Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Well I ain't gonna buy a bigger car. So if I need more stowage I gotta get one of them there roof boxes.

I've checked a couple of sites like Halfords etc. and it seems basically you're gonna pay a couple of hundred quid upwards for a chunk of plastic that happens to have beem moulded into a sort of streamlined coffin shape.

Any tips as to decent makes / models and stores that sell 'em ?

My fears are contents getting soaked through rain seepage, theft (I understand they are quick to attach, which implies quick to detach). Any advice at all appreciated.

Cheers KK

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/34986-roof-boxes-for-cars-any-advice/
Share on other sites

KK - attachments are from inside the box - so as long as it's locked shut the easy access doesn't imply easy theft.


In my experience the cheaper Halford's version, which is of thinner plastic, tends to flap in high winds or above speeds of 60mph. This can cause rain seepage, altho' in practice I never experienced it. It did cause a hell of a lot of noise which was annoying and once, memorably, it forced the lid off by distorting the shape and effectively releasing the locks. Thus leaving quite a bit of Marmora family irtems strewn along the A303.


My actions thereafter were to buy a top of the range box and lash it down, fore and afte, with nylon straps which reduced noise and likelihood of opening.

Cheers MM, if I get one it won't be an 'own-brand' version, when you say you lashed it down do you mean stowage-type straps (the mini version sof what hauliers use) ?


They seem to go up to ?600 or even more !


With full car of chums my mini estate just can't fit the baggage plus tents and other gear.


dbboy - I'd hope it's minimal, due to streamline of the boxes' shape.

We have the Exodus make, so far no problems and has good reviews. Much much cheaper than Thule and our contents survived the recent downpours - I'm not sure how the contents would get wet, as the lid overlaps the base, unless the product is defective. Halfords often have a half price sale on roof boxes (incl. Exodus and Thule) so don't pay full price unless you need it asap.

Got a KAMEI 450, symmetrical from www.roofbox.co.uk a couple of weeks ago. They do a package deal with roof bars. Came to about 330 quid with Thule roof bars. It's quite a big one but will still fit through the loft hatch.


Not cheap but like anything else worth paying a bit more for a bit more quality/longevity/peace of mind.


Did a camping run down to Dorset last week. Little bit of extra noise. About 2mpg less on a Volvo. After 5 minutes you won't even notice it (except I put it on slightly skew and it gave the car a very slight pull to one side).


Absolutely recommend it.

I bought a Kamei XXL (because lots of people told me they regretted buying a smaller one) and it's mahoosive! Haven't used it yet but it looks up the trip to France we about to embark on, was ?350 or so from roofbox.co.uk with the Whisper bars and some free strap things.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Per Cllr McAsh, as quoted above: “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution. " Is anyone au fait with the Clean Air Act 1993, and  particularly with the state of 'Smoke Control' law and practice generally?  I've just been looking  through some of it for the first time and, afaics, the civil penalties mentioned  were introduced into the Clean Air Act, at Schedule 1A, in May 2022.  So it seems that, in this particular,  it's a matter of the enforcement policy trailing well behind the legislation.  I'm not criticising that at all, but am curious.  
    • Here's the part of march46's linked-to Southwark News article pertaining to Southwark Council. "Southwark Council were also contacted for a response. "Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste said: “One of Southwark’s key priorities is to create a healthy environment for our residents. “To achieve this we closely monitor legislation and measures that influence air pollution – our entire borough apart from inland waterways is designated as a Smoke Control Area, and we also offer substantial provision for electric vehicles to promote alternative fuel travel options and our Streets for People strategy. “We as a council support the work of Mums for Lungs and recognise the health and environmental impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, particularly from wood-burning appliances. “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution.  “This work is being undertaken in collaboration with other London boroughs as part of the pan-London Wood Burning Project, which aims to harmonise enforcement approaches and share best practice across the capital.” ETA: And here's a post I made a few years ago, with tangential relevance.  https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/278140-early-morning-drone-flying/?do=findComment&comment=1493274  
    • The solicitor is also the Executor. Big mistake, but my Aunt was very old, and this was the Covid years and shortly after so impossible to intervene and get a couple of close relatives to do this.  She had no children so this is the nephews and nieces. He is a single practitioner, and most at his age would have long since retired - there is a question over his competence Two letters have already gone essentially complaining - batted off and 'amusingly' one put the blame on us. There are five on our side, all speaking to each other, and ideally would work as a single point of contact.  But he has said that this is not allowed - we've all given approval to act on each others behalf. There are five on her late husband's side, who have not engaged with us despite the suggestion to work as a team, There is one other, who get's the lion's share, the typicical 'friend', but we are long since challenging the will. I would like to put another complaint together that he has not used modern collective communication (I expect that he is incapable) which had seriously delayed the execution of the will.   I know many in their 80s very adept with smart phones so that is not an ageist comment. The house has deteriorated very badly, with cold, damp and a serious leak.  PM me if you want to see the dreadful condition that it is now in. I would also question why if the five of us are happy to work together why all of us need to confirm in writing.             The house was lived in until Feb 23, and has been allowed to get like this.
    • Isn’t a five yearly electricity safety certificate one of the things the landlord must give for a legal tenancy?
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...