Short of storage space in the car when you’re on the road? Carrying oversized equipment such as skis? An exterior storage compartment, such as a roof box or roof bag, is a convenient solution. Follow our guide to choosing the right one for your needs and your vehicle.
Choosing the right roof rack
A roof rack allows you to carry a roof box or even bicycles, skis, snowboards, canoes or kayaks. It distributes the weight on the vehicle body without compromising it.
When choosing your roof rack, there are several factors to consider. The most important is its compatibility with your vehicle. There is a risk of choosing a rack that cannot be properly attached to the vehicle.
These elements must be taken into consideration:
- Car make
- Model
- Year
- Edition
- Roof type
Still in doubt? Check the exact model of your vehicle on carfax.ca. The vehicle identification number (VIN) provides you with all the information you need. The VIN is a 17-character number. It can be found on a plate on your vehicle, or in your purchase, lease or insurance contract.
With this knowledge in hand, visit the manufacturer’s website for the rack(s) you’re interested in. Manufacturers such as Thule, SportRack and Yakima all offer tools to help you select the right rack for your vehicle.
Prices vary according to manufacturing materials, aerodynamics, maximum load capacity as well as other aesthetic features.
Once your roof rack has been chosen, you can order it from our Boutique. Although we have Thule roof racks in stock, the whole set usually requires a fastening system which we have to order from the manufacturer. Our team can assist you in purchasing and selecting your roof rack.
Choosing the right roof box
Roof boxes are more expensive than roof bags. Nevertheless, they are very popular. Their chief appeal is their rigid, airtight shell. This keeps all equipment dry and sheltered from the elements.
Verifying the rack and taking measurements
Your vehicle must be designed with a roof rack (crossbars) to accommodate your box’s anchoring system. It’s essential to choose a box that’s compatible with your vehicle’s rack and model.
A majority of racks have been designed for universal use. However, there are a few fixed roof racks that cannot be adjusted. These racks limit the range of box options. An adjustable rack allows for more options.
Once mounted, the box must not impede the driver’s vision. Furthermore, when the tailgate is opened, it must not come into contact with the roof box.
The following shows how to take your measurements. We use the Thule roof box as an example, since we sell it at the Boutique. For other brands, please refer to the dimensions indicated on the manufacturer’s website.
- Fully open your vehicle’s tailgate. Measure the distance between the front end of the roof support and the point where the roof meets the tailgate. Stay in the centre of the vehicle, along its width, to take the measurement. Compare this number with the dimensions shown in the “Front clearance” column in the table shown below. If your vehicle’s dimensions are greater than those indicated, the roof box will be suitable for your type of vehicle.
- Measure the spacing between the rack bars. Compare this number with those indicated in the “Minimum space between bars” and “Maximum space between bars” columns. If your measurement lies between the minimum space and the maximum space, the box is compatible with your rack.
| Model no. | Product name | Minimum space between bars | Maximum space between bars | Mounting width | Front clearance | Front clearance / Maximum space between bars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6135 | Vector Alpine | 56 cm / 22" | 93 cm / 36 1/2" | 61 cm / 23 7/8" | 137 cm / 54" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 6132 | Vector M | 56 cm / 22" | 93 cm / 36 1/2" | 61 cm / 23 7/8" | 130,5 cm / 51 3/8" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 6299 | Motion XT XXL | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 94 cm / 36 7/8" | 60 cm / 23 1/2" | 140 cm / 55" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 6298 | Motion XT XL | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 94 cm / 36 7/8" | 56 cm / 22" | 130 cm / 51 1/4" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 6297 | Motion XT L | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 94 cm / 36 7/8" | 56 cm / 22" | 121 cm / 47 1/2" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 6295 | Motion XT Alpine | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 94 cm / 36 7/8" | 60 cm / 23 1/2" | 140 cm / 55" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 635901 | Force XT XXL | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 90 cm / 35 1/2" | 61 cm / 25 3/8" | 139 cm / 54 3/4" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 635801 | Force XT XL | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 91 cm / 35 7/8" | 56 cm / 22" | 130 cm / 51 1/8" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 635701 | Force XT L | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 92 cm / 36 1/8" | 54 cm / 21 1/4" | 121 cm / 47 1/2" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 635601 | Force XT Sport | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 93 cm / 36 3/4" | 33 cm / 13" | 122 cm / 48 1/4" | 74 cm / 29" |
| 615 | Pulse L | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 87 cm / 34 3/8" | 44 cm / 17 1/2" | 118 cm / 46 3/8" | 70 cm / 27 1/2" |
| 614 | Pulse M | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 85 cm / 33 3/8" | 56 cm / 21 5/8" | 108 cm / 42 5/8" | 65 cm / 25 1/2" |
| 613 | Pulse Alpine | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 91 cm / 35 3/4" | 37 cm / 14 1/2" | 140 cm / 55 1/4" | 73 cm / 28 3/4" |
| 682 | Sidekick | 60 cm / 23 5/8" | 71 cm / 28" | 36 cm / 14 3/8" | 91 cm / 36" | 66 cm / 26" |
Some roof racks feature adjustable crossbars. If such is the case with your rack, feel free to move the crossbars toward the front of the vehicle. Doing so will widen the choice of roof boxes that can be installed without impeding the opening of the tailgate.
