Owners of a compact hatchback Nissan Note first generation (E11 body), produced between 2005 and 2013, are often faced with the need to expand the useful volume of the vehicle. The standard luggage compartment, although spacious for city use, cannot cope with the transportation of large cargo such as skis, bicycles or construction materials. This is where special luggage systems come to the rescue, allowing you to transform your everyday car into a full-fledged travel vehicle.
Choosing a suitable design requires attention to detail, as the body Nissan Note E11 has its own fastening features. An incorrectly selected set can not only damage the paintwork, but also create a dangerous situation on the road due to aerodynamic noise or load instability. In this article we will analyze all the available equipment options, methods of their installation and the nuances of operation.
Types of luggage systems for E11 body
Today for the car Nissan Note Three main types of structures are available, differing in the method of fixation and functionality. The most popular option is the classic system consisting of transverse arches and support brackets. This scheme is suitable for cars without standard roof rails, which is a typical case for most versions of the E11 body. The arches are attached directly to the roof through special gripping mechanisms.
The second type is integrated systems that are installed on standard longitudinal rails. If your Nissan Note was equipped with factory guides, you will only need a set of crossbars to match the distance between them. This solution is considered more aesthetically pleasing and safer, since the load is distributed through reinforced body mounting points rather than through roof seals.
The third option is standard roof rails, which are often missing on basic trim levels. Their installation requires drilling into the roof or the use of specialized adapters, but provides maximum reliability. For most owners Nissan Note E11 The optimal solution is to purchase a universal kit that adapts to the roof geometry without interfering with the car’s structure.
- 🚗 Universal arches: suitable for any roof without roof rails
- 🚙 Railing crossbars: mounted on factory guides
- 🚐 Standard systems: require professional installation and drilling
Materials and design of arches: what to choose?
The key element of any luggage system is the material from which the crossbars are made. The aerodynamic characteristics, noise level and durability of the structure depend on this parameter. The most common material is aluminum, which combines lightness and sufficient strength to transport loads up to 50-75 kg. Aluminum arches often have an oval or teardrop-shaped cross-section, which reduces air resistance.
The second popular option is steel. Steel structures are significantly cheaper than aluminum, but they are heavier and more susceptible to corrosion if the protective coating is damaged. Steel bars usually have a rectangular cross-section and can be noisier when traveling at high speeds. For rare trips to the country, this is a valid option, but for frequent use it is better to consider other solutions.
The premium segment is plastic or composite systems, often called "aerodynamic". They have a streamlined shape, are practically silent and do not require additional coating. However, such systems are more expensive and have limitations on maximum load.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a material, keep in mind that too heavy steel arches increase the center of gravity of the car, which can negatively affect handling Nissan Note when cornering at high speed.
- 🛡️ Aluminum: optimal balance of price, weight and strength
- 🔩 Steel: low price, but high weight and risk of rust
- 💨 Composite: silence and style, but high cost
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Plastic/Composite
- I don't know, tell me
Mounting and support points: features of the Nissan Note E11
The most critical point when installing a rack is choosing the correct mounting points. On the body Nissan Note E11 There are often no visible standard grip locations, so accessory manufacturers use a fixed grip system. They cling to the edge of the roof, supported by a rubber seal. The important thing here is to choose brackets that exactly match the curvature of your car's roof.
Some kits offer the use of rubber pads or "feet" that distribute pressure onto the roof. This avoids dents and scratches on the paintwork. For Nissan Note With a dark body color, the risk of abrasions is especially high, so the use of high-quality silicone gaskets is mandatory. Improper installation can cause the bars to move or even break off along the way.
The distance between the front and rear bars also plays a role. The recommended distance for a hatchback in this class is from 60 to 80 cm. If you install the bars too close to each other, the center of gravity of the load will shift, which will create unnecessary load on one of the supports. If the distance is too large, the load may bend under its own weight.
- 🔧 Grabbing the edge of the roof: the most popular method for E11
- 🛡️ Rubber gaskets: protection of paintwork from damage
- ⚖️ Distance between arches: affects load distribution
☑️ Check before installation
Self-installation instructions
Installation of the luggage system does not require special tools and can be done independently within 30-40 minutes. Start by unpacking the kit and making sure you have all the necessary items: two arches, four brackets, keys and instructions. Make sure you purchase a kit specifically designed for Nissan Note E11, since the roof geometry differs between different models.
The first step is to install the front bars. Open the front doors slightly and carefully insert the brackets into the gap between the door frame and the roof seal. Make sure the rubber bracket seal fits snugly against the roof and does not block the drainage holes. Tighten the tightening bolt until the bracket locks into place, but do not overdo it to avoid damaging the plastic or metal.
After installing the front supports, move on to the rear ones. The process is similar but requires more care as access to the rear of the roof may be limited due to the shape of the glass. The distance between the arcs is measured with a tape measure. For Nissan Note The optimal position is considered to be one in which the rear arch is located slightly further from the edge of the trunk than the front, so that the cargo does not cling to the glass when loading.
The final stage is tightening all fasteners using a wrench. Check the stability of the arches by pressing them with your hands. They should not wobble or move. If you are using aero bars, make sure they are shaped to face the direction of travel (usually they have an arrow or the word "Front" on them).
