I used to have a small trailer, with a lid you could take off, so that it also made up into a camp table. I had to put a whip antenna at the back of the trailer though, otherwise I couldn't see where it was going if I had to reverse ! . Thats dragging behind a volky camper.
If there are a lot of light items such as sleeping bags, clothing etc then a roof box will probably suffice. The downside is they are awkward to load and unload especially if you are shorter than 6 foot . There will be greater wind resistance especially on motorways but not that much you'll notice a great difference on your fuel gauge. Parking on car parks is no different to a normal car, just take extra note of car parks with height barriers, but most will be ok.
If you want the extra space for bulkier heavier items, then a trailer is the way to go. The downside is it is harder to park as you will probably take 2 spaces (end to end). Depending on how big or heavy it is, it will have an effect on accelleration and fuel consumption. Again not that much to be of real concern. You will need to fork out for a towbar and associated electrics for the trailer lights.
Trailers are easy to load and unload.
First you need to decide what extra space you require, what type of car you have and what you are prepared to spend.
If funds are tight then a roof box would be the best solution to start with.
Before we had the FC we spent years frame tenting and went through the same issue you are having. One point to consider is fuel consumption. The roof box was first and noticably expensive on fuel due to the drag. when the trailer was added and we were restricted to 60mph ish the fuel consumption was noticably better. I was looking at fitting the roof box to he trailer to cut down the drag and also stop the pain of height restrictions. We have now changed to a FC and so far have not needed the roof box but i am sure we will.
Definately trailer - we've got the Erde122 and it holds all of our camping gear for a family of 3 (and we are fairweather campers with all sorts of gear stuffed in there). It means you can hook up and go at a minutes notice if the weather is fine for the weekend. I replace anything that is running out (kitchen sundries) or needs cleaning (towels, coffee, tea etc) as soon as we come back from a trip and re-charge torches etc, then next time we want to go, the only thing that needs packing in the car is sleeping bags, clothes and the coolbox. It also means you don't forget anything - two large plastic boxes with lids hold our kitchen equipment, air beds, rugs,pump etc then the cooker, kitchen stand, fold up chairs, picnic bench, BBQ gas bottle etc all slots in to the rest of it - with a nice big tarpaulin over the top to ensure it's all kept dry. It makes camping so easy and stress free.
Many thanks for all your replies. I kept the question simple in the vain hope of a simple reply ha ha! Like many questions on here it seems there is no definative answer but you have raised some points I had not considered. Will have to make a decision soon though won`t I, the sun is shining x x x x x
I managed to get a lovely second hand one from Ebay. The size (in old money) is 5ft lg x 3 wide x 2 ft deep which is ideal. Me and OH plus 2 toddlers don't travel light - but it all fits snug into this size trailer.
Push the loaded trailer back into the garage when you get back from each outing. Then with clothes, odds and food in your car boot you're ready to go again.
Also agree - towing actually improves my MPG - as normally everywhere is at speed. Slowing down to 60mph when towing I manage to get 50 mpg from my 2 ltr diesel.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: roof box or trailer. HELP
. There will be greater wind resistance especially on motorways but not that much you'll notice a great difference on your fuel gauge. Parking on car parks is no different to a normal car, just take extra note of car parks with height barriers, but most will be ok.
