Are you looking to go on an outdoor adventure with family and friends? You’ll need a car top luggage carrier and crossbars to carry your camping and sports gear.
If you want a practical solution for your outdoor adventure, you don’t have to miss the car top storage carriers.
Types of Vehicles
Finding a compatible and best rooftop cargo carrier for your vehicle isn’t simple. Using a large roof box on a small car won’t be an issue. But it might not open the car’s trunk. That’s why you need to measure from the roof racks’ height up to the vehicle’s roof. Besides, you can even re-position the car top carrier if not fixed right.
Crossbar Styles
When choosing a crossbar, you’ll find several roof rack systems. There are different designs to choose from for your vehicle’s roof. Some crossbar styles include:
- Oval
- Square
- Heavy-duty (HD)
- Aerodynamic (Aero bar)
Before buying, check if it’ll work for your outdoor trip.
Roof Box Capacity
If you’re unsure about the top car carrier capacity, read the table below. You’ll know the capacity depending on the roof box sizes: small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large.
| Cargo Box Size | Dimension | Capacity | Uses |
| Small (S) | 8 cubic feet (300L) | 2 to 3 bags (60L) | Weekend trips |
| Large (L) | 13 to 16 cubic feet (380-450L) | 3 to 4 skiboards (180 cm) + 4 bags (60 | Outdoor camping or ski trips |
| Extra large (XL) | 18 cubic feet (500L) | 3 to 4 skiboards (200 cm) + 5 bags (60L) Long outdoor camping and ski trip | Long outdoor camping and ski trip |
| Extra-extra large (XXL) | 22 cubic feet (610L) | 4 to 5 skiboards (215 cm) + 6 bags (60L) | Outdoor or ski trip with a large group |
Weight Capacity Of Your Vehicle Crossbar & Roof Rack
When buying a roof rack, you need to check the weight capacity of the crossbar and the vehicle. You can consider choosing a 165-pound roof rack (a universal weight).
Furthermore, you don’t have to exceed the vehicle load limit. Most cars’ roofs bear a weight of 150 lbs, while roof racks hold up to 300 lbs weight.
Apart from this, some car roofs aren’t much stronger than racks. To understand the load capacity, it’s important to consider the static and dynamic weight ratings.
The Right Roof Box Sizes for Your Trip (Roof Box Capacity)
You have to buy a roof box depending on your needs. For skiing and swimming, you’ll need a medium to large cargo carrier. However, get an extra large roof box for heavyequipment.
There are different sizes of roof boxes from small to medium, to large and extra large.You can choose depending on your trip.
Large Roof Box
An ideal roof box size ranges from 14 cubic feet to 16 cubic feet. These cargo boxes provide a standard length and height for storage. It’s easy to accommodate skis and snowboards in large roof boxes. Because boards have a dimension of 6 feet.
Whether you’re heading on a family trip in the scorching heat or going mountain hiking in cold weather, this TIROL CF7693 Hard Shell Roof Box is a large roof box. It provides you with enough space to put your luggage bags, skis, and camping items box is a perfect choice.
You’ll not have to worry about the size of the best roof cargo box. These rooftops are well-known for their adaptability and cheap pricing.
Extra Large Roof Box
Want a spacious roof box to store maximum stuff? You can install Tirol’s best cargo carrier for SUVs. Cargo or roof boxes have enough capacity to store your essentials. These boxes range between 18 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet.
Here’s what you can store in the roof box:
- Skiboards
- Golf club kit
- Lawn chairs
- Luggage
- Strollers
Apart from this, you can also get extra-extra large (XXL) roof boxes like TIROL Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Car Roof Box. Such boxes have greater storage capacity. Thus, ensure to buy one that fits your vehicle and stores the items.
Sports Cargo Box
Winter is the most special season when everyone loves going on an outing. If you’re deciding to go on a sports trip, these roof boxes are a must. Alpine and LO cargo boxes come under this category.
You can store the following items:
- SkiÂ
- Ski boots
- Poles
- Sport gears
Whenever going on a winter outing, TIROL CF7686 Alpine roof box is best for carrying sports equipment. Not only for winter but also for summer.
Besides, you have the choice to transport camping gear, including,
- Cargo bags
- Backpack
- Tents
Additionally, winter cargo boxes are larger, so it’s better to find one that fits on your vehicle’s rooftop.
Size Option for Your Vehicles
Now you’ve got an idea about the roof box sizes available for your vehicles. So, let’s check the roof box sizes. Tirol manufacturers make top car luggage carriers of different dimensions that match your car.
Length
Cargo boxes have a standard length of 6 feet. Fitting a 180 cm skiboard is quite easy. However, cross-country skis might be longer. For this, you’ll need an XL cargo carrier. Otherwise, an ideal sports cargo box is 6-feet.
Width
Before you decide the width of a roof box, you need to consider some factors:
- The wide roof box has a greater storage capacity
- But wide roof rack storage doesn’t leave space for crossbars
- Narrow roof box provides less storage space
- Narrow roof box provides space to adjust the roof rack for placing bike or kayak
Height
Roof box height is another factor in increasing its capacity. You can put extra gears in the carrier, saving the inner space for occupants.
