Roof boxes are gaining popularity with people who love traveling. With a roof box on your vehicle, you will see a huge difference in the volume of things that you can carry on your next trip. Roof boxes come in myriad varieties and you can choose the one which syncs best with your requirements. These boxes come in varying sizes, materials, and designs and you can keep snowboards, small suitcases, fishing rods, and more.
Rent Or Purchase A Roof Box
However, the question that remains unanswered when it comes to roof boxes is whether you purchase one or take one on lease while traveling. If you are on a low budget and have a trip planned already, you can think of renting a roof box instead of purchasing one. But is that a good decision for all your travel plans? Many factors will decide if you should buy or rent a roof box. We will discuss these in detail here.
The Volume Of Stuff That You Will Be Carrying On Your Trip
It is important for you to determine the number of items that you will pack into the roof box. The size of these boxes is measured in cubic feet. Some boxes measure less than 10 cubic feet of items, and others can hold 30 cubic feet and even more.
Extra-large roof boxes are pretty expensive to purchase. These boxes are made of soft materials; though some of the varieties are in hard-shell materials. However, if you intend to use such boxes quite a few times in a year, it is best to purchase one box and keep it. While renting, you might not get the exact kind you are looking for.
The price of such a large roof box is in the range of USD 100. Even while taking it on rent, you will have to pay almost the same amount every time. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned. Therefore it is a good idea to invest USD 100 and have a large-sized roof box of your own.
Storing The Roof Box When Not In Use
Though many people keep the roof box on the vehicle’s roof, it weakens the gas mileage and the vehicle consumes more fuel. Therefore, it is best to remove the roof box when not being used. If the box is made of soft materials, or polyester, you will get a storage bag where you can safely store the box. But for hard-shell boxes, you will have to keep them on a rack or hang them from the wall.
The Number Of Trips That You Take Per Year
If you love traveling and go for innumerable trips throughout the year, it is best if you purchase a roof box for your vehicle. When you compare it to leasing a box, purchasing it seems to be more cost-effective. The roof box rental comes as a package for the number of days you want it on rent. If you calculate closely, you will find that in the long run, buying the roof box proves to be economical.
On the other hand, if you travel once a year or even less, there is no need for buying a roof box. In such situations, you can take the box on rent conveniently at moderate charges.
How The Roof Box Will Be Attached To The Vehicle
Some roof boxes need to have a roof rack; while others just need a strap or a rope to tie the box to the top of the vehicle. If the box of your choice needs a roof rack and your car doesn’t have one, it is best to take the box on lease. However, if you have a rack or have provisions for installing one, you can always go for purchasing the box.
Consider the above factors and decide on purchasing or leasing a roof box for your vehicle.