⚠️ Attention: Never install the roof rack on a dirty or icy roof. Sand and ice trapped under the bracket can become abrasive and scratch the paint when moved.
What to do if the arcs are loose?
If the bars do not lock tightly, you may have chosen the wrong size brackets or did not tighten the bolts fully. Try cleaning the contact area and repeating the installation. If the problem persists, check to see if the roof is warped from previous installations of other accessories.
Before tightening the bolts, be sure to ensure that the rubber bracket gasket lies flat and does not have wrinkles. The fold may cause water to leak into the interior during rain.
Types of cargo boxes and their compatibility
After installing the bars, the logical step is to purchase a cargo box. For Nissan Note E11 Boxes with a volume of 300 to 450 liters are suitable. Larger models may block the view through the rear window, which is unacceptable for safe driving. The shape of the box should be aerodynamic to reduce noise and fuel consumption.
It is important to check the system of fastening the box to the arches. Most modern models use clips or screw terminals. Clips allow you to quickly remove the box without tools, which is convenient for urban use. Screw clamps provide a more secure hold, but require the use of a wrench for removal. For Nissan Note with its relatively low roof, it is better to choose low boxes so as not to complicate loading.
When choosing a box, also consider its internal width. Some models have a narrow base that is not suitable for wide aerodynamic curves. Make sure the distance between the box mounting points matches the width of your arches. Otherwise, the box will hang loose or not install at all.
- 📦 Volume 300-400 l: ideal choice for the Note hatchback
- 🔒 Clips or screws: choosing a fixation system
- 📏 Base width: must match the width of the arches
| Boxing type | Volume (l) | Base width | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 300-350 | 45-50 cm | Light weight, does not block the view |
| Medium | 350-420 | 50-55 cm | Optimal balance of capacity |
| Extended | 420-480 | 55-60 cm | May obstruct vision, requires long arcs |
| Folding | 300-400 | 50 cm | Easy to store, but more expensive |
Effect on aerodynamics and fuel consumption
Installing a trunk inevitably changes the aerodynamic characteristics of the car. For Nissan Note E11 this is especially true, since hatchbacks already have less than ideal aerodynamics. Even empty arches increase air resistance, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption by 10-15% when driving on the highway at speeds above 90 km/h.
A cargo box increases this figure by another 10-20%, especially if it is installed incorrectly or has an angular shape. Wind noise in the cabin also becomes more noticeable. To minimize these effects, choose boxes with a smooth surface and rounded edges. The correct location of the roof box (closer to the center or slightly shifted back) also affects noise.
Do not forget about the legality of transportation. In some countries there are restrictions on the size of cargo that extends beyond the body. For Nissan Note This is rarely a problem as boxes are usually stacked within width dimensions, but the length of the load must be checked. Maximum load height above roof should not exceed 1.5 meters from ground level in most regionsto avoid problems with road signs and bridges.
⚠️ Attention: When driving with an open trunk (without a box), fuel consumption may increase by 20-30% due to the sail effect. Always close the box or remove the bars when not in use.
Aerodynamic boxes reduce fuel consumption and noise levels compared to open bars, but their cost is higher. The choice depends on frequency of use and budget.
Safety and operation: tips for owners
Cargo and vehicle safety is a priority when using the roof rack. Before each trip, perform a visual inspection of the fastenings. Vibration and temperature changes can loosen bolts. Use a torque wrench to check the tightening torque if the instructions require it. For Nissan Note E11 It is recommended to check the fastenings every 500-800 km.
The weight distribution inside the box should be even. Place heavy objects closer to the center of the box and above the arches, light ones - along the edges. This will prevent body distortion and deterioration in handling. Never load the box more than the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer, as this may lead to deformation of the bars or brackets.
Be especially careful in winter. Snow and ice accumulated on the box or roll bars can become dangerous projectiles when accelerating or braking. Regularly clear the trunk of ice. Do not leave the car with the trunk open for a long time under the snow, as the weight of the snow cap may exceed the permissible load.
- 🔍 Regular check: inspect the fastenings every 500 km
- ⚖️ Uniform loading: heavy in the center, light around the edges
- ❄️ Winter operation: clear snow and ice before travel
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about roof racks on the Nissan Note E11
Is it possible to install a trunk on a Nissan Note E11 without roof rails?
Yes, this is the most common option. Special brackets are used that cling to the edge of the roof and the door seal. It is important to choose a kit that is compatible specifically with the E11 body.
What is the maximum roof load allowed on the Nissan Note E11?
The manufacturer usually indicates a load of up to 50-75 kg (including the weight of the arches and box). It is strictly forbidden to exceed this limit, as this can damage the roof and impair the stability of the car.
Do I need to drill into the roof to install the rack?
No, standard universal systems do not require drilling. Drilling is only necessary when installing standard roof rails, which is rarely done and requires a professional approach.
What is the best distance between arcs?
The optimal distance is 60-80 cm. To transport long objects (skis, pipes), the rear arch can be moved further, but make sure that the load does not touch the glass.
Is it possible to wash a car with a trunk installed at a car wash?
Most car washes allow trunk washes, but it is recommended to turn off the drying function (blower) as the strong air flow can tear off the box or bars. It is better to use hand washing.