How to Load Roof Box Safely and Properly

Winter Roof Box Hire in Wolverhampton: Complete Guide

When most people think about roof boxes, they immediately picture summer holidays.

Suitcases packed.

Car loaded.

Family heading towards the coast or driving into Europe.

But roof boxes can be every bit as useful during the colder months – and in some situations, they’re even more valuable.

Winter clothing is bulkier, Christmas journeys can involve presents as well as luggage, and ski and winter holidays often require far more equipment than a traditional summer break.

At South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire in Codsall, our large 470-litre Thule roof boxes provide valuable additional luggage space for customers throughout Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire.

So, if you’re planning to travel this winter, here’s why hiring a roof box could make the journey considerably easier.

Why Winter Holidays Need So Much Space

Think about what you pack for a summer holiday.

T-shirts.

Shorts.

Swimwear.

Lightweight shoes.

Now compare that with winter.

Coats.

Jumpers.

Boots.

Thicker trousers.

Waterproofs.

Scarves.

Gloves.

Even before you’ve added your normal luggage, you’ve already got considerably bulkier clothing.

For a family of four or five, the difference can be substantial.

A car boot that comfortably copes with summer luggage can suddenly struggle when everyone is packing for colder weather.

Add 470 Litres of Extra Luggage Capacity

Our South Staffordshire hire fleet consists of large 470-litre Thule roof boxes.

That’s a significant amount of additional storage.

Rather than trying to squeeze bulky coats and bags into every available space inside the vehicle, suitable luggage can be moved into the roof box.

That gives you much more flexibility when packing.

Items you won’t need until you arrive at your destination can travel above the vehicle, while things required during the journey remain accessible inside the car.

It’s a simple change that can make winter travel much more comfortable.

Roof Boxes Aren’t Just for Summer

We sometimes hear people say:

“I didn’t realise people hired roof boxes in winter.”

They certainly do.

There are plenty of reasons customers need additional luggage space between October and March.

These include:

Christmas travel.

New Year breaks.

Winter cottage holidays.

Walking weekends.

European road trips.

Ski and snow holidays.

Visiting family.

Airport journeys involving several suitcases.

The roof box doesn’t know whether it’s July or January.

If you need additional storage, it’s there to do exactly the same job.

Christmas Travel Can Fill a Car Very Quickly

Christmas creates a particularly unusual luggage problem.

You’re not necessarily travelling with just suitcases.

You may also have presents.

If you’re visiting family for several days, the car can contain clothing, food, children’s belongings and Christmas gifts.

Then you have to consider the return journey.

You might come home with even more than you left with.

Families with younger children will understand this problem particularly well.

Somehow, a car that was completely full on the outward journey is expected to accommodate another collection of presents on the way home.

Having a roof box provides valuable flexibility.

Keep Christmas Presents Out of Sight

A roof box can also be useful when travelling with children.

If you’ve carefully hidden presents at home, the last thing you want is to load them into the boot where curious passengers can see exactly what’s inside.

Suitable items can be packed away in the roof box instead.

Of course, luggage and valuables should always be handled sensibly, and you should never leave valuable items unattended simply because they’re inside a roof box.

But for transporting bulky Christmas items between destinations, the additional space can be extremely useful.

Winter Cottage and Lodge Breaks

Winter is a fantastic time for a UK getaway.

A cottage in Wales.

A lodge in the countryside.

A weekend in the Lake District.

A walking break in the Peak District.

These trips can be considerably quieter than visiting during the main summer season.

But you’ll probably need more equipment.

Warm clothing, waterproofs, walking boots and additional layers all consume luggage space.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, you might also be taking food and other items from home.

Suddenly a weekend away involves considerably more luggage than expected.

Travelling with Dogs During Winter

Winter cottage holidays are particularly popular with dog owners.

There’s something appealing about spending the day walking and returning to a warm cottage or country pub afterwards.

But travelling with a dog creates its own storage challenge.

If your dog uses the boot, your normal luggage space may be significantly reduced.

Moving suitable luggage into a roof box allows the boot to remain available for your dog while still providing plenty of storage for the family.

For owners of larger dogs, this can make an enormous difference.

Winter Walking Trips

Living in Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire means we have some fantastic walking destinations within relatively easy reach.

Shropshire is close by.

North Wales is only a drive away.

The Peak District and Lake District are also realistic destinations for weekends and longer breaks.

Winter walking requires proper preparation.

Waterproof clothing, warm layers, boots and backpacks all take space.

If several people are travelling together, a roof box can provide somewhere practical to carry suitable bulky equipment without filling the passenger compartment.

Planning a Ski Holiday?

Winter also marks the beginning of the European ski season.

Driving to the Alps can be a fantastic way to travel, particularly for families or groups.

You avoid airline baggage restrictions, can take more equipment and have your own vehicle available at the resort.

But ski holidays generate a lot of luggage.

Winter clothing alone can fill a car surprisingly quickly.

