We have a small car and three kids versus a TON of camping gear problem!
Roof boxes and trailers are out owing to the fact that we use company cars that are always small, and are changed every few months.
As we all know, camping and the gear pertaining to, is addictive stuff and we seem to accumulate more and more each year.
Can anyone recommend a product that will provide us with that all important extra space for gear, without spending hundreds of pounds?
The situation is becoming quite desperate...and no, we cannot possibly take less!
You can get strap on roof bags which go onto roof without bars but a better bet might be a roof box that can go from car to car & then get a set of roof bars cost about £80 for whatever car you have & then flog the bars on ebay if they give you a different car next time.
I have been researching all evening and have pretty much decided to go with the handirack and handiholdall combo, as this seems the most sensible and versatile.
Sorry to pee on your chips but I would be very carefull with the handirack.
I got one and would not use it again on a 'decent' car, reasons-
When the handirack is used it leaves small scratch marks on the roof of the car.
The weight on is not transmitted to the correct load points of the roof, so unless your car has a strong roof there is a chance of denting the roof - I did (honda jazz).
If it rains the water soaks into the webbing straps and then drips off inside the car.
I'm sure many people will say they are great and recommend them but if I were you I would spend a bit more (or maybe not) and buy a set of universal roof bars.
------------- As I've told my psychiatrist, you can't have too many tents.
Yes, I thought the thing looked not ideal but not having used one I couldn't really comment, which is why I suggested the roof box even if the roof bars did need changing when car was changed.
I'm in a quandry now, because while I trust what you advise, we are severely lacking storage space for a solid roofbox. We have no garage and live in a small cottage with one cupboard, which is stacked to the gunnels with our camping gear. The tiny shed out back is packed already!
You have certainly given me lots to think about though.
I remember a post last year where someone bought a bag from roofbag.com in America. It looked pretty sturdy and came with fixings to side rails if you have them. Its on my list but pennies going on other stuff at the moment.
------------- Pally
The pen is mightier than the sword - but only if the sword is very small and the pen is very sharp...
I have to say, that we have the handi holdall system and have never had a problem with it even in the rain.
Also we ensure that the roof is clean and dust free before attaching it and after many outings with it, it has never caused any denting or scratching to the roof of the car. (Vauxhall Vectra).
I guess this is all down to personal choice, but like you Fay we had absolutely nowhere to store a solid roof box and as our camping equipment seems to expand at an alarming rate, the handiholdall system was right for us.
What's right for some folk just ain't right for others
I'm in a quandry now, because while I trust what you advise, we are severely lacking storage space for a solid roofbox. We have no garage and live in a small cottage with one cupboard, which is stacked to the gunnels with our camping gear. The tiny shed out back is packed already!
You have certainly given me lots to think about though.
We had similar problems in the days before roof boxes and we, like many people, put a roof rack on then frame tent poles and some tent canvas plus pushchair with a groundsheet over and under all securely lashed with blue rope. Never had any problems or load shifting.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
August 2013, 14, 15, 16 & 17-Trevornick for two and a half weeks of sea and surf (and ever optimistic -lots of sun). Some other weekends if I can persuade DH
I got one from roofbag.com and it is excellent. There's a protective mat, so no scratches on the roof, and it's completely waterproof. It can be a bit noisy at speed unless you get it in exactly the right spot, and you would only put the light stuff in it so you can haul it up there loaded. You can either get straps for roof rails, or to go through he car it you don't have rails. There are also big bags to go inside it, which we keep packed under the bed to save time. Recommended.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Tail crate, Handi rack or something else?
