Today Tesla cars are in high demand. You can even term them as ‘trendy cars.’ The Tesla Model 3 is one such car that has hit the market with a boom. However, when this car was launched, it did not have a roof rack.
The fact that it came with a glass roof further complicated the development of a suitable one. However, from research, a significant number of model 3 buyers expressed their desire for additional space for accessories, for example, bikes, roof boxes, et cetera.
The glass roof on model 3 presented a challenge as there was no easy way of attaching a roof rack without compromising safety standards. Tesla had previously successfully developed a roof rack for its model S, which also had a glass roof.
- Our Top Pick! - YAKIMA Rocket Box Pro
The glass roof on model 3 presented a challenge as there was no easy way of attaching a roof rack without compromising safety standards. Tesla had previously successfully developed a roof rack for its model S, which also had a glass roof.
This demonstrated the same could be done for the Model 3. True to expectation, Tesla developed a roof rack for model 3, slightly a year of its launch. After the launch of the rack, sales for skis, boxes and bikes roof racks have posted impressive sales.
The roof rack for model 3 merges with the car well and is easily installed. It is also easily adjustable to accommodate different applications, such as bikes and roof boxes made possible by the availability of T slots on its aluminum crossbars.
Further, the model 3 roof rack was designed not to compromise the car’s range, aerodynamics, and negligible interior noise. It was also made to fit all model 3 vehicles and to accommodate roof boxes for all compatible applications.
Table of Contents
Roof Box Installation
Installing a Tesla Model 3 roof box is very simple. You only need to follow the following simple steps.
- First, read the labels for all the parts. Then find the arrows which are strategically placed near the joints in the roof of your car. If they are not sure, shine a light at an appropriate angle to reveal them.
- Install the accompanying clips and abrasive pads.
- Next, attach the side pad, ensuring they sit the right way up and on the right spots.
- Remove the crossbar covers by following the availed manufacturer’s guide.
- Then tighten the nut carefully to about eight centimeters to avoid overtightening, which can install crack the glass roof.
- Finally, install the roof box.
Tesla Model 3 Roof Box
The effects of adding a roof box on Tesla model 3 are a valid concern for owners and users. As with any modification, the installation of a roof box will inevitably affect the car’s performance. The installation of a roof rack by itself has a negligible impact on the car’s performance.
However, the addition of a roof box affects the performance of the vehicle significantly. If installed as per the manufacturer’s specifications, a roof box will reduce the range of your Tesla Model 3 by about sixteen percent.
The upside of the Model 3 roof rack is that it has an integrated locking system that secures all towers the car’s roof. Additionally, it has a significant loading capacity for trip paraphernalia, luggage, etc. It can be loaded up to a hundred and fifty pounds, inclusive of the weight of any attachments.
When installing a roof rack and box on your Tesla Model 3, the idea is to have the pointed end facing forward. The manufacturer also recommends it as it blends well with the cars pointed end, which is in front.
Additionally, you will be able to enhance your car’s aerodynamic performance, turbulence and reduce noise generated during your drive. However, some model 3 owners have discovered that installing it with the larger side facing front improves the car’s performance, a notion that can be argued using aerodynamics.
Advantages of a Roof box
The primary benefit of owning a roof box is that you will have more storage space in your car. Apart from this, most roof boxes are designed to be compatible with the majority of vehicles. Other benefits include; easy installation, waterproof features, and they are made from durable materials.
The downside, however, is that roof boxes tend to increases wind resistance and have limited capacity for taller objects. Overall, the benefits of having a roof box outweigh its drawbacks. As such, a roof box is a must-have for most Tesla Model 3 enthusiasts.
Most roof boxes and luggage carriers are compatible with the Tesla Model 3 roof rack. However, some versions are best suited for the Model 3 than others. Despite the numerous roof boxes available in the market for your car, we have selected four that are ideally suited for the Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 Roof Boxes Overview
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
YAKIMA - Rocket Box Pro
This rooftop box is manufactured by Yakima, a renowned brand in the roof box market. At only about thirty-eight pounds of additional weight, it is a good investment considering the extra space that you will have.
