[autostratus]

A follow on to a current topic on fixing roof boxes.

What value have roof boxes?
I ask because we toyed with the idea of having one fitted, liking the idea of putting some of the bulky but not too heavy stuff up on the roof out of the way.
We already have rails, a strengthened roof area and a ladder factory fitted.

We went off the idea when we tested climbing up onto the roof!
Since then we have met 2 people with roof boxes who say that although they have stuff in their box they actually never use it because of the hassle of getting it down and putting it back up.

Any comments?

Gillian

 

[89987]

I know what you mean !

I bought a roof box and fitted it, however, there were a number of problems :

(1) It's too much hasle to have to climb up the ladder onto the roof.
(2) You can't store anything of weight up there because of the centre of gravity makes it dangerous.
(3) It interferes with the reception of the TV/radio ariel, especially in weak signal sites.
(4) They only open on one side, so if you strap it on with the pointy end foward for streamlining the locks are on the other side from the access ladder (UK box, m/h French built).
(5) The slipstream under the box and over the skylight makes a noise when driving along.

So I got rid of it.

I think the roof bars are OK for surf boards or canoes or deck chairs but an actual plastic box is too much hastle. No doubt there are some people who disagree ???.....

 

[peedee]

Could it not all depend on your age and level of fitness and of course the availability of downstairs storage space? I would rather have it up on the roof out of the way than cluttering up the living space.

peedee

 

[autostratus]

You're right, peedee age and fitness are major factors but there are others.

It can also depend on how you use your motorhome.
If you tend to use campsites and you usually stay for a few days rather than one night, getting the chairs etc out of the roof box and putting them back after a few days is probably not too much of a chore.
We use our motorhome mainly in France where we rarely stop for more than a night or two and usually on aires. In those circumstances getting items out of the box would be a chore.

Where I can see top boxes being useful is when one is away over a change of season and for instance cold weather clothing can be stored until it's required. For long termers they are perhaps a necessity.

Gillian

 

[89987]

You might wish to consider tail boxes. My bicycle rack on the tail can be used for a tail box. I've seen them advertised. Obviously, the main drawback with this is that you leave the bikes behined. The are easy to access though.

 

[autostratus]

That's a good point, Drifter but not all mhs can carry a back box.

Our current van, Suntor (Autostratus)EB has fixing points tor the factory fitted roof ladder but no means of adding any thing else due to the one piece fibre glass(?) rear section.
We've even been unable to have a cycle rack fitted notwithstanding the fact that we have a perfectly good one in the garage.

C'est la vie as they say.

Gillian

 

[dodger148]

Thats a bit odd Gill, I can have one on ours and there are many Execs,Talismen and Clubmen all with bike racks. Didnt like the fitting price though 285GBP as they have to take out cooker, sink etc, fir rack refit everything and then gas test. Going to put one on the towbar
Roger

 

[autostratus]

Hi Roger

At the back of the van there is a recessed channel (for want of a better word) about 18 inches wide and perhaps 4 inches deep just off centre and clear of the window. This stretches from about 6 inches above the bottom of the rear panel to the roof.
In that channel sits the ladder and the panel seems to be tight to the material making up the solid skin of the mh.
Either side of the channel the outer skin gives to the touch if pressed and there seems no way to reach a firm fixing spot.

I hope that makes sense. I'm not sure if it does to me even though I wrote it.

Gillian

 

[Motorhomersimpson]

I for one never travel without a roof box when away, before my motor home it was a necessity and nothing has changed.
If you can picture this.
Just arrived back from the beach, body boards, chairs, wet suites, towels, bucket & spade (for me) :wink: footballs, sandals and lots more.
Where does all this go, in my roof box (yes it is that big) there are two adults and two children to help and we all muck in and it takes a matter of minutes.


MHS