What is the luggage box on top of a car called?
3 Answers
The luggage box on top of a car is called a travel box, also known as a roof box, roof luggage box, or car luggage box. To expand storage space, roof boxes are often installed on the roof of a car to carry more self-driving equipment and luggage. The roof box can be considered an all-in-one roof-mounted equipment that combines a roof basket, roof luggage net, straps, and rain cover (rainproof cloth and tarpaulin). Purchasing a roof box is a one-step solution, eliminating the need for other accessories. The wind resistance and noise of a roof box are much lower than those of a roof basket or other mounted equipment. Roof baskets or soft roof bags with other equipment attached often form irregular shapes, resulting in high wind resistance and noise, whereas roof boxes are designed with a streamlined shape. The anti-theft performance of a roof box is far superior to other mounted equipment. Roof boxes generally come standard with locks, and some upgraded roof boxes are made of ABS, ASA, or PMMA materials, which cannot be easily cut by ordinary tools.
A while ago, I just installed a roof box for a family road trip. The proper term for it is a roof cargo box or roof storage box. I bought the streamlined hard-shell type that clamps directly onto the roof rails, which can fit two extra 28-inch suitcases. However, you must pay attention to the weight limit when installing it—my SUV has a maximum load capacity of 75 kg. Once, I almost hit a height restriction bar in a mall parking garage, and now I instinctively hit the brakes whenever I see a 2-meter height limit sign—don’t follow my example! This thing increases wind resistance and fuel consumption, so before long trips, it’s best to check if the locking clamps are securely fastened.
Last time camping gear overloaded the trunk, my friend suggested installing a roof storage box. These aluminum-shelled cases are officially called roof cargo boxes, available at outdoor stores. I opted for the large-opening flip-top model, which makes grabbing tents and fishing gear super convenient. Key reminders: measure your car roof dimensions before buying—my neighbor got one too long, causing the rear hatch to hit the back window when opened. Also, expect noticeable wind noise above 100 km/h on highways, and check for water leakage around seals during rainy days.