The rocket box pro series comes with front mounts, which improves its clearance when installed in any car. It also comes with SKS locks that enhance security. Apart from this, the cargo box is equipped with integrated pushbuttons that ensure the lid is securely fastened to the base.
The secure cover and superior design ensure that whatever the weather, your cargo is safe from the elements. The mounting hardware is a quick release designed for compatibility with Yakima crossbars with twenty-four to forty inches. If you love camping, the Rocket box pro can fit gear of up to two campers.
This roof box is sleek and has an aerodynamic design that reduces drag as much as possible. With such features, you should highly consider this roof box for your Tesla Model 3. Lastly, this cargo box boasts a limited lifetime warranty, which means any damage that Yakima owns liability can quickly be sorted.
Sport Rack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box
This box is a Horizon product made from impact-resistant ABS materials. Its construction is rugged, and it comes with an attachment kit that aids in quick installation and removal.
The sport rack horizon is very compatible and fits in round, square, and most factory gauge roof racks. However, unlike most modern roof boxes, this one only has one side opening (passenger side).
This is not necessarily a downside as it ensures that you are always protected from oncoming traffic whenever you are accessing your cargo, even for the absent-minded traveler. With its dimensions, it can hold up to four snowboards or six skis. At a mere forty-four pounds, the product adds negligible weight to the car.
Those who have experience with this box have given it praise in that it creates minimal noise and vibration, and does not cause the car to wobble at highway speeds, which is a testament to its superior aerodynamic design.
A few complaints have arisen about the locking mechanism being cranky and not being so easy to operate. However, these are minor drawbacks that are easily overshadowed by the positive features of this roof box.
Thule 682 Sidekick
The Thule 682 Sidekick has been in the market for a very long time. Nonetheless, do not let this deter you from purchasing this roof box. As they say, old is gold. This roof box packs excellent features that make it ideal for the Model 3.
The most significant advantage of Thule 682 Sidekick is its design. Since this roof box is not long, it allows for some room to be left on the roof of your vehicle. This makes it very proportional for smaller cars, and the extra space can be used to carry other items.
It also comes with U bolts complete with reinforcement plates, which ensure the box attaches sturdily to the roof rack. These minimize vibration and ensures cargo carried in the box is safe from damage. Thule 682 Sidekick requires a bit of installation skills, but the manufacturer avails the installation instructions and vehicle fit guide.
Due to its compact design and extra rack room, it is popular with cycling enthusiasts. It also opens on the passenger side for easy loading and safety away from traffic. Lastly, this roof box is very affordable. Thus if you are on a budget, I highly recommend you consider it.
Go plus Cargo Box
Go Plus designed this roof box with heavy use and security in mind. It spots metal reinforcement in the lid, which makes it more stable and secure, topped up with double lock design.
Installation is easy as it has four anchors and super latch systems for securing the lid. The Go plus Cargo Box is compatible with most car types and will easily fit most roof rack designs.
For the durability and protection of cargo from the elements, this box is made of high-quality ABS and PC material. With fourteen cubic feet of space, Go plus Cargo Box is an excellent option for increasing carrying capacity without compromising passenger comfort. It is also compatible with a wide range of car types, and it will surely fit seamlessly on your Model 3 rack.
Conclusion
For anybody who leads an active lifestyle, rooftop boxes are a must-have. Most people associate roof boxes with leisure activities; however, they can also carry work tools, especially field equipment. Most roof boxes are straightforward to install and do not require you to have any DIY skills.
The Tesla Model 3 is a car that can benefit from having a roof box since it does not have a lot of storage space. Therefore, we highly recommend you consider the roof boxes that we have mentioned in this article as they will fit your car perfectly.
To learn more and for ordering information, follow the links provided.
