Roofbox/roofbag advice

mojesius

Hello there,

We're heading off on holiday out west soon with toddler and dog. We have a Kia Sportage and have limited space with dog in boot, car seat, buggy, bags etc.

We were looking at getting a roof box or bag to fit everything but there are a lot of options and sizes etc. and wanted some advice from roofbox/bag experts.

Did a bit of research on roof racks and settled on this roof rack (car has the roof rails built in).

Onto roofbox/bag question:

- Halfords/Micks garage sell ~200 - 500l boxes but they're pricey enough (€250 - 400). I was looking at a bigger one (what's the point in buying a small one that doesn't fit a lot!)

- Then i saw some roofbags as an alternative (cheaper and easier to store when not in use)
example 1
example 2 (much cheaper than example 1, decent reviews)

Does anyone have thoughts on what option is better - invest in a roofbox or would a roofbag suffice? Main things going on the roof would be baggage. I like the idea of the easy storage of a roofbag when not in use but wonder how 'waterproof' and sturdy they actually are.

Any advice really appreciated! (and yes, we probably need an estate car!!!)

Cheers

ZV Yoda

We did 10 or 11 years of annual driving holidays to the continent. We'd have been lost without the roofbox. Hands down, it's the best money I ever spent on anything holiday or car related.

I'd say go for the biggest roofbox that will fit on your car. They're not really that expensive (especially since you already have roof rails). You'll never have to worry about the contents getting wet in the rain. I'd stay away from roof bags.

If cost is a concern, there's usually loads of used ones for sale. See adverts.ie here:
https://www.adverts.ie/for-sale/q_roof+box/

Just make sure all the locks / keys work properly & there's no damage to the box itself.

Hurrache

The Halfords Exodus branded ones are brilliant, they're pretty much the same as Thule and use the same easy and quick fixings. I have one almost 10 years without issue.

michellie

I bought a roof bag on Amazon yesterday, hoping it will be here in time for our holidays on Wednesday. It looks great and has great reviews.

This is the one I ordered its 566 litres.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0773GV2N2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cLb8Cb7ETMXC4

CJhaughey

Boxes are much more secure than bags, we have one for well over a decade, its a Karrite 390 litre it never leaked even in torrential rain and wind. I would be sceptical about having a bag in some locations as they can be easily slit and the contents rifled.
Boxes by their nature and materials are harder to access unlawfully.
One tip is keep the roof load light and the heavier items down low, handling will be adversely affected by having a lot of weight up high.
Most roofracks have a maximum loading of around 100kg so be careful with overloading and watch your height in low headroom areas like carparks etc.

Irishphotodesk

It is possible to rent a roofbox also - it was mentioned on other holiday forums.... It gives you the option.

If you can afford to purchase it will allow you to take so much extra, particularly because you have the dog traveling too, we put ours into kennels, we only travel on holidays every 2-3years.

loyatemu

Have had the same Halfords roofbox for 10 years, they're nigh-on indestructable and you don't have to worry about running out of space; money well spent.

mojesius

Thanks all for your suggestions, trip to Halfords it is for a roofbox!

mojesius

Hurrache wrote: »

The Halfords Exodus branded ones are brilliant, they're pretty much the same as Thule and use the same easy and quick fixings. I have one almost 10 years without issue.

Thanks for the suggestion, got the exodus one and they'd a great deal on them. Very happy with purchase 😀

michellie

Hi OP, just wanted to pop back to let you know we received the roof bag and it was brilliant headed to Dublin airport last week, fit a large suitcase and large buggy(it would fit 2 large suitcases with more room to spare) everything kept dry and it was easy to put on and remove and pack away neatly.

Large bottle small glass

Is the Exodus brand worth the premium over Halford branded roofbox?

https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/roof-bars-roof-boxes/roof-boxes/halfords-470l-grey-roof-box
for 248 over equivalent size Exodus for 358?

https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/roof-bars-roof-boxes/roof-boxes/exodus-470l-black-roof-box

Intention would be something we will be using for a lot of years to come for France/Spain camping trips

my3cents

10% off Halfords stuff if you have AXA insurance (or had it) and have an AXA discount card.

The Halfords own brand is cheap generic stuff. I know in the UK other companies sell the same boxes cheaper. Still nothing wrong with them. The Exodus are better but hard to say if they are worth so much more.

If you don't need one straight away sign up for an account and see what deals you get sent. I wanted a trailer and eventually go 28% off in a flash sale.