You are running into space and weight constraints with your outfit? A roofbox could be the answer. It provides extra storage without exceeding your MTPLM.
Since the moment we took our caravan to the weighbridge, we’ve worried about how much equipment we can take on board. Although we usually manage fine, it is difficult to transport the entire awning when on long trips. I said ‘had’ because we now have the solution in a box with a roof.
It was a Range Rover that had no roof rails so we had to learn how to attach the roof box to the car. This was the beginning for a steep learning curve regarding how roof boxes attach.
A friend owns a similar car, so we visited him. Our Range Rovers have six mounting spots, all of which are hidden beneath a plastic, hinged covering. The four frontal mounting points had been used by our friend to anchor two bars. To these, the roof box was secured.
Each mount includes a bolt, secured by an wing nut, and covered by the cover. The bars are aerofoil shaped in order to reduce wind noise and drag. The solution was simple: we only needed to buy a pair.
Size and shape
Next came the size of the box. A larger box will provide more storage space and be easier to open from either side. You will need to be able to transport multiple items, such as bikes, on the roof. A narrow or medium-width storage box is better.
You don’t have to limit the length of your vehicle, but it is necessary that you can open any tailgate with your roof box. You can allow the box to hang slightly above the front, if this is a problem.
It is important that your box is long enough to hold any longer objects. This was our case. It also included our awning poles.
Even without these items a longer container will take up more space. If the box is to be used by a large family, it is well worth it.
Roof bars
Roof boxes attach onto roof bars that run from one side of the car to the other. The bars can attach to pre-existing mounting points, existing rails or simply clamp to bodywork. There are some cars that have old-fashioned rain gutters that you can use for clamping.
Some cars, including the editor’s old Passat CC, do not have mounting points for the roof bar. So his Thule roof clamps where mounted between the roof swage lines and under top edges of the windows frames.
Although it was a little tricky to mount, it was easy to fix once it was. Thule’s aerodynamically engineered WingBars are 55% more drag-efficient than their predecessors.
There were two options available to us: either to buy roof bars that can clamp to the car’s body, and a set of suitable roof bars. To reduce noise, we went for body clamping brackets and aerofoilrails because we wanted the car to look clean.
Locking mechanisms
A roof box lid must be securely fastened at more points than one to ensure it is secure. Manufacturers have developed central locking mechanisms to make it easier.
If the caravan roof boxes are full with bulky items, you will have to press down on each side of the lid before you can turn your key. This is often a two-person job.
Kamei and other manufacturers have created a “pull to click-shut” mechanism. You pull down on each of the points until it clicks shut. After that, you press the key.
Weighing considerations
One thing we didn’t consider was the weight of the roof box and its associated roof bars. Each car model has its roof-loading limit. They range from 50 to 100 kg. The handbook of your car will give you more details.
Roof boxes that have roof bars weigh between 12 and 25 kg. This weight must then be deducted from your car’s roof load limit to determine the maximum weight you can place in the roofbox. Also, the box’s maximum load limit must be taken into account. This usually falls between 50 kg and 75 kg.
Capacity
You can expect capacities to range from 250 litres in a small box with half width to 600 litres in a larger box with full width.
Comparatively, the new VW Golf can hold 380 litres of cargo, and the Volvo V70 is a popular trailer, with a 575-litre boot. This car is perfect for carrying long beach gear (windbreaks, umbrellas, etc.) and annoying, whiny little children.
Open options
Roof boxes can open from either the side, one or both sides. Rear and dual side openings offer the advantage of being able to access the box from either the side or the back. This makes it much easier to attach the roof bars and load.
Our choice
Any roof box should be big enough to hold our awning. A full-sized Isabella with its poles weighed 51kg. The box would have to be large enough for it. It would be nice to store a few light bikes together on the roof bars. We didn’t want to make it too big.
After much research and debate, we settled on the Thule Motion800, also called the Motion XL. It’s a well-made item with a capacity up to 460lb and a maximum load of 75kg. The box weighs in around 19 kg, or 25kg with the roof bars.
Our car roof can hold 100 kg of weight, so it’s a perfect match. It has a speed rating of 130 km/h (80/mph), which is quite sufficient for us.
And what about the price? The box cost PS439.95. The bar and fixings included with locks cost PS189.00. That’s a total of PS628.95.
Once we had read the instructions in the pictorial format, it was simple to fit the roof bars or roof boxes. While it took us two to lift everything, this is normal with roof boxes.
The new roof box’s height makes it difficult to get in and out. The caravan step is very helpful. You can also use it to stand on your car seats and hold onto a roof rail.
The awning will now stay in its roof box, out the way, until you are ready to mount it. As an added bonus, the roof bars allow us to carry additional items.
Fitting can be difficult – systems that are not designed for cars without roof bars can be complicated – take a look on YouTube. You will find solutions to nearly every problem.
Copyright Reseau Actu.