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server - and provide Special Delivery Instructions in the event that you're
not at home when the carrier calls. Alternatively we'll be just as pleased
to discuss your requirements with you, and/or to take any order you wish to
give us. Please phone 015396 21884 Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 6.00pm.
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Medium
Long Medium Wide roof boxes
These
boxes are really designed as luggage overflows; they'll usually be too small
for full family use. They're all narrow enough to allow the use of at least
one bike carrier next to the box.
Good
family load carriers unless you want to carry other things on the roof as well,
or longer objects.
An
increasingly popular box shape, an evolution in box design to reflect the reduced
length of modern skis as well as to leave some space on the roof bars for other
items. In spite of their different capacities we can get the same amount of
standard luggage into each of these boxes, demonstrating that it's length, width,
and low profile box to bar fittings which make the most difference to actual
usefulness. Box height is the least important measurement unless you have something
specific to carry. On this subject, if you find that you can't get your children's
buggy into the roof box, usually because it's too wide and deep, we suggest
that you put the buggy in the boot and the contents of the boot into the roof
box.
Long
Thin boxes tend to be too narrow for general family use - Long Medium Wide boxes
have a lot more capacity - but if you want to carry e.g. a box and three bikes
on the roof (or a box and two bikes without having to cram everything on) then
they're just what you need. All these boxes open from the off side except for
the 'either side' KAMEI 300.
Long
Medium Wide roof boxes
Our
most 'family flexible' boxes - combining all the size you should need (!) with
the flexibility of carrying other things on the roof as well - canoe, kayak,
bikes, a windsurfer etc. (What you can carry depends on the length of the roof
bars.) These boxes can usually be carried by one person, making them much easier
to fit, and store, than Long Wide boxes. If you are in doubt about which type
of box to buy, and are a relatively active and sporty family of four or five,
it's usually best to look particularly at either these Long Wide boxes, or at
one of the "Use 2 boxes" combinations shown below.
This
is the "I want the biggest" department. Be warned that these boxes
need 2 people to lift them, unless you are an experienced and strong box lifter.
Also bear in mind that you'll get more capacity and more flexibility if you
use 2 boxes - see below.
For
maximum capacity and flexibility, use 2 roof boxes!
Two
downsides of Long Wide boxes: (1) they're awkward to move about and store, and
(2) they provide no flexibility for carrying other items unless your vehicle
is unusually wide - which is why Long Medium Wide boxes are so popular. But
what's to stop you using 2 boxes: One for wet, one for dry? One for skis and
boots, one for the rest? One for His, one for Hers? When you need to carry e.g.
bikes or a windsurfer, just use one box. Please be sure
not to exceed your maximum permitted roof load.
Thule
makes a rear mounting box for attaching to a rear fitting bike carrier. It's
an expensive option but it suits those who are particularly concerned about
fuel economy and therefore don't want anything on the roof. Please note that
if you have bikes and gear to carry, it makes much better sense to carry
the bikes on the back and the luggage on the roof, especially if you already
have the rear fitting carrier!
Alternatively,
don't use the roof at all!
Farad 320 - 320 litres, 140 x 75 x 40cm
£119.95
Plastic prices rise in line with oil prices, and it's no
longer possible
to find decent quality boxes for less than £100. We've
had so many
quality problems with very cheap boxes in recent seasons that
the
Farad 320 is now our cheapest box, but don't confuse cheap pricing
with
poor quality where Farad is concerned! This dual side opening,
central locking
box is a smaller version of the No. 2 box in last year's Auto Express roof
boxes test. It's made from the same good quality UV protected styrene,
and includes Farad's patented telescopic lid struts. We're impressed. If you
need roof bars as well, and there are Fapa bars available for your vehicle,
we'll do the whole package for only £140! Click
here for details.
Thule Ranger 90 - 340 litres, 110 x 80 x 40cm
£134.95
Thule's fabric 340 litre Ranger 6011 "roof bag" is designed for people without
home storage space. If you live in a flat without a garage or shed, or lack
a helpful friend with a garage or shed, then for sure it's a good idea. On
the downside there are still doubts about the security aspect - a problem
with all fabric roof bags - as well as the longevity of the zip which is likely
to be under great tension, if our own roof box experiences are anything to
go by! Opening and shutting is also a slow business compared to a traditional
box. The Ranger fits roof bars up to 82mm wide and 35 mm deep (i.e. all the
Thule/Atera/Fapa bars we supply), and comes with a storage bag; roll it up
when it's not in use.
