Getting out into the snow is crucial for Minnesotans to survive the harsh winters. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. For those of you hitting the slopes this year for a few turns, lugging skis, snowboards, boots, and poles inside your vehicle can be a burden.
Not only does the equipment limit space for passengers, sharp edges and jagged tips pose a threat to your car’s interior. Plus, there’s the drippy mess to consider on the ride home.
To help maintain your car’s interior and to maximize space for more friends to join on your downhill adventures, one solution is a rooftop cargo box. With all the different shapes, sizes, materials, and mounting styles, however, it can be a bit daunting to choose the right cargo box for your equipment and your vehicle.
Prior to buying a cargo box for your car, here are a few things to consider.
- Your Vehicle
The size of your vehicle will help narrow down the appropriate shape, size, and mounting system of the cargo box. Smaller vehicles may be limited to units with 16 feet of cubic space or less. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, can handle bigger boxes up to 20 cubic feet. Check with cargo box manufacturers for recommended capacity loads for your vehicle.
Another aspect to consider is the height of your car. If you have a tall vehicle, you may want to consider a sleek, low-profile design to keep your overhead height down. Smaller cars with shorter stances may be able to house taller boxes, but you also need to consider weight and length, especially if you have a hatchback.
If your vehicle has a naked roof (no factory roof rack installed), you also need to research roof rack systems. Check with the manufacturer for the best fit for your vehicle prior to buying a cargo box.
- Size
Cargo boxes vary in size from 10-20 cubic feet with different heights, lengths, and weight limitations. After you’ve narrowed down the possibilities based on your vehicle and roof rack system, now it’s time to factor in the size of your equipment and the number of people you’ll be transporting on a regular basis. Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better. Finding the appropriate size to safely house your equipment is more important than having the ability to fit in that extra pair of skis.
- Shape
The shape of cargo boxes are based on aerodynamics, user requirements, and aesthetics. We all want our cars to look sharp, right? So anything we attach to them should fit the overall look. At the same time, make sure you aren’t limiting capacity by shooting for the sleekest design. Aim for a cargo box that helps reduce drag and road noise and provides all the functionality you need.
- Features
Cargo boxes that are easy to install and easy to open are the most used. While all systems feature locks to mounting racks and lids (for safety and security reasons), some are accessible and open from either side of the vehicle. Considering that you’ll have plenty of gear to lug around, try to find a cargo box that you can easily open with one hand.
Finding the right cargo box within your price range does require a bit of research up front; however, the time you spend ensuring that you and your equipment will arrive safely at the hill will pay off in the long run. And, at the same time, help free up space in your car and protect your car’s interior from potential damage.
Image by John B. Kalla via flickr, licensed under CC by 2.0
