Roof Boxes...

[IanM]

I changed my car a couple of months ago to one with less boot space....not an issue for 48 weeks a year, but might be an issue for the odd week or two away on uk trips.

Am considering getting a roof box, but wondering about the value if it will be spending most of its time taking up space in the garage.

Any advocates who were thinking the same who changed their view having got one?

Anyone bought one then wondered why?

 

[AmandaJR]

Going on holiday with two dogs and two lots of golf clubs had us buy a roof box a couple of years back. In all honesty the hassle of fitting the bloody thing (without damaging the car!) and then getting stuff in and out of it meant we only used it twice. After which we just didn't take golf clubs with us!

 

[Fade and Die]

Big fan of the roof box, last summer I upgraded to this....
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/roof-boxes/halfords-advanced-580l-black-roof-box-338382.html

Its one of the biggest you can get and for us It’s great, can comfortably fit enough stuff for a family of 4 for a fortnight Holliday, plus golf clubs tucked in along the side and a pencil bag tucked in the other side! Leaving the back of the car for the dog!

My old box a Thule Atlantis, I sold on eBay for £150 too so was well pleased.

True I only use it 2-3 times a year but when it’s not in use I hang it from the garage ceiling out the way.

 

[DCB]

It makes your 2-3 week summer holiday so much easier. I have used one every year for the past 12 years. So versatile, easy to store the larger items and when at the holiday location great for keeping the folding chairs and beach kit in one place whilst leaving the boot for other bits and pieces. Go for zThule bars and Feet and it makes life so much easier. I had a set of Halfords feet, but, they were a real faf

I store mine in our garden shed standing upright in a corner.

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

I changed my car a couple of months ago to one with less boot space....not an issue for 48 weeks a year, but might be an issue for the odd week or two away on uk trips.

Am considering getting a roof box, but wondering about the value if it will be spending most of its time taking up space in the garage.

Any advocates who were thinking the same who changed their view having got one?

Anyone bought one then wondered why?

I looked at this too. Very similar situation to you.

Compared brands and spent a good bit of time online and in Halfords looking at fitting systems, manufacturing quality and so on. Thule systems were more expensive, but looked to be much more robust. 15 years on now, and they are still looking good and working very well.

However, I lent a friend a bike carrier, and his bike came off it in France. I couldn’t see anything wrong with the carrier so suspected he’d done something wrong in fitting it. Thule investigated and said it was inconclusive whether it was a bike fitting (operator) error or a product fault, though they had been unable to find a product fault. (It did seem as though they took it very seriously and investigated properly. I got the impression they genuinely cared - not particularly about blame but about finding the cause. Proper engineers.) The next day I received a delivery of a free replacement carrier. I hadn’t asked for or expected it. Their customer service was exceptional.

My roof box was expensive but was a godsend when the children were younger. Like you it say it is in the garage most of the year, though we have lent it to friends too. We don’t use it much at all now. Hard to say if it was worth the money; the few times we needed it it was essential. Buy the biggest you can afford. If you go smaller to save a few ££ you’ll regret it.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Some places will rent them, we have such a company a PW away from where I work. Might be worth trying first time to see whether you really need one or not.

I bought one about 15 years ago. Used it twice, not for donkeys years now. It's gathering dust right now but it isn't doing any harm as I have the space to store it. The irritating thing is the bars. I have a set but they don't fit my car, haven't fitted the last 4 cars ?. I should probably look to resolve that ?

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

Some places will rent them, we have such a company a PW away from where I work. Might be worth trying first time to see whether you really need one or not.

I bought one about 15 years ago. Used it twice, not for donkeys years now. It's gathering dust right now but it isn't doing any harm as I have the space to store it. The irritating thing is the bars. I have a set but they don't fit my car, haven't fitted the last 4 cars ?. I should probably look to resolve that ?

I sold a fitting kit for a previous car on eBay and was pleasantly surprised at how much it went for.

 

[Captainron]

Before I got my double cabs (had 3 now) we used to use a roof box for holiday. 2 kids, a dog and golf clubs mean you pack loads, especially when camping. Used it lots and was well worth the purchase.

Have now given it to the sister in law and they use it often now.

I wouldn’t hesitate to get one