Kar Rite Contour 380 - 380 litres, 150 x 90 x 40cm
£128.95 but
check for new Bargains!
One of our best sellers over the years. It's a really
useful size, side opening from the near side, and of decent quality, being
made of a composite plastic called 'Duotek' especially developed for Kar Rite.
The standard Kar Rite 5 year guarantee, and 2 point central locking. We look
around the European market regularly and are still confident that this is
much the best value box of this size below £130 - although you only
need to pay £10 more to get a dual side opening Farad 400, see below,
which is now better overall value.
Farad 400 - 400 litres, 125 x 100 x 40cm
from £138.95
>> Farad
400 grey - £138.95
>> Farad
400 metallic black - £158.95
>> Farad
400 metallic silver - £158.95
Dual side opening" is where a box opens either from the left side
or from the right side. This feature really comes into its own with boxes
wider than about 80cm, i.e. where it's awkward to stretch across to the hinge
side of the box, especially if you are of modest height and/or the box is
being used on a tall car. As well as making for easier loading and unloading,
the business of fitting the box to the bars is also quicker and easier - you'll
work first on one side of the box, then on the other, then position the box
just where you want it, then tighten the fittings.
This 400 litre dual side opening, central locking box has the same features
as the Farad 450, the Runner Up in last year's Auto Express roof boxes test.
Farad's patented telescopic lid struts not only hold open the lid unusually
wide, but you can shut the lid in a controlled fashion rather than having
to put up with the 'wobble then collapse' that is characteristic of all other
spring assisted struts. Everything about these boxes works very smoothly.
They're available in 3 colours.
KAMEI Delphin 375 - 375 litres, 140 x 99 x 42cm
£174.95
We've always liked the Delphins. No frills, but they are made from top quality components, have by far the strongest locking system on the market, seem to last for ever, never go wrong, and keep looking good when other more obviously stylish boxes look a bit weird 3 years up the line. Winner of the Auto Express "Best Buy" award 2006.
KAMEI 400 - 400 litres, 158 x 93 x 41cm
£194.95
Superb build quality and functionality, with the option of being mounted for opening either on the nearside or the offside. The lid is an optimum shape for load carrying - it's amazing how much gear you can stuff into this box! It has the same specifications as the Delphin series (see above), apart from shape and size. Stock permitting it may also be available as a package deal - whichever Atera or Thule bars you need for your vehicle, a KAMEI 400, and a box hoist / straps, all for a fixed price!
KAMEI Sahara - 340 litres, 158 x 93 x 35cm
from £224.95
>> KAMEI Sahara silver
>> KAMEI Sahara 'titanium metallic'
A very good looking box, introduced in 2005. It was developed with the 4 x 4 market in mind - note how the lid reinforcing ribs complement the engine protection plate on this Touareg. Available either in matt silver or in "titanium metallic". Includes KAMEI's "Click to lock" central locking system - all the virtues of central locking but none of the hassles.
KAMEI Delphin 340K - 340 litres, 190 x 75 x 40cm
£174.95
>> KAMEI
Delphin 340K right hand opening
>> KAMEI
Delphin 340K LEFT hand opening
We've always liked KAMEI's Delphin range. No frills, but
they have the strongest locking system on the market, seem to last for ever,
never go wrong, win product tests, and keep looking good when other more obviously
stylish boxes look a bit weird 3 years up the line. When we did mail order
roof box hire they were the only boxes which could stand the punishment. This is the first of a new series of Delphins, incorporating
the same key features - the locking system, the sliding fittings front and
back, gas struts, DUROKAM plastic - but with new styling, and an aerofoil
base. Available in right or left hand opening. They'll carry carving skis
up to 180cm.
Thule
Atlantis 200 - 440 litres, 175 x 82 x 45cm
£219.95 but
check for new Bargains!
