Safety instructions

Roof racks/roof boxes.

1. For your own safety: please only use tested roof boxes and roof rack systems that are approved for your vehicle.

2. For safety reasons, loading and unloading should always be carried out from the side which is furthest away from the traffic.

3. It is essential that the procedures, measurements and safety instructions detailed in the user information for installation, handling and use of the roof rack/roof box are adhered to. Even the slightest deviations could lead to incorrect installation or use. The roof box must be mounted with its front facing in the direction of travel.

4. Roof racks/roof boxes are constructed in such a way that, with proper installation, handling and use, no damage to the vehicle will occur. The manufacturer expressly accepts no liability for damage which occurs as a result of non-observance of the given installation procedure, safety instructions, measurements or use of the roof rack/roof box. Any guarantee claims against the manufacturer cease to exist in the case of improper installation, handling or use which deviates from the user information. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for the roof racks/roof boxes and observing the relevant instructions.

5. When loading the box, heavy items should be placed as centrally as possible in the roof box to ensure that the total weight of the load is evenly spread over the carrier and the vehicle. All items of luggage should be secured to prevent shifting. For sports equipment only the appropriate correct restraint systems must be used!

6. The roof load rating (made up of the combined weight of the roof rack, roof box and the load) given by the vehicle manufacturer should not be exceeded, nor should the total permissible weight of the vehicle.

Permissible roof load rating (instruction manual) ... kg
minus: - Net weight of roof rack (identification plate) ... kg
minus: - Net weight of payload (identification plate e.g. roof box) ... kg
equals: = permissible vehicle-related payload ... kg

7. Before driving off, it is essential to check whether the roof rack/roof box is properly locked and the key has been removed. When using a roof box never (even for a short distance) drive with the lid simply snapped shut or left open! It is important that the load does not interfere with the closure – this will avoid any failures of the locking system.

8. Driving performance of your vehicle changes when a roof rack/roof box/payload is in use.
It is therefore essential that the mode of driving is adapted to a change in weight and height conditions

- Side wind sensitivity will increase. 
- When loaded, the shift in the vehicle's centre of gravity will affect taking bends and the behaviour of the brakes.
- The height of the vehicle will change depending on the roof rack/roof box/payload. Please take account of this
at low garage entrances and bridges.
- There is no legal maximum speed for driving with a roof rack/roof box/payload. KAMEI recommends a maximum speed of 130 km/h when using a roof box. 
- Wind noise may occur. 
- Always secure the load well with special straps (synthetic/textile)! Do not use elastic straps! Long loads (e.g. surf boards) must also be secured to the front and rear of the vehicle and, where appropriate, labelled according to regulations. Avoid visibility being obscured to the front and rear by the load or lashing straps.
- The carrier system/accessories and items to be transported must not protrude significantly beyond the perimeter of the vehicle. The load may not protrude beyond the side of the loading area.
- Secure the load against shifting and regularly check for correct positioning.

9. In the interests of safety, all screwed fastenings and straps should be checked before each journey for damage, a secure hold and proper positioning and, where appropriate, tightened (immediately replace damaged straps). Initially after short driving distances – and then at appropriate intervals – all screwed fastenings between the vehicle and the roof rack/roof box should be checked, and where appropriate, tightened. Full loading and frequent dynamic stresses (uneven road surface, high speeds) require checks at shorter intervals.

10. Roof boxes that have not been used for a longer period of time should be checked for proper function before they are used again. This includes locks, fastening and load securing. Roof boxes with a damaged outer shell can no longer be used. 

11. When cleaning the roof box, use only solvent-free car wax and detergents which do not contain alcohol, chlorine or ammonia. To avoid damage to the surface, do not use any dashboard sprays or oily cleaning agents. Clean the locks of the roof rack/roof box at regular intervals and when heavily soiled. Only use an appropriate multi-purpose oil for this to ensure correct functioning of the locks. In the interests of safety of other road users and to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, the roof rack/roof box should be removed when not in use. This also applies when using a carwash. Cleaning the car roof/roof rail and roof rack/roof box is recommended before and after each use.

12. Roof boxes and roof rack systems should not be stored outdoors, but protected from the weather. Direct sunlight should be avoided. 

13. When installing a roof rack/roof box, and when transporting a load, ensure that car parts can move freely without obstruction (e.g. sunroof, antenna, windscreen wipers, spoiler). When installing the roof boxes on so-called Mini SUV's, the compact body shape may restrict the opening angle of the trunk. We would be pleased to advise you on this topic.