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Heading up to Fort William for World Champs, and taking the whole family along this year.
So need to get us, kit and bikes up. Currently, I have a roof rack with 3 bike carriers on it, plus a boot lid 2 bike carrier. I need to take 4 bikes.
My plan was to remove the middle bike carrier from the roof and fit a roof box between them, looked at solid roof boxes, but my main issue is storing it when not in use. So found a soft roof box that will fit the bill (potentially), the HandiHall 175.
amazon.co.uk/HandiHoldall-Waterproof-Black-Carrier-Foldable/dp/B07CZHYL5G/
Read through the comments, mainly people saying it might not be waterproof and doesn't fold it's shape as shown in the photos. That's fine as will be putting more bulky items in there, such as camping chainrs, tent 'porch' and other stuff that don't need to bekept 100% dry.
I like the idea of being able to fold it all away when not in use. Can always throw on more straps if it doesn't feel the most secure (plus it will be between two bike carriers that will hopefully keep it in place if it gets loose). I like that the footprint isn't too wide so should fit nicely on the roof bars with two bikes.
Anyone got any experience or know of any alternatives?
You could buy a roof box for that money, or hire one if storing one would be a problem.
I've used a Thule one with no problems. Stuff inside stays dry, would be handier if it was a bit bigger.
If you are sure that you want those bits of luggage on the roof with the bikes, then I'd just cut a piece of ply to fit the space between the bikes, strap it to the bars and then load your stuff in Duffels/strap it to the ply. Much more flexible and saves buying something that you'll probably be disappointed with.
They're nothing to crow about.
I have a hybrid one that has a solid base with normal roof box fittings to attach to the roof bars. It folds flat so can slide under a bed at home but makes a strong unit when it is zipped up. They don't seem to be a thing anymore but it works really well. I would be nervous of using a bag without the proper roof box attachments. If you are near Cumbria I could part with it, it is currently quite a useful under bed storage bag.
I also have a large proper roof box and it lives in a corner of the garden and takes no harm. That might be an option for you? There can be bargains I picked up the below for £100. Can you borrow one?
We've got a Thule Ranger 90 which gets used in similar circumstances to what you describe. I cannot comment on waterproofing but we only put things in it that can get a bit wet anyway. It rolls up and sits tucked out of the way in the depths of the garage for most of the year. You have to take it off if you want to drive with it empty as it sounds like it will destroy itself flapping in the wind above 30mph, but it takes a couple of minutes to fit so no stress there. A 'proper' roofbox would be ideal but we have the same storage issue.
Where are you? Someone may have one nearby you can borrow? If you're anywhere near Perth, I have one you can use.
280L
Meant more in dimensions, can you get two bike carriers on the roof bars too?
I'm sure you know but just check your cars roof load. Light bulky stuff for the box and I'm sure you will be fine but just be logical about how much you pile up there.
They’re nothing to crow about
My brother's got one and hasn't stopped raven about it. I was going to get one too but prices have rocketed since corvid.