The Atlantis range was new in 2005
and is, to our minds, where the Thule brand should sit, i.e. mid market and
upwards, i.e. well engineered and well made; we won't be stocking their budget
"Pacific" range. The Atlantis 200 is a fully featured box - Thule are always
tops for marketing enthusiasm! - but we like the looks and the overall build
quality, including steel reinforcing ribs, although are uncertain about the
Power-Grip fittings which take up too much space in the box. If you fit a
Thule box to aluminium aerobars then we think it makes sense to change the
Power-Grips for aerobar adapters. Warning! Please
never try to remove a Thule box key when the box is open; you'll probably
bust the mechanism. If you succeed, you've certainly bust the mechanism!
This is not covered by the guarantee and will cost you a minimum of £70
to repair.
Thule Atlantis 780 - 480 litres, 196 x 78 x 44cm
£244.95
but check for new Bargains!
A new box in 2005 and, to our minds, the best looking of this series as well as being the most family flexible, i.e. leaving roof bar space for other items. It's a very well engineered and well made box, also available at the Indespension stores. It looks nearer 450 litres than 480 litres, but it's much higher than most boxes.
Thule X1 - 450 litres, 190 x 90 x 38cm
£316.95
An unusual box designed especially for the 4 x 4 market. At 190cm long it fits neatly onto the roof space of most 4 x 4s. It's long enough for snowboards and most skis, and there should be room on the roof for a bike carrier, especially if you fit it to aerobars. There's a steel frame in the base - usually only included with Long Wide boxes - making it heavier than most, but enhancing its 'solid' looks. The usual Thule fittings, dual side opening etc. It's made of plastic but is finished in a 'stainless steel' colour, i.e. a shade of silver. If you like the style, go for it, especially if you have an SUV or 4 x 4.
Farad 450 - 450 litres, 180 x 78 x 40cm
from £164.85 but
check for new Bargains!
>> Farad 450 grey
>> Farad 450 metallic black
>> Farad 450 metallic silver
We can't fault these boxes for usefulness,
quality and value. They look good, open
very wide, have dual side opening, and are
available in "standard roof box silver-grey"
or in metallic silver or metallic black. We
were delighted when the plain silver
won
the 'Recommended'
award in the
2006 Auto Express test.
KAMEI 300 - 310 litres, 220 x 60 x 36cm
£189.95
Superb build quality and functionality, with the option of being mounted for opening either on the nearside or the offside. Many people have bought two of these boxes, one opening on either side. Not usually His and Hers, but more likely Wet and Dry for sailing, or perhaps one box for the luggage, the other for fishing gear (and fish!). Flexibility is the name of the game with these boxes. Buy 2 for £350 (i.e. £175 each) to get 620 litres and huge flexibility! Also available as a package deal - whichever Atera or Thule bars you need, and this box, all for a fixed price!
KAMEI
Corvara 310 - 310 litres, 220 x 60 x 36cm
from £229.95
>>
KAMEI Corvara 310 DuoLift
silver
>> KAMEI
Corvara 310 DuoLift titanium metallic
>> KAMEI
Corvara 310 DuoLift black metallic
If you're looking for a box of the highest quality,
narrow enough to leave space for e.g. canoes, kayaks, bike carriers, then
the award winning Corvara 310 should be top of your shortlist, especially
as it now comes in dual side opening format ("DuoLift"), giving
you complete flexibility about where to position it. The single side opening
version of this box won ADAC's roof boxes test in December 2006 - ADAC is
Europe's largest motoring organisation. These new Corvara DuoLifts are as
good as they come - check the next page for further details.
Check out the 2 box options and discounts at the bottom
of this page if you want to carry 2 boxes at once.
Thule Atlantis 600 - 340 litres, 190 x 63 x 41cm
£190.95
The Atlantis range was new in 2005 and, to our minds, is where the Thule brand should sit, i.e. mid market and upwards. We like the looks and overall build quality, including steel reinforcing ribs. It's a good box for those who also want to carry e.g. 2 or 3 bikes (depends on bar length, and whether aerobars are used) but don't want a bigger, full length box, e.g. because they have a hatchback.
KAMEI Delphin 460 - 460 litres, 235 x 74 x 40cm
from £219.95
but check for new Bargains!
>> KAMEI Delphin 460 silver right
hand opening
>> KAMEI Delphin
460 silver LEFT hand opening
KAMEI is the best of the German roof box brands, and
their boxes are the most robustly made on the market. The whole Delphin range
has sliding box to bar fittings at both the front and the back of the box, so
there's never a need to drill new holes (very rarely required in reality). KAMEI
makes a virtue of the push button locking system used on ths box, with additional
front and rear 'click' catches so when you've stuffed your box full you can
hang on the front till the catch clicks, then do the same at the back, and then
push in the push button locks. Available with right
hand opening or left
hand opening.
