we have just returned from our first camping trip and it really was a case of when you opened the car door everything fell out. As a result we have decided a trailor is needed. Here is the sting - Skoda want £320 to supply and fit a tow bar then there is the couple of hundred quid for the trailor. The cheaper option is to go for a rooftop box. Can you guys and gals tell me if the cheaper option will prove false economy and if the Skoda quote is high or just about on the nail?
This'll make you laugh - this topic comes up time and again and the camp is divided as to which is best with most people agreeing that eventually you end up with both!! See us campers like taking loads of gear and the more you buy the more you want, you get the picture!!
We have bought the Thule Back box which sits on your towbar and it is massive plus you don't have the drag of a a box and it is much easier to load. Do you have to have a Skoda fitted towbar?
I'd shop around for a towbar quote. That seems a bit steep. I have heard that We use a roof box and a trailer. In fact I am in the process of extending the trailer up from 12 inches deep to 24.
I'm afraid we have both too. But then there are five of us in a Vauxhall Astra which is OK but not the largest of cars. Don't think we paid anything like that price for the fitting of the tow bar though so advice to shop around is good. I suppose if we had to choose between trailer and roof box we'd go for the trailer as it takes more gear and is easier to get stuff in and out of it when you're on site. Once it is detached you can use it like a next to tent cupboard which is handier than keeping gear in your roof box especially if you are touring around the area in which case you'd want an empty roof box wouldn't you?
We also have both and it's a case of our stuff expanded to fit the space. Having the trailor is really handy because all our equipment 'lives ' in there when at home, all in one place for a quick get away if needed. The roof box is used for all the 'soft' stuff, bedding etc, that we keep in the house. What ever you choose you have to be able to store it whe not in use.
Haven't yet had to use both together though, but I'm sure the time will come.
The ability to keep the equipment stored in the trailer ready for the off is a significant advantage, although it does of course mean that you can't use the trailer for other purposes unless you unload all the camping equipment.
If you're keeping it fully laden for long periods it's best to put it on axle stands, otherwise the tyres, wheel bearings, and suspension will suffer.
Have a trailer which is great, fulled to the top with everything. Plus hubby takes it on very regular (perhaps too regular!) trips to B&Q and the dump. However much space you have, you'll always want more.
How much to take an HGV licence? Surely that would be enough room!
we dont need a trailer(yet) as we have a fiat multipla(frog) as there is only the three of us this gives us loads of room in the back but we have had to get a roof box ....unfortunatly the only bars that fit us "as we are wider than the average car"were thule ones.so a bit of false economy i would say if you have the storage space for a trailer go for that option as ultimately this will give you much more space but lets face facts you cant have enough stuff so you will prob get both in time ...happy trails R.B.I.A.T.......
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Topic: trailors vs roof top box
