic and fiberglass. The type of material you choose will impact the overall cost of the box. For example, fiberglass boxes tend to be more expensive than plastic.
Another factor that contributes to cost:
Brand.
Like Yakima and Thule, some brands are known for their high-quality products and tend to be more expensive. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, several less well-known brands offer good quality at a lower price point.
Size
Larger boxes tend to be more expensive than smaller ones because they can hold more items. However, if you're looking for a larger box, investing in a more premium-brand product known for its durability and quality may be worth investing in.
The type of box.
There are two main types of boxes: hard-sided and soft-sided. Hard-sided boxes are typically more expensive than their soft-sided counterparts because they offer more protection for your belongings.
2. How to choose the correct rooftop cargo box for your needs
When choosing a rooftop cargo box, it's essential to consider the needs of the individual. Some factors to consider are the size and type of box, the weight capacity, and the vehicle type. It's also essential to ensure that the box is compatible with your roof rack system.
size
The size of the rooftop cargo box is essential, as it will impact how much gear you can fit inside. There are a variety of sizes available, including small, medium, large, and extra-large. It's essential to choose a box that is the right size for your needs. For example, if you prefer to travel light and don't need much storage space, a small or medium box may be sufficient. However, if you have a lot of gear to store, you may need something larger, like an extra-large or jumbo-sized box.
type
There are two main types of rooftop cargo boxes: hard-sided and soft-sided. Hard-sided boxes offer more protection for your belongings, but they are typically more expensive. On the other hand, soft-sided boxes are less costly but provide less security. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right type of box for you and your needs.
weight capacity
The weight capacity of the rooftop cargo box is another important consideration. The weight capacity will impact how much gear you can store in the box. Therefore, choose a box with a suitable weight capacity for your needs. For example, if you're going camping and plan to store heavy gear, selecting a box with a high weight capacity is crucial. However, if you aren't planning on packing many heavy items, a smaller or medium-sized box may be sufficient.
vehicle type
The vehicle you have will also impact which cargo box is correct for you. Make sure to choose a box compatible with your roof rack system. For example, if you have a car with a roof rack, you'll need to select a box designed to work with that particular type of rack. Additionally, some vehicle types may have lower weight capacities than others. For example, if you have a small car, it's crucial to choose a box that is within the weight capacity of your vehicle and not too large or heavy.
When choosing a rooftop cargo box, it's essential to consider all of these factors to pick the best option for your needs.
Size of Your Vehicle
One of the most important factors to think about when choosing a roof cargo box for your vehicle is the size of your automobile. Every vehicle only features so much roof space. Considering that, the roof cargo box that you purchase needs to be able to fit on top of your car.
Fortunately, you can avoid any worries about choosing the wrong size roof cargo box by taking measurements of the top of your automobile. While doing this, measure the length and width of your vehicle's roof. With this measurement, you'll immediately be able to rule out roof cargo boxes that are too large for your car.
Vehicle's Maximum Rooftop Load
It's understandable to be highly eager to set up your roof cargo box. With that said, it's important to have an idea of how much weight will fit inside of your cargo box. You might think that you can easily find this information in your owner's manual, which is true. However, with that said, you also need to know the weight limit of your vehicle's roof. If not, you run the risk of storing too much weight on the top of your automobile and potentially damaging it.
Here's a helpful way to figure this out. First, you'll need to find the maximum rooftop load of your car. You can find this information in your owner's manual. Next, take note of how much your roof cargo box and the crossbars on your vehicle weigh.0
For example, let's say that your car has a maximum rooftop load weight of 175 lbs. Your new roof cargo box weighs 60 lbs, and your roof rails weigh 10 lbs. In this case, your total cargo shouldn't weigh more than 105 lbs.
To determine the maximum weight you can store in this box, the equation would look like this:
Max rooftop load - the weight of your roof cargo box - the weight of your roof rails = maximum weight of your stored gear
Buying the Biggest Cargo Box Isn't Always the Best Idea.
You might be asking yourself: "Why don't I save myself the hassle of finding a cargo box and just buy the biggest one?" It's certainly understandable to see why this might be a good idea. After all, a large roof cargo box should be able to store everything you need. However, when it comes to learning how to choose a roof cargo box for your vehicle, bigger isn't always better.
If you're struggling to fill up an extremely large roof cargo box, this could lead to what you place inside of it moving around quite a bit as you drive. You'll also want to know that larger roof cargo boxes can impact the fuel economy of your vehicle, which could mean spending more on fuel than you were prepared for.
Hatch Clearance Matters When Choosing a Roof Cargo Box
Last but not least, it's essential to make sure you choose a roof cargo box that gives you excellent hatch clearance. If you have proper hatch clearance, you'll be able to fully open the rear door of your automobile. On the other hand, choosing a roof cargo box that's too long might prevent you from fully opening your car's back door. It's also possible to still be able to open it, but not entirely. To avoid this problem, measure how much roof space you have with your vehicle's rear door open.
