Top 10 | Rooftop Cargo Box Care Tips
Cargo boxes are a great addition to any vehicle to increase function and space! As gas prices get higher and vehicles get smaller - it’s the obvious choice to let you drive what you want but have the room for the gear you need.
Once you’ve taken the plunge and chosen the box that suits your vehicle, style, budget, gear and lifestyle - the commitment to maintaining your investment is relatively painless. Here we have some tips and suggestions to keep your rooftop cargo box in optimal operational order, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Read the instructions - at least once. Although most things are self explanatory when it comes to cargo carriers, sometimes hindsight is 20/20. This is where you’ll find useful information pertaining to loading, weight capacities and suggested use. Engineers have done their due diligence to determine what’s safe and functional and it’s generally best to let them test these limits.
Measure your overhead clearance! Drive-throughs, garages, carports and underground parking are the natural enemy of the roof box. Knowing how tall you are can save you a headache down the road. Lids and bases are not sold separately so once they’re cracked due to impact, there is not a lot that can be done to correct the damage.
Avoid automatic car washes. Even though it’s tempting to have a clean vehicle - especially in the winter months, the best bet is to remove all aftermarket racking if you prefer the drive through wash, or use the wand wash instead.
Keep your receipt in a handy place. Most cargo boxes these days come with a limited lifetime guarantee against defects. So, if you look after your things, there is a good chance that if you encounter a problem that any necessary parts and service will be free.
Don’t keep all your keys in the same place. I suggest having a spare hidden in the vehicle somewhere in case you get to your destination without the keys, with all of your gear locked inside. It’s also a good idea to write your key number down somewhere safe. If you lose the keys we can replace them for you but it’s helpful and in some cases integral to have the key code, which is found on the key itself. We suggest writing on your invoice, then snapping a photo.
Store responsibly, again as per the manufacturer’s instructions if they provide it. Any questionable scratches could indicate damage and not defect so be mindful how you treat the box - specifically the lid. This way if a warranty claim arises, it won’t be denied due to scratches from improperly storing your roof box, or being “smashy” taking it on and off.
If dual side entry, which most boxes are these days; I’m sure you’ll have a favourite side. Show the opposite side some love once in a while. Operating both sides periodically will prevent the lock and latch mechanisms from seizing up, prolonging the lifetime of the cargo box.
Lubricate your locks, you animal! The dirt and grime that makes it’s way into the delicate lock internals (primarily in winter) can cause them to malfunction over time. Most locks come lubricated from the get-go but adding more after a few years is a good idea. Never use WD40 as it’s not safe on plastics. We suggest graphite or white lithium grease for continued, smooth operation.
Inspect hardware tension periodically, if you keep your setup installed all year round. With expansion and contraction - hardware can loosen over time. A once over the complete system a few times a year is good practice to catch any wear and tear and to adjust accordingly for safety.
Be careful loaning out your cargo box. The majority of accidents happen when someone is fresh to owning a roof box, or have lent it out to someone who’s not used to having one either. If something were to happen, it could void your lifetime warranty.
If in doubt about anything cargo box related or have a question? Reach out. We’re here to help you with your storage journey, every step of the way.