Roof cargo boxes are an extremely valuable tool for transporting gear while traveling. They provide extra secured storage space on top of your vehicle.
However, it’s necessary to properly store your roof cargo box when not in use to protect its contents and expand the life of the box itself. Leaving items unsecured inside a sensitive cargo box can show damage from weather, trail debris, or shifting during transport. Over time, lack of community also makes finding specific pieces more difficult.
Lack of organization makes finding items difficult. This guide provides tips for How to store a roof cargo box by utilizing space, organizing, securing items, incorporating hidden storage, and protecting from weather elements. Follow these tips to keep your cargo box tidy.
Prepare the Cargo Box
Before storing your roof cargo box for the off-season, it’s essential to properly organize and inspect it. This will develop the life of the box and provide everything ready for your next trip. Start by cleaning out any trash or old contents from the interior. Make sure to clear any traces of dirt, grime or corrosion. Then check for any scratches, marks or rust on the exterior.
Apply touch-up paint as needed to repulse moisture. Inspect the seals and substitute them if cracked or harmed in any way. A good seal is required to keep water out. Eventually, vacuum and wipe down the inside with a disinfectant. Taking these preparatory steps before storage will set you up for success. Read more here
Organizing the interior
Proper organization is key to making the most of the storage space in your roof cargo box. When storing for an extended period, take some time to plan how you will organize the interior when following tips for How to store a roof cargo box. Designate specific areas for certain gear types, such as one side for cooking equipment and another for sleeping bags.
Add removable dividers or partitions to separate items. You can also consider multi-level storage by vertically stacking lightweight items on top of heavier bags and boxes. Label everything clearly so things are easy to find. Organizing strategically will utilize every inch of space and prevent items from shifting around and getting damaged during storage.
Securing cargo
Properly securing cargo is essential when following tips for How to store a roof cargo box. When storing items inside a roof cargo box, securely fasten everything in place using straps, bungee cords or cargo nets to prevent shifting during transport. This immobilizes contents and protects them from rubbing and damage from moving within the box when obeying leads for How to store a roof cargo box.
It’s also a good concept to pad or wrap any delicate items, like electronics or flimsy camping equipment, with blankets or towels to fascinate shocks from vibration. Store heavier items on the bottom of the box, while securing lighter gear above it. This creates a sturdy foundation that won’t allow items to slide around easily. With some thorough securing techniques, you can rest assured your valuable cargo will remain safely in place during storage.
Hidden storage options
Many roof boxes have secret compartments that are perfect for stowing small essentials. Check under any removable flooring panels or sidewalls for added space. Some models feature false backs or partitions that can conceal items behind them. When observing recommendations for how to store a roof cargo box, it’s a good idea to explore any hidden storage areas built into the design.
You may also find cubbies, pockets, or cavities inside the roof rails, side panels, or rear access door tracks that are ideal for organizing cords, buckets, or gear. Utilizing these hard-to-reach nooks and crannies is a great way to maximize every last bit of storage potential. Hidden compartments keep valuables out of sight while freeing up room in the main cargo area.
Customizing Storage Solutions for Your Roof Cargo Box – Space and Budget
- Consider garage size and available space when determining the best storage method.
- Smaller areas may necessitate creative positioning to maximally use all space.
- Safety should not be sacrificed for the sake of storage efficiency.
- Choose a location that is easy to access but does not block pathways.
- Elevated storage on wall-mounted brackets saves floor space.
- Overhead shelving utilizes vertical real estate to maximize organization.
- Foldable workbenches and portable carts allow flexible multi-use configurations.
- Adjustable storage saves space and allows rearranging for various needs.
Weather protection
Protecting the roof cargo boxes from weather exposure is essential when storing them. Harsh elements like rain, snow, heat and UV rays can all potentially damage gear left inside over long periods. To shield items, use waterproof containers and bags to package everything individually before placing it in the box.
