We have a number of roof boxes available, but not sure which to choose?
Hopefully some of the below will help you decide;
Width
Narrower roof boxes will allow a kayak / bike carrier or similar to be mounted on the roof bars alongside the roof box. The narrower the roof box, the more you can carry alongside, however this will reduce the capacity of the roof box.
A wide roof box will prevent you from carrying something else alongside, but increase your load capacity in the roof box.
2 of our Exodus Single opening roof boxes are very wide. If you have your own roof bars, make sure there is at least 75cm (for the Exodus 580L) of clear bar between your roof bar foot packs. This is to ensure the fittings can attach to your bars. - see below...
Height of the roof box
Generally, the higher the roof box the bigger the capacity.
A lower more streamlined roof box will have less impact on fuel economy but will reduce load capacity.
Height of your vehicle
If you have a tall vehicle (e.g. SUV/MPV) & are 'vertically challenged', you may struggle to reach the other side of a single opening roof box. I would advise a dual opening roof box for ease of packing and access.
If your vehicle isn't particularly tall, then a single opening roof box is a cheaper option (although mainly we have dual opening boxes for speed of fitting).
Length
A longer roof box will generally have a larger capacity then a short roof box.
If you plan to carry items such as skis / fishing gear then a longer roof box will be required, however, it needs to be suitable for your vehicle.
For convenience and to avoid damage to your boot lid, you should be able to fully open your boot with an inch or 2 between the back of the roof box and your boot lid.
As far as the front of the vehicle, if a roof box overhangs a windscreen, it isn't considered a problem. However, with a large overhang it could reduce your visibility & your aerodynamics are impacted as the air won't flow over your vehicle as cleanly & will affect your fuel consumption. From an mpg perspective you ideally want to create a seamless transition from the windscreen to the roof box.
Measure from where your boot lid is fully open to the top of your windscreen & ideally choose a roof box less around that length.
Roof Box Fitting and Removal
Although I'll fit your roof box for you & remove it at the end of the rental, you may wish to take the roof box off your vehicle once you reach your destination & refit it for your return journey. The easiest roof boxes to fit & remove are those with the clamp fittings, so I would strongly advise one of them.
Load Capacity
I've yet to have someone come back from hiring a roof box & say 'the box was a little too big' or 'we struggled to fill it'. Instead I very often hear 'we couldn't have gone any smaller'!
My advice is to go for the largest capacity roof box that is suitable for your vehicle & requirements.
Personal Choice
Obviously the looks of a roof box may be important to you. If you have a black car, you may want a black roof box or simply like a particular looking roof box or style. Hopefully we have something in our range that you like & this information was useful for you.
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