Roofbox or Backbox: Which is the Best Choice for You?
When considering an investment to enhance your car's storage capacity you face the choice between a roofbox or a backbox, such as the IXTAbox. We believe the choice is simple. Here’s why IXTAbox is the smarter choice:
Access
A Roofbox Has Difficult Access
- Hard to reach / unreachable luggage and equipment.
- Some need to open door and stand on the frame of the car to reach luggage and equipment.
IXTAbox Has Easy Access
- Everyone has easy access to luggage and equipment, plus access to the trunk of the car.
Mounting
A Roofbox Is Difficult to Mount
- Takes 10-30 minutes to mount with 2 people.
- More steps, such as mounting rails.
- Total weight of 20-35kg, including rails
IXTAbox Is EASY to Mount
- Mount and dismount in seconds with 1-2 people.
- Weight of 20-35kg
Aerodynamics
30 to 40% Increased Drag
- Higher fuel consumption, limiting range.
- Higher costs.
-5* to 15% Increased Drag
- <5% increase in fuel consumption.
- Smarter option, as it makes little to no impact on range.
*Under certain conditions IXTAbox can be positioned so that it improves the car’s performance.
Aerodynamics & Safety: Roofbox vs. Backbox
Aerodynamics
Roofboxes are mounted on top of the car, which significantly increases air resistance. The high profile and placement means that the car has to work harder against the air currents, especially at higher speeds. Roofboxes increase the car’s air resistance by about 30 to 40%, leading to higher fuel consumption and increased costs. A backbox has much lower air resistance in the -5% to +15% range and can under certain conditions actually reduce drag, i.e., if the backbox is narrower than the width of the car and if its bottom sits above the car's underbody, this can result in a positive effect. This is because the car, together with the backbox, better releases the drag created behind the car, which reduces the overall air resistance and thereby the car's fuel consumption.Â
IXTAbox offers various sizes of their backboxes, allowing users to choose a box that fits their needs while achieving optimal aerodynamic effect depending on their car.
Safety
Due to their placement, roofboxes can negatively affect the car’s handling and increase the risk of damage in an accident. IXTAbox is mounted low and securely behind the car, reducing the risk of damage to both the box and its contents in a collision. In a collision, most roof boxes on the market will either detach from their roof mounts or the contents will burst through the roof box, posing a risk to oncoming traffic and potentially causing devastating consequences.
Safety
IMPLICATIONS of Roofbox Position
- Overall driving performance deteriorates due to side and front wind impact leading to reduced manouverability.
- In a crash situation, even at rather low speeds;
i.e., 50 km/h most roof boxes have a high risk of their
content breaking through and flying out of the roofbox.
IXTAbox Mounted on a SAFER Spot of the Car
- You can always drive at your regular speed when using an IXTAbox.
- IXTAbox is positioned behind the car and low to the ground reducing the risk of gear projecting to the front hitting another car in a crash situation.Â
LED Lights
A Roofbox Is Dark
- No internal or external lighting means it is harder to find your gear in low visibility situations.
IXTAbox Has Internal and External LEDs
- External LEDs connect to your car's break and direction lights.
-Internal LEDs help you find your gear easily in all types of low visibility situations.
Customization
Accessibility and Mounting
A roofbox is often difficult to access. To reach your luggage, you may need to open the car door and stand on the vehicle's threshold, making it both cumbersome and unsafe. With IXTAbox you have easy access to all your luggage and equipment directly from ground level. Additionally, you still have full access to the car’s trunk.
When it comes to mounting, a roofbox often involves a time-consuming process that can take up to 30 minutes and usually requires two people. In contrast, IXTAbox can be mounted and dismounted in just a few seconds by one to two people, saving you both time and effort.
Adjustable Position
Roofboxes are limited by the type of roof mounts your car has and you might need to purchase different mounts for different cars. IXTAbox is flexible and fits most cars. The height above the ground can be adjusted, and the box can be positioned to ensure the car's license plate remains visible.