KAMEI
450 - 430 litres, 220 x 80 x 36cm
£234.95
Superb
build quality and functionality, with the option of being mounted for opening
either on the nearside or the offside. The lid is an optimum shape for load
carrying - it's amazing how much gear you can stuff into this box! It has the
same specifications as the Delphin series (see above), apart from shape and
size. Stock permitting it may also be available as a package
deal.
Autoform Explorer 430 - 430 litres, 225 x 80 x 36cm
from £249.95
>> Autoform
Explorer 430 XR black
>> Autoform Explorer 430 XR silver-grey
>> Autoform
Explorer 430 metallic black
>> Autoform Explorer 430 metallic silver
The Explorer 430s (Autoform call them Novas) were designed to maximize load carrying (they're 80cm wide)
yet still allow space for one bike carrier. The lid is styled to (1) look
really good and (2) optimise the available load space, and the base has recesses
to accommodate the roof bars and bring the box slightly closer to the car.
The tapered nose section provides exceptional aerodynamics without reducing
capacity; most of the bulk and weight you put in a box is in fact carried
behind the front bar. Nice boxes.
KAMEI
Corvara 475 - 475 litres, 230 x 75 x 41cm
from £269.95
>> KAMEI
Corvara 475 DuoLift silver
>> KAMEI
Corvara 475 DuoLift titanium metallic
>> KAMEI
Corvara 475 DuoLift black metallic
KAMEI's elegant new Corvara boxes incorporate the
best of their engineering innovations - U bolt grippers, sliding box to bar
fittings front and back, the "Click to lock" central locking system
(all the virtues of central locking but none of the hassles), an ultra low
profile "push-push" quick fitting system. Lean into the box and,
with minimal effort, push the spring loaded tensioning arm up and down a few
times to tighten the box onto the bars. Keeping the fittings as low as possible
maximises the usable space in the box. And now they have gas strut assisted
dual side opening, and a 75kg loading limit.
KAMEI Topstar XL - 400 litres, 220 x 80 x 36cm
£279.95
>> KAMEI
Topstar XL titanium metallic
>> KAMEI
Topstar XL black metallic
A very elegant box from KAMEI which just seems to
sit very nicely on every car we’ve tested it with. The Topstars, Saharas
and Corvaras have the same state of the art central locking system: Turn the
key and the lid rises wide on its gas struts, but to close it you just pull
the lid until it clicks shut - no need to hold the front and back shut while
simultaneously turning the key, the downside of traditional central locking
systems. The Topstars also have patented low profile box to bar fittings,
and various other useful features. Available in titanium metallic (a deep
silver-grey) or in metallic black. Now that the Corvaras are here we don't
keep much stock of these boxes, so please give as much notice as possible.
They tend to be purchased by people who have seen one, e.g. in a ski resort,
and just want one, or by those who want a lower box than the Corvara.
Farad 550 - 550 litres, 225 x 80 x 40cm
from £214.95
>> Farad
550 grey
>> Farad
550 metallic black
>> Farad 550 metallic silver
This 550 litre dual side opening, central locking box has the same features
as the Farad 450, the Runner Up in last year's Auto Express roof boxes test.
For those who just want a big box and are calculating volume per £1
spent, but are also prepared to factor in decent quality, it's outstanding
value! Farad specialise in locking wheel nuts as well as plastic moulding,
so it's no surprise that all their boxes include typical wheel nut locks and
keys, for extra security. Depending on your roof bars there will probably
be space for 1 bike carrier next to this box. Farad 550s are available in
3 colours.
Thule Atlantis 900 - 650 litres, 235 x 90 x 46cm
£329.95
A fully featured box, good looking and very well made, including steel reinforcing ribs and dual side opening. Its size and weight makes it too large and heavy for safe single handed movement unless you're used to lifting roof boxes; mind your back!
2
x KAMEI 300 roof boxes - 620 litres total
only £350.00 the pair!
2 x KAMEI 300 boxes provide a massive 620 litres and can even be fitted (just!) onto 108cm aerobars, so fitting them to the more common 120cm Thule aerobars (Atera's are 122cm) is obviously no problem at all.
