Roof box query

muckety

I'd like to get a roof box and would appreciate advice. Do they make them to fit specific car models as I will change my car later this year - after our holiday - so want to be sure that anything I get now will fit the next car. Also, do they have to fit on a roof rack or roof bars? If so, my car (an estate) has roof bars, do I need more bars?

We are travelling to France in July, is it cheaper to buy there and if so can anyone recommend a supplier/auto shop?

Thank you,

Anan1

If your car has roof rails (the ones going from front to back) then you need bars (going across the car). They'll be vehicle-specific, and a suitable roof box will then mount to them. In answer to your second question, the best thing to do is to compare prices online.

CJhaughey

You can hire roofboxes from many camping places, I bought my ex-hire one from the roofbox centre in cork.
As Anan says if you have roofrails you will need the crossbars, they are not vehicle specific in my experience. With the Thule bars I have, the feet for roofrails are universal and the only thing that may need to be changed is the length of bar depending on the width of the vehicle.
The roofbox I got was a 400l model very handy for trips to France.
All the light bulky stuff goes in there leaving the boot free for wine:D

niceirishfella

Yes, handly things the roofbox.
I got mine in Halfords.....and its fine.
Mine fits on roofrails and the cross bars are not brand specific - they fit any vehicle with roofbars.
The only downer with a roofbox is that they generate lots of wind noise if you like having the sunroof open, but then you can't have everything ehhhhh!

Wally Runs

Most roof boxes are generic and have settings for different roof bar layouts. It is worth a bit of time looking around as there are any number of designs with pros and cons.

A big box is great but the rule says the bigger the box the more s**t you will pack in (and never use on your holiday). You might only half fill it and have stuff sloshing around in it.

What are going to put in it? Will they fit? Suitcases too deep etc. Heavy items should stay in the car, remember you will have to able to lift it above your head etc. No point in starting the holildays with a sore back.

Some open only on one side and others on both, handy if want you want to get is out of reach on the far side.

Is it heavy? Will you be able to lift it on to the roof alone? Is it so awkward to get on and off that you just leave it on when not in use and then have the hasssle of not being able to get in some car parks or extra fuel consumption.

The best price I got was at a local motor factors rather than a chain, so worth a look.

Oh in France try Nordauto (might find them online) and any large Hypermarket. If buying in France for the return journey you might have add the extra height to your ferry booking?

muckety

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I checked out Norauto - they start at 79e! Are there pitfalls in buying at that price? The difference between it and one at 199e seem to be 50l of space (320l vs 370l) and 20 mins to install vs. 5 mins for the dearer one. They have a very helpful section with advice on buying a roofbox - a big travel bag = c. 100l and a large suitcase c. 200l so that helps to guage size.

The other consideration seems to be the accessories with which to fix the box to the car - any nuggets of wisdom to share here?

Thanks again,

CJhaughey

A good roofbox should have all the fixings necessary to secure it to the car.
My Karrite had 4 square U-bolts and rubber pads to stop slippage.
I find it OK to fit, two people necessary to lift it on (or one strong person) and once it is on you just fit the bolts and tighten.
The model I have is full width and it suited us better as we could fit the buggy and luggage into it no problems.
I think the narrow ones are probably a little better aerodynamically but not practical for wider items.
Karrite are made by Thule and are a slightly less expensive version of the Thule boxes.
Try a hire one and after the holiday you will have a better idea of what you might want/need.
Fuel economy suffers a little but the Corolla still returned 38mpg averaging 130kph on the way up to Cherbourg, I used 98 octane when I was there and found it pretty much cancelled out the power loss.