Customizable Position
Limited Customizability
- Roofbox solutions are limited by the type of rail your car has.Â
- You have to buy different types of rails to fit different types of cars which, in turn, limit your options.
IXTAbox Fits the Majority of Cars
-The height of IXTAbox can be adjusted by changing the position of the towing hook fixation device allowing most car trunk doors to be opened while using it.Â
-This can also position IXTAbox so that the registration sign holder can be seen. In case it is covered, an extra registration sign holder can be added to IXTAbox. Â
Clean
A Roofbox May Get You Dirty
- Hard to clean due to position and the partly sensitive materials.
- Gets you dirty when reaching up for your luggage and equipment.
IXTAbox Keeps Your Clothes Clean
- IXTAbox can be cleaned with a water hose or a pressure washer.
- Dirty and wet things can go into the IXTAbox, keeping you and your vehicle clean.
Why choose IXTAbox?
Cleaniness
Roofboxes can be difficult to clean and can make both you and the car dirty when accessing your luggage. IXTAbox is easy to clean with a hose or pressure washer and keeps both you and your car clean, even when packing dirty or wet items.
Multifunctional Design
A roofbox has limited use and takes up space when not in use. IXTAbox is designed for multiple purposes, from transporting bikes, skis and camping gear to serving as storage at home. You can even mount packages with longer skies or bike racks on top of the IXTAbox.
Multipurpose Design
Roofbox = Single Purpose
- Designed only to add storage to your car. The rest of the time it will only sit in storage.
IXTAbox is VERSATILE
- Designed for multiple types of gear: bike rack, skis, golf, kite surfing, camping, etc.
- Bike racks can be mounted on top of the box.
- IXTAbox doubles as storage at home. Your gear can always be packed and ready.
Multipurpose Design
In IXTAbox
- IXTAbox is designed for multiple types of gear. Anything from skis, strollers, golf gear, suitcases, supermarket bags, tools, camping gear, you name it!
On IXTAbox
- Bike racks can be mounted on top of IXTAbox.
- Most things that do not fit inside IXTAbox can be mounted and secured on top.
Storage
- IXTAbox doubles as storage at home. Your gear can always be packed and ready.
- Perfect for pillows, fire wood, tools, suitcases, pool toys, etc.
Quiet and comfortable driving
Roofbox vs Backbox: Noise Level
Roofboxes create increased air resistance, leading to higher noise levels inside the car. This increased airflow around the roofbox generates significant wind noise, especially at higher speeds, which can be disturbing and reduce driving comfort.
IXTAbox is designed to minimize this issue. Mounted behind the car, IXTAbox is less affected by direct airflow, greatly reducing turbulence and wind noise. As a result, IXTAbox does not increase the noise level inside the car, even at higher speeds. This allows you to enjoy a more quiet and comfortable ride without annoying background noise. For a better driving experience and increased comfort, IXTAbox is a superior alternative to a roofbox.
Noise
Roofboxes Increase the Noise Inside the Cabin
IXTAbox is SILENT
- IXTAbox will not make any noise while driving at higher speeds.
Sustainability
Materials and Manufacturing
IXTAbox is made of high-quality, recyclable materials in Sweden, ensuring long durability and lifespan. Roofboxes are often manufactured in low-cost countries with materials that do not always meet the same standards.
Materials
Made Out of Plastics
- Plastic, Fiberglass and Aluminium.
HIGH QUALITY & Reusable
- Salt water resistant-auminum Body.
- Acid Resistant Stainless steel components.
Roofbox vs Backbox: Summary
When comparing a roofbox with a backbox, it becomes clear that IXTAbox offers superior advantages in terms of accessibility, mounting, adjustability, aerodynamics, safety, cleanliness, versatility, noise level and material quality. For a simpler, safer and more cost-effective solution, choose IXTAbox.
Made in Sweden
IXTAbox is DESIGNED & BUILT in Sweden.
Roofboxes are commonly produced in low cost countries.
The All New 2025 IXTAbox
The latest and most enhanced IXTAbox. Further improved aerodynamic properties, new streamlined design, interior LED and increased volume.