5 Tips To Figure Out What Cargo Roof Box Will Fit Your SUV
Are you planning your next road trip, only to feel cramped inside your SUV? A roof cargo box is the ultimate solution for anyone who has struggled with fitting all their gear inside.
But here is the catch: getting the right one isn’t as easy as reaching for the first box that shows up online. A wrong fit could result in frustrating headaches like a blocked rear hatch or an effect on fuel efficiency for your SUV.
Stay tuned as we unfold five key tips to help you determine what cargo roof box fits your SUV perfectly. These tips will save you from common mistakes and ensure you choose a roof box that works with your vehicle, not against it. Whether preparing for your next big camping adventure or needing more room in the family car for road trips, this guide will ensure you pack smartly and efficiently.
1. Compatibility with Your Roof Rack
First and foremost, your cargo box must be compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack. If you’re using one installed from the factory or perhaps an after-market one, such as the Rivian roof rack, then it’s crucial that these cross bars are the right size and further apart from each other to accommodate a cargo box.
Generally speaking, most SUVs have roof racks installed, but first, ensure the width of your cross bars is appropriate for the box. Crossbars that are too narrow or too wide would respectively limit the roof box’s secure installation or leave you with wasted space that could have been used for other items, such as bikes or kayaks.
Before considering a roof box, you need to have a factory rack or purchase one in case your SUV doesn’t have a rack. For instance, Rivian’s factory roof racks are designed to support their proprietary accessories and aftermarket options, thus making them advantageous because of the versatility they provide when serving the needs of SUV owners regarding cargo.
2. Consider the Size of the Cargo Box
Sizes for roof boxes range from 9 to 22 cubic feet. Choosing a size that’s dependent on the type of trips you take and how much gear you must tote is critical. For instance, a box of about 12 cubic feet is ideal for a couple, whereas a family of five will want to consider at least an 18 cubic-foot box.
Note, however, that the bigger boxes offer more storage but hurt fuel efficiency, add weight, and make your SUV taller, which might complicate parking in garages or drive-throughs.
Of course, bigger SUVs, like the Rivian R1S or R1T, can handle much larger roof boxes in size and weight; however, you should never forget the weight limit of your roof so as not to be overloaded.
3. Ensure Hatch Clearance
One mistake people make with SUVs isn’t checking to see if their cargo box will allow full access to their rear hatch. Hatch clearance means the space needed by the box to allow your SUV’s rear door to fully open without obstruction.
Now, you’ll want to measure from the center of your front crossbar to the back of your open hatch for the proper clearance. This distance will tell you how much room your roof box needs to fit comfortably without blocking your SUV’s rear door.
For example, some more popular roof boxes require a minimum of about 57 inches of clearance, which works for many mid-sized and large SUVs. But if you drive a compact SUV or one with a steep rear hatch, you may want to consider a shorter roof box.
4. Balance Your Needs: Aerodynamics vs. Capacity
A compromise will be made if you want the largest storage capacity but maintain an aerodynamic shape for fuel efficiency. The large, boxy shapes hold more gear but generate greater wind resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing the amount of road noise. Aerodynamically designed boxes are sleeker, yielding greater fuel efficiency, but tend to have less capacity.
A low-profile, aerodynamic cargo box would be ideal for those long drives and ensure minimal drag. Such designs are quite helpful on the highway and minimize that “wind howl” effect that larger boxes might give out.
5. Choose a Box with Easy Access Features
Lastly, consider the method of access to your gear: A roof box that opens on both sides allows for easier loading and unloading, no matter where you’re parked. This model is especially helpful when traveling with others because more than one person can load or unload simultaneously.
Some cargo boxes have integrated locks, others even keyless access; for peace of mind, you can be sure your gear will be safe on the road. Considering how you will use the box, it also pays to consider such features if you’ll access the cargo box frequently on longer drives.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right cargo roof box for your SUV doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated; however, it requires careful thought about your vehicle roof rack, the box size, hatch clearance, and its aerodynamics and accessibility.
Whether or not it fits a roof box on a standard SUV model or one with a Rivian roof rack, taking your time to ensure everything lines up can save you from headaches on your next trip. Take the time to evaluate your needs, take precise measurements, and invest money in accessories that work for, not against, your vehicle.
By following these five tips, you will be guaranteed to select the perfect cargo roof box fitting your SUV for all the extra storage you may want without compromising on performance and convenience.