How Do You Install A Rooftop Cargo Box On A Van?

How do you install a rooftop cargo box on a van? This is a good question that many people with vans ask. Just like SUVs, coupes, and sedans, vans also can carry rooftop cargo boxes. 

This means that you can easily haul your sports gear, work supplies, and luggage without dirtying or cluttering up the vehicle. Also, the roof cargo box, when mounted on your van, gives off that fun vibe that you do “outdoorsy things.”

However, while they seem to enhance the fun of your trip, installing a rooftop cargo box on your van is not difficult. Once you have your crossbars fully installed, you are good to go. The process of cargo box installation is similar to all types of roof cargo boxes.

The first step involved in setting up the roof cargo box on your van is to know what you need for the job.

Before you begin to install a rooftop cargo box onto your van, you should ensure that the roof racks and the crossbars have been mounted. 

Also, ensure that the roof cargo box is compatible with the crossbars that are installed on the van. Most modern and commonly available roof cargo boxes are compatible with most crossbars. 

The crossbar should be fully installed onto the roof of the van with the foot securely mounted on the fit kits. The fit kits should be mounted securely onto the roof rack of the van. 

How Do You Install A Rooftop Cargo Box On A Van?

Step 1: Before you install the rooftop cargo box, it should come with an instruction manual and some hardware. Most rooftop cargo boxes do not come with complex hardware. This means that you may not be needing any tools to install the rooftop cargo box on your van. Now, if you are going to be installing a rooftop cargo box on your van, you will need some external help. This help is in the form of a ladder and a friend. 

Step 2: Now lift the rooftop cargo box and fit it onto the van. Most cargo boxes are not heavy but may be awkward to carry alone. This is why you need a friend and a ladder. 

Step 3: As soon as you place the rooftop cargo box on your vehicle, try to centre it equally on the crossbars on the van. You should check under the rooftop cargo box (depending on your rooftop box) there should be some holes for mounting it onto the crossbars. The U-bolts will go through these holes to anchor the box to the crossbars. Carefully position the rear and the front holes of the box onto the crossbars to match the mounting points. You must get the box to be installed in a straight, level and central orientation over the roof of the van. Anything different will cause an accident or damage to the roof. 

Step 4: As soon as you have placed the rooftop cargo box on the van, try to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the trunk of your van. To check this, try to lift the trunk of the van to see if the cargo box causes any interference. 

Step 5: Now take the cargo box off the van. At this stage, we will install the U-bolts to ensure that we have an installation flange for the crossbars. All the mounting brackets like the U-bolts and screws needed for the installation have been provided along with the roof box. 

Bring out the U-bolts and other metallic accessories to understand the installation methods. With the U-bolts, you should understand the spacing of the holes. Get your power drill and drill out the holes according to the U-bolt. Open up the rooftop cargo box to drill in all the necessary holes on the bottom. The U-bolt will have to go through these holes. 

Step 6: Mount the U-bolts and other metallic accessories on the rooftop cargo box. This will help you to install on on the van later. Your rooftop cargo box should come to with four different U-bolts and their mounting accessories. Make sure that the U-bolts are all mounted to all four sides of the rooftop cargo box. The position of the U-bolts is determined by the spacing of the crossbars on the van. When you are done drilling the holes do not install the U-bolts yet. You can then take them back to the van and place them on the roof. 

Step 7: Now open up the rooftop cargo box. Mark where you have made the holes and make them sit on the crossbar. Bring out the U-bolts and mount them from beneath the crossbar to the box. The U-bolts should be long enough to go from underneath the crossbar straight through the holes in the cargo box. As soon as the tips of the U-bolts emerge from underneath, bring out the screws and screw them to the U-bolts. These secure the box to the crossbar. Now do this for all the other three areas in your roof cargo box. This should securely mount the roof cargo box onto your van. 

Step 8: As soon as you have secured the cargo box onto the roof of your van, you can now start placing your items inside the box. Place as many items as you want and try not to go over the capacity of the box as this may cause an accident or damage to the roof. After placing all the items you need inside the box, try to secure them with the straps. The straps help you to properly secure the load inside the box. 

Step 9: As soon as you are done loading the box with your items, try to close the lid and get a key to properly lock the box. Your cargo box should come with a key and this can be used to lock the box firmly. 

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