Nothing beats a classic weekend camping trip with friends! The smell of the pine trees, breathtaking views and time spent outside make it an experience like no other. But lugging your bulky gear around can really put a damper on things – that’s where roof boxes come in to save the day! It’s your doorway to easy weekend trips – by taking all the hassle out of packing and lugging around equipment. So we’ll show you how to pack a roof box that’ll make hitting the open road so much smoother. Let us show you how packing up for camping could be as easy breezy so you hit those roads stress-free! Get ready campers – adventure awaits!.
Packing Principles
If you pack the heaviest items first, it will be much easier to distribute the weight evenly. This is important, as an uneven distribution can cause the cargo box to sway and potentially damage your vehicle.
The heaviest items should be placed first otherwise, they will move around and can lead to a complete pandemonium during the journey. This will help distributing the weight evenly throughout the base. Next, you should try your level best to restrict the number of individual items as far as possible. Use duffel bags to keep smaller items in order (as it should be). Duffel bags can prove effective if you are planning to carry a lot of smaller items like clothes, poles, towels and more.
Maximum Loading Capacity
Most people tend to focus on only one thing while trying to figure out how much weight they can safely place on the roof of their car. Just because you are planning to load items in the rooftop cargo box, you simply can’t afford to ignore the maximum weight capacity of crossbars, roof rails, and vehicle’s roof. These numbers can be found in the relevant manuals. Next, when packing your vehicle, keep in mind that it’s always safer to load below the maximum capacity of the weakest component in your setup.
Just because your cargo box has a maximum weight capacity of 100 lbs does not necessarily mean that you should pack it to the brim. You need to check out the maximum load capacities of your car’s roof and crossbar. For example, if your cargo box has a 150 lbs capacity but your crossbars can only hold 80 lbs, it’s better to keep your load under 80 lbs. By following these guidelines, you can rest assured that your vehicle is safely loaded and avoid any potential damage.
Accessibility Matters
You are not going to need access to everything that is in your cargo box while driving, so it makes sense to place the heavier and more cumbersome items on the bottom. This will help keep the weight of the load evenly distributed. In addition, try to pack items that you will need most often towards the front of the cargo box. This will make them easier to access and save you time during your trip.
Pack Efficiently
Now that you have an idea of what needs to go where, it’s time to start packing! When packing your roof box for camping, it’s important to be as efficient as possible. Here are a few tips:
- Pack large items first and fill any empty spaces with smaller items
- Make sure that all items are securely fastened in place
- Pack heavier items on the bottom of the cargo box
- Be sure to distribute the weight evenly
Secure The Load
Once everything is packed, it’s time to secure the load. This is a crucial step, as an improperly secured load can lead to accidents and damage to your vehicle. When securing your load, be sure to use plenty of straps and tighten them securely. In addition, make sure that all items are facing in the same direction so they don’t move around while driving.
Use a compression bag to store bulky items
If you have any bulky items, like a sleeping bag or a tent, use a compression bag to store it. This will help save space and keep the items from becoming wrinkled. These handy bags are great for storing bulky items like blankets and pillows, and they’ll free up space in your roof box for other things. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive, so you won’t have to break the bank to get one.
Compression bags are designed to squish down your belongings so they take up less space. Simply pack your items into the bag, then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. Not only will everything fit into your roof box more easily, but it will also be better protected.
Take It Slow
When driving with a rooftop cargo box, it’s important to take it slow and steady. Excessive speeds can cause the load to shift and increase the risk of an accident. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid sharp turns and other maneuvers that could cause the load to move around. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your camping trip will go smoothly from start to finish!
