Having a roof box is useful but you have to know how to use it properly. It is also necessary that you learn how to pack the rooftop carrier properly. This will help you evade hassles when using the car for vacations.
How to pack the Roof Box Carrier
You have to be careful when packing the car roof carrier box. Not all such boxes have similar shapes and sizes, for sure. Pack it in a way so that unpacking and unloading things do not become tedious.
Listed below are some handy tips for packing your car roof carrier in the best way:
Understand the torque settings
It is very important to understand the torque settings. This will help you in avoiding over-tightening or under-tightening the bolts and screws. This will also help in maintaining the longevity of your roof box.
Read The Guidelines
Not all roof boxes are the same and that means, their mounting requirements will also be different. So, that means, you will have to read the manual carefully. A poorly attached roof box is a recipe for disaster. Some roof boxes demand complex installation processes while some are very easy to install. Look for any bolt, screw, and latches while you are installing the roof box.
Lubrication
A little bit of lubrication can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your roof box. Since the roof boxes will be exposed to a lot of elements, it makes sense to keep them lubricated. Apply some lubricant to the hinges so that they can keep themselves protected from rust and corrosion. By doing so, you will have to face less difficulty while opening and closing the roof box. Lubricant
Check Roof Rack Compatibility
Ensure the carrier box is compatible with your car roof rack. Nowadays, most carrier makers design their models to be compatible with a wide range of cars.
Ask for Assistance
If the car roof carrier is heavy, you may not be able to mount it alone. Seek help from a friend or someone in the family to evade getting hurt or damaging the carrier by chance.
Expert Tips for Loading Your Box Carrier
Car owners using a box carrier are aware of the overloading issues. The weight limit is something you have to find out first. Look up the manual or check the company website for information on it.
Distribute the Weight Evenly
Pack things in the car roof box in such a way that weight distribution is even. This will ensure that when the car turns, the box will not slide in one direction or fall off easily. Poor weight distribution can make the roof box wobble and eventually lead to an accident.
Put the Heaviest Things in The Car Trunk
It is prudent that you put the heavy things in the car trunk. Do not put heavyweight objects in the rooftop box first. Roof boxes are designed to allow people to carry extra gears that can’t be stuffed in the car. You can carry things like suitcases and blankets in a roof box. Be considerate of the weight limit of the carrier. Under no circumstances, it should be bursting at the seams.
Put Your Sports Equipment in the Rooftop Box
If you are carrying any sports gear like lacrosse stick, or skies etc, pack those in the car roof carrier. These include equipment like skis and snowboards and hockey sticks. These fit in the carrier better than the car trunk, for sure.
Put Your Suitcases in the Cargo Box
Most car rooftop storage boxes are made to accommodate suitcases. Pack in your suitcase in the cargo box and fill the rest of the space with other softer items.
Wrap Things in Plastic
I know plastic is bad for the environment but if you are carrying things that can be damaged by water, it is best to wrap them in plastic. This will protect your belongings from the rain and snow.
Even if the cargo box is water-resistant, you should not take chance. If valuable items are inside which should not get wet keep them wrapped in plastics. This is a must if you want to travel amidst monsoon.
Use Straps or Holders
To ensure the cargo box stays firmly in its place on the car roof, make use of straps inside it. Some roof boxes ship with internal straps. These not only help secure the items in place but also help reduce noise. Without these straps, the items inside the roof boxes rattle around and make a lot of noise.
Lock Well
Every cargo box comes with a locking system in place. Ensure you lock it well and load the box in such a way that the lock can be accessed minus hassles.
Seek Help for Loading
If the cargo box is jam-packed, ask someone to help you load it on the car roof. You may also use a ladder or stool.
Tie-down The Box
You may use straps or bungee cords to secure the cargo box on the roof rack better. This will also make it harder for anyone to steal the box.
Don’t Overload The Box
Always, keep an eye on the weight limit of the car roof box. The weight limit may vary between 75-250 pounds and that includes the weight of the box too.
Think of The Car Height
Loading rooftop cargo box adds to the overall car height. So, you may need to look for low-height tunnels and underground parking garages.
Know the Weather Conditions
Always, watch out for the weather conditions before loading your car roof box and setting it up. If a storm or rainfall is likely, using additional straps and using a waterproof cover may be prudent.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Ensure the tire air pressure is optimal so that your car’s fuel economy does not get overly affected especially when there is a cargo box set up atop.
Look for Speed Limits
While you should be mindful of the road speed limit guidelines, think of the speed limit mentioned by the cargo box company too. Even if the cargo box is aerodynamic, some amount of wind drag is bound to happen.
Conclusion
Packing a car roof box is not difficult if you know what goes where. With a few tips, you will be an expert at utilizing the car roof space and make the most of it. Do you have any tips to share? Drop us a line in the comments below.
