I'm looking at getting a Roofbox for holiday use. I've a MB C220CDi Sports Coupe (i.e. hatchback).
Because of the hatchback I'm limited in box length. I'd want one with all round locking. As I only intend to open it at our destination I'm not sure that I need dual side opening.
I'm going to aim to get one that will fit under my garage door opener (closed at least).
Any other selection criteria or suggestions?
What effect does it have on driving. I can see the following: -
(1) Worse fuel comsumption. How much?
(2) More susceptible to cross winds and HGVs.
(3) Poorer handing - no elk tests.
I intend to pack soft, light things up there (towels, clothes etc) rather than beer or wine. I don't know if a suitcase will fit or if that is a good idea. Temperature may be an issue.
Any other thoughts or suggestions on suppliers?
Thanks,
Simon
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I would recommend choosing a suitable size then buying a bigger one.
I bought a 300 litre box from Halfords in 1993 for a Rover 400, have used it regularly for holidays and recently for the university runs, it is reasonably aerodynamic so fuel econony isn't that much of a problem provided I stick to speed limits.
I found a roof box to be something that once you have one, you wondered how you managed without it. My only regret is not buying a larger box.
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Take a look at www.roofbox.co.uk - there is a lot of advice and information there.
The affect of fuel economy is dependant on speed - a blast up the motorway to Dover dropped the consumption of my Passat TDi to 29mpg! On the auroroutes and autobahns at a slightly less frentic rate it improved to low 40's mpg. The same box on a Golf TDi down to Cornwall following brother in a Previa gave me nearly 50mpg. You takes your choice and pays your moneyfuel bills...
What I would suggest is getting a hoist to store the box and bars from the garage roof, otherwise it will be taking up quite some space on the floor...
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I bought Halfords smallest at the time (250 L IIRC) a couple of years ago, it is rear opening so not ideal for accessing on in a layby though is fine if you load it and empty at your destination. It is not a long narrow one though is narrow enough to fit slightly to one side and be able to strap a buggy etc to the bars next to it, it also looks fine in black. I put a strap around the middle as insurance agains the lock popping though it seems robust. I bought Thule bars instead of Halfords ones because they are designed for the Mondeo roof fixings. I did not notice much of a drop in economy though I guess we cruise at 70ish instead of 80ish with the roof box fitted and the car loaded.
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I've had a roof box for 10 years and wouldn't do without one now although if buying again I would opt for dual opening and go up a size. Mine is 430 litres and holds as much as a decent hatch boot but there's never enough space especially for family holidays. I expect you'll use somewhere between 10% - 15% more fuel but if you knock 10mph off your normal cruising speed you'll get some of that back. Last year mine was on top of a Picasso which made it quite high but windy conditions and HGV drafts didn't seem to affect it any more than usual. It will alter the centre of gravity of the car but you'd have to be driving on or near the limit for it to dramatically upset the car. Clothing, bed linen, towels all pack down realtively small but can weigh a bit so I tend to put lighter bulkier items (deck chairs, beach balls, fishing seat, rods, nets) in the box and fill up the rest of the space with some clothing etc in soft bags to make the most of the space. Heavy suitcases and booze go in the boot to aid stability. If you're buying the box, bars and mounts together you should get a free garage hoist thrown in whuch is well worth having.
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We have a Halfords box, about 8 years old. Does affect consumption so only gets fitted when needed. 660 l (?) so will take two large suitcases.
It is lockable but wouldn't trust it to be secure overnight in Liverpool.
Remember there is a speed limit of 60mph imposed by most box manufacturers - many ignore it (I have been known to!) They also make the car too high for most multi-storey car parks.
Consider the bars as well - we had Halfords bars for the Vectra but these whistle a lot over 30mph, bought Thule for the Passat and they did not (additional expense when I got the Honda was limited to a second set of feet). Once set up these are easy to fit and remove.
Oddly enough now I have an estate it doesn't get used much.
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Thanks, all, for the advice.
I'll look at that web site and see what they have to say.
I'd avoid one with a 60mph limit as the first use will be to drive down to the dordogne and 60mph will seem to take ages compared to the 80mph that the rest of the traffic will be doing.
I'll post again when(if) I buy.
Thanks,
Simon
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