This seals items away from moisture. Closed-cell foam sheets placed on the floor and walls of the box will maintain an even temperature when heeding suggestions for how to store the roof boxes.
Ensure adequate ventilation as well so air can circulate and prevent mold growth. For best protection, store the entire roof box inside a garage or shed when possible rather than leaving it outdoors uncovered. Taking these steps provides a protective barrier so valuables are preserved even during months of storage.
External attachment options
Larger, bulkier items like bikes, kayaks, or lumber could be securely stored on the outside. This keeps the inside maximally organized. Straps, bungee cords and tie-downs are perfect for lashing equipment directly to the roof, vehicle rack, or box itself. Heavy-duty straps with ratchet mechanisms provide a sturdy, tight fit. Keep in mind that not all gear may fit inside the roof cargo box.
You can also attach molded external pouches and packs to exterior surfaces with buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners. These removable additions offer cushioned storage for equipment like helmets, paddles or ropes without taking interior space. Outward mounting is a great way to fully utilize the roof storage potential.
Secure bulky gear to roof or rack with straps
When packing up a roof box for garage storage, it’s important to consider how to store any large, awkwardly-sized equipment that may not fit inside, such as securing a mountain bike to the roof of the vehicle by wrapping protective straps tightly around both the bike frame and roof rack to prevent any movement during transport.
Attach external pouches or packs
To make full use of available storage space around the roof cargo box without taking up interior room, molded external pouches or packs designed specifically for roof mount can be securely fastened to outer surfaces using durable buckles or hook-and-loop straps to conveniently stash smaller cargo like paddle, ropes or protective gear in protected cushioned packs.
Off-season storage
- Thoroughly clean and inspect the roof cargo box interior and exterior before winter storage to prevent corrosion and damage.
- Organize and securely pack all contents inside with padding and dividers between items. Properly seal fragile or electronic items.
- Explore hidden storage areas to maximize space and conceal smaller valuables.
- Apply weatherproofing such as moisture absorbers and cover insulation to maintain temperatures and prevent mildew.
- Attachment points on the exterior allow secure storage of large bulky items like bikes or lumber that don’t fit inside.
- Store the entire roof box inside a garage or shed if possible to shelter it from snow, ice, rain and sunlight when not in use during colder months.
How to Store Roof Cargo Box – Fa Qs
Where should roof cargo boxes be stored when not in use?
Inside a garage or shed to protect it from weathering and damage from sunlight.
How can roof cargo boxes be protected from the elements during storage?
Cover the roof cargo box with a waterproof tarp or plastic covering to prevent moisture damage.
What is one way to make roof cargo boxes easier to access for storage?
Store the roof cargo box on adjustable-height shelving or sawhorses for easy loading and unloading.
Should roof cargo boxes be loaded with any contents during storage?
No, empty the roof cargo box of all contents before storing to reduce weight and prevent items inside from getting lost or damaged.
Is it okay to stack multiple roof cargo boxes during storage?
Yes, but use padding or bracing between piled boxes to prevent scratches and marks from stacking boxes instantly on top of one another.
Summary to Roof Cargo Box Storage
Storing roof cargo boxes appropriately is meaningful to protect your investment and make the boxes easy to access when needed. Following some simple tips can help roof cargo boxes last for many years of transporting gear. It’s best to store boxes inside a garage, shed or other sheltered area out of direct weather elements like rain, snow and sunlight.
This prevents moisture damage and fading over time these tips for How to store a roof cargo box. Be sure to fully empty boxes of all contents and consider covering with a tarp for added protection. Storing on shelving or sawhorses raises the box off the floor to avoid pooling water or debris underneath. This also makes the boxes easier to load and unload as needed.
Evade stacking multiple boxes directly on top of one another unless using defensive bracing or padding in between to prevent scrapes and dents. The proper indoor repository is the best way to keep roof cargo boxes in fantastic condition for future use.