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Topic: Returning to camping

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dirtboyuk

26/7/2014 at 3:36pm
Location: Oxford(ish)
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi All

Returning to camping (me+wife+3 kids) and have been buying gear ready to go in a few weeks.

I have an estate and have just got a roof rack with the view of getting a roof box. My tent is quite large (Kyham Windsor) at 135 x 40 x 35cm packed and have been looking for 2nd hand roof boxes that will take it (leaving the boot clear for other bits n pieces. As the 3 kids will be on the back seat the tent will not fit into the boot, hence the roof box.

Whilst looking at well known auction sites I have had a mad thought that I should go for a thinner roof box (cheaper too) and look for a bag for the tent and strap this to the roof bars next to the box.

Having not camped for years and never had to pack and drive the gear I am really looking for some advice.

Firstly, is this a good idea - tent strapped to roof rack
Secondly, any suggestions on reasonably priced bags?

Thanks

hankakampa

26/7/2014 at 3:53pm
Location: uk
Outfit: Karsten - sun storm - doesnt matter!

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tent strapped to roof rack is a very bad idea.

if it rains you ll have a soaking wet tent. and whilst it can be dry when you set off, literally down the road can be having a very heavy shower.

the tent is also a heavy item to lift up into the roofbox.

put the tent in the car and all your soft bulky squishy items into the roofbox, protected and dry - pillows, sleeping bags, clothes etc.

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dirtboyuk

26/7/2014 at 4:07pm
Location: Oxford(ish)
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Hi Hankakampa

Thanks for the reply.

Was thinking about putting it into a waterproof bag before strapping to the roof rack.

Good point re weight but with 2 adults it's quite easy for us to move.

Ewen c

26/7/2014 at 4:12pm
Location: County Kildare Irel
Outfit: Tents

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Remember that the roof has a weight limit.

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duffs54

26/7/2014 at 7:44pm
Location: Cambs
Outfit: Ford Duetto Autosleeper

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Our roof box holds 80kg, I think we always go a bit over, tent in the car too heavy to lift up that high.

Have a good trip

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Dubstepper

26/7/2014 at 8:56pm
Location: N.Wales
Outfit: Gelert Ottawa 4

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get the biggest roof box you can..they make a 680 litre, ours is 340! And pay attention to the weight limit in your owners manual!

quiteconTent

26/7/2014 at 9:32pm
Location: Jersey
Outfit: Filey 6; Frinton 5

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I've carried a tent - Kampa Filey 6, on an Estate roof and all was fine. Just make sure you DOUBLE wrap it in heavy gauge plastic, and bungee the whole caboodle well. And go for plenty roof rack straps to tie it down - bungees and tape to stop it all flapping. It won't help your aerodynamics or fuel consumption but it saves trying to shoe horn it in to a top box.

And take plenty dry tape for the return journey!!

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Jax365

27/7/2014 at 10:02am
Location: south cheshire
Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi

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What about having one of those roof bags that straps to your roof rack. Do a search, I think someone mentioned they were going cheap at Argos.

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