Choosing the right rooftop cargo box will help keep your gear safe while you’re on the road and can make it easier to find what you’re looking for when you reach your destination. Whether you’re hitting the slopes this winter or planning for your next summer getaway, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best roof boxes for your upcoming trip. We’ll also introduce you to some versatile storage solutions like our signature heavy-duty storage box, which our customers love for keeping their gear safe and dry during travel.
Choosing the Right Size and Shape
The size and shape of the cargo box you choose will depend on the size of your vehicle, what category of gear you plan to store, and where you’ll be travelling. Generally, cargo boxes come in two distinct styles: a longer pod style that is often used for skiing and other snow sports, and more traditional boxes or cargo cases that are used for camping, overlanding, or 4WD trips.
Pod style cargo boxes are fixed to your roof racks and are usually between 1.5m and 2m long and between 30-60cm high, with a single internal compartment that your gear is loaded into. They frequently have a sloped design to shed snow and water, hinged along one side to allow for easy access, and constructed from rigid, lightweight plastic.
Because of their length, pod style cargo boxes are fantastic for transporting large items like skis, snowboards, tents, fishing rods, tools or hiking packs. However, their lack of internal separation makes it hard to keep your gear properly organised. In addition to that, the fact that they are affixed to your roof rack can make retrieving your gear challenging if something ends up on the far side of the cargo box and stuck underneath the rest of its contents.
On the other hand, traditional cargo cases tend to be smaller, individual boxes that can be adapted to suit the needs of your trip. These cases have a more conventional shape and dimensions than a pod-style cargo box, and can be stacked and loaded tightly on your roof to make more efficient use of that space.
Also, unlike pod-style cargo boxes where everything is thrown in together, cargo cases make it easy to organise your gear, so you can have cooking equipment, bedding, food etc separated for when you need it. Additionally, roof boxes like the Expedition 134 storage box are designed with ease of access in mind, and can be opened up while still on the roof your vehicle, or easily unloaded without a hassle.
Deciding How Much Space You Need
Figuring out how much storage you need can be a tricky business, especially if you’re buying online and can’t check out the cargo box in person. When you’re looking online, you’ll often see capacity listed in either cubic metres (for larger roof boxes) or cubic centimetres, for smaller boxes. However, if the capacity isn’t directly listed, you can easily calculate it yourself by multiplying the box’s length by its width by its height.
Once you know the capacity, you can figure out what that actually looks like for your needs by marking out the same shape on your lawn or driveway and seeing how much of your gear fits inside. For smaller cargo boxes, stackable items like cans of food will give you an accurate idea of what you can fit in each box.
Larger families or groups will require more space, so opting for a larger cargo box makes sense. However, remember that a bigger box might affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and handling due to increased air resistance.
Additionally, the type of travel you’re going to do will dictate the type of roof box you should buy. If you’re going on a skiing or fishing trip, then a large pod-style box is probably the right choice, but if you’re going on a multi-day 4WD trip, buying several smaller roof boxes to organise your gear may be a better option, even when they offer the same capacity as a pod-style box.
Expedition 134 Storage Boxes for Rooftop Storage
For those looking for a more versatile and rugged solution, our signature Expedition 134 storage boxes are a fantastic option. These plastic cargo boxes are designed to endure the toughest outdoor conditions, making them perfect for a variety of uses, from extensive overlanding trips to keeping your camping gear organised. Since its release, the Expedition 134 Plastic Storage Box 55L has won praise for its unique design and robust construction. Here are just some of the highlights that make them so well-loved by adventurers across Australia.
Durability
Made from food-grade, UV-resistant, injection-moulded plastic, these boxes are weather-proof, dust-proof, and won’t crack or fade, even after years of exposure to the harsh Australian sun. You can drive through the desert, take on a thunderstorm, or endure the blistering heat of an outback summer and know that your gear is protected, no matter what.
Security
Security is a chief concern, whatever you’re transporting, and is one that we’ve spent plenty of time thinking about. Every Expedition 134 storage box features an integrated padlock loop that lets you secure your possessions against prying eyes and hands, whether you’re popping in to the shop or putting your gear into long-term storage.
Additionally, the integrated external tie down points allow you to secure your gear on your roof without running the risk of cracking or warping the box as happens with traditional strops. The fact that these tie-down points are on the side of the box has the added benefit of allowing you to open the lids without having to unfasten the whole load.
Stackability
Every Expedition 134 storage box features a unique moulded lid that interlocks with the its base, allow you to stack multiple boxes on your roof without fear of them shifting or slipping around. Plus, their stackability means these boxes offer more storage for the same footprint, allowing you to take more gear along while ensuring it remains protected, no matter where the journey leads.
Installation and Security for Rooftop Cargo
Properly securing your cargo box or storage solution is crucial:
- Fit: Ensure the cargo box fits your vehicle’s roof rack correctly and check hatch clearance to avoid issues when you want to open or close the boot of your car.
- Secure Mounting: Use robust mounting hardware and check regularly for any signs of loosening or wear every time you get ready to hit the road.
Other Practical Considerations
Remember that adding a rooftop cargo box or external storage solution will change the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Here are some final tips:
- Fuel Efficiency: Be mindful that larger boxes can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Noise: Some boxes may increase noise at high speeds. Opt for aerodynamically shaped boxes to minimise this.
- Accessibility: Keep items you need frequently inside your car for easy access.
Trust Expedition 134 for Your Next Rooftop Cargo Box
Choosing the right roof boxes can make all the difference to your travel experience. By considering what you need to store, the dimensions of the box, and how it fits with your vehicle, you can ensure a safe and efficient way to transport your gear.
But if standard rooftop boxes and cargo cases aren’t cutting it for you, it might be time to put your trust in us. At Expedition 134, we design products for Australia’s toughest adventures. Explore our range of heavy-duty storage boxes today, and find the perfect fit for your next trip!