Are you having trouble fitting your outfit into the available space? Roof boxes could be your solution. They provide extra storage space without exceeding your MTPLM.
Since we decided to bring our caravan to the public weighbridge, we have been concerned about how much kit we can carry. We manage to do well most of the time, but it was difficult to take the full awning along on longer trips. We have now found the solution in a roofbox.
We had to understand how the roof box would attach (a Range Rover), which didn’t have any roof rails. This was the beginning of a long learning curve about how roof boxes attach.
We were able to find a friend who has a similar car and a roof box so we drove over to him. Our Range Rovers come with six mounting points. Each one is hidden under a plastic, hinged cover. The front four points were used by our friend to attach a pair bars to which the roof box was attached.
Each mount is secured by a bolt and covered by a cover. Aerofoil was used to reduce drag and wind noise. We only needed two of these to solve the problem.
Dimensions and shapes
Next, consider the size and shape of caravan roof boxes. The next consideration was the size and shape of the box. A wider box is more spacious and can be opened from both sides. A narrower or medium-width container is better if you have to transport other items (e.g. bicycles) on the roof at once.
Although there are no restrictions on length, you must ensure that you can open the tailgate while the roof box is in place. This could be a problem if you are concerned.
The box should be at least three times the length of the longest items you plan to place in it. This included our awning poles. We thought it would be nice to have the windbreak inside, too.
Even without these items, more length equals more space, so it is worth buying a longer box if you plan to use it with your family.
Roof bars
Roof boxes attach to roof bars which run across the car. Roof bars can attach to mounting points in the roof, existing rails that run the length of the roof, or clamp to the bodywork. Some cars still have rain gutters from the past that can be used to clamp.
Some cars, such as the old Passat CC editor’s, don’t have roof bar mounting points. His Thule roof clamps were placed between the roof swage and the top edge the window frames.
Although it was difficult to mount, once fixed, it was solid as a rock. Thule’s aerodynamically designed WingBars were also chosen by him. They are 55% less drag efficient than their predecessors.
We had two choices. Either we could source roof rails and appropriate bars, or go for roof bars that attach to the car’s frame. We wanted to keep the car’s appearance clean for 90% of the time, so we chose body clamping brackets that have aerofoil rails.
Locking mechanisms
Roof box lids may need to be secured at multiple points in order to lock securely. Manufacturers have created central locking systems to make this easier.
Problem is, if you have bulky items on the roof box, you might need to press down on the front, center and rear of the key before you can turn it. This often requires two people.
Kamei, a manufacturer, has developed a ‘pull-to-click-shut’ mechanism. This allows you to pull down on each point until the clicks shut. Then you can operate the key.
Considerations regarding weight
We didn’t think about how much we could fit in the roof box, and how heavy it and the roof bars would weigh. Every car model has a roof-loading limit that is between 50 and 100 kg. The car’s manual will provide more information.
Roof boxes with roof bars can weigh anywhere from 12 to 25 kg. Before determining the maximum weight that can be put in the roof box, this weight must be subtracted from the car’s roof loading limits. You should also consider the box’s load limit. It is typically between 50 and 75 kg.
Capacity
The capacity of a half-width, small box is typically 250 litres. Large, full-width boxes are 600 litres.
A new VW Golf’s boot capacity is 380 litres, while the Volvo V70, which is a popular towcar has a capacity of 575L. It is ideal for long, wet stuff, such as windbreaks or beach umbrellas, and annoying, whiny kids!
Options for opening
Roof boxes can be opened from either the rear or one side. Dual side and rear openings have the advantage that you can reach the box from any side. This makes it easier to attach the roof bars to the roof bars, and easier to load the boxes.
Our choice
Any roof box that we considered would be suitable for our awning had to be large enough. We chose a full-sized Isabella, weighing 51kg and its poles. It would require a large box. It might be convenient to transport a few lightweight bikes together on the roof bars, so we didn’t want a large box.
After much research, deliberation and consideration, we decided to go with the Thule Motion 800. Also known as the Motion XL. The Thule Motion 800 is a high-quality product with a capacity to 460 litres and 75kg load rating. The box is 19 kg or 25 kg with the roof bars that we selected earlier.
The maximum load that can be loaded onto our car roof is 100 kg. This makes it a great match. It can travel at 130 km/h (80 mph), which is plenty for us.
What about the price? The cost of the box was PS439.95. The total cost of the bars and fixings with locks was PS189.00.
After reading the instructions, fitting the roof boxes and roof bars was easy. It took us two to lift the entire thing on, but that is not unusual with roof boxes.
Accessing the roof box is a bit difficult due to its height. You can use the caravan step to help you access your roof box.
The awning can now be stored in the roof box until it is time to put up. The roof bars also allow us to carry other items.
You can find a solution to almost any problem on YouTube.
