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What should you pay attention to when driving with a roof box?
Time to read 3 min
Time to read 3 min
If you are planning to go on holiday with a roof box on your car, there are a few things you need to consider to get to your destination safely and without any problems. In this article, as an expert in roof boxes, I will give tips and advice for someone who has never been on holiday with a roof box.
With the help of these 5 tips, you can safely hit the road with a roof box. Whether you are going on a skiing holiday or travelling with a tent in your roof box, with the help of the following tips you can ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and in one piece.
Proper attachment of the roof box to your car is essential. This not only ensures that the roof box stays securely on your car, but also that you arrive at your destination without any problems. Before you start attaching it, it is important to read the manual for both the roof box and the car carefully. This way you know exactly what to look for and you can avoid mistakes. Also make sure that you use the right attachment materials and that they are properly secured. A handy tip is to test the attachment a day in advance, so that you are sure that everything is properly secured.
It is important to know the maximum permitted weight of both the roof box and the car. Overloading can lead to dangerous situations, such as losing control of the car and damaging the roof box. When determining the load of the roof box, also take into account that the weight is not placed too far to the rear. This can affect the road holding of the car. Therefore, weigh all the items you want to take with you and distribute them evenly over the car and the roof box.
A roof box on your car creates extra wind resistance. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and reduced driving performance. It is therefore important to take this into account when planning your route and determining the speed at which you drive. Also keep in mind that strong gusts of wind can affect the car. Adjust your speed accordingly and keep sufficient distance to other vehicles.
A roof box on your car can increase the height of the car. This may mean that you can no longer drive under low bridges or in parking garages. Therefore, always check the height restrictions before you set off. Also, make sure that you take the height of the roof box into account when parking the car.
A good distribution of the load is important for a stable car and better driving performance. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom of the roof box and light items at the top. This keeps the car more stable on the road and prevents the car from swaying or tilting. It is therefore advisable to think carefully about the distribution of the luggage when packing the roof box.
With these tips you are well prepared for a holiday with a roof box on your car. Always take into account the safety and the laws and regulations of the country you are going to.
The speed limits for cars with a roof box are the same as for cars without a roof box. However, it is important to take into account the additional wind resistance and the changed centre of gravity of the car. This can make the car less stable at higher speeds, especially in crosswinds. As a rule of thumb, you should not drive faster than 130 km/h with a roof box on the roof. However, always check the maximum speed recommended by the manufacturer of the roof box and the car. It is always better to be safe and not drive too fast, especially when driving in unfamiliar terrain.
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A roof box increases the air resistance of the car, which means that more fuel is needed to travel the same distance compared to a car without a roof box. The exact additional fuel consumption depends on several factors, such as the size and shape of the roof box, the speed at which you are driving, the driving conditions and the weight of the roof box and its load. In general, it is estimated that the additional fuel consumption can vary from 5% to 20% at speeds above 100 km/h. At lower speeds, the additional fuel consumption will be lower. It is therefore important to take the additional fuel consumption into account when planning your route and determining the speed at which you are driving.
