Recently, car boxing has become very popular with motorists. There is nothing surprising in this. After all, modern automakers in new models are constantly increasing the space of the car's interior, while the boot volume suffers. Boxing allows you to get extra luggage space. Today we will pay special attention to this device.
Types of boxes
There are several types of these accessories.
Manufacturers offer both open and closed car boxes. Consider the design of each in more detail.
Open boxing
This is a structure that is mounted on the roof of the car and forms a platform that allows you to fix a different load. Among motorists, this is called the “upper trunk”. The design is quite simple - it consists of boards, a pallet, as well as fasteners.
An automobile box on the roof of an open type has a great advantage - with its help it is possible to conveniently transport sufficiently large loads. This design has no walls. However, aerodynamics suffer, and the car owner needs to securely secure the load. As for small-sized things, it is very inconvenient to transport them in such a box. Each item will have to be fastened separately on the baggage area.
When transporting in such an open box, the cargo will necessarily become dusty, it may be damaged by flying stones or gravel. Fuel consumption will also increase significantly. This box does not have a special streamlined shape and will only increase resistance when driving a car.
Closed Type
This car box is already much more convenient. It is a kind of container that can be closed or opened. It is conveniently fixed to the roof of the machine using special fasteners. The container is airtight, has walls and can protect luggage from dust, water, flying stones and gravel. It is not necessary to fasten the load inside the container, since the box is securely closed, nothing will fall out when moving.
With this accessory you can not worry about fuel consumption. Due to the special aerodynamic shape, the resistance of the container to the air during movement will be minimal.
The disadvantage of this design is one: its overall dimensions and load-carrying characteristics. But all the advantages override these small disadvantages.
Closed boxes are divided by capacity or volume. This is an important parameter and should be considered when choosing in the first place. Containers are divided in capacity into three classes. Let us consider in detail each of them.
First grade
It includes car boxes on the roof with a small capacity. Usually their volume is not more than 300 liters.
Such containers are designed to be installed on compact machines; they will not be suitable for large ones. During operation, it is necessary to securely and correctly fix the box. Between the transverse parts of the fastener, the distance is not more than 60 centimeters. The larger the container, the larger this value. Therefore, for small cars, such as Matiz or Hyundai-Getz, it is suitable.
Second class
These are medium containers, the volume of which from different manufacturers reaches 500 liters. These solutions are suitable for installation on medium-sized cars. The roof allows the installation of cross members at optimum distances.
Third class
These are already quite large solutions. Useful volume reaches 660 liters or more. A car box of this volume is designed for installation on SUVs or vans.
Overall dimensions and opening method
According to their overall dimensions, the containers are divided into narrow, wide, long, short. It is interesting that each parameter is successfully and harmoniously combined with others. So, on sale you can find a short and at the same time wide box. Not only the usable volume, but also the cargo transported in such a container depends on the overall dimensions.
There are also combined types. Such a car box has not only a container for transporting things, but also elements for mounting a bicycle or ski.
Boxes open from the sides or back. In the first case, only one side is available for download. However, the most modern solutions can be opened from two sides.
Mounting method
Among the characteristics of boxing, one can also single out the mounting method. Three options are now available:
- To the gutter.
- On a smooth roof.
- On rails.
Which one to choose depends on the design of the car.
Gutter Fasteners
Many cars have a special gutter for roof draining on the roof. Boxing will be installed on it. The fixture consists of two plates. The latter are installed on both sides of the gutter and then tightened with a complete screw.
Crossbars are attached on each side of the roof. And then boxing is installed directly on them.
Roof rails
Cross parts for box mounting can also be installed on rails. The method of fastening is similar to the method of attachment to the gutter for water flow.
Smooth roof mounting
Such boxes have a set of elements in the kit, allowing you to securely fix this design. Often in a set there are fastenings with a clip, and also fastenings with vertical bolts.
Along with such boxes, there are solutions for regular places. Many manufacturers already provide plots for a storage container.
Overview of boxes from different brands
Now on the Russian market there are brands that produce quality products. There are not many domestic manufacturers, but there is a choice. Let's see what are the popular car boxes, reviews about them and approximate prices.
Atlant
This is one of the most famous manufacturers of car boxes. Everyone remembers the Gazelles with roof racks - this is Atlant. Box production is a relatively new direction for the company, but everything is done very high quality, as noted by the reviews. The lineup is not too wide, although new species are constantly being added. All components go straight from Italy, and they are assembled in Russia.
As for the sizes, that is, large and small models. For crossovers, the optimal Atlant car box is a model from the Classic-500 or Sport-501 series. Small car owners will also find the right solution for themselves. The color scheme of containers is wide enough.
As for the cost, then for large models you will have to pay from 14 to 16 thousand rubles. Their payload is 50 kg, and the weight of the Classic container is 22 kg. The whole box is modular, if something is broken, it is enough to replace the broken part.
Lux
This is also a domestic brand. The company's products are inexpensive, but the manufacturer was able to prove that cheap and affordable does not mean bad. According to reviews, motorists agree with this. Among the models there are two series. This is a car box LUX 600 and 960. Both options have a two-way opening system. Colors are black and gray. The texture is matte or glossy. The cost of the 600 model is 16.5 thousand rubles per base. Each container has a load capacity of 50 kg. As for mounting, the box can be easily installed on any car. But the most budget models can leave unpleasant traces on the roof.
Thule
This is a European brand. Motorists respond positively to this product. It’s hard to disagree with this, as the lineup of car boxes is really very high quality. With their help, the journey will be easy and comfortable.
The Thule car box accommodates up to 500 or more liters of luggage. The model range has all sizes, and as for the fasteners, all options are available for any machine. Containers have a wide range of functions and options, and also feature a modern design that will look harmoniously against the general background.