Might be needing a little extra storage space. I have a tow bar already but no roof rack. Putting the expense of adding the roof rack to one side, would you go for a roof box or a trailer.? I guess the trailer can carry more and be a little more versatile, but a roof box is easier to run around with?

What do you have and why did you go that route?

Mike '08 Freelander 2 HSE in Stornoway Grey

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We use a trailer, as it holds more and is easier to load. Trouble is I forget it is behind me when on the motorway until the kids shout trailer! 1998 300TDi Auto Disco, never to be forgotten.
2008 Auto TD4 Freelander2, now gone?
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I use a roof box, which holds 440 litres and keeps everything dry and secure.

It's not perfect; with the roof being so high, it's not the easiest thing to load but, on the plus side, it's much easier to store than a trailer, doesn't restrict my speed, mpg (very much) or the FL's manouvrability and doesn't give me parking problems (apart from multistorey car parks, but they're no use with a trailer either!). It also doesn't cause me grief with extra expense on ferries.

Oh yes, it doesn't stop me from offroading when I've got it on either!

I'd go for a trailer if you have somewhere safe and easy to store it (at home AND when you're at your destination) and you're carrying heavy and bulky loads regularly. Go for a roof box if it's somewhere to load the family luggage when you're going on holiday, it's bloomin' ideal for that.

Go for a decent box though, it's worth spending the extra on a Thule Atlantis 200 or 780. It'll be wind noise free, completely stable, can be loaded on either side, is so much easier to fit and remove and is completely waterproof. And they look a lot better too



I've got it fitted now while we're away on holiday in Cumbria. It did 380 miles to get up here, it's been left on all week (because it's no bother and it's somewhere to throw wet coats!) and it'll be loaded up again for the return journey on Saturday.

Last edited by Tigger on 11th Apr 2012 6:30 pm. Edited 4 times in total

Having been away last week, I have had exactly the same thought, although would need a tow bar, I guess a trailer would be far more practical.
Was passed on the M40 today by a Ford sMax, I guess he was doing 90mph, the roof box loooked as though it wanted to rip itself off, the front edge was moving up and down by around 2 inches

So, If I went trailers, does anyone have any ideas that would help Ooma and myself, I wheel size, should it have full size wheels etc?

taztastic wrote:

Was passed on the M40 today by a Ford sMax, I guess he was doing 90mph, the roof box loooked as though it wanted to rip itself off, the front edge was moving up and down by around 2 inches

That'll be the curse of the Halfords own brand top box then! Mind you, let's see how you get on with a trailer at 90mph

However, with your trailer on, you will be restricted to 50 mph on single carriageway roads and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, so it shouldn't be a problem

I think a top box is the way to go, the temptation of nicking old knackered caravans and dumping them just off the A1 at a well known collectors would be too much if I went and had a towbar fitted

If you go for a trailer have a look at this:-

http://www.phoenixtrailer.co.uk/general.php

I bought the 6x4 trailer and have found it to be excellent quality and tows well. John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

Don't bother with either, they are both rubbish. Buy a disco 4

you mean all caravans arnt knackered? At work
At home

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chicken george wrote:

you mean all caravans arnt knackered?

You've set him off again

landy19840 wrote:

Don't bother with either, they are both rubbish. Buy a disco 4

Ooma wrote:

Might be needing a little extra storage space. I have a tow bar already but no roof rack. Putting the expense of adding the roof rack to one side, would you go for a roof box or a trailer.? I guess the trailer can carry more and be a little more versatile, but a roof box is easier to run around with?

What do you have and why did you go that route?

Mike

Go for the best of both worlds, an Ifor Williams sheep or cattle trailer. tows like a trailer, loads of space, covered like a roof box, plus the best bit is in the middle of the Bank Holiday week, when all the caravans have got to their destination and not yet started to return , you can be the individual responsible for your own 15 mile tail back on the A65 towards the Lakes , just drive along at 20 mph when there are double white lines and accelerate at the national speed limit, if you sense someone may be daring enough to pass twitch the steering wheel violently to put the trailer on the point of jack-knifing........

p.s. ensure that the wiring on the trailer socket is reversed, left for right - reverse for braking, and under no circumstances should your brake lights ever come on, remove the clevis pins from the loading ramp and replace with one single piece of orange bailer twinepreferably tied slackly so the ramp will clang and rattle on every bump.

It must be a popular idea because i've seen 15 of the b ds this morning..........  2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto .

Last edited by MartynB on 11th Apr 2012 7:25 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Exactly!!! I think a disco 4 is just as practical. A lot more comfy too

ad210358 wrote:

Ooma wrote:

Might be needing a little extra storage space. I have a tow bar already but no roof rack. Putting the expense of adding the roof rack to one side, would you go for a roof box or a trailer.? I guess the trailer can carry more and be a little more versatile, but a roof box is easier to run around with?

What do you have and why did you go that route?

Mike

You could try something like this, easier to load, normal speed restrictions and you will be allowed in the outside lane which with a trailer you wont be.

http://www.skidrive.co.uk/boxes/product_detail.php?partno=900000