Add boots, helmets and other equipment and available space disappears even faster.

A roof box can provide valuable additional capacity for suitable equipment and luggage.

If you’re planning a ski trip, always discuss what you intend to carry with us so we can help make sure the equipment provided is appropriate for your requirements.

Keep Passengers Comfortable on Long Journeys

Winter road trips can involve long periods inside the car.

If you’re travelling to Scotland or driving into Europe, you may spend many hours on the road.

That’s not the time to have passengers surrounded by luggage.

Moving suitable items into the roof box can leave considerably more space inside the vehicle.

Children have more room around their seats.

Adults get their legroom back.

And items you need during the journey can remain accessible.

For long-distance travel, passenger comfort matters.

Professional Roof Box Fitting in Codsall

One of the advantages of hiring from South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire is that we take care of the fitting.

Different cars require different roof bar systems.

Some have raised roof rails.

Others have flush rails.

Some use fixed mounting points.

Others require specific fittings for a smooth roof.

We have a large selection of roof bars available for different vehicles.

Once you’ve provided your vehicle make, model and year, we can establish which equipment is required and check availability.

We’ll then arrange a convenient fitting appointment at our Codsall location near Wolverhampton.

Large 470-Litre Thule Roof Boxes

Our Codsall hire fleet consists of large 470-litre Thule roof boxes.

They’re finished in gloss black and are dual opening.

The large capacity is particularly useful during winter because clothing and equipment can be so bulky.

Dual opening means you can access the roof box from either side of the vehicle.

This is useful throughout the year, but it can be particularly convenient when you’re travelling and parking in unfamiliar places.

If one side of the car is close to another vehicle or wall, simply access the roof box from the opposite side.

Remember Your Vehicle Height

One thing every roof box user should remember is that fitting a roof box increases the overall height of the vehicle.

This is important when entering:

Multi-storey car parks.

Underground parking.

Hotel car parks.

Height-restricted barriers.

Ferries or other areas where vehicle height matters.

It’s easy to forget that there’s now a large box above you, particularly after driving for several hours.

Always remain aware of your vehicle’s increased height while the roof box is fitted.

Allow for Changes in the Way Your Car Drives

A roof box also changes the aerodynamics of your vehicle.

You may notice additional wind noise and potentially increased fuel or electricity consumption.

Your driving should always reflect the conditions, the equipment fitted and the guidance provided by the vehicle, roof bar and roof box manufacturers.

Winter weather can introduce additional challenges including strong winds, rain, ice and snow, so sensible driving becomes even more important.

Why Hire Rather Than Buy?

For occasional travellers, hiring can make much more sense than buying.

A quality roof box and compatible roof bars can represent a considerable expense.

Then you have to find somewhere to store everything.

A 470-litre roof box requires a substantial amount of storage space when it isn’t being used.

If you only need one for a winter holiday and perhaps a summer trip, ownership may be unnecessary.

Hiring allows you to use the equipment when you need it and return it afterwards.

No permanent storage problem.

No large initial purchase.

And we take care of fitting.

Local Roof Box Hire Near Wolverhampton

South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire is based in Codsall, making us convenient for customers throughout Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

We regularly serve customers from Codsall, Bilbrook, Perton, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, Wombourne and surrounding parts of South Staffordshire.

Our location is also convenient for customers travelling from neighbouring areas of Staffordshire and Shropshire.

If you’re unsure whether we can fit your vehicle, simply contact us with the make, model and year.

Book Early for Christmas and Ski Trips

Winter is quieter than summer for roof box hire overall, but there are still periods where demand increases considerably.

Christmas and New Year are obvious examples.

Ski holidays can also create demand for particular equipment during January and February.

The availability of roof bars is especially important because customers with similar vehicles may require the same fitting system.

If you know your winter travel dates, booking in advance gives us the best opportunity to reserve the appropriate equipment for your car.

Make Winter Travel More Comfortable

Whether you’re visiting family at Christmas, spending New Year in a cottage, heading to Wales for a walking break or driving towards the mountains for a winter holiday, additional luggage space can make the journey much easier.

A large roof box allows you to organise your luggage more effectively and keep the passenger compartment clearer.

Instead of asking:

“How are we going to fit all this in?”

You can concentrate on enjoying the trip.

Book Winter Roof Box Hire in Wolverhampton

If you’re planning a winter journey and need more luggage space, contact South Staffordshire Roof Box Hire.

We’re conveniently based in Codsall near Wolverhampton and provide large 470-litre Thule gloss-black dual-opening roof boxes, together with professional fitting and suitable roof bars for a wide range of vehicles.

For winter roof box hire in Wolverhampton, Codsall and South Staffordshire, contact us with your vehicle details and travel dates to check availability.

Telephone / Text / WhatsApp: 07903 839112

Email: boxhirestaffs@gmail.com

Whether it’s Christmas travel, a winter weekend away or a European road trip, we’ll help you create the additional luggage space you need.

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