In addition to the benefits, a tall cargo box has some drawbacks. Like preventing the car from entering the garage, parking place, or drive-through areas. Therefore, if you have a big car you better focus on the box height to avoid issues.
Gear Capacity
When selecting a cargo carrier for the roof, you should know its gear capacity.
Length + Width + Height = Gear Capacity
The overall gear capacity of a roof box is expressed in the following:
- Cubic inches
- Liters
Roof Box for Different Vehicles
Want to check the compatibility of the rooftop cargo carrier with the vehicle? This depends on the roof rack and its position on the rooftop.
You can check the following factors to determine which roof box fits on your vehicle.
SUV
When choosing a roof box, it’s essential to know your vehicle type, weight capacity, and packing style.
If you have an SUV, select a lengthy cargo box for your vehicle. You can still fit things in the rear cargo trunk. However, a large-sized roof box isn’t a better fit for a small car. It restricts your access to the trunk.
If you want to buy a roof box for an SUV, the TIROL Hard Shell Cargo Carrier Accessories Roof Box is the best option. Its size ranges from 480L to 800L. That’s enough to hold 360 kilograms.
Van
You can use the top of the van storage, the same as car roof boxes. There’s nothing better than a TIROL CF7686 Hard Shell Cargo Carrier for your Auto Car or van. You have an option to place storage bags in it. In addition, adjust the roof rack to take your bicycles and kayaks on the trip.
Electric Car's
Hybrid or electric cars are not capable of handling racks or boxes on their roof. Therefore, rear cargo carriers are the best solution. You can attach cargo carriers to your vehicle’s back, hitch receiver, or even on the towbar. Either use it for a camping vacation or a road trip journey.
Rear cargo carriers are also a good choice for high vehicles to carry heavy storage.
Roof Rack & Roof Box
Want to install a roof box and rack on your vehicle? We provide you with a simple guide to help install the rack and box on the rooftop without any effort.
Installation of Roof Box
You can read this installation guide to fix the roof box on your vehicle without spending your money.
Lift the Roof Box
Lift the cargo carrier and place it on the rooftop. Keep the box straight and leveled on the roof with brackets to align over the bars.
Secure the Load
Furthermore, you’ll need straps, nuts, and bolts to secure the box. Once you’ve stored the load, fix the strap to protect it. It’s better to keep the load weight up to 50 kg (not more than that).
Fix the Cargo Box
Now it’s time to lock the box using nuts and bolts. Ensure not to screw the bolts tightly.
Apart from this, park the car on the side before opening the roof box. It helps prevent things from falling off.
Installation Of Roof Rack
Tirol introduces weather-resistant and easy-to-install roof racks. To secure the racks, you’ll need roof rails, crossbars, bolts and screws.
Clean Your Car's Rooftop
Cleaning the rooftop is important before installing the rails. You should use water and soap. Then wipe the debris with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
Assemble the Roof Rack Kit
You have to get a roof rack kit that includes the foot mount or roof beam. First, place it on the roof racks. Secure it with bolts and screws.
Position the Foot
You have to use a measuring tape to measure the car roof’s width. Take the correct measurements to adjust the foot mount on the right position. Mark the positions with a marker. Then you’ve to put the foot on the marked points.
Loosen the Screws
After adjusting the foot mounts, loosen the screws to open them. Then extend to a specific length. You’ve to fix the foot mounts and roof beams on the roof. Connect with the car’s side rails.
Fix the Roof Beam
Open the foot mount on the car roof. Place the roof beam between the foot mounts. Ensure to take two roof beams and four-foot mounts. Loosely attach the beams to the foot mount. Besides, fit within the exact width and length. Then tighten the bolts.Another important step is to fix the pads on the beam. These provide a protective layer to the roof. Apart from this, caps are also used to attach around the ends of the bar. It’s resistant to water damage.
Place the Roof Rack
Put the racks in the middle of the roof. If it extends to the windshield, pull the rack away. Furthermore, you’ve to position the racks by opening the car door. That’s to adjust the rack with the door frame.
Lock the Racks
To secure the foot mounts, you need to clip and fix the car door’s rim. Tighten the screws with the screwdriver. It ensures the safety of the passengers and the vehicle. Once the roof rack equipment is locked, you’re set to move on an adventurous trip.
After you’ve installed it, ensure its stability. Take a screwdriver to tighten the bolts of the foot. The roof rack should fit tightly. It shouldn’t move. Before moving to a trip, recheck the racks if it’s secure.
Conclusion
When you’re moving on a family trip, you’ll have to take some essentials. For this, you have to fix a rooftop cargo carrier on the vehicle. These cargo carriers are designed to transport luggage bags, bicycles, and surfers.
Want to ensure the safety of your camping equipment?
You should consider buying Tirol’s roof boxes. Being the best car carrier manufacturer in China, you’ll always receive high-quality products. This turns your outdoor trip into an exciting adventure. So, be sure to install the cargo racks and boxes on your car.
