If you’ve ever seen a car with a roof box or rack, you may have noticed that the box or rack often extends beyond the edge of the windshield. This can lead to some interesting aerodynamic effects, and it’s one of the many things that people debate when it comes to roof boxes and racks. So, is it really necessary for a roof box or rack to overhang the windshield? And if so, how much should it overhang?
While a small amount of overhang is necessary in order to provide adequate storage space, too much overhang can create drag and reduce fuel efficiency.
While the extra space can be tempting, tests revealed that it comes at a cost-namely, your fuel economy. Consumerreports.org have found that sedan mileage drops by nearly 11 percent when only a roof rack is installed, and the mileage gets dropped even further, as much as by 19 percent, when a rooftop carrier gets attached to the sedan along with the existing roof rack.
https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-rooftop-carriers-affect-fuel-economy/
Can a roof cargo box overhang?
Sure, a little overhang is no big deal. But you don’t want your Roof Cargo Box hanging too far off the back of your car. You don’t want it getting in the way of opening your trunk, after all. So, when packing up your roof box, just be mindful of how much it’s sticking out. As long as you’re aware of it and take precautions accordingly, you should be fine.
3 Tips to Follow –
- First, make sure that your roof cargo box is the right size for your car. You don’t want it to be too big or too small.
- Second, check to see if there’s any overhang. A little bit is fine, but too much could get in the way of opening your trunk.
- And finally, make sure that the box is mounted securely to your roof.
A Little Overhang is Not The end of the World
Anyone who has ever driven with a roof cargo box knows that overhang is inevitable. But what many people don’t realize is that too much overhang can create some serious stability issues. That’s why it’s important to be careful about how the roof cargo box is sitting before you hit the road.
No matter what model of roof box you are planning to purchase, you will have to bear with little bit of overhang; there is no escaping it and it should not bother you that much. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that the box is properly secured before hitting the open road. After all, the last thing you want is for your cargo to come flying off the roof at highway speeds! With a little bit of care and attention, though, you can safely enjoy all the benefits of roof-mounted storage. Also, don’t forget to do a test driving in slow speed in your neighborhood.
Front Overhang is Fine But Rear Is Not
Rear overhang can cause some problems, as it can get in the way of trunk access and also affect the car’s handling. So, if you do have a lot of overhang at the back of your car, you may want to think about trimming it down a bit.
When it comes to roof cargo boxes, a little bit of overhang is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it! There are a few things you can do to reduce or avoid overhang altogether:
- Make sure you choose a box that is the right size for your vehicle.
- Check for overhang before hitting the road. A little bit is no big deal, but too much could be dangerous.
- Make sure the box is securely mounted to your roof.
- If you have a lot of overhang at the rear of your car, think about trimming it down.
How to Deal With Overhang
Car Type
Believe it or not, not all cars are created equal when it comes to rooftop cargo boxes. Some models are simply not designed to hold a rooftop box, so if that’s an important feature for you, be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Additionally, keep in mind that cargo bags are a great alternative for those who don’t have a lot of space to spare. They come in a variety of sizes and can be easily stored when not in use. So, no matter what your budget or needs, there’s definitely an option out.
Positioning
You can make changes in the position of the cargo box if you want to eliminate drag to a certain extent. Move the cargo either to the front or to the rear if you have to improve the aerodynamic but don’t move it too far back to the rear section of the car because that would interfere with rear hatch. This will typically give you enough leeway to reduce the overhang on either the front windscreen or rear of the vehicle. Notably, though, too much rear overhang isn’t great for your car’s aerodynamics. So, if you can avoid it, try not to have more than a few inches of overhang.
Measure
It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before making a big purchase – especially when that purchase is for something that will be attached to the roof of your vehicle. No one wants to be driving down the highway with a cargo box that’s too large or small for their car, truck, or SUV. That’s why measuring your rooftop before buying a cargo box is so important. It may seem like an extra step, but it’s a step that could save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. So next time you’re in the market for a rooftop cargo box, make sure you measure twice (or even three times) before making your final decision. Your wallet – and your sanity – will thank you.
