Roof boxes

actions · 01 July 2013, 20:08

In the last two weeks life has changed somewhat with the addition of our first child. I can't quite believe though that someone so small comes with so much stuff, not to mention the boot sized pram.

Because of this I'm thinking of investing in a roof box for our mondeo but was wondering if you actually gain that much space with one.

Was looking at a halfords exodus 360 being a half size box so we can still get both bikes up top too, plus they are currently half price.

Does anyone have experience with these types of boxes and do you gain much space?

Ta

Matt.

mick · 01 July 2013, 20:25

These will be your best bet http://www.roofbox.co.uk/
Good to deal with etc I would go for a big ski box you can get loads in
We av one of these http://www.kamei.co.uk/scripts/rbveh...en&query=KM416
Don't know it's there

spartacus · 01 July 2013, 20:51

I don't have the roof box on question, but what I would say, is choose something that won't turn your aerodynamic car into a windbreak!

The Exodus looks nifty!

I've had a Thule roof box and aero bars for a number of years, and you definitely get what you pay for. It certainly increases load space and gets rid of awkward items that would otherwise be in the car. Maximum load from memory is 50kg for the model I use. I can squeeze one bike next to it too.

Searider · 01 July 2013, 21:03

Can definitely recommend a roof box.

Bought a Thule ne with aluminium roof bars on eBay - just had to get the right feet from roof box.co.uk

whisper · 01 July 2013, 21:14

I think we have a Thule 100, a very handy piece of kit

paddlers · 01 July 2013, 21:16

Thule are the best quality I've had !

Can be bargains on ebay but probably the wrong time of year for the lowest prices.

Dhf · 01 July 2013, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

In the last two weeks life has changed somewhat with the addition of our first child.
Matt.

Congratulations

TRevor Lawson · 01 July 2013, 21:29

I use a long ski type roof box, it's tapered at front so more aero dynamic, good for me as it will take fishing rods, lots of boat / camping kit, also fits to one side of roof bars so can still get 2 x bikes on top, be aware of height barriers on some carparks .

freespirit3 · 01 July 2013, 22:15

As the folks say once you have one you won't believe how you coped without, we have a Thule roof box, bought off eBay last year, used loads of times and can still carry two bikes next to it on the roof. You do get what you pay for, fitted and removed in minutes.

Carries five good sized bags and you can arrive all things dry as a bone

Chris Caton · 01 July 2013, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

In the last two weeks life has changed somewhat with the addition of our first child. I can't quite believe though that someone so small comes with so much stuff, not to mention the boot sized pram.
Ta
Matt.

Matt, make the most of it now, just wait till they get to 25, then see how much stuff they need

actions · 01 July 2013, 22:29

Thanks all. So Thule is the way forward for quality and having viewed the link to the roof box company from mick not too much more money than the halfords box.

Ps thanks for the congratulations.

actions · 01 July 2013, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

Matt, make the most of it now, just wait till they get to 25, then see how much stuff they need

Ha ha.. Having a couple of days away in lymington in sep and dread to think how much stuff we need to take.

Black · 01 July 2013, 22:36

We've a Monte Blanc roof box which we've been very pleased with. Makes a huge difference using Aero Bars to reduce whistling.

We used it with first child on an A3 Sportback. We used to get the buggy, mosses basket and a few soft bags in it.

Good luck with it all

solent spence · 01 July 2013, 23:37

If you have a modeo estate I have a set of ford roof bars I was going to eBay - if needed

actions · 02 July 2013, 08:52

Thanks for the offer but I already have aero bars. Just after a half size box. Think ill opt for the thule motion 600 as the roof box company have this discounted, throw in a free storage hoist and will match all my existing locks on roof bars and cycle carrier's for free. Not a bad deal.

Leapy · 02 July 2013, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

Was looking at a halfords exodus 360 being a half size box so we can still get both bikes up top too ...

Just keep an eye on your roof loading ... the Mondeo handbook should say what the roof load is. Typically it's 70kg, and this includes not only for any bikes/kayaks/kitchen sink/box contents but also the weight of the box itself and all the associated rails, bars, brackets, fixings etc.

HUMBER P4VWL · 02 July 2013, 13:58

aha, welcome to your new life, oh no, sorry, you don't have one anymore.

Congratulations though.

Yes, my 3 series touring is full with a pram and a black lab and two rugrats on the back seat, so we then have no room for luggage. The roofbox means you can then put all your bags in. it pretty much gives you another boot. Well worth it.

Nick Hearne · 02 July 2013, 14:13

I have a Mont Blanc from Roof Boxes Roof Bars & Boxes Motoring
Had it probably 10 years & still going strong

Photo of my last D3 after a head on collision with some old Frenchy

actions · 02 July 2013, 15:57

Hhhmmmm handbook says max load is 75kgs. Take off roof box weight, bars, cycke carriers and cycles im probably already there before packing it with stuff.

Leapy · 02 July 2013, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

Hhhmmmm handbook says max load is 75kgs. Take off roof box weight, bars, cycke carriers and cycles im probably already there before packing it with stuff.

Yep, that's what I found a couple of years ago ... two kayaks and an empty box plus bars and rails ... oops, almost at the limit

IIRC the load capacity of Thule rails themselves was 50kg