3. Tips for using your rooftop cargo box safely and effectively.
When using a rooftop cargo box, it's essential to be aware of a few safety considerations:
- Make sure that the box is appropriately secured to the vehicle before driving.
- Avoid overloading the box and make sure not to exceed the weight capacity of the box or your vehicle.
- Be aware of your surroundings when opening and closing the box, as there is a risk of falling objects.
How to securely attach a rooftop cargo box
- Make sure that the box is compatible with your roof rack system.
- Attach the box to your roof rack, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Once the box is attached, load it with your gear, making sure not to exceed its weight capacity.
- Drive carefully and safely, taking care to avoid sudden maneuvers or sharp turns that may destabilize or damage the cargo box.
You can watch a video that shows the general assembly process of a rooftop cargo box here.
How to safely load a rooftop cargo box
- Make sure that the box is not overloaded and does not exceed the weight capacity of your vehicle.
- Carefully load the cargo box with your gear, avoiding overloading it.
- Once the box is packed, drive carefully and safely, avoiding sudden maneuvers or sharp turns that may destabilize or damage the cargo box.
- Remember to keep an eye on your surroundings when opening and closing the box, as there may be a risk of falling objects.
To avoid overloading a rooftop cargo box,
- Check the box's weight capacity and vehicle before loading the box.
- Carefully pack the cargo box with your gear, taking care not to exceed the weight limit.
- be aware of your surroundings when opening and closing the box, as there is a risk of falling
Tips for opening and closing a rooftop cargo box
- Ensure the box is secured to the vehicle before opening.
- Be aware of your surroundings when opening and closing the box, as there is a risk of falling objects.
- Take care not to over-extend yourself when reaching for items in the box.
So if you're ready to get out there and hit the open road, be sure to check out our guide on finding the best rooftop cargo box for your vehicle!
4. FAQ
What You're Bringing Along for the Ride
Part of the fun of having a roof cargo box is benefiting from its space. However, it's also important to note that roof cargo boxes are available in many sizes. For instance, long and narrow cargo boxes are great for items like skis.
Other types of roof cargo boxes that are less narrow might work better for items like sleeping bags, pillows, and similar items. While roof cargo boxes are great for storing many objects, certain things are best kept inside your vehicle. For example, if you're trying to store heavier items like full coolers or something that weighs a lot, it's probably best to transport them inside your automobile.
How Much Space You Think You'll Need
Whether it comes to storage sheds or roof cargo boxes, it's usually a good idea to buy an item that's one size bigger than what you think you'll need. As a result, you'll have a little more room to bring along things that might catch your eye in the future.
Let's say that you have 20 cubic feet of cargo you want to bring along with you. While researching roof cargo boxes, you see one that offers 20 cubic feet of space and another that offers 30 cubic feet of space. If you want to make the best choice for future space concerns, it's probably best to purchase the latter option.
How much weight can a rooftop cargo box hold?
Most cargo boxes have a weight capacity of around 150-200 pounds. However, it's always best to check the specific weight limit for your box before loading it up.
Can I put a rooftop cargo box on any car?
No, not all cars are compatible with rooftop cargo boxes. Make sure to check the specifications for your particular vehicle before purchasing a box.
Do I need to attach a rooftop cargo box to my car?
Yes, all rooftop cargo boxes must be attached to the roof of your vehicle to be used safely and effectively. A cargo box can become detached from your car while driving and cause severe damage or injury without properly secured.
How can I prevent overloading a rooftop cargo box?
To avoid overloading your rooftop cargo box, check the weight capacity of both the box and your vehicle before loading it up. Then, carefully load the gear into the box, taking care not to exceed the weight limit. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings when opening and closing the box as there is a risk of falling objects. With these tips in mind, you can safely use your rooftop cargo box for all kinds of adventures!
Are there any tips for opening and closing my rooftop cargo box?
Yes – always make sure that the box is properly secured to your car before opening it. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings when opening or closing it to avoid potential injuries from falling objects. Finally, take care not to over-extend yourself when reaching for items in the box.
In conclusion
You rely on your vehicle to get you where you need to go, but even the most spacious vehicles can feel cramped when all your gear is piled in alongside you.
Choosing a rooftop cargo box can be an excellent option for getting all your stuff quickly and safely. This storage system provides plenty of extra space, but it also adds a sleek and stylish touch to your vehicle.
So if you're looking for a convenient and intelligent way to bring everything along with you wherever you go, then adding a rooftop cargo box is the way! Because with this kind of storage system, there's no need for compromise between gear and gear space - instead, everything will fit perfectly together so that nothing gets left behind, and all of your equipment can come along for the ride.
Ready to control how much gear you can fit into your car? Then don't wait any longer – choose a rooftop cargo box today and see just how much more room there is out there on the road ahead!
I hope that this article helps you choose a roof cargo box for your vehicle. It does take a little time and energy to find a roof cargo box that works best for you. However, after seeing the correct cargo box, you'll have a great way to bring along extra items wherever the road takes you.