Roof boxes, also known as ski boxes, are ideal to use when you go on winter sports. They are ideally suited for storing skis, so that you can easily take them with you to your winter sports destination. It should come as no surprise that roof boxes come in all shapes and sizes and can also be attached to the roof of your car in different ways. To guide you and help you find the right roof box, we would like to list the necessary things.
While choosing the right roof box is crucial for enhancing your vehicle’s storage capacity and maintaining safety during travel, it’s equally important to ensure that your vehicle’s roof is structurally sound to support this addition. Regular checks and maintenance by trusted professionals can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of both your vehicle’s roof and the roof box. For expert roofing services and advice, Omega Roofing offers comprehensive solutions to keep your vehicle in top condition, safeguarding your travels and cargo.
What sizes of roof boxes are there?
Of course, roof boxes come in different sizes and which one you choose depends entirely on your wishes. First of all, there is the length; the longer the roof box, the more space it will take up on top of your car. The length of these boxes varies from just under one and a half meters to just over two metres. However, length isn’t everything. Of course it’s about the contents of the suitcase. This one can also be quite different; from just over three hundred liters for the travelers who don’t need much, to over five hundred liters for the large families, whose skis all have to be neatly stored in the roof box. All in all, there is plenty of choice and there is the right roof box for every winter sports enthusiast.
How do you attach a roof box?
Roof boxes are mounted on the roof racks of your car. If you don’t have it yet, you should buy it too. The way of mounting differs per brand, but all roof boxes can usually be attached to the roof racks quite easily. Roof boxes generally have two attachment systems and how easy they are to attach depends on the price range.
- The cheaper roof boxes often use fasteners. This attachment consists of U-shaped brackets, which are attached to the bottom of the roof box. The roof box is placed on the roof rack, after which the bracket can be placed around it and secured at the bottom via safety buttons. Once properly tightened, the roof box is firmly and securely in place. This is usually fifteen minutes of work.
- If you buy a somewhat more expensive roof box from the higher segment, then mounting is often a bit faster, because you use a simpler system. This system allows the user to tighten the roof box from the inside, thanks to rotary knobs that operate clamps at the bottom of the box. By turning the knobs, the roof box is clamped automatically.
What should you pay attention to when purchasing a roof box?
It is a good idea to do some research first if you are looking for the right roof box for your situation. This way you learn which properties the different suitcases have, what they do well and what not so much. In any case, pay attention to the following points:
- Water resistance – You don’t want your roof box to let in rain, so how waterproof is it?
- How does the suitcase affect driving? – How tight is the case at high speeds? What happens if you make an emergency stop? Does the case stay in place during high-speed maneuvers? How bad is the wind noise? What is the influence on fuel consumption? These are all factors that you have to take into account if you want to buy one.
- How big is the roof box? – Of course size matters. It has to fit your car and everyone has different wishes in this area. Is the suitcase big enough for your family’s luggage or skis?
What does a roof box cost?
It should come as no surprise that the costs for a roof box can vary considerably. The small suitcases that are at the bottom of the list when it comes to quality and durability can be bought for less than two hundred euros. However, if you go for a top model that also has a very large volume, the prices will quickly rise to more than eight hundred euros. That is also why it is important that before you pull out the wallet, you delve into the different suitcases and how they come from various tests. That way you make a well-considered choice for the right roof box and you can take your skis with you to the mountains for years to come.