1 x KAMEI 450 & 1 x KAMEI 300 roof boxes - 740 litres total
only £375.00 the pair!
Fits to 135cm aerobars, with both boxes able to be opened at the same time - Check your maximum permitted roof load limit very carefully. Being symmetrical, (as well as the same length and height), you can use the bigger box on whichever side you wish.
2 x KAMEI Delphin 460 roof boxes - 920 litres total
only £380.00 the pair!
One right side opening and one left side opening. An astonishing 920 litres total! Fits to 135cm aerobars - Check your maximum permitted roof load limit very carefully.
Thule BackUp 900 - 420 litres, 146.5 x 70 x 57cm
£179.95 but
check for new Bargains!
Thule's BackUp 900 rear storage box gives you 420 litres
of easily accessible extra space at the back of your car. The BackUp really
comes into its own when you need to anything particularly bulky, dirty or
wet - e.g. garden waste - but also check out the Safe Bag (see left hand menu)
for this purpose..
The BackUp 900 is only to be used in conjunction with the Thule EuroClassic
902, Thule EuroClassic 903, Thule BackPac 973 bike carriers, or Thule
EasyBase 949 - shown below with all the Thule Easybase options.
Boxes are bulky items so the ideal
place to store them is above your car in the garage, or in a shed. Many
people will leave the box attached to the bars, and also use the box for
storage. If you don't want a box hoist we're offering an alternative useful
item (of lower value).
These are our roof box product range pages, You'll see that we've arranged the boxes by shape, cheapest first.
If this is your first visit to our site, and you
haven't already done so, please read our information pages. This should help
to narrow the options considerably. Basically, you need to decide which shape
of box to go for.
Click on a box image or name for further details. This will also take you to on-line ordering.
Click here to check out the award winning KAMEI Corvara 390K
Roof
Boxes product range
This may well be the box for people who appreciate undoubted
quality and technical innovation, and want a big box which will leave enough
space on Atera or Thule roof bars for e.g. a bike carrier. The Corvara 310,
the Long Thin version of this box, won the prestigious ADAC roof boxes test
last December.
We still have a few of the single side boxes available
at Sale prices:
>> KAMEI
Corvara 475 titanium metallic LEFT hand opening
These boxes have an elegance and all round sophistication
that only Thule's Spirit series can match, with pricing that is both realistic
and sensible; the DuoLift boxes are only marginally more expensive than the
single siders. The 390K was launched at the start of this year, so it was
the Long Thin version, the Corvara 310, which won ADAC's roof boxes test in
December 2006. ADAC is Europe's largest motoring organisation.
This box seems bigger than its 390 litres might
suggest. Its external width and height are comparable to the biggest boxes
in this sector, but it's a tad shorter than some, one of the design briefs
being to look just right on a VW Golf, allowing the rear hatch to be fully
opened but without too much front overhang. It's also designed to carry carving
skis up to 180cm long, as well as a family's summer touring gear; the consensus
here is that KAMEI have got it just right. Choose between plain silver, titanium
metallic (a deep gloss silver-grey, shown) or gloss black.
We still have a few of the single side boxes available:
>> KAMEI
Corvara 390K right hand silver
>>
KAMEI
Corvara 390K right hand opening titanium metallic
>> KAMEI
Corvara 390K LEFT hand opening black metallic
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KAMEI Delphin 380 - 380 litres, 158 x 94 x 40cm
£179.95
>> KAMEI Delphin 380 right hand opening
>> KAMEI Delphin 380 LEFT hand opening
The KAMEI Delphin 380 is the replacement for the Delphin 375, the previous Auto Express “Best Buy” roof box. It’s a completely new box, a new lid on a new base, with KAMEI’s superb “Comfort Sliding Fitting”, a low profile box to bars fitting system. Which? rated the Delphin 375 as the most secure and the most waterproof roof box in their 2007 test – the new Delphin 380 is just as well made, and is available in both left hand opening format and right hand opening format.
“Quality is excellent – the plastic is easily the sturdiest in the group, and all lock catches are metal. These are self-latching, but there isn’t a single-point release as found on the Corvara. However, this drawback is more than made up for by the ease of closing the box when loaded." Auto Express
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