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Storing Roof Box Vertically
Ordinarily, most folks will only use a roof box 3-5 times a year, albeit for sports enthusiasts and avid roadsters. Roof boxes are rigid and quite bulky; it is uneconomical to keep them on your vehicle all year long. You can’t fold them to create space, so you need to find functional ways for storing roof box until the subsequent use.
While there are plenty of ways of storing cargo boxes, none is as convenient as vertical storage. This is exceptionally functional when you don’t have a lot of spare room in your garage.
Why do you need storage for your roof box?
Fuel Consumption
Regardless of how aerodynamically streamlined your roof box is, it will affect your gas mileage. Good aerodynamics reduces drag but won’t eliminate it; hence you will spend a little bit more at the pump.
Height Restrictions
Driving with an empty roof box is cumbersome, and you have to be conscious of the additional height to avoid accidents. You may not be able to access low-lying passages such as underground garages, parking, or even drive into your garage.
Durability
Shield your cargo boxes from extreme weather patterns to keep them in sparkling condition. While most roof boxes have a UV coating, prolonged exposure wears off this coating, bleaching the box. High summer temperatures make the box warp, while the freezing winter temperatures may brittle the box causing it to crack.
Benefits of Storing Roof Box Vertically
Space Optimization
It frees up valuable floor space allowing you room to accommodate more equipment. If you own more than one roof box, install the carrier side by side to keep clutter at a minimum. This will help to keep the garage well organized and clean.
Easy Retrieval
Storing roof box and retrieval is much easier than horizontal or ceiling storage. Your roof box is within easy reach when needed for a trip. Simple wall mounting will also save you tremendous time and energy.
Safety
Vertical storage keeps the box away from harm’s way reducing physical contact with other gear which may scrap or scratch the box’s surface. Not only does this keep the box looking new, but it also extends its useful life.
Easy Cleaning
A roof box should be regularly cleaned and checked for dents, even when under storage. Cargo boxes have stiff lid stiffeners, which will allow you to clean the interior while it’s hanging upright efficiently.
Installation Guide
The best way to store your box vertically is by using robust wall brackets and a hanging pole(s). This guide works best for roof boxes with either a U- bolt, clamp, or hook mounting system.
You can cheaply and locally source these equipment brackets from a hardware store. Pay attention to the quality of the materials used to make the brackets and poles. We recommend sturdy, rust-proof steel to support the static weight of the cargo box.
Drill holes on the wall for the brackets, correctly positioning them high up the wall so that the roof box doesn’t contact the concrete floor. Screw the brackets to the wall and lay the hanging pole horizontally across them. You can now install the roof box onto the bar, similar to how you fit it onto the crossbars of your car.
This installation is quite labor-intensive, and you will require an extra one or two pairs of hands. Ensure the fasteners latch properly to the pipe so that the box doesn’t sway on the pole. While a single hanging bar will get the job done, we prefer you use double poles for added stability.
Care During Storage
The box should be cleaned regularly using clean water and a damp cloth. Avoid using detergents as some might erode the outer surface. Alternatively, you can slip a roof box cover or a sheet onto the carrier to prevent dust accumulation.
To keep the roof box in pristine condition, do not store it in close proximity to gear with sharp or rough edges such as bikes or rakes. It would be best to avoid scratches and scraps to the glossy finish of the box at all costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store a roof box outside?
While this is a big temptation when your garage is stacked to capacity, we recommend against it. Roof boxes are not cheap, and leaving them outside unattended compromises their safety against plundering. Besides, due to moisture build-up, the metal parts of the box will end up rusting.
Can you store a roof box on its side?
Yes, you can, but it’s likely to damage the sides of the box. Usually, the sides of roof boxes are curved and not the sturdiest. It will significantly increase the box’s likelihood of being deformed since the weight is not evenly distributed. Innovative designs come with foam rubber coatings or padded straps, but these are more practical for storing kayaks and snowboards.
Can you lean a roof box against a wall?
Whereas this is a quick fix, it is not convenient. The chances of the roof box tipping over accidentally are astronomical. You will end up damaging a 1000-dollar carrier over hardware that will cost you less than 50 bucks. Additionally, the roof box will be in contact with concrete which, as alluded to, is detrimental to its durability.
Final Words – Storing Roof Box
Garage space is usually limited, so there is a need to maximize any space available. Garage walls are often overlooked, but they are ideal surfaces to store roof boxes safely. Use the walls as a dedicated space for hanging large and bulky items that are not used periodically.
