Roof boxes

[NVP]

Looking like this trip is going to be tight, going to need a roof box for the next trip.

Never even browsed one before so no idea whether there are decent brands or it's best to go with oem etc.


All knowledge is appreciated
Thanks

 

[NVP]

Lidl have one for £99 at the moment. I have no idea about fixings or whatever but if it's unlikely to get a lot of use then why not? Lidl stuff is generally decent quality too. 320l if I remember correctly.

Oooh, is that big? Lidl ransoms are occasionally decent quality, still have an air compressor going strong (could have been aldi, no idea)

I got one at Tesco direct before it shut down on Tesco vouchers was £75 it's not the biggest one but works fine.

You can go nuts on a roof box but really it's a price of plastic.

Good point, but surely some are designed better for aerodynamics and security etc. ?

We got a Mont Blanc one, used it quite a few times. We chose to spend a little more than the cheapest ones. The extra money not only buys you a bit more quality but service as well. I managed to misplace the key for it whilst in Vienna and after a phone call to their UK number they were going to express mail a key to me at our hotel.

The manufacturers own roof boxes seem very pricey for what are often rebaded models from other manufacturers.

That's more like it. How much?

 

[NVP]

Couple hundred odd was expected. Don't got to any extra effort mate


Edit: eww it's weird saying "mate". Prefer "brudda"

 

[NVP]

Decent price considering their pens cost that much haha Will do more googling once we are back from the beach

 

[NVP]

Oh my car already has these...



...do I need something specific from BMW ?

 

[NVP]

Those are called closed roof rails, the car to the rear in that pic has what's called open roof rails ie you can get your hand underneath.

Thank you very much

Problem with a roof box is storing it when you're not using it. I had this realisation when looking at options and found some places hire them out (and fit them for you) so could be an option. I never bothered in the end so no actual experience to share unfortunately.

True, I've got a couple of sheds I'm sure there is space in as long as they can fit through a normal door.

I've got a roof bag, comes with a protective mat and straps. As above storing a roof box is annoying, this folds flat.

Depends how much room you need though.

https://bigdaddyoutdoors.com/

I have had larger plastic ones which broke over time so now we have a fabric Thule collapsible job. Works well but hard use it. Means it folds down and lives in the garage roof. The base is fixed.

Thanks for the suggestion, but someone can literally just cut those off and run. I would prefer something a lot more secure.

 

[NVP]

I've never heard of anyone stealing/breaking into a roof box. But I know a few people who wouldn't think twice about taking a bag to shift for some funds.

 

[NVP]

That looks good what's its capacity?

Your V90 is sexy!!

You hang around with the wrong people.

You sound like my mum

 

[NVP]

Ah I see! Ok cool, thank you looked just strapped on. Haven't had a chance to Google properly yet, enjoying this beach weather!! (Fyi western supermare is the worst beach I've ever been too, when the tide is out it's all just clay and mud... the **** is it so rated?)

 

[NVP]

My v40 has open roof bars but the gap between the roof is really small,I’ve tried using the roof bars that say they will fit every open bars but the bottom of the fixings sit in my roof,I need proper Volvo ones I think.

Thanks, I'm guessing it will be the same for my bimma.

 

[NVP]

I have always used Thule roof bars/boxes/cycle carriers. Fitted every car I’ve had the bars a long time just getting different feet if I need them. They fit fine on the F11/F31.

You can get BMW specific bars (similar price to Thule), but they are essentially a BMW stickered up Thule item with BMW instructions.

You do hear the wind with them, so a whisper or aero type bar might improve upon that. Stability and fixing is great and instructions are plenty good enough to figure them out from. They have torque limiting bolt handles also which work well.

No problems with the fixings or stability when we filled ours for a drive across the Highlands to Isle of Tiree and back again.

Got ours from Go Outdoors when it was on offer. £120ish springs to mind but it was the biggest one they do.

Lidl currently have a similar one in which looks just as good.

I've got a Thule motion which is great. Super light so it can be lifted empty onto the roof. It uses the claw wind fitting to so can be used on any rack without too much hassle. Mine was ex display from Halfords. £150 I think

Thanks guys, I think I'll take the car to a Thule stockists during the week and see which one fits best... then buy it online haha

Really appreciate the advice

 

[NVP]

Not a bad price, but think a one box solution is the way forward for me, less effort haha


Didn't realise how expensive this Thule stuff is. Are their bars really that superior? It's a simple thing at the end of the day, no?

 

[NVP]

True. I've seen the Thule Motion XT XL (500L) New on eBay for £400 and something... just need to go Halfords and see it in the flesh and find out what bars I need etc

 

[NVP]

Say whaaat?! Car boot?

TBF I don't really want used, and I'm hoping to get a few more weekends away with the kids before the weather changes

 

[NVP]

So been to halfords... the XL is huuuuuge. Will hang over the front of the car by a good two hands if I have it flush with the boot open.

So the M appears to be a better size at 40cm shorter and only 100L less.

What's this about buying the bar and then the feet and then the fixing kit?! Jeees!


Edit: cheapest M I can find is more expensive than the new XL on ebay... hmm... what to do? Does it matter much if it overhangs the front a lot?

 

[NVP]

Nice

I went ahead and grabbed the new XL off ebay - it's the halfords Ebay account haha, didn't realise. £431.95 all in for a 500l motion xt.

Looking at the bars on roof rack.co.uk they say

Existing Thule Customers

If you wish your order to be supplied with a particular Thule lock number, please enter this here e.g. N123

Which I'm assuming means I can have the same key work on the bars and the box. Convenient, but one level less security... saying that, both keys would be on the same ring anyways hah!

Gonna splash out on the wingbar edge as I'm gonna be running this car until it's last breaths anyway

 

[NVP]

So offer them a lick and get one cheap?

Gross

 

[NVP]

Edit: ignore me

 

[NVP]

I went ahead and grabbed the new XL off ebay - it's the halfords Ebay account haha, didn't realise. £431.95 all in for a 500l motion xt.

'Tis huge!




Now to figure out where these lock numbers are...


Edit: can't even find the keys to unlock the damn thing! Haha it can wait until tomorrow...

Edit again: Found the keys, ordered some black thule edge bars with matching locks. Sorted!

Thanks all for the advice, appreciated

 

[NVP]

Ooooh I want me one of these:



But will need to buy a new house with a garage for that hah #sooncome

Edit: Heeeyyyy I've got a new avatar!! Been a while!