One of the most frequently asked questions about our roof box is: Can I drive faster than 130 km/h with it?
Short and clear answer: Yes! Because this is precisely one of our unique selling points. The roof box offers the best aerodynamic performance and is extremely sturdy despite its very low weight, thanks to the materials and components used (locking system and hinge). As a result, it’s a true benchmark in this category.
Test drives with other plastic roof boxes—including during storms—have led us to adopt an over-engineering approach. In other words, to make more possible than is required for everyday use.
But this everyday life isn’t the same every day. There are days when you just want to get home quickly in the evening—there’s a gusty wind, it’s raining, and you really need to use the restroom. It’s always good to know: You’re not at any risk of losing the roof box, which could have dramatic consequences for the traffic behind you. We know that with plastic boxes, drivers often go 160 km/h instead of the prescribed 130 km/h. We also know that nothing usually happens with most of them. But ultimately, it remains an aftermarket part on the car that can be lost if the headwind is too strong or if the material breaks at some point.
Our roof box is designed and tested on a sports car. It is built for station wagons, sedans, coupes, and SUVs. Testing on a sports car presents various challenges not found in any other type of car: very high longitudinal and lateral dynamics, high mechanical loads due to a stiff chassis, and sometimes even very high speeds—if traffic permits, or if you take it for a test drive on the Nordschleife.
In short: At first, when testing other models, we were annoyed to be stuck in the right lane at 130 km/h. Just like you guys. Hundreds of inquiries confirm this.
Further tests then simulated storm conditions and unsafe cornering behavior. Spontaneously passing another car should never be a risk.
Accordingly, we say: Sure, it’s fun to drive fast. A roof box shouldn’t take away that freedom. But just as important is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that even at 130 km/h in gusty winds, the ASPHALTKIND “Cropfiber” roof box never gives you cause for concern.
A brief FAQ about speed:
How fast can I go with other roof boxes?
- Mostly 130 km/h. In our experience, this depends on the weather and the base carrier. We were amazed by the physics during some tests…
How fast can I drive with the ASPHALTKIND “Cropfiber” roof box?
- You can go faster than any other roof box on the market.
What is the maximum speed I' m allowed to drive at with the ASPHALTKIND “Cropfiber” roof box?
- There will still be final tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. After that, we will announce a value that you feel comfortable with—and that also allows us, as a manufacturer of a wide variety of cars and base vehicle models, to sleep soundly.
What happens if there is a speed limit on Germany’s highways with regard to this unique selling proposition? Would that leave only the other USPs?
- We continue to offer the safest roof box, which features other unique selling points such as an electric locking system and outstanding aerodynamics. In addition, it provides a sense of security even in strong headwinds—for example, during storms or when encountering oncoming trucks.
- Customer inquiries from other countries also show: It’s good to know that you could drive faster if you wanted to.
What is the purpose of driving at high speeds? It increases fuel consumption or drastically reduces the range of electric cars.
- Due in part to the “no speed limit” on Germany’s highways, car manufacturers in particular face the daily challenge of meeting high expectations. New and improved technologies are constantly being developed to optimize safety, handling, and range at high speeds. And it is precisely this that results in products that function perfectly and remain safe in extreme situations (even at lower speeds).
- A roof box that can easily handle high speeds will also provide you with the necessary safety at lower speeds in the event of a sudden evasive maneuver or a sudden gust of wind (on a bridge).
- In terms of range, the focus on “high-speed” development is, of course, also advantageous. This is because the CW value already plays a very important role starting at 80 km/h.
I also sometimes drive really fast in my plastic box. So why spend more money?
- Because then you can drive with a clear conscience and won’t pose a traffic hazard. In addition, our other unique selling points—such as the electric locking system, the low weight, and the design—might win you over. In everyday life, this means far less wind noise, admiring glances, and simply the great feeling of having a top-of-the-line roof box on your car.