Top Boxes

[loggy01]

We are a family of 5 and are thinking of a top box, how easy are they to use, i.e. can you easily get a couple of suitcases into them, are they easy to take on and off or is it a big job and just any other info you have on these.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

they are very awkward,why not get a small trailer,they come in very handy

[Toureman]

If you already have the side roof bars on the car you will need 2 cross bars to put the box on.

Take your suit cases to Halfords, they have the roof boxes on display so you could see if they fit, they do 2 sizes.

The box is easy to take on and off just using a key.

A trailer is OK but if you go on holiday you do not want to tow a trailer around sight seeing after unpacking your suitcases at the hotel and where could you leave it securely?

[BillyNoMates]

You need to be a little careful on how much weight you put in one.

They have their limits - ususally clearly stated. The thought of heavily laden suitcases says to be you need to be a little cautious as don't believe they can take that much load.

[mr rusty]

We got one so we wouldn't have to take the trailer......anything hooked to your towbar costs you a fortune extra on the cross channel ferry, and heres a handy tip- if you go over the Dartford bridge with a trailer on make sure you go through the autotoll as you are actually supposed to pay extra for them, and they catch you for an extra few quid in the manned booths!!! The other benefit of a box over a trailer is you're not limited to towing speed restrictions on the motorway, an important consideration if youre going a few hundred miles.

A roofbox is dead easy to use- if you get a modern one with quick releases you can get it on and off within seconds, but you're better off to use soft bags in them rather than suitcases to make maximum use of the space.

Because of the loading restiction for your roof (check your manual) they are best for lightweight but bulky stuff- we fill ours in no time with bedding, shoes, footballs, coats, etc- all the lightweight but awkward stuff, and put the heavy stuff in the boot.

Try and spend the extra for a long streamlined one rather than a square boxy one- if you go abroad and you use the autoroutes you could be cruising for hours at 85-90, and the shape can make a lot of difference to wind noise and fuel consumption.

[Gef]

Put a couple of your kids in the top box and suitcases on the back seat.