I have just won a set of Roof Bars on ebay for our Smart ForFour which should help with adding some space.
We are not in a position to store a solid roof box at the moment so am looking at other solutions. We do not need to add too much space so I am thinking about getting a Handi Duffel from HandiWorld, and strapping it straight to the roof bars, I will put a solid base into it so there should be no problem with sagging, it should fit the airbeds, towels and sleeping bags which will make for a more comfortable journey.
If it works well, I would long term get 2 and use them side by side.
I have been looking at them as an addition to the small roofbox I already own. I think they look just the job and will fit on my roofbars beside the centrally mounted roofbox. I was thinking that I would make a pair of rails to run from the front roof bar to the back roof bar, spaced apart slightly less than the width of the bag, and then just ratchet strapping the bag down to them.
I am also going to look at vacuum bags (to help reduce the size of bulky lightweight items like sleeping bags, duvets, clothes etc) which will also add an extra layer of waterproofness......
I have the Handi-holdall, which is the one you want. Used it on a trip from West Wales to Devon, not on roof bars but using the handi-rack that they also sell (the inflatable bars). I can't fault it, very well made, waterproof and it has 4 bars that slot into the base to make it rigid (so you don't need additional support). The weight limit is 50kgs. There's also a code on this site I believe for a discount.
The holdall comes with a set of straps to tie-on to your existing bars (front to back) and a series of loops sewn onto the holdall for the straps to go through. The loops on the bag are 2 sets of 3, one set at the front and one set at the back, so it can be adjusted to fit whatever spacing there is between your existing bars.
Just heard back from HandiWorld and they said they will be fine if secured correctly, I am going to probably order one later so I can do a test run this weekend.
Roof bars on board, HandiWorld HandiDuffel ordered and a couple of 800KG Ratchet Straps on the way too. Hopefully it will be here by the weekend for a good test run. I will take pictures and post back.
HandiDuffel arrived today, it looks very well made, I have popped 3 x sleeping bags in and a couple picnic mats and its not half full, I thinkg we should be able to get the air beds and clothes for at least 4 days in for all of us.
It looks and feels very waterproof, but I am going to use some rubble bags also to protect everything.
That deal on the Holdall, looks very good, I was tempted to use that company for the duffel but there was not much in it after the UKCS discount.
Hi.
We use the HandiRack roof bars and HandiHoldall bag. I bought a couple of Dry Bags from Go Outdoors as we mainly use it like you for inflatable beds, sleeping bags, clothing so even if there was a downpour (as there often is in the North East) then at least I know my stuff will still be dry.
Right so Duffel loaded up and test run completed and it passed fine, although the sun was out so no tested for waterproof.
Loaded it with 3 camping chairs, 3 sleeping bags, 2 air beds and a few picnic blankets and there was plenty of room for pillow or clothes too.
Ignore the back strap that was thown back on as I forgot the photo. Took it on a nice test around the local industrial estate trying some emergency stops and a few other moves and it did not move an inch, so I am pretty pleased.
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Topic: Roof Bag
