What Will Be Better Option to Use on Roof Racks to Increase Luggage Capacity? Tray (Flat One), Basket or Bags?

MondaySleeper on 15/01/2021 - 14:22

Hi fellow OZBees

Happy new year. I am looking for some info and hope you guys can help me.

I am in search of an option to take more cargo when travelling in my car. Currently I drive 2016 Suzuki Vitara Turbo. It has 375 ltr cargo space. Normally its enough for our family of 2A + 1C + 1D (Small Dog < 10 KG). Trips are normally short ones.

Recently I bought a new Colman 6P tent and its around 135 cm long. I had to fold the back seat (single) to accomoate it in the car along with the passengers. Wife being a good organiser, packed pretty much everying in the car for 2 days trip. But that made me thinking what to do,

1) Buy a new car - Well, I can do it easily, but my mind started thinking - do I really need it, esp for very low usage. Current one is great & troubefree.
2) Roof Racks and Storage bags/roof tray/basket - Thought I should try this and got a roof rack. After fitting it, I am now confused as how to use it. Can I place the stuff directly on the roof rack or I need a basket, and then place the luggage in the basket? Saw eBay is selling some bags as well. Not quite sure about the legal aspacts and how fit these different options are for the purpose, easiness etc. Never used one before.

Any clue or idea to help me to choose one? Thanks :)

I was looking at these :

1) https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-6M-Aluminium-Alloy-Car-4WD-4x4…
2) https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140cm-Heavy-Duty-Universal-Steel…

TLDR: Recently bought a roof rack to increase the luggage-space in car. What to use - Tray, Basket or bags? Any legal or usability issues?

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 15/01/2021 - 14:29
    +2

    Buy a luggage box

    Easy to use, lockable, one of the more streamlined choices (think of the wind noise on a bag etc @ 100kph)

    • MondaySleeper on 15/01/2021 - 14:57

      Thanks. I will have a look.

      • perhaps on 15/01/2021 - 15:16

        Also be aware of the weight and load on the roof

      • spaij on 19/01/2021 - 22:28

        Have a look 2nd hand on eBay, gumtree, fb marketplace, etc. Should be able to pickup one for <$300. Also there are people renting them out.

    • Randxyz123 on 15/01/2021 - 17:26

      +1 for a luggage box. The baskets and carrier things are good but you need to strap your stuff down.

      Thule is the brand I have. It’s about a 5-10 min job putting it on/taking off(just a couple of quick clamps). Yakima are also meant to be very good. There are also ones that pop up at Aldi on occasion.

      My last one came to a sad demise when someone (not me) ran into a family members garage and snapped it in half. I replaced it with this one https://roofrack.com.au/product/thule-635800-force-xt-xl-bla… . I’m in a big family (6people + golden retriever) and often go camping or to the snow with mates. So the extra space is really useful!

      I would suggest going to a actual place that sells them to get your car measured up so you buy the right one. You don’t need to buy from them but they can show you different options.

      You’ll want to take it off so when you aren’t using it if you go into car parks/maccas drive through often. See above why.

  • ShortyX on 15/01/2021 - 14:31

    Typically a basket is bolted onto roof racks, then you can put stuff directly in that with a cover such as a cargo net, or use a roof bag:

    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/half-length-premium-waterpr…
    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/adventure-kings-premium-roo…

  • Seraphin7 on 15/01/2021 - 14:33
    +3

    Roof box will be the safest option all around if you're not quite sure what you're doing. The last thing you need is mishaps with unsecured gear at 110 kph.

    The boat's probably sailed, but if you're talking about camping with a growing child, a (hired) trailer might be a better option.

    • randombrick on 15/01/2021 - 14:37
      +1

      Trailer - this is the conclusion I am coming to as well.

      Installed a roof rack w/ a basket for camping trips. The time taken to optimise and load things is not worth it. Plus we are really bad at travelling light so always find ourselves running out of space.

      • Presence on 15/01/2021 - 14:53
        +1

        Trailers are a real pain to park anywhere near shops. Really depends where you are heading.

      • MondaySleeper on 15/01/2021 - 14:59

        I always thought coupling another moving thing to the car is a bit tricky, and needs special attention esp parking etc. This is the reason I didn't consider it. But happy to revisit it. Appreciate your help.

    • MondaySleeper on 15/01/2021 - 15:34
      +1

      Thanks mate.

  • GG57 on 15/01/2021 - 16:00
    +1

    Am I missing something? The only thing that OP is asking about transporting appears to be the tent (135 cm long), as they fit the other things in the car.
    In that case, you don't need the expense of baskets or boxes (which may or may not be that long); just lay the tent (in a secure wrapper / bag) and strap it to the roof racks.

    The less stuff on your roof the better overall.

    • MondaySleeper on 15/01/2021 - 17:08

      Thanks… Yes, the tent is the main things. But if anything can be added, its a bonus. I was not sure if we can strap it directly to the roof or we need something like a basket and then place tent in that.

      I have been looking cars with loaded roof while I am on the road. Most of them have a flat tray or a deep tray. But have seen tradies strapping heavy luggage (wood, pipe etc) directly on the roof rack either. I was not sure if that needs special roof or equipment that I am not aware of.

      I will be using this for 2-3 times in a year MAX.

  • nswnotill on 16/01/2021 - 09:57

    I would be opting for a small box trailer. Sure there are challenges parking in shopping centres. However a trailer has many other uses throughout the year (purchases from Bunnings). However you will have to check whether you have room in the garage or the back yard to park it when it is not being used.

  • Euphemistic on 16/01/2021 - 13:11

    If you get a basket, you need to strap down everything well and it might get wet and will get covered in bugs.

    A roof box is aero, lockable and weather resistant, but limits the size/shape of stuff you can fit in it. A basket is much less limited for load size/shape.

    I don’t know what I’d do in your shoes… I bought a trailer.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2021 - 13:55

    Roof box. Even the most aero roof racks and accessories make noise and reduce your fuel economy. Don't be putting big un-aerodynamic things up there, it'll be loud and annoying. Get a roof box, reap the benefits of having stuff not in your boot/back seats.

    • Euphemistic on 16/01/2021 - 16:31

      Roof box will affect fuel economy too.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2021 - 17:31

        Duh! Anything that worsens your cars drag coefficient will negatively affect economy. A roof box is a very streamlined thing though, compared to a wire rack and miscellaneous luggage.

        • Euphemistic on 17/01/2021 - 06:56

          Your post sounded very much like and infomercial for roof boxes conveniently leaving out some info. I added for clarity.

  • nswnotill on 17/01/2021 - 12:53

    Used small box trailer - around $500. Tarp for trailer $50 Rego (NSW) $60 annually. One off cost of towbar - around $750. Compare to set-up with various roof mounted gear.

  • MondaySleeper on 19/01/2021 - 10:36

    Thanks guys. I am leaning towards the roof box. Waiting for the Australia Day sales next week.

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