I'm thinking of buying a roof box to increase luggage space for occasional trips away and as I already have roof bars the idea of a roof box is more appealing and economical than buying a new car. I also have a cycle carrier that goes on the roof rack although this will mean I have to buy a slim roof box, or get a boot mounted bike carrier.
I'm guessing that the roof box will make a hit on the fuel economy so getting a rear mounted bike rack for this is neither here nor there, although this would allow me to get a fabric roof box (Thule do a folding one).
Are the Halfords ones any good? they're very cheap but I get visions of them opening up on the motorway (i intend to strap everything up inside the box as well).
I don't currently have a garage and it mat not fit in to the cellar but I guess storing it outside would be ok.
The other option is to buy a luggage tray that I could strap kayak bags to, the only downside is a bit less security, but I can't imagine a plastic one would be much better. I figure I could attach the bike rack either to the roof bars or to the rack itself.
So if anyone has any advice / lessons learned / advice on budget about all things roof boxes (including suppliers to avoid) then please let me know.
If you avoided all suppliers and just went here http://www.roofbox.co.uk/
You wouldn't go far wrong, loads of range, info and great to deal with
I've got the 480L Exodus roof box from Halfords. Had it for 4 years now and have had no problems with it. Have done around 10,000 miles with the roofbox on around Europe without an issue. We mainly fill it with lighter camping stuff, chairs etc and luggage for overnight stops to save rummaging around in the boot.
In heavy rain, water can find it's way in at the front but i'm literally talking a tiny amount - nothing to worry about but I wouldn't pack a sleeping bag touching the front end of the box.
I got the Halfords roof bars for our older car (Vectra) but then had to get Thule bars for our Kia Carens as the aero bars that come on the kia are too wide for the box mounts - Kia advise that they're "decorative bars anyway" (WTF??!). It was cheaper to fit new bars to fit to the roof rails rather than buy a new box.
Because our car is so wide, I can get the full width roofbox on and one bike too by placing the fitting on the edge of the bar (effectively the outside of the T fitting).
If you overfill the roof box, it can be a pain to lock it but aside from that, it's perfect.
I'd not hesitate to buy one again.