Not really sure where you coming from Mike, slight over-reaction I think and I never told anyone how to behave, but C'est la vie and all that fella.
Back to the topic in hand, they did have some roof bags in Halfords once that did not require roof bars (straps ran through the car). Did see some on eBay too once, I'll see if I can find them for you...
Quote: Originally posted by tiacat on 14/9/2013
I know, I want a trailer but OH wont hear of it. Our bike rack at the rear obscures our vision anyway (when I persuade him to start using this), we cant see out the back most of the time we're transporting stuff around anyway.
Just our of interest Tiacat, what is your OH's objection to trailers?
We had the brown bag with a handirack but gave up because I have a people carrier so loading and strapping it on required a step ladder as I'm only 5ft4. We then moved onto a trailer tent which gave me a taste of towing but had to store that at the inlaws a few miles away (not to mention the erecting issues we had) so I still wasn't 100% happy. Bought a trailer locally that the owner had modified by adding castors on the end as it was already a store on end type and a high top cover which we build up the sides with chairs & tables. I am much happier with this as we can store it in our garden load it in front of the house and roll it to the car rather than taking everything from the house to the car park.
Quote: Originally posted by autopilot on 14/9/2013
Quote: Originally posted by tiacat on 14/9/2013I know, I want a trailer but OH wont hear of it. Our bike rack at the rear obscures our vision anyway (when I persuade him to start using this), we cant see out the back most of the time we're transporting stuff around anyway.
Just our of interest Tiacat, what is your OH's objection to trailers?
Quote: Originally posted by Tynxuk on 14/9/2013
We had the brown bag with a handirack but gave up because I have a people carrier so loading and strapping it on required a step ladder as I'm only 5ft4. We then moved onto a trailer tent which gave me a taste of towing but had to store that at the inlaws a few miles away (not to mention the erecting issues we had) so I still wasn't 100% happy. Bought a trailer locally that the owner had modified by adding castors on the end as it was already a store on end type and a high top cover which we build up the sides with chairs & tables. I am much happier with this as we can store it in our garden load it in front of the house and roll it to the car rather than taking everything from the house to the car park.
yes, we have a small step ladder too but we always had that anyway for the bikes
to be honest, although I would tolerate it, I dont really want the storage issues with the trailer, we dont have side access (although we have a utility room which runs along the side of the house) so it would have to be stored out the front and I dont like eyesores. However, if we can get this bag thing sorted, I think we should be ok, we're only missing room for OHs clothes and bike things (helmet, panniers, extra shoes).
My investigations today have elicited that fishing beds are not what I thought. They are far too saggy. So, we're now onto looking at modifying the lounger/fishing bed we have to make it taller. If this is the case then we already have space for the beds and wont really need much extra carrying space.
We bought the new 2013 HandiBag and HandiRack. We used it in heavy rain going to Devon and it was fab and contents bone dry. The bag comes with straps to arrach to normal roofbars. We used the inflateable ones, which were equally good. Bag holds loads too. Unlike the older version it is waterproof and is bigger.
Sorry Autopilot I feel a need to point out that it is not even a legal requirement to have a rear view mirror fitted. Which did surprise me when I took it to a garage for an MOT and said to the guy that the rear view mirror snapped and could he fix it before beginning the MOT and he said there was no need. Also, with some careful packing it can be completely safe to pack your car fully. I cannot remember the last time I could see anything in my rear view mirror. As pointed out you can still see more than when towing a caravan, what is your advise there?
On topic, the Handi rack and Handi holdall are brilliant, a friend has one and its next on my list of things!
------------- There is a place to hide, it's in our minds.
Outfits:
Hi Gear Kalahari 8 (Plus porch)
Vango Icarus 500 (Plus enclosed front canopy)
Hi Gear Solus Horizon 4
Vango Banshee 200
Vango Dart DLX 350
Vango Alpha 250
Yellowstone Alpine 2
Hi Damian. I never mentioned MOT's, just that its not as safe, that's all. MOT's don't account for driver behaviour and circumstances and it can get you into trouble. The woman who reversed into a pram, causing very serious injury to a 2 year old, was prosecuted for driving without due care and attention (or dangerous driving, I forget now) and the fact that see had inadequate visability was cited in court, but not the primary reason (she reversed from her drive across a pavement. Ironically she was a doctor and gave medical assistance). And yes, packing safely is key as you rightly point out, such as positioning bedding at head hight. Even a CD case or toiletries bag can cause damage at 40mph. I'm sure everyone around here has common sense, just thought it worthy of mention in the same way safe campfire use and other things have, it was not meant for serious debate, but obviously it touched a raw nerve. I'll leave it there, obviously people have different opinions.
I didn't mean it to be a debate either and didn't in any way want to criticize your advise. Just that packing a car fully in a safe way and not having use of your rear view mirror shouldn't be a problem as long as some common sense is used.
------------- There is a place to hide, it's in our minds.
Outfits:
Hi Gear Kalahari 8 (Plus porch)
Vango Icarus 500 (Plus enclosed front canopy)
Hi Gear Solus Horizon 4
Vango Banshee 200
Vango Dart DLX 350
Vango Alpha 250
Yellowstone Alpine 2
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: Car Roof Bags
