Calix Nordic Loader Premium – An excellent aerodynamic roof box for adventurous trips?

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Roof boxes are essential when you’re on the road or out and about with extra storage for all your equipment. However, let’s face it: they’re not always the most elegant. They create drag on your vehicle which can reduce fuel efficiency. This is when aerodynamic design comes into play.

Calix Nordic Loader positions itself as a roof box that combines aesthetics and function. It claims it can cut effortlessly through the breeze. But is it really the most aero-friendly choice on the market? In this article, we’ll take a look at the aerodynamics of the Calix Nordic Loader and examine if it lives up to its hype.

Aerodynamics and roof boxes – Cutting through the wind

Roof boxes are essential for extra storage when you’re on the road, but they often create drag, reducing fuel efficiency. The Calix Nordic Loader Premium is designed to be the most aerodynamic roof box available. Let’s see if it lives up to this design goal.

The drag you didn’t ask for

Imagine your car speeding along the road, surrounded by air that flows easily over its curves. Then, you add a roof enclosure. This interrupts the seamless flow, creating a larger hurdle for the air to move around and increasing drag. Drag is like an invisible force constantly pulling your vehicle backward, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel to maintain speed.

There are two main resistances that prevent us from going infinitely fast: rolling resistance (FRoll) and air resistance (FAir). These forces act against the driving force of the vehicle on a flat road and literally slow down the car.

The effect of these resistances depends heavily on the vehicle’s speed. At around 30 km/h, rolling resistance accounts for about 90% of the total resistance, while air resistance is only 10%. At this speed, even carrying a large but light object like a wall unit on the roof wouldn’t significantly impact fuel consumption. However, at around 100 km/h, air resistance accounts for about 63% of the total resistance, and at 160 km/h, it reaches 81%. At higher speeds, the vehicle primarily fights against air resistance. Therefore, an aerodynamic shape for a roof box is essential to minimize its impact on vehicle performance, especially at high speeds.

Shape matters most

One of the most important factors that determine the aerodynamic performance of a roof box is its design. Ideally, you’ll want to find a roof box that reduces the impact it has on the air. The following are the things to look out for:

• Tapered design – Imagine an airplane’s wing. It’s thinner at the front but widens to the rear. It allows air to move easily over the entire box and reduce drag. For instance, the tapered nose design may be beneficial in this aspect.
• Less size – The smaller the box is, the greater amount of air it disturbs, and the greater drag.

Beyond shape – Material and design features

Shape is the king of all however, there are other variables that have a part to play:

• Material – A sleek, lightweight box creates less drag than a large, heavy, and textured one. For example roof boxes made from double-shell ABS plastic, offering rigidity and stability with lower weight.
• Design features – Certain boxes come with features specifically designed to improve aerodynamics, such as a recessed base that sits close to your car’s roof, reducing turbulent air​.

Cutting through the noise

Aerodynamics can also affect the sound of wind. Poorly designed boxes can make a loud whistling noise, particularly at high speeds. Reading the reviews of users about wind noise levels could prove to be an important data source.

The Calix Nordic Loader Premium’s benefits

In short

• Tapered nose to ensure easy air flow
• Slim, low-profile design that limits air movement.
• Smooth, high-end finish that minimizes drag.
• Lightweight, dual-shell ABS construction
• Rivet-free exterior and built-in LED lighting
• Recessed base

The Calix Nordic Loader Premium is designed with several aerodynamic features aimed at enhancing its performance and reducing drag. The roof box features a tapered nose section, which helps channel airflow smoothly over the box, similar to an airplane wing, thus minimizing drag.

Additionally, the overall form of the Nordic Loader Premium is sleek and streamlined, further contributing to reduced air noise and resistance when the vehicle is in motion. The smooth, non-textured surface of the box also plays a crucial role in improving its aerodynamic efficiency by allowing air to flow freely over the surface​.

Moreover, the Calix Nordic Loader Premium’s construction, made of lightweight, dual-shell ABS, provides the necessary rigidity and stability without adding significant weight. This is beneficial for both the vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. Its design incorporates features such as a rivet-free exterior and built-in LED lighting, which not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also maintain its aerodynamic profile.

Comparing it with other models out there, the Nordic Loader Premium stands out for its combination of advanced aerodynamic design and functional features. While other alternatives also offer aerodynamic benefits, the Calix Nordic Loader Premium’s specific design elements like the tapered nose and smooth finish give it a distinctive edge in reducing drag and noise​.

-Recessed base
This feature allows the box to rest closer to the car’s roof. The box is positioned so that there’s less space underneath the box that air may become trapped and cause turbulent air, which can further reduce efficiency.

In summary, these features of the roof box collectively contribute to improved fuel efficiency by reduced air resistance. This makes it an outstanding choice among roof boxes, perfectly balancing functionality with high performance. As you gear up for your next adventure, remember to pack wisely, plan your routes carefully, ensure all safety measures are in place, and don’t forget the snacks! Safe travels as you set out on your journeys, equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable experience.