Message Forums

We're off on our hols nxt weekend and since purchasing the most useful piece of camping kit ever - the porta potti - all the camping gear no longer fits in the car.  Originally we were going to get a tow bar and trailer but we've had an expensive few months with one thing and another and our funds are unlikely to stretch to that until next summer.

So here we are trying to wittle down the kit and its not going well. We like to take a few extras on our main fortnight. We have a roof box  but a small narrow one. We were considering moving it over to one side of the roof and using the other side of the roof bars to put our huge rolled canvas from our frame tent. We have a huge groundsheet and/or tarpaulin that would more than cover it.  The canvas is securely rolled and tied. We have an abundence of bungees and ropes to secure it on top. I know in the "old days" when I was a kid all our camping ear was just piled high on the roof of the car but you dont see this done much now. What do you reckon? Is it too dangerous or would you give it ago?

We did simular last year but we don't have a roof box!

As long as it's not too high or too heavy and very secure, recommend straps with a rachet ( I think that's what their called?) going front to back and left to right.

We do a test by driving off and breaking sharply to see if it''ll move-never has!!!

Hi

Whenever we go camping i have three suitcase on my roof rack and the large canvas bag holding the tent canvas behind it and have not had any problems for the last 6 years so it should not be a problem for you as long as it is well secured. Use ratchet straps or bungee cords as they will do the trick

cheers

steve

Thanks guys - its reassuring to hear some others have done it. Have been lookin out but just keep seeing roof boxes.

Think we have a few ratchet straps somewhere.  Looks like we'll be spending today trying to find them in garage which has never been sorted since we moved in last December!!!

Hi,

We have only recently started strapping stuff to the roof and at first i was a bit nervous,we use the rachet webbing straps that i got for a £1 each in the local pound shop these do the job fine.

If you look on ebay we also bought the 'cargo roof system' for about £20 it is a bargain well made, waterproof and you can get alot more stuff in it than a box.

enjoy your trip

brayee