Have you ever wanted to travel out of town and didn't have enough space in your trunk and back seat to carry your luggage? If this often happens to you, consider getting a roof box. Roof boxes are the best way to carry extra luggage when on the road without compromising seating space inside the car.

While roof rack boxes are not usually cheap, they are a significant investment in your vehicle. In this article, we discuss how to install and maintain your roof box to get the most out of it. But first, let's get the best tips on choosing roof rack boxes.

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Choosing The Right Roof Box

Everyone has their own preferences regarding choosing the right box for their needs. However, even as you consider your preferences, you still need to select one that meets your needs and your vehicle's specifications. The following are some factors you should consider when selecting a roof rack box.

Factors To Consider When Selecting A Roof Box

Dimensions

Generally, roof rack boxes come in two main dimensions: long boxes and short boxes. A long roof rack box will run the full length of the roof of the vehicle and might even hang over the bonnet for vehicles like trucks and SUVs. These boxes are ideal for carrying long camping gear, canoes, and surfboards.

On the other hand, short boxes are short and only ideal for carrying smaller luggage. They also tend to be cheaper than longer ones.

Size

Always choose a roof rack box that matches the measurements of your vehicle. You want to avoid spending a fortune on a roof rack box only to find that it doesn't fit into your roof. This can make the roof rack box loose and might even expose your luggage to damage and loss when on the road. Remember to go through the legal requirements for the maximum height allowance for highways your car can have in your region so that you can know how big your roof rack box can be.

Weight

Before buying a roof rack box, consider the weight limits for your car and your luggage. The weight limits for your roof will help you determine the type of box to get. Generally, the roof box should have a maximum weight capacity that is equal to or slightly lower than the weight limits of the vehicle.

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Features

The features of the roof rack are basically the small additions you can get. The more features the roof rack has, the more expensive it will be.

What To Do Before Installation?

Before starting your installation process, always check on the following aspects:

1. Ensure that your roof and rack are in the best condition for installation. If the roof rack is new, then you will be good to go.
2. Get the necessary tools and equipment for the process.
3. Clean the roof rack and the roof and ensure that all the parts are well-oiled to avoid rusting after installation.

The Installation Process

The installation process for roof rack boxes is relatively straightforward. The following steps will guide you in the right direction:

1. Place the lower leg fittings of the roof box into the gutters on the roof of your vehicle. These fittings hold the roof box in position when fastened on top of the car.
2. Carry the roof box to the top of the vehicle, ensuring that the lower leg fittings are aligned with the extensions on the roof box. Since the roof rack box might be heavy to carry alone, you can ask a friend or two to help you with this step.

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1. After placing the roof box on top of your vehicle, you can then screw the leg fittings to the extensions on the box. Ensure the box is firmly fastened on the vehicle's roof by combing all the leg fitting multiple times.
2. Once you are done, the roof box will be ready for use.

The Best Tips For Roof Box Maintenance

The only way to ensure that your roof box serves you well for a long time is by taking care of it. Caring for a roof box needs the best maintenance tips. Some of the best considerations you should make include:

• Always keep your luggage below the weight limits of the roof box.
• When packing your luggage, start with the heaviest and bulkiest items, then finish with the light ones to keep the vehicle stable.
• Distribute the weight of your luggage evenly to avoid skewing the balance of your vehicle.
• Clean your roof box regularly and oil all moving parts to avoid dirt buildup and damage.
• You should also inspect your roof box regularly to get ahead of any structural damage on the roof box. This will help you make any repairs before they cause more harm than exists.

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Final Thoughts

Roof rack boxes are invaluable tools to have in any roof rack box. The process of using roof rack boxes starts from selecting the roof rack box to how you install and maintain it. Hopefully, the tips above will help you get the most out of your roof box and recoup your investment for the longest time possible. Wouldn't you want that?