I have had the older smaller version for maybe 6 years or so. It is stored outside(covered over) and works as well now as when new. The double sided opening is a must have IMO for ease of fitting and loading
Roofbox.co.uk used to sell them but see they are being sold direct now
Just be careful with one that large not to overload weight for your roof bars or roof itself
I have that model, its what it is big, we have the gloss black looks good on our black car ( as well as an MPV with a roof box can look) but with all these finishes are a little prone to scratching.
The amazon price is a good price and the company selling is the company I bought mine from directly with no problems.
I am sure someone may tell you Thule are better quality, but starting at twice the price, they are certainly not twice the quality. You will not find a better quality large box for your money.
------------- It's better to ask a silly question than make a silly mistake.
That's great thanks :)
I've an extremely tight budget, and need my money to go as far as possible. If you really can get 680l in then it must be the next best thing to a trailer (which unfortunately is not on the cards just yet!).
Are you able to lock it on your own or is it one of those that you have to push down the front and back lid sections whilst turning the key? I'm on my own with two kids so need something as easy as possible to operate!
Also, is the space really useable? Some roof boxes I've looked at seem big but you can't actually get much in them due to their shape!
Quote: Originally posted by whatwouldaudreydo on 09/7/2014That's great thanks :) I've an extremely tight budget, and need my money to go as far as possible. If you really can get 680l in then it must be the next best thing to a trailer (which unfortunately is not on the cards just yet!).
Are you able to lock it on your own or is it one of those that you have to push down the front and back lid sections whilst turning the key? I'm on my own with two kids so need something as easy as possible to operate!
Also, is the space really useable? Some roof boxes I've looked at seem big but you can't actually get much in them due to their shape!
You can lock it quite easily by yourself, if you are pushing hard you have packed it beyond it's capacity.
As you are on your own, it will be very difficult to lift and position the box to the roof bars, its not so much the weight its the size of the box 2.1 m x 1 m x 0. 42m.
I understand what you mean by useable space, the box is fairly aerodynamic.
What I found was if possible is lay out all your camping gear out, with the box on the ground and try a bit of tetris until you find the best way to fit as much as possible in the box, then sketch out a plan or take a few pictures on your phone noting what you can pack. I did this with a smaller box and it really helps get the most out of them and a lot easier than once the box is on the roof of the car.
With consideration to the weight and the total laden weight of the roof of your car.
I can get in large table, 4 x stools, 4 x large chairs, large kitchen unit, large cupboard, small cupboard, 2 x large sleeping bags, 2 x reg sleeping bags, 6 x full size pillows, 2 x duffle bags, 2 x body boards, picnic blankets some odds and ends and a partridge in a pear tree....and I do that on my own.
It will also depend on how your camping gear folds or rolls etc. what is most helpful is that you can access both sides to fill.
I think the other alternatives I looked at is the Thule Motion 900 around £600.00 a lot...more trailer money
Or the Husky XXL apparently it loads like a 600 litre box but is in fact a 510 litre. £275.00 but only loads one side of your choice...so will be a little harder to load.
Thank you so much, this has been so informative - especially the list of what you can actually fit in there! 680l meant nothing to me but now I can visualise it :)
My dad says I can store it on his garage roof along with his box, so hopefully he'll help me lift it on and off the car.
I think you're right about the opening both sides feature. My car's a Freelander so I'm already starting with a high vehicle - don't know how I'd reach the other side of a single side opening box!
I couldn't decide between this and the Kamei Husky XXL, but now I know I'm definitely going for the Farad.
Now if only I could decide between a 25l or 40l a Icey Tek!! :D
Quote: Originally posted by whatwouldaudreydo on 09/7/2014
Thank you so much, this has been so informative - especially the list of what you can actually fit in there! 680l meant nothing to me but now I can visualise it :)
My dad says I can store it on his garage roof along with his box, so hopefully he'll help me lift it on and off the car.
I think you're right about the opening both sides feature. My car's a Freelander so I'm already starting with a high vehicle - don't know how I'd reach the other side of a single side opening box!
I couldn't decide between this and the Kamei Husky XXL, but now I know I'm definitely going for the Farad.
Now if only I could decide between a 25l or 40l a Icey Tek!! :D
Great you will not be disappointed, I tend to stand on the door sill to load but yes the freelander makes any box that little bit higher and that extra help makes it a much easier experience fitting it to the car.
------------- It's better to ask a silly question than make a silly mistake.
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Topic: Farad 680l Roof Box
