Okay, so I needed more space for my stuff, especially when going on trips. My SUV is pretty spacious, but when you’ve got a family and all their luggage, things get cramped real quick. I thought about getting a bigger car, but then I remembered those cargo boxes people put on top of their cars. I figured that would be way cheaper and easier than trading in my ride.
Figuring Out What I Needed
First, I had to figure out what kind of cargo box I needed. I didn’t know anything about them, so I did some digging online. I learned that they come in different sizes, measured in liters. Apparently, you can get anything from around 300 liters to over 600. I also found out that they attach to roof bars on your car, which I didn’t have. So, I knew I’d need to get those too.
Choosing a Cargo Box
After doing a bunch of reading, I decided to go with a mid-sized box, around 450 liters. I figured that would be enough for our extra luggage without being too huge and bulky. I also made sure to pick one that was waterproof and had a good locking system. I didn’t want any of our stuff getting wet or stolen!
Getting Roof Bars
Next, I had to find roof bars that would fit my SUV. This took a bit of research too. I ended up ordering a set online that was specifically made for my car model. I made sure they were sturdy and had good reviews.
Putting It All Together
- First, I installed the roof bars. It was a bit tricky, but I followed the instructions, and it all went pretty smoothly.
- Then, I got the cargo box up on top of the bars. It was a bit heavy, so I asked my neighbor to give me a hand. We got it up there and secured it to the bars using the clamps that came with it.
Finally, I had to mount the cargo box onto the bars. This was a bit of a pain because the box was heavy and awkward. I managed to get it up there, but I definitely recommend having someone help you with this part. Once it was on the bars, I tightened all the clamps and made sure it was secure.
Testing It Out
Before our big trip, I wanted to test out the cargo box. I packed it full of some heavy stuff like books and tools, just to see how it would handle the weight. I also drove around with it for a bit to see if it affected how the car handled.
Honestly, I was a little worried about how it would change the car’s handling, especially with braking and strong winds. But after driving around, I realized it wasn’t too bad. I just had to be a bit more careful when driving at higher speeds or in windy conditions.
Taking a Trip
Finally, we took our first trip with the cargo box. It was amazing! We were able to fit so much more stuff in the car, and it was way more comfortable. The box held up great, and we didn’t have any issues with it.
Overall, I’m super happy with my cargo box. It’s made traveling with my family so much easier and more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a way to add more storage space to your SUV, I definitely recommend getting one.
