Having a car roof carrier 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 car 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:
Read the Guidelines
Different car roof box carriers have different mounting needs. Some boxes need more extensive assembly than others. Look for any bolt, screw and latches that need to be attached. Improper assembly can lead to major problem down the line. So, it is essential that you go through the guidelines first.
Use Lubrication
After prolonged exposure to the extreme weather, the parts of the roof box may become rusty. To stop the carrier fittings from getting corroded, you should apply ample amount of grease on these parts so that they work smoothly.
Check for Leaks
I understand that you have just purchased the roof box and therefore, there is no it can have leaks right? Well, always expect the unexpected when you are dealing with machinery. Even a minor crack is more than enough to cause leakage. If you come across any, you need to get them repair as fast as possible.
Understand the Torque Settings
Some carriers have exact torque settings and you have to follow that. A properly-torqued carrier will go a long way in keeping your belongings safe during the bumpy road ahead. Torque is used to measure the rotational or twisting force and that means, you need to carefully follow the exact torque settings while tightening the screws and the bolts so that you don’t end up damaging the roof box in the process. It should not be too tight and it should not be too loose otherwise things might fly out while you are driving.
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.
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.
Expert Tips For Loading Your Roof 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.
Put Your Suitcases In 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. To stop the suitcase from moving around inside the roof box, you can always use tie-down.
Put The Heaviest Things In The Car Trunk
It is prudent that you put the heavy things in the car trunk. Do not pout heavyweight objects in the rooftop carrier first. Ideally, pack until the backside windshield. Then, put the lighter items in the roof carrier.
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 cargo boxes ship with internal straps. These not only help secure the items in place but also help reduce noise.
Put Your Sports Equipment In The Rooftop Box
If you are carrying any sports gear, 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.
Tie-Down The Box
You may use straps or bungee cords to secure the cargo box on roof rack better. This will also make it harder for anyone to steal the box.
Wrap Things In Plastic
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.
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.
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. An evenly distributed weight also helps the car to handle better on the road.
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.
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.
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 weight of the box too.
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.
Know The Weather Conditions
Always, watch out 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.
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.
