What To Look For In A Cargo Roof Box
There are a lot of different factors to consider when you’re shopping for a cargo roof box— enough to make you throw up your hands and cancel your next ski or camping trip. But it doesn’t have to be hard figuring out what qualities to look for as you compare products. We’ve broken down some of the main qualities to look for in a cargo roof box, plus some of the more granular features that will help you choose between your top few options.
Finding the Right Fit
The first step is to narrow down your search down to the types of cargo roof boxes that will fit your vehicle. Of course you’ll need cargo bars to attach the roof box to. Many of the best cargo roof boxes are universally compatible with factory or aftermarket cross bars, but it can’t hurt to double check the specifications.
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For example, someone with a smaller sedan or economy sized car might do well to purchase the BRA240, an INNO product designed for smaller vehicles. On the opposite end of the spectrum, someone with a big SUV or station wagon might spring from the BRM466, the largest cargo roof box model on offer. Simply starting with the size of your vehicle can narrow down your options nicely. So can checking the dimensions of the garage at your home or work to make sure clearance won’t be an issue.
Shop For A Cargo Roof Box That Fits Your Outdoor Activities
Next, consider what type of cargo roof box would be compatible with the sports or activities you participate in. For example, if you plan on hauling your snow sport gear, you’ll want a box that is long enough to hold your board or skis, with enough additional volume for your boots, bindings, helmet, poles, etc. Or if you need the cargo roof box to keep your camping gear organized, you’ll want to make sure you have the right volume for your typical camp setup.
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The BRM864, BRM665, BRM624, BRM660, BRM1250CA, and BRA1150 all can hold 6-8 skis or 4-6 snowboards, except the BRM660 and BRA1150, which can only hold 4 snowboards. If you have a large family or routinely hit the slopes with your ski squad, those capacity guidelines can help you get a sense of which box will give you the most bang for your buck. By the same token, if none of those seem large enough, you’ll want to spring for the BRM466, which can hold 8-10 pairs of skis or up to 8 snowboards, depending on the dimensions.
Choosing the Right Extra Features
While you’re considering the size of your vehicle and the amount of gear you need to fit into your cargo roof box, you can also calculate the dimensions and weight of the different models on your list. If you’re planning on taking your cargo roof box on and off of your vehicle yourself, you should definitely check how many pounds the box will be and if it’s something you can easily lift and maneuver safely. Don’t assume that the largest size cargo box will necessarily be the heaviest— in our line of cargo roof boxes, it’s the mid-size BRM655 that’s the heaviest, not the roomiest BRM466.
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With the dimensions, weight, vehicle, and activity compatibility in mind, next you can think about other features. The color, for example, might matter if you’re hoping to match or coordinate with your vehicle’s paint scheme. Or perhaps you’d prefer a cargo roof box that opens on either side, so you aren’t always having to walk around your vehicle to access your gear. The best cargo roof boxes also have niceties like memory mount hardware that make it easy to pop the cargo roof box on and off your vehicle or custom inner mats to reduce noise and provide extra cushion.
With so many different types of cargo roof boxes to choose from, even within individual brands or retailers, there’s no doubt the right product for your needs is out there. By breaking down all the different features from size to weight to durability and appearance to extras, you can sift through all the cargo boxes that aren’t the best fit and narrow your search down to the few that will be that Goldilocks match— suiting you just right.
