roof box or bag?

[dishe]

not sure if this is the most appropriate place to ask such a question, but I'm looking into adding more space to our 5 for long trips (or to the airport), and this forum has been so helpful so far.

What do you guys think of roof bags versus boxes for luggage?
I like the idea of being able to roll it up and easily store it when not in use (I have only half a half car garage of storage space at home, currently taken up by 2 mopeds, my kids bikes and some tools / BBQ equipment).

I know they're not completely waterproof, but I've read reviews of the cheaper boxes leaking a bit as well. Also I'm on a tight budget, the larger more solid boxes are out of the question now anyway.

 

[njaremka]

thule makes two different cargo bags, i believe. we have the smaller one. it only JUST fits between the roof rails, but it will hold a whole bunch of junk. as far as waterproofness, it does its job and keeps things clean, but does have a tendancy to leak water when driving in a rain storm. we had to take it on a road trip last year, and it rained the whole way. we expected it, so everything inside got wrapped in garbage bags. the cargo bag did get water in it, but the garbage bags kept the water off the important stuff. i think the larger bag has better water protection.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

I think I have one of the soft bags still...it has a small rip in one of the handles...if you are interested I would be willing to sell...just gotta go check to see if I still have it...

 

[twintrbo]

I think I have one of the soft bags still...it has a small rip in one of the handles...if you are interested I would be willing to sell...just gotta go check to see if I still have it...

If Dishe doesn't want it, I might be interested, if you have it of course.

 

[ajkulish]

boxes will look much better and they are also more aerodynamic if i remember correctly which will get you better gas mileage.

 

[Olestra]

not sure if this is the most appropriate place to ask such a question, but I'm looking into adding more space to our 5 for long trips (or to the airport), and this forum has been so helpful so far.

What do you guys think of roof bags versus boxes for luggage?
I like the idea of being able to roll it up and easily store it when not in use (I have only half a half car garage of storage space at home, currently taken up by 2 mopeds, my kids bikes and some tools / BBQ equipment).

I know they're not completely waterproof, but I've read reviews of the cheaper boxes leaking a bit as well. Also I'm on a tight budget, the larger more solid boxes are out of the question now anyway.

I have both a bag and box and I have never used the bag for fear of water leakage. I have an Ascent 1600 cargo box and I love it.
Due to your space limitations, you might not be able to store the box so the bag might be the only way to go. As mentioned, try to get one that's waterproof and then put an extra lining on the inside for insurance.

 

[dishe]

I have both a bag and box and I have never used the bag for fear of water leakage. I have an Ascent 1600 cargo box and I love it.
Due to your space limitations, you might not be able to store the box so the bag might be the only way to go. As mentioned, try to get one that's waterproof and then put an extra lining on the inside for insurance.

Right. I'm picturing strollers and tents, chair, etc, on top. Electronics, Guitar, food and clothes in the cabin of the vehicle. But then it occured to me that maybe I don't want the stroller in a back since it might scratch the paint through the bag. Hmmm...

 

[jimp]

you could work up a pulley system to (similar to the ones used for bicycles) raise and lower the box from the ceiling in the garage, or build/buy a shelf unit that attaches to the ceiling to store the roof box.