Roof rack usage

[gords]

To all those that have roof racks and use them to carry (holiday) stuff - what do you put up there and how do you keep it dry? Oh yes, and how do you tie it down?

[Topple]

just bought mine for next week as there are 7 of us in t 90 for the weekend.

will put everything up there except clothes and bedding incase it rains. - nearly forgot the fridge, need to keep the tins cool.

if it does rain will cover with a tarp, just looking to buy some ratchet straps to hold it all down, theres a few on ebay - halfords wanted stupid money.

If i turn up without a tent next week - it will have fallen off on the way

[Bob696]

attached a roof box we had in the shed to mine to keep stuff dry. Also added a covering of galvanised fencing wire to make it easier to move around up top. Kept everying else i place with ratchet straps.

The extra hight proved to be a pain in the butt though so I ditched the roof rack in favour of a trailer. At least I can get through the local tips gate now to dump stuff.

[Guy90]

Gordon,

Big bag to keep it dry. The kids can hold it down :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :twisted:

[NiceBlueWellies]

The extra hight proved to be a pain in the butt though so I ditched the roof rack in favour of a trailer. At least I can get through the local tips gate now to dump stuff.

We have thought of a roofrack, but the problems of carparks and the decreased mpg, have put us off a little.  :?

[Dave]

keep dry  :?:  keeps the car dry.

[Dave]

If we carry anything for camping we have some dry bags to strap up there. Roof bars would have been ok for are needs, but safety device looks a hell of a lot better.

[simdeb]

please save rubber band you used to do your gearstick, and any others you can pinch from work,  plus a big bag and apply liberally for when we go to the alps.  

ITS NOT GOING TO RAIN ANYWAY(HOPEFULLY) WHEN WE ARE IN THE ALPS!! :D  :D

[Andy.]

If we carry anything for camping we have some dry bags to strap up there. Roof bars would have been ok for are needs, but safety device looks a hell of a lot better.

 :D Totally agree.

All the camping gear, bikes etc..., use a sheet of Waterproof Tarpaulin from Machine Mart.

Do now have the sankey but the rack still comes in use, like a few months ago when I picked up a new bed mattress, and handy when out with the cubs  

Also makes a good vantage point for sight seeing  :D

[hobbit]

Picked these up during the winter, just got to fit rack first, two waterproof canvas holdalls, with its own tie down cover, plus also got a large bungy net that will cover the whole rack

[Dave]

Thats brill idea a soft roof box. If not needed roll up put in the boot like that idea have you seen them any where else for sale.

[hobbit]

A local motor factor wholesaler is selling them local to me called Maccess, should be on sale somewhere.

[Dave]

Just put a search in found them.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&in_dym=1&Nty=1&D=than&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=roof%20cargo%20pack&cmnosearch=true&storeId=6970&langId=%2D1&cm_ven=PPC&cm_cat=Performics&cm_pla=Google&cm_ite=Google  

What an address.

[Dave]

Also on ebay. :D  :D

[Andy.]

How many holdalls in each pack do you get?

[hobbit]

You get two holdalls, with zipped sides and a flap over to seal them. One has a set of drag wheels the other is a holdall, with a flysheet over cover and straps

[Dave]

It says on the site they hold 13.5 cubic feet of storage. How many holdalls is that then Andy.

[Andy.]

Dunno that's why I asked  :D

[hobbit]

Getting plenty of exercise tonight, just measured one of the holdalls, the other one is inside this one, its 16" high, 13" wide and 43" long, the other one should be the same size. Also the one with the wheels on has a fold over flap to cover them when in use on the roof rack, also its got some plastic runners along the bottom

[gords]

We already have a roof box which we used on our Sharan last year. Can't remember the actual size/capacity, but it was the largest one Halfords did :)

It worked out really well - we packed most of the stuff up there which meant there was hardly anything in the car itself. Handy when there's 6 people in the car

I've thought about using it for our Alps trip later this year, but I'll need to check if it will fit onto the standard Discovery roof rails. I'm also concerned that it would sit too far forward.

[lee celtic]

If you want a cheap cover you can buy a big bail bag from any farmers supply shop . They are made for putting those big round bails in if the wrap splits they are made of really think plastic and if you put the opening at the back up can lay it on the roof rack and load all your stuff into it then just rope over the top. :D

[Priglet]

I've a full 110 canvas which gets used for gift wrapping anything that needs it on the roof. It's never really been tested in heavy rain but has, so far, been sufficient. :D

[thermidorthelobster]

On the way to Iceland I stuck a tarp over the rack, and roped it down.  The eyes blew out near Aberdeen.  I didn't bother the rest of the time...  because it was all expedition equipment, everything that mattered was (should have been) in dry bags anyway.

[hobbit]

Ok after a call in the place, I've picked up a few of these holdalls, they work out to £33 each, plus postage, I'm taking them down to Sibbertoft on sunday if anyone wants one or to have  alook at them