i don't fancy towing a trailer .anyone used one of these new fangled roof boxes yet? if so id love to know which one before i risk buying . mine's a townace super extra with the 6 little skylights
any advice appreciated
regards jim - (#1655) J ADGO, 17 Dec 01

No experience, Jim, but by the time you get a box onto a rack, you'll need a stepladder to load it, and'll have to watch out for low bridges!!! Never mind the handling if you've any weight in it... - (#1657) david miller, 18 Dec 01

Stick to a small trailer.
It is quite easy to tow a small trailer and can get one quite cheapy.and might cost less than a roof box.
B&Q had some good trailers of late.
and towbar for the townie is reasonable cost too. - (#1667) Barry Thorogood, 18 Dec 01

i go to spain every year in my g reg model -f. this years journey saw the addition of a top box the largest one on the market from motorworld outlet and i must say its no problem at all no wind noises or drag .the only probs is you have to load it while haveing sliding side door open and standing in side car but the advantages (more space inside) outway this minor disadvantage.roof bars cost 50 quid from halfords and the box was on sale got it for £110 (280ltr capacity) cheers. - (#2069) GARY WELLS, 2 Feb 02

i have recently been trying to source a suitable roof box and bars for my townace . it seems there are some very good products out there too. one problem with people carriers is that they can carry people or luggage but not at the same time . i dont like towing and despite the hieght problems boxes can present many of the roof boxes have a nearside opening (means access from the side door step is an option) and gas strut assisters to name but a few of the benefits. once i find out a good supplier and one or two of the better options i will pass this onto you all (and with your blessing i might try and negotiate a fraternity discount for you all) one final hurdle is the roof bar which have to cope with a fairly high roof to gutter measurment (looks like thule do just such an roor bar though but its a bit pricey ) the front runner looks like http://www.roofbox.co.uk/roofbox.html
regards jim
ps any info on ferry company restrictions regarding max hieght would help me - (#2238) J ADGO, 16 Feb 02

are fine - it's classed as an mpv (not a van), and most are aware of them, so go at the same cost as the cars
that's my experience with Irish Ferries and Stenna anyway - (#2240) skippy, 16 Feb 02

Depends which stretch of water you are crossing. IOW ferries have a deck that rises with cars on top and below. Only high enough for about 2.3 metres. Campers, caravans, lorries etc travel in the bow or stern, numbers are obviously restricted. Channel ferries not a problem as I recall.
Ian - (#2256) Ian Dunse, 18 Feb 02

Agreed to the other followups. Most Townies are spot on same height as a Discovery, so I guess roofbox would make them same height as a Disco plus roofbox. We always make sure to point out that we won't fit on the mezzanine deck, or in the double decker bits of the chunnel. - (#2259) SteveFE, 18 Feb 02

anyone wanting extra luggage space should have a look at the "roofbox" picture. i have spent the first part of this year testing a fapa alta roofbox from the roofbox company. i can reccommend the roofbox - any concerns about the hieght and stabilty are now confirmed as not being a problem - you will need a 19.95 mini step from b and q (folds to nothing). the roofbars are thule with extentions to overcome the high gutter to roof distance.
the roofbox is of very high qaulity and has a 3 point lock and gas assisters plus an elasticated cargo net inside
i checked with the roofbox company who have a website and they are prepared to give anyone from here a discount

- (#3964) J ADGO, 25 Jul 02