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Quote: Originally posted by latecamper on 26/7/2009

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I thought roofboxes are only suitable for lightweight stuff like sleeping bags and clothes. Surely the tent would be too heavy to carry in a roofbox and should be in the boot.
Latecamper

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Hello Latecamper.

As far as I know, they're not just for lightweight items. Perhaps the smallest roof boxes are. Clothes weigh a fair bit anyway if you all take a few pairs of jeans and trainers!

The roof box is 450 litres and the nearest equivalent in Halfords suggests a max load of 60kg. My tent is 28.5kg (inc poles etc), and the rest of the stuff that goes in the box will not get anywhere near the 60kg - I would guestimate another 10kg on top of the tent.  

I would think the important thing is that the box and bars are attached securely and the stuff is packed in well so its not flying around. We use the fleece blankets, sleeping bags and tarp to fill gaps to keep it solid.

Regards,

Greg.

Quote: Originally posted by latecamper on 26/7/2009

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I thought roofboxes are only suitable for lightweight stuff like sleeping bags and clothes. Surely the tent would be too heavy to carry in a roofbox and should be in the boot.
Latecamper

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My roof box can carry a maximum weight of 50kg, so in theory the tent can go in. However, I find it difficult to haul 10kg+ over my shoulder, therefore, it goes into the car instead.

I do pack the camping chairs, table, kitchen stand, fan heater etc. in the roof box, amongst the sleeping gear and clothes.

DK

We are going on our first trip in the next few weeks. A couple of nights away, me the wife and 3 kids. We have a Saab 9-3 and one of the reasons we are going to the site we have chosen is its close proximity to a Tesco extra, so we can get anything we might need, fairly easily.

As well as the things we need to erect the tent we are taking a fold up 4 seat table and a spare fold up chair. 5 camping mats and sleeping bags. Fold up kitchen stand,single hoob cooker, kettle and 2 small collapsible water carriers. Coolbox packed with Cereal bowls, cups and Coffee (dont plan on eating in, apart from Breakfast). Portable loo and a picnic blanket (to double up as a carpet!) Plus clothes and washing stuff for us all. Eco-Torches for the kids and a couple of lanterns.

This thread has been great for ideas on packing (like taking the sleeping bags out of their sacks). Anything else that you can think we would definately need?

Hello Coachandy.

Not sure if these are necessities, but I'll stick them in for the melting pot....

We tend to shove some tea lights in a car door pocket - just in case the batteries in the torches run out (not sure how your lanterns are powered). Also, I take some rope along in case its needed. It normally gets used as a washing line or if the weather is bad, I use it as extra support for the tent by using it to attach the tent to a tree/fence!

Depending on how warm your sleeping bags are, perhaps some blankets (we use fleece blankets as light but warm) for the kids - it can get a bit nippy at night! Saying that, arent we supposed to be getting a heat wave soon....?

Have a great time.

Greg