A roof box, also known as a roof box, allows you to take additional luggage with you. This can be necessary, for example, if you want to go on holiday with the whole family and the children can't decide which toys absolutely have to come with them. But it can also be worth using a roof rack if you are going away for a longer period of time or if you are not sure what weather conditions to expect. But as nice as it sounds to simply have more with you, the disadvantages can weigh so heavily. With this article, we provide you with a decision-making aid so that you can make an informed decision for or against a car roof box.
Contents
What suits your needs: a roof box or a Rear box?
The basis for transporting luggage on the vehicle roof is the attachment to the roof rails of your car. Not all vehicles are equipped with such brackets as standard. Depending on the model, there is the option of retrofitting them or anchoring the roof racks (i.e. the required crossbars for attaching the box) in the area of the vehicle doors. You should find out in advance exactly which system fits your vehicle model from its specific year of manufacture. In this way you avoid unpleasant surprises if you buy a roof box and then cannot attach it. In principle, this additional storage space is offered in the vehicle accessories market in a large number of different sizes, shapes and dimensions. The main purpose is to transport bulky goods in particular as simply and safely as possible. We don't want to go unmentioned that there are also different types of roof devices for special transport tasks, such as skis or a snowboard. There are also roof racks for space-saving transport of bicycles.
While the car roof box, as the name suggests, is mounted on the vehicle roof and you have to calculate and observe the roof load accordingly, the rear box is attached to the back of your car. Most of these components are designed to be mounted on the existing trailer hitch. In many cases, the space available is less, but it is easier to use even for everyday transport problems because you can access the contents more easily. The purpose of the two luggage compartment extensions is identical, but there are some important differences, which we would like to explain below.
Roof boxes, roof boxes and roof bags
The price range of transport options on the car roof is very large. It starts with simple, collapsible roof bags, which are available for less than a hundred euros, and extends to particularly large roof boxes, which can even offer 1,700 liters of additional loading volume. However, conventional roof boxes hold about 300-500 liters. It is therefore worth examining your own needs before making a purchase and considering whether you would like to start by renting a roof box.
Basically, most accessories of this type are designed in such a way that they have the lowest possible air resistance. This affects the aerodynamics of your vehicle as little as possible. Nevertheless, they have the disadvantage that fuel consumption increases significantly. Of course, this is more important for long distances that you cover, for example, on a holiday trip. In addition, there is a maximum speed with a roof box, which, at least in The United Kingdom, can have a negative impact on progress. With this accessory on the roof, you can drive at a maximum of 130 km/h or even only 120 km/h. Other disadvantages are the additional vehicle height, which has to be taken into account, as well as the somewhat more difficult loading. Nevertheless, the large selection has led to many people relying on such additional storage space.
If you decide to transport on your vehicle roof, there are a few parameters that you should take a close look at. In addition to the capacity, this also includes the maximum permissible roof load of your vehicle. The type of roof rack must also match the desired box. Other decision-making criteria are the crash test behavior, any additional functions that may be offered, and the processing quality. In addition, you must not forget that the permissible total mass of your vehicle does not increase even with a roof structure and that your vehicle may not exceed the overall height of four meters or the overall width of 2.55 meters.
Rear boxes
In recent decades, rear boxes have also developed into an interesting alternative to carrying additional luggage, in addition to holders for transporting a bicycle. One of the reasons for this is that many vehicles have a trailer hitch that is easy to use for assembly. In addition, you can load them more easily, so that more and more people use them in everyday life or for professional or commercial purposes. Since the box is located behind your vehicle in its slipstream, there is only a comparatively small impact on the aerodynamics. Not only does this result in hardly any increase in fuel consumption, but you will also only notice a slight increase in driving noise. Nevertheless, this tool naturally increases the overall vehicle length, which not only makes maneuvering more difficult, but often you can no longer rely on your rear parking aid. Depending on the size, you will also notice poorer visibility in the rear-view mirror or through the rear window. However, if you are afraid that you will no longer be able to open your trunk lid after installation, this is usually unfounded. This is because almost all manufacturers provide the option of folding such a rear box backwards or downwards. The mechanism is comparable to that of the rear bicycle mounts. After that there is enough space to get to the trunk as well. Good to know: The legislator does not specify the maximum speed allowed with a rear box; we still advise you not to exhaust your vehicle with it.
Conclusion
Roof boxes and rear boxes are practical aids if there is not enough storage space in the vehicle. You can also drive significantly faster with them than with a trailer. In addition, these can also be used if your car does not have a trailer hitch. However, you should note that the maximum payload can be reached quickly and that the top speed with a roof box is generally 120 km/h. Nevertheless, you can start your holiday more carefree with kith and kin.
A tip from CarTipsandmore: If you are not sure what kind of additional storage space you need, you can Rent roof or rear boxes from various providers. The same applies if you rarely need them or simply do not have enough storage space for the time when you are not using them on the car. The fees to be paid are usually within a manageable range, but you should reserve them sufficiently early. This applies all the more if you want to use them during the peak travel season.