I'm thinking of getting a roof top box to be able to take my gear on holidays. (Wife won't let me put the kids on the roof racks.)

I need to get EVERYTHING on the roof, and also want it secure from theft. (I'm happy to have to throw the boards in the car when I'm parked)

I see two options, but am interested to hear from anyone who has tried this.

Option 1: Long WIDE box that takes up width of car roof, so that my two boards will then sit on top of the box, stacked on top of each other. This will end up being a pretty high load.

Option 2: Long SKINNY box, but still does not allow room for boards to sit flat on the other side of the roof racks. The boards would be on their side, leaning against the roof box.

Anyone tried this? Which works best? Boxes aren't cheap, so I want to get the right one.

Thanks,
Harrow.

Ask Chairman, he has a 4WD with a big metal box on top, everything (including boards) fits inside it, allowing him to lock it up as well.

Hi Harrow,

My name is Paul and I work with Thule Car Racks Australia but I also windsurf so I check this site of course! If you don't mind I will throw my 5 cents in on what I did on my car. Forget your option number 1....ABS roof boxes aren't designed to carry stuff on top. A couple of years ago I travelled with my mate Tim to Smackfest in Tassie and used a set up that I think you would be looking for.

1. If you don't already have roof racks then get a pair that has WIDTH and extends a bit from the foot like Thule ones. Rola and Rhino sport racks often are narrow and make it harder to fit box and boards on the roof.

2. I used a box like the Pacific 700 which you can see here www.thule.com/Thule/ProductDetailPage____44484.aspx and is ideal for 3-4 sails, extensions, wetties, boom, etc. my 430 Ezzy mast didn't fit in.

3. If you have Thule bars then you have a good chance of laying the 2-3 boards flat on the bars next to this. If you have narrow racks then use this www.thule.com/Thule/ProductPage____51380.aspx You can fit 2 boards on this carrier and it works awesome even though it was initially designed for kayaks.

There are dealers in WA..you can check here www.thule.com.au if you want further info. otherwise I am happy to help if you want it.

All the best,

Paul.

Wineman said...

where ya going??

Wineman, I'm headed north for two weeks in January. Hopefully will be able to hook up with Nebbian and crew.

Get a 6x4 garden trailer and weld up roofrack type bars to bolt on top. Make them sit about 50cm higher than the top of the trailer.
I get all the sails plus the missus and child's stuff in the trailer and 3 boards and masts on the bars.

same price as all the flash boxes etc prolly

Ouch!

You can set up 3 decent trailers for that