The question is, What is the name of the box on the roof of the car?This is often the case for drivers planning a long trip or facing a shortage of trunk space. In professional language and in the catalogues of manufacturers, this element is most often called box-off or roof-carAlthough technically they are not exactly the same thing. The exact name depends on the design, method of attachment and purpose of the device, which is important to consider when buying.
In everyday life you can find many synonyms: box, kofr, container or even a “suitcase” on the roof. However, for the correct selection of accessories, it is necessary to distinguish between the carrier system (railings and crossbars) and the cargo container itself. It is on the correct understanding of the terminology that you can safely secure the equipment on the roof of your vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of upper luggage systems exist, how they differ from each other and what to look for when choosing. You will learn about the technical nuances of the installation and understand why it is important to observe the speed mode when using additional containers.
The main terms: carbox or trunk?
The first thing to learn is the difference between a load-bearing structure and a storage tank. Roof trunk. - is the general name of the whole system, which consists of supports, arcs (crossbars) and, directly, the place for the cargo. If we are talking about a sealed plastic or metal box, then it is more correct to use the term boxer or roof-boxing.
Many drivers mistakenly refer to boxing as any roof structure, including open areas. Open-ended boot It is a platform with or without sides, where the cargo is fastened with belts. Unlike him, boxer It has a cover that protects things from precipitation, dust and theft. Understanding this difference is critical when searching for accessories in online stores.
There is also a concept soft-boxing or an auto hammock, which is a fabric bag with a hard bottom. These solutions are popular due to the low price and the ability to fold them in the trunk after use. However, for the constant operation and protection of valuable cargo, solid plastic-box It remains the uncontested market leader.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach hard boxing directly to the rails without special crosses (arc). The box design is not designed to place a point load on the guide roofs and can damage them or break off on the go.
Types of roof structures for the transportation of goods
The variety of forms and materials is dictated by the needs of motorists. Hard boxes They are made of impact-resistant ABS plastic and are divided into aerodynamic (slow-flown) and classical (angular). The first create less noise and resistance to air, the second - cheaper and more roomy in internal volume with the same external dimensions.
Open. platform Often choose for transportation of large, but not afraid of moisture cargoes: construction materials, boats, snowmobiles. There are specialized bicycles. cycling-mountwhich can be installed on the roof or on the farcop. The choice depends on what you are going to transport most often.
Separately, it is worth mentioning expedition baskets. These are metal structures with sides that are mounted on crossbars. They are ideal for dirty things, spare wheels or camping equipment that is not a pity to stain. Unlike closed In the carbox, the basket does not protect the contents from rain, but allows you to transport cargoes of any height.
- 🚗 Autobox: A sealed plastic container for personal belongings, clothing and equipment.
- 🛠️ Platform: open area for bulky and heavy loads.
- 🚲 Cycling: A special holder for fixing bicycles vertically or horizontally.
- 🏕️ Expeditionary basket: Metal board for dirty and large inventory.
When choosing a box, pay attention to the type of opening of the lid. Double-sided opening is much more convenient when parking in tight places or when access to the box is only possible from one side of the car.
Materials of manufacture and their impact on the operation
Durability roof-box It depends on the quality of the plastic. Budget models are often made of conventional polypropylene, which becomes brittle in the cold and can crack from a stone impact or when it is not neatly closed. More expensive analogues are made from ABS plasticIt maintains elasticity at low temperatures.
Metallic boots And baskets are usually coated with powder paint to protect against corrosion. However, when chips appear, the metal begins to tear, requiring timely coloring. Plastic in this regard wins: it does not rust, although over time it can burn out in the sun and lose its original color, especially if it is a poor-quality material.
An important element is the locking system. In quality. box-off cylindrical locks with protection against freezing and two keys in the set are used. Cheap models can be equipped with plastic latches that quickly fail. The reliability of fittings is the parameter on which you should not save, since it is about the safety of the cargo.
| Type of material | Advantages | Deficiencies | Average service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS plastic | Durability, frost resistance, aerodynamics | High price, risk of color burnout | 10 years. |
| Polypropylene | Low cost, lightness | Fragility in the cold, a simple view | 3-5 years |
| Aluminum (steel) | Maximum load capacity, repairability | Weight, risk of corrosion, noise when driving | 15+ years |
| Fabric (Oxford) | Compact in folded form, cheapness | Lack of protection against impacts, less capacity | 2-4 years |
Load capacity and aerodynamics
One of the most important questions is how much weight you weigh. boxer along with the cargo. Many drivers mistakenly believe that you can load the roof under the tie, focusing only on the strength of the crossbars. However, there is a restriction imposed by the roof of the car. The standard dynamic load on the roof of cars is usually 75-100 kg.
This figure includes the weight of the crossbars themselves, the weight of the box and the weight of the cargo. If The trunk weighs 20 kg, and the box is 25 kg, then only about 50 kg remain on the payload. Exceeding this limit can lead to deformation of the roof, separation of mounts and, as a result, to an emergency situation on the road. Always check your vehicle’s technical documentation before buying.
Aerodynamics plays a key role in fuel consumption. Installation of a volumetric box Increases drag, which can increase gasoline consumption by 10-20% when driving on the highway. The streamlined shapes of droplets help to minimize this effect and reduce wind noise, which at speeds above 90 km / h can become an irritating factor in the cabin.
Why is boxing buzzing at speed?
A whistle or hum when moving is often caused by improperly installed crossbars. The sharp edges of the arcs should be directed along the course of the car. If the arcs are round, try to change their position or use special aerodynamic pads-spoilers.
Rules for installation and fastening on the roof
Installation luggage-system It requires careful attention and compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. First, the roof is placed on the crossbars (arcs). The distance between them must meet the requirements for the specific type of boxing – this is usually indicated in the product passport. Then the fitting is done. A carbox for centering.
Mounting the box itself is carried out with the help of special clamps (paws), which cover the crossbars. It is important not to drag the mounts, so as not to damage the plastic of the case, but also not to leave them weak. After installation, it is necessary to check whether the box does not interfere with the opening of doors, hatch or wipers.
☑️ Pre-departure checks
Pay special attention to the distribution of cargo inside container. Heavy items should be stacked down and closer to the center to shift the center of gravity and minimize the car's swinging on the track. Light but voluminous objects