Been down this route along with many others. I ended up buying a roofbox - thule atlantic, then outgrew it and bought a trailer 6x5ft trident. What ever you do, forget Halfords with those silly expensive little trailers. Go to a proper local independant trailer dealer.
I went for roof box which was the cheapest option and I wouldn't use the trailer for anything else. Also I was a bit worried about towing the trailer. I am happy with the roof box, I keep all the light stuff in it, bedding, clothes etc and when I take it off in the winter I store the tent in it in the garage so it's got a double use. I haven't noticed that it makes any difference when I'm driving with it full but a bit whistley in the wind sometimes. For info. I only have a small car, a micra. Whenever I am camping people are amazed at what fits into my car and roof box. As there are only 2 of us I put the back seat down. In my experience you will fill up however much space you have, there is always something new to buy.
A disadvantage of a trailer is that it costs more on Ferries and also on Autoroute tolls. Used to use a roofbox when we had a Passat estate and never noticed any difference in handling or fuel consumption.
PS - They're much cheaper in French hypermarkets than they are in this country !
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Topic: Roof Box v. Trailer