Also, think about checking your vehicle’s antenna. It must not protrude so far as to prevent the box from being properly mounted.
Key features to look for in a good roof box
Apart from the dimensions of the box and its compatibility with your rack, here are a few other features to look out for.
Model: Manufacturers offer a variety of box models to suit your needs. Deciding what you want to store inside can have a big impact on your choice. For instance, there are models designed specifically for skis or baby strollers. Other models are more versatile.
Material: An ABS box will be more resistant than one made of polyethylene. In the long term, significant temperature variations can warp polyethylene boxes.
Weight: The weight of a roof box can range from 34 to 75 kg, depending on the model. Refer to your vehicle manual for the maximum weight your roof can support. Also bear in mind the weight of the racks and items you wish to transport in the box.
Latches: A quality box secures its lock at 3 points on the side. The key lock system works simultaneously for all 3 locks.
Anchoring system: In high-quality boxes (Thule and Yakima), the anchoring system consists of 4 mounting clamps activated by a caster. Handling is very straightforward and requires no tools. Boxes like those made by SportRack feature a more rudimentary anchoring system. They require greater handling, but do not involve the need for tools.
Price: Roof box prices vary according to size, material and anchoring system. For example, an ABS box is stronger, but it’s also more expensive.
Warranty: Some manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Last but not least, aesthetics can also influence your choice.
Roof box use: useful tips
To open or close a roof box, you usually need to be on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the base of the box. This ensures your safety if you need to handle the box while on the roadside. Depending on the product range and size, the box may be opened from both sides.
Proper weight distribution of your load is essential to prevent any breakage. When standing in front of the vehicle, make sure the box is well centred and parallel.
If you encounter resistance when trying to close the box, chances are that some of its contents are hindering the closing mechanism. See how you can reorganize it.
The roof box is fitted with a key locking system to protect its contents against theft. The box itself is protected by an anchoring system that can only be accessed from inside the vehicle.
The aerodynamic shape of roof boxes minimizes the friction exerted by the wind. Nevertheless, you can expect your vehicle’s fuel consumption to increase by 5 to 15%.
Roof boxes are designed for a maximum cruising speed of 120 km/h. However, some manufacturers may indicate a different speed limit to be observed.
A roof box can remain mounted on your car even when not in use, thus reducing the amount of handling required.
When storing your box, lay it out flat. Otherwise, the shell may become warped over time.
Choosing the right roof bag
A roof bag is an effective and affordable product. Cheaper than a box, it is made from materials such as polyester, nylon, PVC or vinyl. It is intended for occasional use.
It’s the perfect product for smaller cars with limited roof space. Just as with a roof box, you need to ascertain the maximum weight load that can be supported by your car’s roof.
The roof bag is fastened to the roof rack with straps. Some bags actually don’t require a roof rack. Instead, they rely on a system of hooks that are secured with straps to the underside of the vehicle’s door frame.
A roof bag is generally not intended to be theft-proof. Anti-theft security accessories may be necessary for some models.
Roof bags are usually waterproof. However, check that the zippers are also waterproof. In any case, the bag’s effectiveness may be limited in torrential downpours.
When the bag is not in use, it is best to remove it. If you permanently keep it on the roof, it will wear out faster and lose its waterproofing properties.
