Ah, the joy of hitting the open road with the wind in your hair and your favorite tunes blasting from the stereo! But wait! What’s this? You’ve run out of room for all your stuff? Don’t fret, intrepid traveler, because I’ve got the perfect solution for you: The Roof Box!
To kick things off, let’s get a sense of the big picture. A roof box, also known as a cargo box, offers an extra storage solution for vehicles, particularly when embarking on long trips. But here’s the intriguing part: What do you put in there? How do you utilize this additional space in the most efficient way possible? Let’s find out!
Firstly, let’s talk numbers. According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association, 53% of the US population partook in an outdoor activity at least once in 2020. That’s a significant amount of people potentially needing extra storage for their outdoor gear!
In 2020, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record.
https://outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2021-Outdoor-Participation-Trends-Report.pdf
Another interesting stat – a report by AAA found that 100 million Americans planned to take a family vacation in 2019. Imagine the amount of luggage that entails.
According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans – 4 in 10 U.S. adults – are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year.
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/03/100-million-americans-will-embark-on-family-vacations/
That’s where the roof box comes into play. It becomes the extra room you always wished your car had. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
The Perfect Blend: Utility and Weight
First and foremost, one must remember that a roof box isn’t an extra trunk that you can just stuff to the brim. It’s a delicate balancing act between what you need and what your car can handle.
To start with, the average roof box can handle about 50 to 75 kilograms of weight. This, of course, varies based on the box’s size, the car’s roof load limit, and the roof rack’s weight capacity. It’s always wise to check your car’s manual or consult with the manufacturer to avoid overloading and potentially damaging your vehicle.
So, what should go in there? Lightweight, bulky items are your best bet. The goal is to free up space inside your vehicle without making it top-heavy.
Your Clothing Companions
Let’s start with clothes. Now, you might be thinking, “Why on earth would I put my clothes in the roof box?” Well, here’s the thing: clothes are lightweight, and they take up a lot of space, especially if you’re packing for a family or for an extended trip.
You don’t have to put your entire wardrobe up there, though. Focus on items like jackets, sweaters, and other bulky outerwear. These are perfect for the roof box as they’re light but voluminous, and you won’t need them immediately during your journey.
The Joy of Outdoor Gear
Next on our list is outdoor gear. Camping equipment, picnic blankets, beach chairs, and other such items are excellent candidates for roof box storage. They’re typically light, bulky, and won’t be needed until you reach your destination.
But, be careful with items like skis and snowboards. While they might seem like a natural fit for the roof box, they can be quite heavy and could potentially exceed the weight limit if you’re not careful.
The Bulky Bunch
Last but not least, consider storing your bulky items like strollers, baby carriers, or even spare tires in the roof box. These items are often awkwardly shaped and take up a lot of room inside the car. Storing them in the roof box can make your journey more comfortable and less cramped.
A Word on Security
Now, you might be concerned about the safety of your items. What if it rains? What if someone tries to break into the box? Rest assured, most roof boxes are both weather-resistant and lockable, ensuring your belongings are safe and dry.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best items to put in your roof box are those that are light, bulky, and not immediately needed during your journey. Remember to always check the weight limit of your roof box and your vehicle to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
