Summer might be over, but the road trips certainly aren't. September and autumn bring weekends away, half-term breaks, walking holidays, family visits and trips into the countryside. What does change is the weather.
The pile of luggage that spent July sitting happily beside the car can look rather more vulnerable when October rain is coming down sideways. Our Roof Boxes provide useful enclosed storage above the vehicle, helping protect suitable luggage and belongings from the changeable conditions that come with autumn travel.
Rain Changes the Way We Pack the Car
During a dry summer getaway, loading the car can be relatively straightforward. Autumn introduces wet coats, muddy boots, umbrellas, outdoor equipment and the possibility of loading or unloading everything in the rain.
A roof box gives you a separate, enclosed area for suitable belongings rather than relying entirely on an already crowded boot. It can be particularly useful when you want to keep travel bags and other items away from damp outdoor equipment being carried elsewhere in the vehicle.
For anyone new to roof storage, What Is A Roof Box? explains the basic idea and Why Are Roof Boxes Useful? looks at some of the other advantages.
Weather-Resistant Storage Above the Car
Our premium Thule roof boxes are designed for vehicle travel and provide enclosed, weather-resistant storage. Once properly closed, they offer considerably more protection than carrying belongings in an exposed roof basket or other open storage arrangement.
It is important to pack sensibly, however. Roof boxes should not be treated as guaranteed completely watertight containers, so particularly valuable or moisture-sensitive belongings should still be placed inside suitable waterproof bags or protective covers.
A little preparation goes a long way when the forecast contains more rain clouds than sunshine.
470 or 580 Litres of Extra Autumn Storage
Autumn journeys can produce surprisingly bulky packing lists. Waterproof jackets, thicker clothing, walking gear and additional footwear all take up room.
Our Large roof box provides around 470 litres of additional capacity, while the Extra Large option increases this to around 580 litres. That extra room can help prevent the boot becoming a complicated game of luggage Tetris before you've even left home.
If you are unsure which capacity suits your plans, take a look at Roof Box Range and Which Is The Best Roof Box?.
Wet Walking Boots Below, Clean Luggage Above
One useful autumn strategy is to think about where different belongings will go before setting off.
Items you may need regularly during the journey are often better kept somewhere easily accessible. Meanwhile, suitable luggage that will not be required until you reach your destination can be stored in the roof box, freeing up valuable space inside the vehicle.
This becomes particularly handy after a wet day outdoors. Muddy boots, damp coats and umbrellas have a habit of making everything around them damp too. Keeping clean luggage separately packed can make the return journey considerably more pleasant.
Autumn Weekends Away Without an Overloaded Cabin
You don't need a two-week summer holiday to justify wanting more room.
A family half-term break can mean several bags, coats and children's belongings. A walking weekend brings boots, rucksacks and outdoor clothing. Visiting relatives can add presents or other items to the return journey. Even a relatively short autumn break can quickly consume an ordinary car boot.
Customers heading away from Lichfield, Birmingham and Redditch can hire additional storage only for the period it is actually required, rather than purchasing equipment that needs somewhere to live afterwards.
Roof Boxes for Different Cars This Autumn
The weather may be the same, but the fitting requirements certainly aren't. Roof bars and mounting systems need to be compatible with the particular vehicle being used.
We provide information for motorists looking for VW, Kia, BMW, Toyota and Mercedes roof box options, along with SUV and 4x4 setups for larger vehicles.
If compatible bars are required, Roof Bar Hire can form part of the setup. A car without obvious raised rails may still have suitable fitting options too, as explained in Can I fit a roof box to a car with no rails?.
Professional Fitting Matters in Every Season
Rain is not a reason to compromise on installation. The box, roof bars and vehicle all need to form a compatible setup, regardless of whether you're travelling in August sunshine or November drizzle.
Our team professionally fits the appropriate equipment and explains how to operate it before you travel. You can learn more at Does roof box hire include fitting? and How Do Roof Boxes Attach To Cars?.
Customers who would rather have fitting arranged at home or work can also ask about We Deliver To You, subject to location and availability.
Summer Ending Doesn't Mean Roof Box Season Is Over
Roof boxes are naturally associated with summer holidays, but extra vehicle storage remains useful long after the school summer break has finished.
We help customers from Nuneaton, Bromsgrove, Sutton Coldfield, Hinckley and Coventry, as well as customers closer to our Tamworth base. Autumn bookings can cover anything from a couple of days away to a longer UK or European journey.
Hiring also means that when the trip is finished, you don't have to find permanent storage for a large roof box throughout winter. Is it cheaper to hire or buy a roof box? explores that comparison, while How much does it cost to hire a roof box? provides our current pricing information.
Pack for the Forecast, Not Just the Destination
Autumn travel is less predictable than a summer getaway, and that's part of its appeal. A bright morning can become a wet afternoon remarkably quickly.
A professionally fitted roof box gives you additional enclosed storage for suitable luggage, helping you organise the car for wetter journeys while leaving more useful space for passengers and the belongings you need close at hand.
Explore our Roof Box Range or Contact Us with your vehicle details and travel dates to discuss your autumn roof box hire.
Because when the forecast says rain, the answer shouldn't have to be leaving half the luggage at home.
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